Skipper and Crew

Reviews:

"Home Cookin'" - Henry Franklin Quartet

From LA Jazz Scene February 2010 - by Glenn A. Mitchell

Los Angeles bassist, Henry "Skipper" Franklin has done it again, putting out another winning CD earlier in 2009. L.A. Jazz Station, KKJZ, 88.1 FM had given this one many spins during the year and Franklin's production came in winning in the top dozen for air time for the year! This CD has all the flavor and soul needed to plunge it forward into the best straight-ahead jazz that many of us expect from a stellar group such as this.

Of the eight tracks on the CD, one of the key numbers, "Soko," a composition by pianist Theo Saunders, gained much of the exposure. Saunders has two other very good compositions "Blues for Lunch" and "Miles, a Round" that work well for this CD.

Franklin's Quartet is made up of Azar Lawrence on soprano and tenor saxes, Theo Saunders on piano, Ramon Banda, drums/percussion and Franklin at the bass, with special guests, Barbara Morrison on vocals and Nolan Shaheed on coronet.

Another highlight on the CD is the McCoy Tyner piece, "Peresina." Franklin starts some key bass lines, then a groovy riff with the ensemble joining the moving venture. Everyone plays their absolute best in fabulous fashion! Morrison does a splendid tune "Philanthropy," mentioning many of jazz greats in this unique composition.

Franklin's own piece, "Under Tanzanian Skies" is brilliant, leaving our own imagination to a visual journey.

Two creative selections round out this gem: "Harlem Nocturne" and Lee Morgan's "Yama." Very enjoyable listening. See SPRecords.com.

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