Pianist, Composer and Arranger Michele Faber recently published a couple of wonderful Jazz albums a few years ago that I recently received. Michele is a classic Jazz Pianist who performed for many years in the LA area and then 12 years ago moved to Barcelona, Spain. She fell in love with Barcelona and the outstanding Jazz environment there and decided to make it her permanent home. A good friend and wonderful singer, Beverly Jenson who has known and performed with Michele Faber told me about her. I received two CD's that Michele Faber has published and I fell in love with both of them. The one that I am reviewing is "Journey Back" and it was recorded in Barcelona. It's a classic Jazz album that includes 6 songs that Michele wrote, two standards and one song written by Guitarist DougMacDonald. Michele's compositions are beautiful and are matched perfectly by her outstanding Jazz Piano playing. I have attached a YouTube of one of her compositions from the CD, "Here We Go Again" so you can judge for yourself. Michele is joined on this cut by Fredrik Carlquist on Tenor Sax and Bassist Pete Loewe. For me this composition brings to mind the cool Jazz scene of Barcelona as I invision it. The second song that I have attached is the Duke Pearson Jazz classic "Jeannine" that features Doug MacDonald on Guitar and Pete Loewe on Bass.
Michele Faber is a master composer and musician in the traditional American sense. She creates music that is fresh, new and understandable on many levels. You don't have to be a Jazz buff to appreciate her writing or her improvising, she just produces beautiful music! Michele has CD's available for sale that you can add to your Jazz collection and I highly recommend them all. The second CD I received was titled, "Barcelona Encounter" and it's just as good as "Journey Back".
Master Bassist, Composer and Producer Henry "The Skipper" Franklin has just released his new CD, "Showers of Blessings". The theme for Franklin's latest musical effort is a heartfelt tribute to significant people and events that have touched his remarkable life. As the leader of this band, a musically perfect sextet, he selected 6 renowned Jazz professionals to join him. Franklin has gifted us with brilliant Jazz music that is new and refreshing to hear. Henry Franklin has musically done it all, but I am so glad he put this sextet together. I understand that this recording was put together without any prerehearsals which in itself is a tribute to the master level of all the musicians involved. Theo Saunders is on Piano and he composed 3 of the songs on the CD. I am attaching one of his compositions "The Return of The Skipper" at the end of this review. Dr. Teodross Avery is on Tenor and Soprano Sax, Ryan Porter is on Trombone, Nolan Shaheed is on Trumpet and Flugle Horn and Willie Jones III is on Drums. Franklin also invited three guest artists to join the group: Benn Clatworthy playing Alto Flute "The Valley of Search", Najite Agindotan percussion on "Message to Marjorie" and Yaakov Levy Wooden Flute on "Message to Marjorie". I amalso attaching a "YouTube" of one of Henry Franklin's compositions, " Little Miss Laurie".
Multi-talented Henry Franklin continues to create the highest level of Jazz music for all of us to enjoy. His formula is simple, great Jazz composing and great musicians playing straight ahead Jazz. It sure works Henry! Henry Franklin performs frequently in the Southern California area so next time you are in the area look for him and don't miss seeing him live!
