CD Review: The Henry "Skipper" Frankin Sextet, "Blossoms of Blessings"

 

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 am also 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!

PLAYLIST:

1. Message to Marjorie

2. The Return of the Skipper

3. Coconut Island

4. Ballad for Aisha

5. Black Lives Lost

6. The Valley of Search

7. Skipper Meets Pharaoh

8. The Guardian

9. Little Miss Laurie

PLAYERS:

Henry Franklin-Bass

Theo Saunders-Piano

Dr. Teadross Avery- Tenor and Soprano Sax

Ryan Porter-Trombone

Nolan Shaheed-Trumpet ad Flugle Horn

Willie Jones III-Drums

Special Guets:

Najite Agindotan-Percussion

Yaakov Levy-Wooden Flute

Benn Clotworthy-Alto Flute

  

                                                                "The Return of the Skipper"

                                                                    "Little Miss Laurie"

Tenor Sax Great, Don Menza Helps Close a Highly Successful Jazz Concert Series at Pete Carlson's Golf & Tennis Shop

Don Menza, Chris Connor & Dick Weller

Friday night, April 1, the great Tenor Sax player, Don Menza performed to the delight of a capacity crowd at Pete Carlson's Golf and Tennis store in Palm Desert, CA.  Menza's performance marked the last weekend of wonderful Jazz that was part of the Jazz Lovers Series.  Under the guidance and financial support of Pete Carlson, over 40 different Musician groups have performed live Jazz concerts in his store.

Don Menza is a living Tenor legend having played with many of the great Jazz stars over the past 40 years including many years with the Buddy Rich Band.  His reputation brought out many of the current top performing musicians to Pete Carlson's tonight to hear him. I wish some of the younger Tenor Jazz players could have been here tonight to hear how a great Jazz Tenor plays and sounds.  It turns out that Don's favorite Tenor player growing up was the great Stan Getz and tonight's program consisted of a tribute to the music of Stan Getz.  In addition to some outstanding playing, Don entertained the audience with many personal stories about Getz.  Many in the audience knew Don and their response to his solos proved that he is still very much loved by his fans.

Don brought together some talented musicians tonight including his long-time trumpter and playing partner, Don Rader.  Crowd favorite, Chris Conner was on Bass, Dick Weller on Drums, and an outstanding piano player named Theo Saunders.  Together, this group created magic tonight!

I was able to take a video of one of the band's numbers that I think you will enjoy!  If you didn't catch any of the Jazz at Pete Carlson, you missed a lot of close-up great music, all at a minimal cost.  I will try to notify everyone as soon as I get a copy of next season's Jazz performances.