Ian Franklin

Country of origin:

U.S.

Type of music generally:

Jazz- and funk-infused pop

Status:

Most recent release, DNR Demo (EP, as Ian Franklin & Infinite Frequency, 2014)

See also:

Ian Franklin's site

Comparisons:

Steely Dan, Squeeze

Covers/own material:

Own

General comments:

Ian Franklin and band play smooth yet edgy music. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)

Recommended first album:

Breaking Grounds is the first we've heard

Recordings:

• Step By Step (EP, 2011)
• Breaking Grounds (as Ian Franklin & Infinite Frequency, 2012)
• DNR Demo (EP, as Ian Franklin & Infinite Frequency, 2014)

Breaking Grounds

Release info:

2012—Petting Zoo Records—PZR-012012

Availability:

See Ian Franklin's site

Ecto priority:

Recommended

Group members:

Ian Franklin—vocals, guitar

Guest artists:

Chris Pappada—guitar, backing vocals
Mayu Kawata—backing vocals
Eric Levy—keys, moog (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 15)
Sky Nelson—keys (3, 8)
Jordan Feinstein—keys (13)
Adam Thies—trombone (2, 5)
Mike Olmos—trumpet (2, 5)
Tony Peebles—tenor sax (2, 5)
Ben Bernstein—bass (1-10, 12, 13)
Josh Atlas—bass (14, 15)
Almir Crnovic—bass (1, 2, 11)
Paul Spina—drums (6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 15)
Evan Bautista—drums (1, 2, 4, 11, 14)
John Lazaurs—drums (3, 8, 13)
Mike Stevens—percussion (1, 2, 5, 14)
Bryan Horne—cello (10, 12)
Mark Growden—tenor sax (1)

Produced by:

Ben Bernstein and Ian Franklin

Comments:

Ian Franklin and his superb band have a jazz-influenced modern pop that's very appealing on this album. "Better Days" is a cool, accomplished song with a reggae flavor. The title song is a funky excursion that works really well. Franklin's voice really shines here. "Lucky star" is another fine song, the band managing a tight groove to underpin Franklin's smooth vocals. It's an entirely engaging album. (stjarnell@yahoo.com)

Thanks to Anna Maria Stjärnell for work on this entry.