This is straight-ahead jazz to the core, with the brisk drive and excitement of a very unique modern jazz style.

5 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Traditional Jazz Combo, JAZZ: Bebop



Details:
Akili Music Productions Announces the release of Hank Francis' new CD. This is his first jazz recording under his own name. Hank has performed for many years on the East coast from as far north as New York, New Jersey, Boston, and New Hampshire, and as far south as in some islands in the Caribbean including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. His professional music career started with his first steady gig, during his high school years, at a then popular V.I. Hilton Hotel. This was sort of an after school employment, and one in which he could keep only if he'd kept his school grades up. He was a "front man" playing alto saxophone for a quartet with which he played styles such as merengue, bossa nova, and calypso. Later on, after a stint with the U.S. Air Force, he attended Berklee College of Music and studied in the Arranging and Composition program.

Hank's style of playing is likely influenced by artists such as Pharaoh Sanders, Archie Shepp, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Sonny Stitt. A mention of his Berklee College professor, Andy McGee, is an honorable mention as to one of the great tenor players of our time.

On this CD, Hank is accompanied by two extremely talented jazz musicians in Chris Jensen, on bass, and Elton Chongasing, on piano. Also, on drums and percussion, the versatile and talented, Nyere Francis.

This CD is likely to cause head bopping, feet tapping , finger snapping, or some other happily emotional response. But don't be alarmed. Enjoy.