Dave Frank is a talented jazz pianist and veteran jazz instructor, though this is just his third recording under his own name. Without the support of a rhythm section or additional horns, a jazz pianist quickly reveals whether or not he or she has sufficient chops to hold one's interest, especially when playing standards and frequently recorded jazz compositions. That is never a problem for
Frank, as his embellishments add something to each piece to give a fresh sound, yet he never overdoes it simply to show off his technique. "A Night in Tunisia" particularly shines in his hands, with an inventive bassline and intricate improvising with his right hand. The brief pauses and lyrical touches in his treatment of "Gone with the Wind" have a playful air, suggesting a Kenny Barron influence. He adds an unusual stripped down boogie bass and disguises the introduction to the old warhorse"(Back Home Again In) Indiana" while gradually turning on the afterburners in his performance. Everyone tends to use the famous introduction that
Dizzy Gillespie added to "All the Things You Are," but
Frank is the exception, using the bassline alone at first then working his way into a rapid-fire bop setting.
Frank is a talented composer as well, offering four compelling originals, highlighted by the lush "Prayer at St. Patrick's" and the lush ballad "Snow Falls on 5th Ave." ~ Ken Dryden