Strong and melodic.  Powerful and introspective. Pure.  That pretty much says it all about this album.  Frank has covered all the bases with China Ranch. This CD will be appreciated by jazz purists simply for the approach and production and the way in which each piece has been handled with pure artistry.  The melodies and traditional-sounding lines found on these various pieces are simply beautiful.  The musicianship is flawless.  Why shouldn’t it be? Besides being a world-class drummer,  Frank is a gregarious young man. He has enlisted for this project, players that are among the best to be found…anywhere.

China Ranch is one of those albums that allows the listener the luxury of not  having a favorite cut.  As you listen to each track you find something very cool about each one that just stays with you. Here is my take on a few of the tunes.

 The second selection, “Tecopa Moon” is reminiscent of Billy Cobham’s “Spectrum” L.P. I do not mean that from a plageristic standpoint, not at all.  It is just the feel and the attitude with which the piece is delivered that invokes mystery and a dark atmosphere. Very cool. 

“Melonie”, the third track, is produced in a traditional manner, with pure instrumentation. It begins as a serious piano piece that falls into a really hip, romantic swing carried by pianist Steve Weingart. The tandem melody played by guitar and piano is magical.  As this piece moves along there is a beautiful bass solo by Ric Fierabracci followed by a perfectly pure guitar solo provided by Brian Price.   The interplay throughout this piece is remarkable.  This compostion is one that any serious student of music will appreciate both as a listener and as a piece to study.

The title cut, “China Ranch”, is a funky one.  Heavy and slightly dark with what I would say is a Miles inspired line. Cool vibes and keys. This one is on the other end of the spectrum from the afore-mentioned “Melonie”.  I suggest it be played loud.

Okay, I am going to get a bit heady with this one…”Spirit Rider” is aptly named for sure. It is a breathy piece that gives the listener a sense of sailing high above the western landscape and taking in all of the majestic beauty below.  It comes back to ground with the rhythm section playing a “Frank Zappa-ish” kind of reggae style melodic line over which there is the perfect compliment of fiery guitar solo performed by Mark Doyle.

So bottom line is this…China Ranch contains 10 remarkable instrumental cuts that you have to hear.  It takes you to a  lot of different places musically and you will enjoy the trip.  Every composition on China Ranch was written and produced by drummer Frank Briggs.  Along with playing drums on every cut, Frank plays various keyboard parts throughout.  The complete lineup of players includes Brian Price, Steve Weingart, Ric Fierabracci, Kit Walker, Mitchel Forman, Frank Gamabale, Jeff Miley, Chris Golden, Mark Doyle, Travis Carlton, Jimmy Earl, Jeff Babko and Michito Sanchez.

Go to FrankBriggs.com to buy your copy of China Ranch.  See the “Links” section of The Lone Lee website.

- Lone Lee

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