How does one
categorize a musician immersed in European Classical traditions from the
time of Bach to the 20th Century, but also intensely responsive to the music
of New Orelans, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Brazil?
Frank French answers the riddle by synthesizing all these various styles
into his own formulation as a pianist and composer. Although it might seem
obvious that anyone born to the Rhythm and Blues of the 1950’s, growing
up in San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury district and studying the Classics
at the Conservatory of Music would likely enough emerge with such an artistic
makeup, it is not as though there are no other historical parallels or models
for this kind of musical life.
In earlier times the great American musical pioneer, Louis Moreau Gottschalk successfully connected the musical traditions of Europe and Africa in his
most important piano compositions dating from the 1850s. It was no accident
that Frank French discovered a musical affinity for Gottschalk and became
a premiere interpreter of his music. In his unique one-man presentation of
Gottschalk’ s life and music, French weaves musical selections in with
the composer’s diary to paint a vivid picture in historical context.
With Gottschalk, begins this saga of music making, composing and identifying
continuing tradition and legacy that is truly Pan-American in it’s scope
and outlook.
The use of the pianoforte in the way espoused by French implies a distinctive
musical territory placing the sound of the Western Hemisphere properly in
the larger context of World Music. In this realm the musical imagination
revolves round the piano which may be coaxed like a harp in one moment, and
beaten like a drum in the next. Here is expressed the contrast of genteel
Romanticism and the savage emotive power evoked in a more rugged way of life.
Thus is the artistic sentiment now projected onto a landscape of rough and
ready ways and means. Manifest in this is the dynamic attraction of spirit
to earth.
Over the past 20 years Frank French has performed and recorded this music
in community concerts, educational venues, on radio and television. He has
criss-crossed the globe from Europe to North America, to Australia, performing
at numerous international music festivals in France, Finland, Germany and
throughout North America and Oceana, from the Maine coast to the Gold Coast,
from Toronto to Santiago de Cuba. His music speaks a language larger than
life though his many performances and recordings.
More words about Frank.
What the Presenters and Critics are saying about Frank French:
"French employed a winning combination of bubbly optimism, braggadocio, sharp
timing and showy keyboard technique." – Jeff Hudson, Monterey Bay Register
"Frank French offered great enthusiasm and incredible technique, and received
much applause for his efforts." – Friedrich Hachenberg, Minden Jazz
Club, Minden, Germany
"Frank French always gives us masterfully clean and powerful performances.
He plays with intensity, drive and complete command of his material." –
Bill Mitchell, The Mississippi Rag
"My jaw dropped as I watched Frank French work his way through the first
third of Bach's ‘Well-Tempered Clavier.' He does the entire score from
memory." – Wes Blomster, Boulder Daily Camera
"Frank French is warm and open onstage – and that, combined with his
eclectic choices of music and considerable performance talents, have made
him a great favorite of our audiences here." – Greg Crow, Rossmoor
Community, Laguna Hills, Calif.
"Foot-tapping, vivid, virtuosic American music Colorful melodies set to
syncopated rhythm." – The Los Angeles Times
"(French) takes us on a musical journey through this boldly colorful musical
montage, interweaving rhythms from Brazil, Cuba, New Orleans and Missouri
with influences from Africa and Europe." – Jack Rummel, The Rag Times
"Frank is professional, personable, and very easy to work with." – Jeanene
Wright, Scott Joplin Festival, Sedalia, Mo.
"A superbly stimulating and enjoyable concert played with impressive power,
clarity and sensitivity." – The Sacramento Bee
"(French's) playing, of course, tops it all!" – Dr. Lydia Nakowska,
Montsalvat Jazz Festival, Melbourne, Australia
"French (has) found a way to mix his pianistic skills – particularly
a flair for American music – with some self-taught acting ability. The
result has turned into a successful touring one-man show devoted to the eventful
life and high-spirited music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk." – Marc Shugold,
Denver Rocky Mountain News
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