Dave Frank
Solo Piano: A Portrait Of New York
Jazzheads Records
www.jazzheads.com
By George W. Harris

Author of popular educational books and videos like Joy Of Improv and Breakthrough To Improv, pianist Dave Frank shows that the proof is in the pudding on this embracing solo release. He’s got a left hand that just won’t quit, and an affinity for stride/boogie that makes the bass notes keep your toes at eight to the bar. His hands envelop tunes like “Broadway Boogie Woogie,” Lower East Side Shuffle” and “Bowery Blues” with a barroom brawl attitude, while he caresses the ivories like a bel canto on “This Nearly Was Mine.” A clever piece such as “McKenna/McCoy” has Frank going from mainstream to modal with perfect characterizations of both parties involved. Frank’s pulse is felt throughout the session, and he captures the energy of NYC from Little Italy to the Upper East Side to perfection. As tasty as Katz’s pastrami!