Search - Frank J Briggs :: China Ranch

Fusion Rocks

Michael J. Maier | Indianapolis, IN, USA | 01/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Overall, a very good CD. Great drum sounds throughout. From the bass drum to the ride, good clear production on the drums. Not knocking the production on any other instruments - which is all good - , I just primarily was listening to the drums. I'm a drummer.



Killer performances throughout from all players involved. Frank is just awesome. Subtle but powerful. Bassist Ric Fierabracci stands out and makes many nice moments happen. The many guitarists weep and wail when appropriate with great skill.



Engaging and great feeling tunes. What more could you ask for? Buy it!"

A return to jazz-fusion roots

Matthew Self | Mesa AZ United States | 10/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first learned of Frank Briggs through his Mel Bay instructional book, and was puzzled how this virtuoso drummer wasn't included among the pantheon of great American set players. He is every bit as skilled and versed as legends such as Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl. What he has lacked is a high-profile venue to showcase his art. His new CD, China Ranch, may very well be that launching pad to notoriety. The list of drummers who successfully lead jazz projects is a short one, but it's rare to find such a skilled composer and arranger such as Frank. This effort is reminscent of a different era of jazz fusion, when players played music and there was more concern for the art than the commercial viability of the project. Fans of ground-breaking acts such as Weather Report and Allan Holdsworth will find a kindred spirit here, and there is no shortage of players among the guest list; Steve Weingart, Ric Fierabracci, Frank Gambale, Jimmy Earl, and Jeff Babko are just a few of the "who's who" of elite players gathered for China Ranch. You would expect a drummer to give himself room on his own CD -- and there is no doubt a wealth of stretching here to linger over -- but the pleasant surprise is the strong quality of composition. The freedom the musicians have never overwhelms the music. Tracks such as China Ranch and Desert Flower stand out as excellent cross-over material with a nod towards the past, where ballads such as Melonie and Riverwalk are welcome retreats to thoughtful melodies. Like his hero Tony Williams, Briggs leans strongly towards the original jazz-rock idea, and avoids old fusion pitfalls such as out-dated synth sounds and crass funk jams. This is an earnest musician playing earnest fusion. Clearly, Briggs had a broader vision here than to merely blow his own horn -- or bang his own drum -- and is able to communicate it in an age when jazz fusion sorely needs a return to its roots."

Integrity? Yes!

Westside Bobby | Westwood, CA | 12/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The reviews before me are very articulate. Let me be short and sweet. Buy this cd! If you love good music with integrity, buy this cd. This is the real deal. Real music played by real musicians. Frank is an amazing drummer and composer. He wrote all the tracks and surrounded himself with brilliant players for these sessions. Tasty ensemble playing all the way, every track is a standout. When I hear the dreck that is being pumped out under the heading of "smooth jazz" I am so thankful that we still have real musicians with soul and integrity, putting it out there for anyone with ears to listen, and hear the difference. Bravo Frank."