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Soul gig of 2005!
Frank McComb
@ the Jazz Cafe, London
22 August 2005
Click an image to enlarge.
Biography
Frank McComb is one of the few composer / vocalists around today,
who could completely re-arrange the telephone book, your shopping
list, ‘ my wanted record list’, then sing them all –
and somehow make it all sound soulful. As far as my ears are concerned,
everything Frank McComb touches turns to gold. I was over the moon
when I first heard “Future Love”, taken from his excellent,
articulate soul set “Love Stories”. Of course like many
musicians, who dare to go against the grain of ‘mush in a
clone ridden industry, he has not had an easy ride!
McComb was introduced to Gerald Levert after working as the keyboard
player and musical director for the Rude Boys in 1990. He was just
20 at the time. McComb moved to Philadelphia and worked with none
other than Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff (Gamble & Huff, The Sound
Of Philadelphia). His next move would be Los Angeles, where his
skills as keyboard player, singer and songwriter where much sought-after.
This move would prove fruitful, as he was able to secure a position
in
Branford Marsalis’ experimental ‘Buckshot Lefonque’
set. The album “Music Evolution” released 1997 on the
Columbia record label was a brave eclectic mix of hip-hop / jazz
/ rap. Thankfully McComb was able to put his soulful stamp on the
albums three ballads “Another Day”, “Better Than
I Am” and “Phoenix” (which highlight McComb’s
exceptional vocal abilities).
By now McComb’s fan base was starting to gather pace and
after signing to MoJazz, it seemed we would not have to wait too
long before we would be able to get our hands on more material from
this man. Alas this was not to be, as recorded material, which was
destined for McComb’s debut solo album never saw an official
release. The few die-hard fans that did manage to get their hands
on any material from these sessions say the canning of this album
was an absolute crime. Especially as McComb was able to pay homage
to Stevie Wonder by including the magical “Golden Lady on
this set!
Fast forward to the millennium (2000). With further assistance
from Branford Marsalis, Frank McComb now signs with Columbia records.
After much airplay of the delightfully Jazzy / soulful “Future
Love”, waiting and more waiting…promises and further
promises, the album” Love Stories” finally gets a release.
The wheels seemed finally set in motion for McComb’s career
to fast track. After all, “Future Love” was filled from
start to finish with sheer ‘quality music’. Unfortunately
Columbia records marketing cart seemed to be guided by a three-legged
donkey, custom fitted with ‘square wheels’. There was
much deliberation on just how to market this album. Was it Jazz,
was it soul… did we care?
“Future Love” highlighted McComb’s many talents.
Not only did this man’s voice and keyboard wizardry conjure
images of the late great Donny Hathaway (I should know, I am Hathaway’s
biggest fan), but also his ‘Stevie Wonderesque’ key
changes and articulate ‘storytelling’ compositions all
assisted in bringing this album alive. This album also forms part
of the soundtrack to my life, and continues to be a major force
behind the birth and growth of this site (track 13, Keep pushin’
on).
2002 saw the release of “The Truth vol1” on the Expansion
record label, an album produced by Steve ‘The Scotsman’
Harvey. It took me a little while for this album to grow on me (though
I knew it eventually would). I recognised the tracks “Better
off without you” and “Actions speak louder than words”,
which had been previously released on an album by Brigette
McWilliams, “Too much woman”, 1997. This album also
carries a similar feel to McComb’s “The Truth”,
not too surprising considering both albums shared production input
from Steve Harvey. Critical judgements aside, “The Truth”
is yet another fine recording with outstanding moments which include
the funky, “Watcha Gonna Do”, co written and features
Ledisi on vocals, the innocently
delivered “When You Call My Name” and “Cupid’s
Arrow” to name a few. This album also suffered from poor exposure
and distribution issues, to date only officially receiving a UK
release.
2004. The word is out… we can expect another album from Frank
McComb!
This time I was hoping and praying that any issues regarding distribution,
marketing, ‘fouled up music industry exec make up deliveries’
and whatever else that may block the success of this album, would
be sorted. Then again I could buy a lottery scratch card and keep
my fingers, toes and whatever else crossed…!
“Straight From The Vault” thankfully did reach our
shores, but Frank McComb decided it was time to take control of
‘ his album and his own destiny’. Just as I have absorbed
the contents of the “Future Love” album and used the
lyrics and messages McComb has cleverly interwoven into positive
energy. His ‘do it yourself’ approach is one that I
truly admire and respect. McComb has not only written, produced,
arranged, programmed and sung his heart out on “Straight From
The Vault”, he has also released and distributed the album
himself. (I can just about handle venue owners, photographing artists,
writing their reviews and updating this site).
McComb definitely does not believe in doing things by half measures.
Like his previous recordings, this album is quality from start to
finish. The intro “White line in the sky” may only be
one minute fifty seconds long, but it is nearly two minutes of sheer
bliss (the glass is half full scenario). This track exudes warmth
in both McCombs vocal delivery and his superb keyboard and programming
genius.
“The thing I failed to do” is an open and honest ballad,
with lyrics, which could be sung by most men at some stage in their
relationship (if you are an honest man). Again McComb’s vocals
and swirling keyboard skills are key to the success of this track.
McComb takes his keyboards to new heights throughout this set,
specifically on the instrumentals “King of the open road”
and “Morning glory”, which could be a 2004 version of
“Friends and Strangers” (a composition made famous by
Dave Grusin & Ronnie Laws). It must have felt great to just
‘let loose’ on his keyboards. It certainly sounds as
if McComb had fun.
McComb has an innate ability to deliver a ballad from many unique
angles. Obviously his experiences are key to his success, but it
is not easy to present your experiences to others in such and profoundly
clear and unique way. (Luther
Vandross could do this). Both men and women can grasp what McComb
is trying to say. The track “Left alone” ,like many
of McComb’s ballads, communicate to all who are willing to
listen.
Review
Tonight at the Jazz café Frank McComb’s luscious soul
/ jazz offerings, the love he has for his work and perfectionism,
where on display for all to see. I need say no more. This gig was
the bomb! McComb could have easily sat behind either his keyboard,
or piano all-night and allowed his adoring fans to sing each of
his own songs back to him. Thankfully he didn’t!
I did notice a big difference in Frank McComb’s spirit this
time at the Jazz Café. I witnessed McComb perform mainly
“Future Love” tracks here on his first visit a few years
ago. Though his performance was second to none (as expected) his
spirit seemed a little jaded back then.
This time around he was not only on top form, but his spirit shone
like a star in the midnight sky. He was a man on a mission. He is
a musician who produces great music, he has a great career ahead
of him and he is in charge!
I was looking forward to having a chat with McComb in detail about
his life, his music, the past and the future after this gig, but
he was busy signing autographs and posing for photographs with adoring
young ladies who hung around. I left him to his adoring fans this
time, maybe next time I’ll get the chance. I’ll keep
you informed!
"Keep pushin' on Mr McComb!"
Musicians:
Frank McComb - vocals/keyboards/piano, Tony Remy - guitar
Don Chandler - bass guitar, Luke Smith - organ
Frank Tontoh - drums, Carl Vandenbossche - percussion
Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio Ltd.
Click here to
go to Frank McComb's
Pizza On The Park gig, July 2006.
Click here to
go to Frank McComb's
Pizza Express gig, March 2006.
Click here to
go to Frank McComb's
Café De Paris gig, August 2005.
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