Biography

Bassist Nathan Francis's third album The House That Bobby Built introduces a renewed quintet lineup, featuring pianist Vladimir "Vova" Shafranov.

The third album of American bassist Nathan Francis, titled The House That Bobby Built, presents six tracks of classically swinging hard bop. Alongside Francis on the album are his longtime collaborators saxophonist Manuel Dunkel and drummer Aleksi Heinola, as well as the young Slovenian trumpeter Vid Šketa. The quintet is complemented by the piano genius Vladimir "Vova" Shafranov, who moved from the Soviet Union to Israel and eventually settled in Finland after spending several years in New York.

The House That Bobby Built follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, Diamondback (2022), showcasing Francis's skills as a bandleader and composer. Four of the six tracks on the album are penned by Francis, reflecting his distinctive touch and a deep connection to the rich heritage of American improvised music. Pianist Vladimir Shafranov's contribution further strengthens this connection. An esteemed jazz elder, Shafranov serves as a bridge between the Finnish jazz scene and the sound of New York. Having spent years playing with jazz icons like Ron Carter, Eddie Gomez, and Al Foster in New York, the pianist settled in Åland, Finland.

Another fresh voice in Francis's ensemble is the young Slovenian trumpeter Vid Šketa, who has been gaining positive attention in Finland and other Nordic countries. Šketa particularly shines in the ballad Numbers, composed by Francis, showcasing his masterful and expressive trumpet interpretation. The album, relying on strong ensemble playing, features several outstanding solos. The opening track, Stop The Steal, playfully navigates between rhythmic moods and showcases solos by Shafranov and Manuel Dunkel, one of Finland's leading tenor saxophonists.

The title track, The House That Bobby Built, is a stylishly grooving piece dedicated to vibraphone and marimba maestro Bobby Hutcherson. It features a delightful marimba solo by Mikko Antila, the only guest musician on the album. The closing track, released as a single, is This Is For Hicks, paying homage to Francis's favorite pianist, John Hicks. The piece demonstrates the ensemble's sparkling energy and forward-driving momentum, particularly embodied in the drumming of Francis's longtime collaborator Aleksi Heinola.

The House That Bobby Built is a robust demonstration deeply rooted in the American jazz tradition, where Nathan Francis solidifies his position as a visionary bandleader and composer. Francis's work on the bass consistently supports the overall cohesion, and he often directs the spotlight towards his fellow musicians. The original compositions on the album were born during travels, somewhere between the Finnish coniferous forests and the California deserts, reflecting Francis's profound love for classic "straight ahead" jazz and all musicians working within this genre around the world.

Tracklist

1. Stop The Steal(Nathan Francis)
2. The House That Bobby Built(Nathan Francis)
3. Numbers(Nathan Francis)
4. Ichi-Ban(Ronnie Mathews)
5. Namely You(Gene De Paul & Johnny Mercer)
6. This Is For Hicks (Nathan Francis)