Eastside Radio’s Album of the Week is Flight by James Francies on the Blue Note label.
22-year old Houston-born NYC-based pianist and composer James Francies makes his debut with Flight, an album that presents a bold new vision from one of the brightest young stars in Jazz. Francies, who frequently sits in with The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, has already performed with a wide array of artists including Chris Potter, Pat Metheny, Stefon Harris, José James, Ms. Lauryn Hill & Nas. He brings that broad range of influences to this set featuring special appearances by saxophonist Chris Potter and vocalists YEBBA, Chris Turner & Kate Kelsey-Sugg, along with a cast of Jazz youngbloods including vibraphonist Joel Ross, guitarist Mike Moreno, bassist Burniss Travis II, and drummers Jeremy Dutton and Mike Mitchell.
Artist: James Francies
Title: Flight
1. Leaps (James Francies)
2. Reciprocal (James Francies)
3. Sway (James Francies)
4. My Day Will Come feat. YEBBA (James Francies-Abbey Smith)
5. Crib (James Francies)
6. Aint Nobody (David Wolinski)
7. Reciprocal (Reprise) (James Francies)
8. ANB (James Francies)
9. Dark Purple (James Francies)
10. Dreaming (James Francies-Chris Turner)
11. A Lover And A Fighter (James Francies)
Musicians
James Fancies, piano and keyboards
Burniss Travis II, acoustic and electric bass (except tracks 4, 10)
Jeremy Dutton, drums (except tracks 4, 10)
Mike Mitchell, drums (track 10)
Mike Moreno, guitar (tracks 1, 3, 8, 9)
Chris Potter, tenor saxophone (tracks 2, 5, 11)
Joel Ross, vibraphone (tracks 2, 5, 6, 11)
YEBBA, vocals (track 4)
Chris Turner, vocals (track 10)
Kate Kelsey-Sugg, vocals (track 6)
Producer: Derrick Hodge
Co-Producer: James Francies
Production Coordinator: Karen Kennedy
Recorded February 13-14, 2018 at GSI Studios, NYC
Engineer: Josh Giunta
Assistant Engineer: Jason Rostkowski
Mixed by Ben Kane at Electric Garden LLC on March 19-22,26
Except “A Lover and a Fighter” “Leaps” mixed by Josh Guinta at GSI Studios on April 22
James Francies endorses Yamaha Piano and Korg Keyboards