Funky guitar rock, a strong groove and an upbeat jazz rhythm – globally renowned bass player Derek Frank paints a colourful audio tapestry, with the organic instrumental layers of Barker’s Boogie.
Leading with a huge band vibe of multi-layered instrumental play, Barker’s Boogie features Allman-Betts Band musician Johnny Stachela, and lights up the space for that nostalgic live performance aura. It then proceeds to carefully intertwine genres and moments across a consistently likable groove.
We get country rock twangs, funky switches and tones, a full horn section and soulful electric guitar, all working both in unison and intermittently throughout this shifting landscape of vibrancy.
Noting hints of influence from rock to funk to country and jazz, Barker’s Boogie is every bit as fun and uplifting as its title and artwork seem to promise – we even venture into the likes of honky-tonk with the sheer energy and playfulness of the keys. The very structure of the track is also quite phenomenal – these stops and starts, rhythmic changes, sudden hand rhythms and new melodies; all while a defiant sense of identity to recognise keeps things grounded.
The new release from Derek Frank also includes the cool bass-funk of Goin’ Stagg, and ultimately marks a creatively impressive, diverse yet skilful and celebratory introduction to the solo journey of a world-renowned musician. Derek Frank has toured with the likes of Gwen Stefani and Shania Twain during his lifetime, and now focuses on the compositions and charm of his own instrumental quartet – from which Barker’s Boogie acts as a fine example of the talent, unity, and pure freedom of playing.
Download or stream Barker’s Boogie. Find Derek Frank on Facebook, Instagram & his Website.
