Release Date: June 7, 2024
Label: Independent
Website
When one thinks of spontaneity, several things may come to mind.
I start by saying this because David Franklin recorded this album spontaneously
in one sitting. That is an incredible achievement. So, One Day in Spring, David sat
at his piano and created ten tracks related to one season of nature that gives
life back after a cold winter.
"Just Before Dawn" starts softly, as one would expect in the
quiet of the morning when the first rays of the sun start shining through. It's
a serene and peaceful moment, beautifully captured in this track. The notes
fall off the keys like morning dew, creating a sense of tranquility and peace.
"The Gloaming" takes you to the twilight or dusk of the day. We
fast-forward in time, opposite the previous track but just as picturesque and
meaningful. The softness of the keys gives you comfort as another day ends and
you look forward to a new day, instilling a sense of reassurance and hope that
is both comforting and optimistic.
"Birds Start Their Songs" takes you back to another
day filled with the joyous sounds of our feathered friends. I love birds and
their different songs. The keys take you on an intimate exploration of their
sounds during the early morning hours and throughout the day. Birds are one of
God's miracles, and I appreciate them. David continues the flow of musical
expressionism with his delicate touch.
"Another Bird in the Garden" continues the story of
birds in a different light. The piano remains relaxing and inviting; however,
some changes bring a different color and energy this time. If you are a
gardener, you hope the birds are eating those pesky insects invading your food
as you picture that scene. It is an exquisite tune with an untypical rhythm of
the previous tracks.
Initially, I thought that "Grieving the Dreamscape" as
a track title was a step away from the concept of this album. That thought was
put to rest rather quickly as David played the tune as beautifully as all the
others. It is slower and, thus, very purposeful to reflect upon the meaning. I
am unsure of the meaning, but it means something to the artist, and you will
find meaning in it just as you did all the others.
"As Light of Mourning Finally Flows" is a play on
words. Previously, you were grieving, and now you are mourning. Is this the
stage you must go through emotionally to get to the other side? Whatever that
may be, there is light, providing a positive direction for one to go. The piano
serenades your thoughts, feelings, and emotions as they merge. You listen to
those beautiful keys, which take you to the next stage. It's time to leave, and
so…
"Night Has Left Us All" is the logical next step in
the composition process. These compositions follow a thought pattern and a
particular flow as the artist moves his fingers to express what is in his soul.
There is a sadness overshadowing the night as it departs.
"Remembering George Winston" takes a few minutes to pay tribute
to one of the greats on the piano. David's appreciation for George
Winston's albums, particularly those named after the seasons on Windham Hill,
was a significant inspiration for this album. His work was instrumental in
shaping David's musical journey, and this track is a short and sweet
remembrance of that influence.
"Caffeinated and Reconsidering Slime Molds" is quite
the title, and it did lose me for meaning. That was unimportant once I started
listening, even though he helped me with the rest of the tracks. This is music
for those who truly can appreciate the piano as an orchestra in and of itself.
David "gets caffeinated" with the music towards the song's end as it
picks up considerably. It is a lovely piece and very rhythmic.
"Trees and Silence are Living Beings" is a great title
and is so true. They are living beings with a vast underground network where
they create habits for insects and other creatures and communicate with each
other. So, as they may stand there silently, they are busy beneath the earth.
This is the curtain closer to the recording and very appropriate. It has color,
liveliness, purpose, and meaning as David takes the instrument through the
paces to end this musical journey with elegance.
David Franklin's
One Day in Spring is a beautiful group of compositions that is
relaxing, meditative, and often energetic with the waves of chord changes and
tones. Like the season it represents, it brings warmth and life to the piano's
keys, and new thoughts and hopes to emerge from your consciousness; like the
flowers and other plant life sprouting their leaves from the trees and ground,
a new season begins. The music will touch you and leave an impression.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
July 23, 2024
Tracks:
01. Just Before Dawn (3:23)
02. The Gloaming (3:24)
03. Birds Start Their Songs (3:20)
04. Another Bird in the Garden (4:30)
05. Grieving The Dreamscape (4:23)
06. As Light of Mourning Finally Flows (4:34)
07. Night Has Left Us All (2:32)
08. Remembering George Winston (2:51)
09. Caffeinated and Reconsidering Slime Molds (3:30)
10. Trees and Silence are Living Beings (2:34)
