DANNY FRANKEL'S 3RD EAR EXPERIENCE

Oh! The band reappears with a new head in 2021? That was my first thought at least. Maybe, but solely on this occasion, I'm quite sure, and born by chance more or less. At the FurstWurld Gallery Studios they joined forces with drummer and percussionist Danny Frankel, who already has earned some reputation in the worldwide music scene. Since he actually worked with Eno, Lou Reed, John Cale ... to name a few. But this was his first time ever having a 3RD EAR EXPERIENCE :-) Most of the ideas, blueprints for this six recordings are coming from inspirations delivered by Robbi Robb and Amritakripa. And so I would say this is more than a 'simple' music collaboration, so much the more also evolved to a homage to Danny's career, and his open-minded attitude.

Jamming is the fundament, the name of the game here anyhow, quasi as usual. The band's regular core is aboard as expected, means Robbi (guitars, vocals), Amritakripa (synths), as well as Jorge 'Bassman' Carrillo. If you are new to their approach, the music lives from a blend of multiple influences, which also counts on mythological themes, or Robbi's roots in South Africa. And finally the impact coming from the Mohave desert environment where they are living. This in general leads into ethno/world flavoured space rock improv sessions. Thus either we have a proper orientation at ancient Indian styles concerning instruments and vocals. But they are also providing a stellar remake of a David Crosby song on the other hand.

The album opens with a terrific example of Robbie's passion to incorporate folk influences deriving from India. A Beautiful Question is drawing on very old Hindu stylistics, called Dhrupad. The kosmische Cosmos Glazed Elephant comes deliberately reduced, synth and percussion driven more or less. Melancholic, tension filled, hypnotic, Weep No More, My Friend is dedicated to songwriter and guitarist Neal Casal, who unfortunately died in 2019. Attention, several like-minded musicians are also contributing to this album, Troy Page (didgeridoo) as well as Trevor Madison on keyboards for example, and not to forget synthesizer wizzard Scott Heller aka Dr. Space. A real sensation, Timelessness Speaks shows some Hammond organ delivered by Becca Byram, that occasionally sounds like directly coming from a fairground.

'... I wonder who they are, the men who really run this land, and I wonder why they run it, with such a thoughtless hand ...' Obviously concipated as a protest song What Are Their Names? originally was written by David Crosby. Still evident, or what? This came up and evolved in the studio at about the same time the storm on the capitol occured. Including Teddy Quinn on the vocals the involved musicians are excellently capturing the 1970s mood, somehow reminds me of diverse The Byrds live excursions. Danny Frankel's drumming skills teaming up with extraordinary bass playing and Robbi's sensitive guitar input, wonderful! For me this marks the album's centerpiece. Easygoing space rock - 'Danny Frankel's 3rd Ear Experience' is another big shot, consequently I recommend to give it a chance.