Credits:

James Francies

Description:

Pianist James Francies' super cool, second Blue Note album! Since pianist, producer, and composer James Francies wowed listeners in 2018 with his debut album Flight, Francies has expanded his personal exploration of sound bending and orchestral approaches Childish Gambino, Pat Metheny, Mark Ronson, The Roots, YEBBA, Chris Potter, Common, Eric Harland, Marcus Miller, DJ Dahi, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and many more. and has refined his sound. On this, his second Blue Note release, Francis accesses the depths of his artistry, expressing love, sadness, vulnerability, and fortitude across 14 tracks. The trio at the heart of the album includes Francis' longtime collaborators Bernice Travis (bass) and Jeremy Dutton (drums).The three were born and raised in Houston and have played together for more than a decade, growing up with each other. Also joining them are Blue Note label mates alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, guitarist Mike Moreno, and vocalists Elliott Skinner, Peyton, and Bilal! Francis' expression blossoms across genres and styles. He nurtures a celestial yearning for melody and texture. In its purest form, music is an attempt to reach a space of honesty, free of preconceived notions. When you really get in touch with your inner self, both musically and as a person, that energy surpasses all others. For Francis, Purest Form is not just a recording, but an essence. "I hope that the immersive, multidimensional experience I was going for really reaches people, that for 56 minutes they can step into this world of sounds and textures, and that they can really feel the energy of the music. That's my idea. And I hope it sounds good on all the speakers (laughs)," he also commented.

Tracklisting:

1.Adoration
2.Levitate
3.Transfiguration
4.Blown Away
5.Rose Water
6.My Favorite Things
7.Stratus
8.713
9.Melting
10.Where We Stand
11.Freedmen's Town
12.Eyes Wide Shut
13.Still Here
14.Oasis