Digitally re-mastered two-fer containing a pair of albums from the Jazz pianist on one CD: Rodney Franklin and You'll Never Know (both originally released in 1980). Rodney Franklin was mostly produced by Dr. Butler himself and contained some revisits to tracks from his first album, notably 'In the Centre' which became a US hit. You'll Never Know was a huge success in Britain where Jazz Funk was a major sub genre of dance music and was produced by the British arranger/producer, Paul Buckmaster, better known at the time for his long working relationship as a string arranger with Elton John on much of his early work and on singles such as David Bowie's 'Space Oddity'.
E**R
Long overdue
Rodney Franklin is a superb songwriter and pianist whose leanings are towards smooth/funk jazz if not jazz/gospel. "You'll Never Know" is a classic, with a distinct message. The self titled portion of the disc is not quite as polished as the "YNK" sets, but still is very easy on the ears. "Windy City" has a certain EW&F sound to it. Those folks at Columbia knew how to nail the funk/jazz idiom. "Life Moves On" is just what I am talking about, easy on the ears sounds that are mellow with some awesome arrangements. As I said, if you like EW&F you are gonna love "Rodney Frankin".The fact remains that RF's number one cult classic is "You'll Never Know" and this is what made me find him unique. The message and the melody are worth the whole collection. A smooth jazz/funk jazz/gospel jazz lovers candy bar here! BTW check out his song "The Eagle and the Condor" a gem as well, but not here.
F**G
Virtuoso decades ahead of his time.
Rodney Franklin is a master prodigy at performing a ubiquitous and eclectic range of music. He was certainly decades ahead of his time and I place him in the distinct company of great composers as Bach Beethoven Mozart etc.
W**D
From one song to two albums - great listening
This is a terrific combined album from Rodney Franklin. I went looking for it over only one song ("The Groove") and have found the rest to be terrific. Some have a characteristic sound of the late 70s and early 80s and others are timeless, but all are worth listening to over and over.
J**I
A great funk and fusion jazz album
With only 22 years old, Rodney Franklin sets on 1980 hit parade 2 jazz albums, starting with them his sucessful career. His innovative creative jazz style has very special piano arrangements wich give a notable freshness to his music. Also the conjugation from voices gives his music a powerful note which reinforces every tune. These albums are basic in any jazz collection. Rodney launched them in 1980 but they're to stay all years!
F**N
If you can't find it anywhere else go to Amazon.com It's just that simple.
I don't really buy compact disc's anymore. However, there are some songs that iTunes just doesn't have in their rather vast music library. Amazon was the only place I found that had this particular album available. Oldies.com didn't even have it. Go figure. Either way I am very pleased with my purchase thanks to Amazon.com.
P**Y
I know now!!!! an excellent CD purchased!!!!
I'm really glad I purchased this CD because I knew very little about Rodney Franklin's music until I bought this CD.This music is really great I love it. The entire CD speaks for it self. I reall know now Thanks I'm now a really satisfied jazz listener.
J**D
Five Stars
No fault to find with it!!
F**X
Four Stars
Old school classic
T**N
Like it
Great duo bargain although incessant high tonality of piano playing and sometimes unoriginal compositions often undermines and limit RF undoubted gifts
T**T
Good listening
Excellent music even though pretty old now !
F**M
Class
Smooth
A**R
One Star
bad production
H**R
Ottimo pianista
Il primo Rodney Franklin era più fusion e amava appunto fondere diversi generi musicali, Jazz, R&b, Funk ma essenzialmente è chiaro che si tratta di un pianista con una solidissima scuola Jazz alle spalle, tocco rotondo e cristallino decisamente talentuoso."The groove" il singolo che lo ha portato al successo internazionale e pezzi come "Felix Leo" e "God bless the blues" rendono bene la caratura del pianista e soddisferanno le orecchie più esigenti. Oggi Rodney è un gran concertista che si concentra sul Jazz.I due migliori album in un unico CD del giovane Franklin da avere e da gustare.Consigliatissimo.
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