Pretty wide...musically it is almost anything. My earliest band influences were The Beatles, Jimi Handrix, Sly $ The Family Stone, Santana, The Who, Led Zepplin, Deep Purple, Then.. Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Mahavishnu, Weather Report, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, Tony Williams, Pat Metheny, Jack DeJohnette, Marcus Miller, Sound Garden, Zappa, Allan Holdsworth, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, BB King, Eric Johnson,
Drummers: Its a long list, here are some: Tony Williams, Mitch Mitchell, Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Billy Cobham, Elvin Jones, David Garibaldi, Jack DeJohnette, Terri Lyne Carrington, Alex Acuna, Eric Gravatt, Mike Clark, Bill Bruford, Bill Stewart, Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Peter Erskine. Frankie Dunlop, Gary Novak, Toss Panos, Joel Taylor, Abe Laboriel Jr. Chris Coleman, Chad Wackerman, Terry Bozzio, Jeff Porcaro etc etc.
Drummer, Composer Frank Briggs is joined by an All-Star group of musical soul mates on his first solo release; a breathtaking collection of compositions that celebrate the power of hope amid adversity. Inspired by a spectacular desert oasis, China Ranch takes us on a journey of musical exploration and virtuosity as expressed by an artist blessed with curiosity, compassion … and serious chops.
China Ranch is a real place – a family owned date farm in the Mojave Desert, not far from Southern Death Valley. But channeled through this music, China Ranch is not merely a destination; it is a journey into the soul, navigated by a performer at the peak of his talents.
Briggs and his amazing bandmates (Steve Weingart, Brian Price, Ric Fierabracci, Mitchel Forman, Kit Walker, Frank Gambale, Jimmy Earl, Jeff Babko, Chris Golden, Jeff Miley, Mark Doyle, Travis Carlton and Michito Sanchez) have pulled off an astonishing feat: The technique is mesmerizing and masterful while also maintaining an emotional truth that makes a cohesive statement.
Supple melodies dance over shape-shifting modes and contrasting instrumental voicings. The players carve deep jazz- and funk-based grooves while playfully displacing beats and inverting expectations around every corner. Driving everything is the deft and explosive pulse created by the composer, producer and engineer of this project.
Musically inventive and as sonically lush as the desert flowers that inspire these tracks, China Ranch is Frank Briggs’ musical thank you note to a locale which proves that even the most barren and forbidding places we know can bear fruit of remarkable sweetness. ...
Best known for his top-selling instructional book/DVD, The Complete Modern Drum Set, LA-based drummer/educator Frank Briggs exposes his jazz-fusion roots on his first solo recording, China Ranch (frankbriggs.com). Briggs displays fat, loose, and powerful Tony Williams–style technique and tone on this outstanding recording. He’s also recently recorded a new release, Circus Of Sound, with OHM, a Southern California–based progressive rock fusion trio featuring former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland and bassist Robertino Pagliari.
OHM allows Briggs the freedom to stretch and explore, which he does tastefully and with attitude. A disciple of fusion music, Briggs studied with legendary jazz drummer Jack DeJohnette to help gain insight into this advanced musical art form. “Jack taught me that time was internal,” states Briggs, “that how tightly you hold a stick can change your sound and feel, and that it’s always about the music. After studying with Jack, I wanted to become a great musician, not just a great drummer—there is a difference.”
Briggs composed all ten tracks on China Ranch and describes his drumming as supportive. “This recording is all about the music,” he says. “There is plenty of blowing, but in essence, the drums play a supportive and featured role.”
Briggs’ drumming reflects the feel and musicality of a seasoned veteran of electric jazz. His compositional style is highly influenced by his musical idols, which include Tony Williams, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, and Pat Metheny. Regarding his composing, Briggs notes, “I ‘use’ the keyboards for composing but don’t really play. I usually start with chord progressions, and I seldom rely on theory. I sometimes spend months composing a tune.”
Briggs is well versed in many musical styles, and he explains how that aspect has shaped his career: “I think it’s helped me develop my own voice more than anything else,” he says. “I draw from a lot of different sources in music and drumming, which has made me who I am. That approach has certainly advanced my musical ideas.”
"Veteran Drummer/Educator Frank Briggs gathers LA's top Jazz/Rock/World fusion cats (keyboardist Steve Weingart and bassist Ric Fierabracci in particular) to perform his dynamic instrumental compositions, designed to allow these monsters to shine. Briggs' tasty chops and fat grooves highlight this outstanding debut release"...
Features: Frank Briggs: composer, drums, keyboards, programming, producer; Brian Price: guitar (1-7,9); Kit Walker: rhodes, synths (1, 3, 7, 8); Steve Weingart: piano, rhodes, synths (2-4, 6, 9); Ric Fierabracci: bass (1-3, 5, 7, 10); Mitchel Forman: rhodes, blowtorch, piano (5, 10); Frank Gambale: guitar (10); Mark Doyle: guitar (8); Jeff Miley; (2, 5,) Travis Carlton: bass (4); Chris Golden: bass (6, 8); Jeff Babko: Fender Rhodes, synths (9); Jimmy Earl: bass (9). Michito Sanchez; percussion (7).Rich Breen; mix engineer
Mike Haid - Modern Drummer Magazine 11/08
On China Ranch, Frank Briggs writes a Return To Forever-esque treatment of ten killer tracks that display strong drumming, Rhodes and synths, guitar and bass soloing. The compositions, inspired by a visit to the family-owned date farm in the Mojave Desert, keep an eye on the jazz-rock fusion tradition pioneered by such influences as Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, Pat Metheny and others, while still moving the genre forward.
On "Desert Flower" the solos run the gamut from lush, modern electronics and dramatic harmonies to wide-open solo sections for Kit Walker on Synth and Brian Price on guitar. Briggs' powerful and rhythmic drumming keeps this song musically focused, energetic and shifting freely between the jazz and rock elements.
"Tecopa Moon" may be too hip for the room, as they say, since its laid-back ambience and walking bass lines is an example of how Briggs' arrangement takes an electronic marvel to another level of melodic excellence. The feel shifts from the very beginning and the tempo ranges from Briggs' moderately slow drumming and soundscapes to the lightning fast guitar licks of both Price and Jeff Miley.
The title track, "China Ranch" features twists and turns with surprises and a funky groove that will have both the band and their listeners enjoying themselves through this musical ride. The entire recording is beautifully conceived, expertly crafted and is a must for fans of jazz-rock fusion
Strong and melodic. Powerful and introspective. Pure. That pretty much says it all about this album. Frank has covered all the bases with China Ranch. This CD will be appreciated by jazz purists simply for the approach and production and the way in which each piece has been handled with pure artistry. The melodies and traditional-sounding lines found on these various pieces are simply beautiful.
The musicianship is flawless. Why shouldn°t it be? Besides being a world-class drummer, Frank is a gregarious young man. He has enlisted for this project, players that are among the best to be found anywhere. China Ranch is one of those albums that allows the listener the luxury of not having a favorite cut. As you listen to each track you find something very cool about each one that just stays with you. Here is my take on a few of the tunes.
The second selection, °Tecopa Moon° is reminiscent of Billy Cobham's °Spectrum° L.P. I do not mean that from a plageristic standpoint, not at all. It is just the feel and the attitude with which the piece is delivered that invokes mystery and a dark atmosphere. Very cool.
"Melonie" the third track, is produced in a traditional manner, with pure instrumentation. It begins as a serious piano piece that falls into a really hip, romantic swing carried by pianist Steve Weingart. The tandem melody played by guitar and piano is magical. As this piece moves along there is a beautiful bass solo by Ric Fierabracci followed by a perfectly pure guitar solo provided by Brian Price. The interplay throughout this piece is remarkable. This compostion is one that any serious student of music will appreciate both as a listener and as a piece to study.
The title cut, °China Ranch° is a funky one. Heavy and slightly dark with what I would say is a Miles inspired line. Cool vibes and keys. This one is on the other end of the spectrum from the afore-mentioned °Melonie°. I suggest it be played loud.
Okay, I am going to get a bit heady with this one °Spirit Rider° is aptly named for sure. It is a breathy piece that gives the listener a sense of sailing high above the western landscape and taking in all of the majestic beauty below. It comes back to ground with the rhythm section playing a °Frank Zappa-ish° kind of reggae style melodic line over which there is the perfect compliment of fiery guitar solo performed by Mark Doyle.
So bottom line is this °China Ranch contains 10 remarkable instrumental cuts that you have to hear. It takes you to a lot of different places musically and you will enjoy the trip.
Drummer/composer Frank Briggs' first solo recording is a brilliant collection of great tunes performed by world-class musicians. The music, all composed by Briggs, is reminiscent of the fusion music of Tony Williams, Chick Corea, Billy Cobham and Miles Davis, but very contemporary in its conception. Along with Briggs on drums and keyboards, the musicians include Michito Sanchez on percussion. The recording is very well produced and the playing is consistently great.
Each tune is highly arranged and on the complex side, but there is plenty of room for improvisation and interaction. Several move between a funk/fusion groove and a jazz/swing feel. Briggs is equally at home in both styles and the band makes the transitions effortlessly. Among my favorites is the opening track, "Desert Flower," a high-energy fusion tune that is very much in the Tony Williams Lifetime vein. "Melonie" is a lighter swing tune that is very interactive, especially between the bass and drums during the bass solo.
Briggs' drumming is very present throughout the recording but never intrusive. His musical support for the ensemble sections and the improvised solos is masterful. This may be most evident on the final selection, "Saints," which is more open and flowing than any of the other tunes. The solos by Mitchel Forman on piano and Frank Gambale on guitar are excellent, and Briggs finally lets loose with his own solo near the end, which is a fitting climax to the whole album.
I am available for sessions worldwide and can create custom loops if needed. All of the tracks on this site and my home site frankbriggs.com were recorded and/or mixed in my studio in Los Angeles. Send me your stereo mix and I can add drums and send it back, either ftp or standard mail. The fee includes engineering and studio time and subject to approval. Tracks can be sent raw or with plugins burned into the track. Email or call me for fee and details.
Private lessons are available also, please call 818.298.6787 to schedule
frank i'm much glad to meet you and specialy to be part of your class...you rock on the drummer!! gracias mil for your frendship!! i hope to seen you again around the globe!
