Album Notes

Frankojazz, based in Mt. Pleasant Washington DC, has been performing in the Washington metropolitan area for the past seven years. Frankojazz currently features Dave Cosby on guitar, Rick Hodes on drums and Frank Agbro "Franko" on bass or acoustic guitar and vocals.

The leader of the band, Frank Agbro, has a chilling, fascinating and inspiring life story! At some point, without a doubt, a book will be written and a feature film made on his life. Frank was born in Nigeria; his father is Peter Agbro who was a Nigerian diplomat. Frank was enjoying the life of a diplomat's son (he has great stories about this!) while attending the elite boarding school, Worcester Academy in Worchester, Massachusetts. Frank was introduced to Jimi Hendrix's music for the first time while attending the academy and began playing the bass guitar. Even with his budding interest in music, his dream was to attend Rochester Institute of Technology to become a mechanical engineer. However, it was not to be. Midway through his freshman year in 1983, the democratically-elected Nigerian president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, was deposed in a military coup. Frank's father was recalled to Nigeria from Cuba where he lost his job and his life as a diplomat. The entire family was forced to spend years dealing with immigration authorities and lawyers in order to be legal residents in the United States. Frank's CD titled "You," released in June 2001, tells the entire story. It is a breathtaking journey of a newcomer in the land of opportunity.

The brand new "Frankojazz Live!" CD, which was performed at the Reagan Center, has been described by many as "magical"! On this CD Frank continues to tell stories about what he sees, hears and experiences on his wonderful journey!

Frank's songs have been described as 'timeless' and 'inspiring and hopeful.' Frank's wonderful sense of humor, intellect (he speaks five languages) and big heart are most apparent in his work. He simply strives to translate all he sees, hears and experiences into stories to be told through beautiful music. Frankojazz's performance highlights include inaugural events, embassy functions, museums, clubs and Frank's own FamJam music festivals.

Frank's business, Rooftop Productions, focuses on a simple mission. We want to inspire and improve the quality of life for all through music and the visual arts.