Frank Sellman's Love Rockit debuts a wonderful cd.  First, the songs are great from the CD's burning opener, Change My Mind to its last tune, Tired, an honest rant about the life and troubles of a simple hard working man.  The songs serve up alot of what makes roots music so nourishing and that's blues, soul and pop.  The band is backed by a wonderfully, tasteful pianist, Nate Shaw, who used organ and rhodes to color much of the sonic landscape of this cd.  On Drums and Bass, Nik Schuhbeck and J Granelli play appropriately solidly behind the tunes and only poke out on the rare occasion; always musical, always supportive.
The Love Rockit also employs the device of tight gospel choir of two to drive the point of each song home, like a tight horn section, but with a more modern, R&B appeal, especially on the soul drenched, No Way Out (check out the gospel break down in the middle of the tune).  Also check out the wailing vocals at the end of the cd's second track, Little; reminds the listener of Pink Floyd's Great Gig in the Sky (no small trick).  Folks, there's as much Mary J. Blige as there is Eric Clapton.  Which brings this writer to his last conclusion; the Love Rockit is helmed by a master bluesman, Frank Sellman on Guitar!  Sellman's musicianship is on par with any of the blues greats.  His guitar is a combination of stinging statements and sweet release.  What sets him apart is that while he's a great guitarist, he's also a great songwriter.  We're looking forward to hearing what he comes out with next.  In the meantime, the Love Rockit's debut will provide lot's of wonderful insight into the life and times of a hard working American man.

In summary, Frank Sellman's Love Rocit debuts great songs, wonderfully presented gospel singers and searing blues guitar.  A must hear.

Rodney Rose
Harlem, NYC
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