Album Notes

"New Old Stock" is the jazz/rock fusion vehicle of guitarist and composer Richard Franklin. Though he is perhaps better known for a smooth, "straight-ahead" sound, this CD showcases music resulting from an eclectic variety of rock and jazz influences, including Jimi Hendrix, Pat Metheny, Larry Carlton, Eric Clapton -- even a little Southern Rock.

Richard Franklin's early musical background was in classic guitar - as a student of Carlos Barbosa-Lima and Sophocles Papas, his lineage goes directly back to the great Andres Segovia. A very successful classic guitarist, he performed extensively in recital and with orchestras; he also won a number of performance competitions. The influence of the classic style is evident in his jazz work, particularly the emphasis on tonal warmth, clarity and expressivity.

Through the mid-1980's, Richard worked as a performing and studio guitarist (as well as an acclaimed teacher), until he withdrew from the public music scene for personal reasons. Since then, his musical activity has focused on composition and studio production. He is now introducing the fruits of that work.

The music of Richard Franklin is readily accessible, even on the first hearing, as it features lush harmonies, attractive melodies, and subtle grooves. While firmly rooted in jazz, rock and pop traditions, Richard Franklin does not sound like anyone else. Repeated listening will be rewarded with an appreciation of the care, skill and subtlety with which this material is crafted and performed. The music is positive, up-beat, and always very satisfying.

"Retro-Rocket" will also give you more than your money's worth -- 70 minutes of music with no "filler" -- great tunes, tight arrangements, and first rate playing. Check it out for yourself -- every tune is available for your preview.