Derek Frank is a seasoned vet in the music industry and a highly esteemed touring/session bassist. Frank has just released his third album as a solo artist titled ‘Origin Story’ and this is his second album project with multiple Grammy award-winning producer Jim Scott (Tedeschi Trucks Band, Tom Petty, Wilco, Sting, Red Hot Chili Peppers). With elements of funk, jazz, soul, blues, southern rock and 70s soundtrack music, ‘Origin Story’ has a little something for everyone.
This record is paying homage to Derek Frank’s hometown of Pittsburgh, PA where the music bug started and took off from there. ‘Origin Story’ is an instrumental album that is a style all of its own. This record includes a wide variety of talented musicians backing Derek Frank and they are: guitarist Joshua Ray Gooch (Derek’s longtime bandmate with Shania Twain), keyboardist Carey Frank (Social Distortion, Tedeschi Trucks Band), drummer Randy Cooke (Smashmouth, Brit Floyd), percussionist Demian Arriaga (Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers), along with keyboardist Matt Rohde (JanesAddiction, The Chicks), guitarist Anthony King (Buffy Sainte-Marie), Vegas horn Section The Fat City Horns with featured guests Karl Denson (saxophone), Brent Mason (guitar) among others. This is a wonderful ‘Origin Story’ that is well-executed and an all-out blast to listen to!
The record starts off on a funky, fresh note with “Demon On Wheels” where lively sparks of energy are being generated for your listening pleasure. With plenty of jazzy elements to go along with excellent playing and a cool vibe, “Demon On Wheels” is the perfect way to kick off ‘Origin Story’. Time to head to “Culdesac” where you come into contact with a super smooth groove that will ease your soul and keep you chill to the bone. Track three, “Theme From Steel City”, provides that finger-snappin’, hand-clappin’ kind of beat that is a real crowd pleaser and has major mass appeal. Next, the listener gets hit with a very interesting twist to a classic Bee Gees song, “Jive Talkin’”. One will receive robotic-like vocals to “Jive Talkin’” and definitely a more futuristic take on the original. “The Yinzer (featuring Karl Denson)” is next and one solid sound and fine instrumentation surrounds your ears. I am partial to the saxophone myself as a former alto player and “Yinzer” has some terrific improvisations overall. It’s time to deliver “Paperboy Blues” as this track offers wonder and surprise around every corner. Track seven, “Thwip!”, is a fun-filled atmosphere that will keep you on your toes and will have you tapping along to the catchy style. The infectious hook is sure to rattle your bones and energize your eardrums on “Thwip!”. Derek Frank ends on a high note with “I Know A Little (Featuring Brent Mason)” where the time has come to just jam out and let loose. “I Know A Little” is a lively mix that has plenty of good times and positive vibes.
As a longtime touring bassist for Gwen Stefani, Shania Twain, Shakira, Air Supply and others, Derek Frank now has the solo spotlight and is on fire! ‘Origin Story’ is available on all download and streaming platforms and there is also a 2-disc vinyl set with bonus live tracks that will be available soon. Derek Frank has solidified himself as a standout solo artist and his ‘Origin Story’ lives up to the hype.
By Jimmy Rae
