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Frankie V: Oceans of Dreams

By Dave Hughes
April 1, 1999
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You don't have to think too much about this artist's choice of professional identity (first name ending with the friendly-sounding long 'e' and initial only in lieu of surname) to see what market he's aiming for. Frankie V is obviously trying to capture the flugelhorn segment of the ultra-smooth jazz market, hoping that potential listeners and buyers will make the imagery leap from Kenny G to him.

This stuff is so light and airy, so creampuff-sweet, and so completely safe and unchallenging that it makes Kenny G sound like John Coltrane. It may actually be too tame for elevators and dentist's offices. There are practically no traces of jazz contained herein; this is strictly instrumental pop/easy listening. Of the twelve tunes, four are originals and eight are covers of well-worn pop vocal tunes from the last three decades, such as Elton John's "Your Song," James Taylor's "Fire and Rain," Chaka Khan's "Through the Fire," and Lionel Richie's "Hello."

Personnel

Frankie V

Album information

Title: Oceans of Dreams | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: VEE Records

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