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About Franklin Kiermyer

Album Review

Franklin Kiermyer: Scatter The Atoms That Remain

Read "Scatter The Atoms That Remain" reviewed by Mike Jurkovic

by Mike Jurkovic
September 16, 2026

Scatter The Atoms That Remain is a harrowing, yet affirming statement from drummer/composer Franklin Kiermyer. With a fine, fit, and hale conglomerate creating alongside him--drummer Ra Kalam Bob Moses, pianists Aaron Parks and Davis Whitfield, trumpeter Keyon Harrold, saxophonists Isaiah Collier and the ever-present Linda Sikhakhane, vocalists Jeff Bhasker, Jasbir Jassi, Melanie Charles and the Temitope Momorebe Gospel Singers, percussionist Carlos Niño, guitar synthesist Nate Mercereaux, and bassists Geraud Portal and Otto Gardner--Scatter The Atoms That Remain carries the free jazz ...

Radio & Podcasts

Franklin Kiermyer, Pascal Niggenkemper & Lao Dan

by Maurice Hogue
August 31, 2026

Follow the bouncing geographic ball in this episode as it lands on disparate places in the jazz universe, starting with ferocious yet spiritual drummer Franklin Kiermyer and his startling new release Scatter The Atoms That Remain. Kiermyer has long been associated with the spiritualism of the Coltranes, Pharoah Sanders, etc. and he's been spending much time living and studying under the guidance of a Tibetan master. Despite the thunderous drums, Kiermyer's spirit is front and center like a ride cymbal. ...

Radio & Podcasts

Franklin Kiermyer, Fats Waller & Jimmy Cobb

by Joe Dimino
March 13, 2021

The 690th Episode of Neon Jazz begins with power drummer Franklin Kiermyer. From there, we examine the music and voices of a host of musicians surviving the COVID world without live music. This includes Guy Mintus, Amber Underwood, the 3D Jazz Trio and Jeff Coffin. Finally, we say good-bye to huge figure in Kansas City jazz in Bill Crain. Enjoy the music. Playlist Franklin Kiermyer “Unified Space Time" Closer to the Sun (Mobility Music) 00:00 Host talks 5:47 ...

Festivals Talking

Moers Festival Interviews: Scatter The Atoms That Remain

by Martin Longley
May 23, 2019

Scatter The Atoms That Remain are set to be quite possibly the most jazzed combo at this year's Moers Festival, in Germany, but this simply illustrates the high degree of unfaithfulness displayed by many of its attending artists towards the jazz tradition. There are a mass of Moersfest acts who possess some sort of jazz-rootedness, but many of them also have other fingers deep inside rock, electronic, global-ethnic, hip-hop, or moderne composition. Not that Moers calls itself a jazz festival ...

Album Review

Franklin Kiermyer: Closer To The Sun

Read "Closer To The Sun" reviewed by Hrayr Attarian

by Hrayr Attarian
January 9, 2017

Most of drummer Franklyn Kiermyer's records have a strong spiritual aura but none as intensely so as the deeply introspective Closer to the Sun. For this sublime session Kiermyer draws inspiration from saxophonist John Coltrane's Impulse years. This is not, however, a mere tribute through reinterpretation of the great artist's work as Kiermyer has a unique style that is deferential to but never derivative of those who have influenced him. Kiermyer often utilizes repeating motifs and melodic fragments ...

Album Review

Franklin Kiermyer: Closer To The Sun

Read "Closer To The Sun" reviewed by Mark Corroto

by Mark Corroto
September 10, 2016

Sooner or later every human being has to come to terms with their inner self. Quite often it is later, on one's deathbed, that one's life is questioned. Those who do live an examined life while young (and healthy) often choose to live a more challenging life. Same for musicians, but their challenge is often the music of John Coltrane. His music is a perfect model because, especially in his later years, it was intertwined with his inner journey.

Album Review

Franklin Kiermyer: Further

by Dave Wayne
April 16, 2014

The great dilemma facing a music reviewer is how to discuss an artist's work intelligently within an historical continuum without getting too hung up on musical influences and reference points. Such is the case with drummer / composer Franklin Kiermyer whose music, while totally original, is redolent with the intensity and seeking spirituality of the John Coltrane Quartet. Describing this music as Coltrane-influenced simply doesn't do it justice. What the Canadian drummer and his quartet are doing here is unique, ...