David Franklin: Passings

Deep and wonderful instrumental music, mostly acoustic guitar, sometimes with fretless bass, and sometimes just a piano with no guitar, always flowing and gently weighty. "Passing" can mean a play that involves one player throwing the ball, or a natural event that involves a change in the position or location of something, and it can refer to the act or fact of dying. This music is unique and can suit any situation of intricate beauty.

On Passings, David Franklin plays acoustic guitars, piano, a touch of synthesizer and, on the final track, he features a programmable music box. He is frequently joined by Michael Manring, who shares his amazing fretless bass, and—on two tracks—his son, Alex Franklin (aka Owl Licks) contributes magic on acoustic guitar. Warren Kahn did the mixing and mastering at Banquet Studios in Medford, Oregon.

The standout track, "The Meeting Tree" (3:41) features Alex Franklin and Michael Manring. "We All Become Ancestors" (2:53) has a constant presence, like the sky, with piano (no guitars here) and the glowing bass, which continues on the next track. "Sweet Dreams and Travel Well" (5:21) is perhaps telling stories before sleep, with merry themes, looking ahead to new territory, turning the corner and climbing the stairs, guitar and bass.

Franklin believes music is one of humanity's most powerful tools for healing, and he hopes his music will help listeners connect to their inner feelings and ultimately create more of a sense of connection in their lives. This album is a full and beautiful statement of such wisdom, as well as a tribute to the transitions we all endure, choosing to find the delicate beauty in each.

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