Post by jptheprofessor on Sept 14, 2006 18:41:19 GMT -5
PETER FRAMPTON – FINGERPRINTS (A&M/New Door Records) As a boy growing up in England, Peter Frampton’s earliest musical influences were instrumental bands like the Ventures and the Shadows, as well as various popular jazz, blues and classical guitarists. On his latest album, Fingerprints, Frampton achieves one of his lifelong dreams of recording an all-instrumental album in the spirit of his early influences, in the process returning to his roots. Through Fingerprints’ fourteen tracks, we hear Frampton exploring various musical terrains, from blues to Latin to jazz to rock and more; several times assisted by some well-known guests. One of the obvious highlights of the album is Frampton’s read of Soundgarden’s 90’s classic “Black Hole Sun” – complete with his trademark guitar talkbox effects – with help from Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready and Matt Cameron; they also perform on the rocking Frampton original composition “Blowing Smoke.” Frampton also collaborates with two of his influences, Shadows members Hank Marvin and Brian Bennett, on the tranquil “My Cup of Tea.” Warren Haynes helps Frampton explore his blues roots on “Blooze;” Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman help funk things up on “Cornerstones;” and Nashville pedal steel player Paul Franklin assists on Frampton’s Americana music exploration “Double Nickels.” Frampton delves into Latin textures on “Ida Y Vuelta,” samples modern sounds on the playful “Grab A Chicken (Put It Back),” and crafts early jazz stylings on the album closer “Souvenirs De Nos Pères.” Fingerprints reveals Peter Frampton’s fluency on a variety of styles and sounds. His guitar playing is clean and tasteful, as he uses several electric and acoustic guitars to craft the album’s diverse textures. The production by Frampton and George Kennedy emphasizes his shining guitar work, with the sidemen and guests complementing and accenting each of the album’s various flavors. Fingerprints isn’t about to vault Peter Frampton back to the career heights he enjoyed during the Frampton Comes Alive glory years of the 70’s; but as an artistic statement, the album presents a comprehensive milestone of where this performer came from and what has shaped his musical scope. Fans of tasty guitar work, as well as Frampton fans eager to learn more about what has made him tick over the years, will find this a rewarding and interesting listen.