Point of View Reviews
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July 2007
RICHARD FRANKZ – Point of View
 RICHARD FRANKZ – Point of View
RFM-2769
www.RichardFrankz.com
Playing Time – 52:28
Every songwriter's desire is to convey emotional messages and insight that others can appreciate and relate to. Many of Richard Frankz's original songs are engaging, even if they do tend to dwell on the search for life's meaning and direction. The amiable lead vocals are appealing as they draw you into stories about aspiration, love, special people, perseverance and optimism. Jackie Harling's backup vocals sit nicely in the lyrical mix. While the album begins more closely aligned with pop, country and smooth jazz idioms, the set's genesis eventually finds the band rocking with "Learning How To Fly." Embarassed by failure with love, the song's answer could be as simple as just finding someplace to land. Throughout the set, the instrumentalists (Kenny Berry, Mark Beckett, Gene Sisk, John Heinrich, and Jeff King) rollick and roll with intensity and velocity through various moods and feelings. The band is hot and provides high-octane musicianship. As a single, "Knew You At All" received good airplay as a result of its wide distribution and promotion to DJs around the world. Some of Richard's lines seem a little trite such as those from "Dear Baby" – "You came into my life and gave me love / Left no doubt within my mind / I will love you through all time / There will never be another one." When writing about the power of love, a songwriter's goal should be to find new, creative ways to express the common and endearing feelings we hear so much about. "Loved You So" opens with "Memories of you at an early age / Big blue eyes, with your curly waves / Still think of you each day," and the song simply reassures us that one's soulmate can eventually be found.
Born in Pittsburgh, Richard Frankz was orphaned at age two and placed in a Georgia foster home. Taking up guitar at age six gave young Richard an outlet for his talent, expression, and thoughts. Today, about forty years later and with a couple albums under his belt, Frankz's contemplative "Point of View" is that he's ready to take more chances in life. Tosupport the project's thematic concept, songs like "Holding On" and "Beginnings of New" reinforce his desires for roots and purpose. As he "Runs Like the River," however, Frankz lives for the moment and decides not to worry about what tomorrow may bring. In a song like "Over and Over," the songwriter admits that he hasn't learned much from his mistakes, and he's got to find new ways to tackle life's little trials and challenges. Besides having all the lyrics, the liner notes provide the best clue to Richard's greatest wonder, inspiration and purpose in life – his young son, Franke. I don't see a lot of hooks in Frankz's encouraging songs, but with repeated listens, you're bound to find some specific lines and reflections that will help you connect with the well-executed and thoughtful music that the writer hopes will also bring you comfort. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)
March 2007
INTERNATIONAL INDIE ALBUMS Southern Country Magazine
Reviews by Sue McCarthy and Colin H. Blanchard
RICHARD FRANKZ
Point of View
Each Day; Point Of View; Dear Baby; l Loved You So; After The Fall; Don't Let My Heart Know; Run Like The River; Loving A Lie; Knew You At All; Holding On; Beginnings of New; Over and Over; Learning How To Fly
"Richard Frankz is from Pittsburgh, Pennysylvania. He was brought up in an orphanage, so did not have a dad to teach him, but he took to the guitar at an early stage, and soon got lost in the world of music. He writes and arranges all of his music himself, and very good it is. The album starts with a song that swings gently along, and it is good to hear sax in the musical arrangement, and some nice piano. Richard Frankz has an individual voice, The second is in the same mode, as is Dear Baby - a love song. The saxophone is still playing a prominent role. In fact this album is only borderline country, but pleasant nonetheless for those who have a wider taste in music. My pick is Run Like The River in waltz time - love the flute in this one, and the acoustic guitar too, it is so beautifully played. Overall a very nice album for those with wider tastes in music, country and its borderlines. The lyrics are in the sleeve, and reflect Richard Frankz path through life. His diction is very clear so the words are clearly audible."
S.M.
February 2007
PATHFINDER MAGAZINE by John (J.W.) Brookfield
POINT OF VIEW
" I first heard of Richard while reviewing the HotDisc and also on C.D.X. and I must say was very impressed with what he had to offer. As you listen to this CD it is obvious that you are listening to a very talented singer songwriter. Not only that, but, you can tell he has picked some of the best musicians to back him on the album. It hits you as you listen to the first track and hear that Saxophone, simply superb. As on most CDs, you find one number that stands out for you and for me without a doubt, it's track 6 "Don't Let My Heart Know". But, as I've said the whole album is out of the top drawer. Well done, all concerned a well produced CD" J.W & J.A.
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