Franc O’Shea - Alkimia

Reviewed by Kerry Blewett

 

Franc O’Shea is a bassist who was born in Swaziland but moved to England at a young age. His musicial influences extend over many genres in which he gained experience even residing in Spain for a few years and playing flamenco music extensively. As a result the musicians featured on this album reflect this diversity and have accompanied such greats as Paco de Lucia, Michael Brecker, Al Di Meola and Chick Corea to name a few.

The title track “Alkimia” showcases Franc’s rapid-fire fretless playing which leaves one feeling quite breathless just trying to follow the speed with which he manoeuvres around the fretboard. This is a feature of Franc’s playing that permeates most of the songs.

“The Three Princes of Serendip” is a more relaxed ballad with Benjamin Sarfas laying down the melody on violin.

Franc introduces “Anam Cara” with some lovely harmonics and the song then evolves into a lovely 6/8 Celtic flavoured song.

It is very difficult to articulate anything more meaningful about the rest of the songs on this CD other than to guarantee that any serious bassist would be astounded by the virtuosity displayed by Franc and his accompanying musicians.