It was in March 2022 that the first Franky Freedom was introduced to us, sparking our interest in the drummer, composer, and director François Laliberté. We had noticed then beautiful sound gestures on the electro side as well as pretty good skills in rhythmic creativity. It must be said that the musician’s time at Berklee College in Boston, a musical reference and particularly for jazz, could only support serious intuitions. That said, while one could perceive all these aforementioned qualities, and others (including a keen attention to creating warm and inviting atmospheres), the overall sound remained rather anchored on the pop side of the force.
Not only does this second album bring jazz back to the forefront, but it also significantly enriches the arrangements of its music with a profusion of guitarists, bassists, and saxophonists. Local (Montreal) and international talents who have jammed with Jacob Collier or Tigran Hamasyan, for example. Let’s also note the very colourful Drum’n’Bass electro constructions, more refined than in the first album, which testify to the young artist’s excellent creative evolution. The generous and mellow beats are often adorned with surprising and intriguing additional textures, while skilfully supporting the solo lines on sax and guitar.
The highlights: D&B DTGF (with the beautiful saxophone flights of Guillaume Carpentier), OUI (with its electro-industrial occasional roughness), the short and blazing Cowabunga (and its Ninja Turtles energy, hence the title, an obvious reference for all geeks), For Ralph (with the agile bass of Gary Willis) and the finale Moment which, beneath its initial classic R’n’B exterior, reveals a sonic boldness that the composer knows how to balance against the needs of a hypothetical dancefloor. Without being as memorable, other tracks are not lacking in interest, particularly thanks to Laliberté’s bubbling writing and the R’n’B colours enhanced by the voices of Mel Pacifico and Leonie Grey.
Franky Freedom, the elder, gave us a glimpse of some promises. This new kid here fulfills them and even reassures us about the seriousness of the Montrealer Laliberté’s approach. Beyond excellent studio tinkering, the drummer indicates that his musical art can be just as interesting to experience on stage, with live musicians and their real instruments.
Franky Freedom II will indeed be performed on stage on May 29th at Sotterenea in Montreal. Watch it out.
