David Franklin plays acoustic guitar and acoustic piano equally well and he shows off his talents to great effect on his first all-instrumental album, PLAYING WITH SHADOWS. Ten of the tunes feature Michael Manring, considered the pre-imminent bass-player in new age music. The interplay between the various instruments is stellar. On a few pieces Franklin overdubs himself so that it is a trio sound with piano, guitar and bass (plus accordion on one tune and guest electric guitar on another). There also are a handful of solo piano numbers interspersed throughout. Franklin is a life-long musician who previously worked as a drummer and electric-keyboardist in rock bands, and recorded several singer-songwriter folk-pop albums, plus an avant-garde recording. He also is licensed therapist and an environmentalist (he once made an ecological awareness trek on foot all the way across the United States). This is gentle, full-of-feeling music. The piano and acoustic guitar are real acoustic instruments (no synthesizers) and Manring plays the hauntingly-flowing fretless electric bass. The music they create is eclectic, invigorating and passionate.

18 tracks is a lot of music and Franklin uses the space well throughout the recording. I was impressed with the overall diversity that I heard. Between the acoustic guitar, piano and Manring’s amazing fretless bass, each track held its own very well. For a listener that wants to take the time to hear it all fall into place within each track, I would recommend taking the time to do so. It not only soothes and relaxes; it brings to mind pleasant images that give a very spiritual atmosphere. Textured like a billowing cloud sitting in the middle of a clear blue sky, this music awaits you. Keith Hannaleck