Released - September 2023 on Mula Records https://mularecords.bandcamp.com/ Reviewed - 23 September 2023 by Rockin Rebel
Comes from Nos, Region Metropolitana, Chile, and plays a multitude of instruments creating the most unique sound to any genre of music. And he certainly plays a few different sounds from swing to Latin. And he taught himself every instrument and plays all the instruments on this album. Frank has played all over the world, Peru, Argentina. Nothing is above this gentleman’s talents. He produces, mixes and records all his own material plus all different bands and genres from rockabilly to rumba. With a great recording career behind him he delights us with his special touch to some favourite classics from the likes of Hank Williams through to Kris Kristofferson.
Frank Jacket – all instruments
Track by track Trying to get to you (McCoy and Singleton) First recorded in 1954 by the rhythm and blues band the Eagles and it is so far away from the original. This truly modern take, sung in a country vocal but backed by a sound that makes this version as fresh as the day it was written. Frank's vocals as always, rich, soft and meaningful, he gives it the Elvis style ending and brings the opener to a close.
You Win Again (Williams) So many versions of this blues ballad, it’s been Rocked up and slowed down. He even sounds very similar to Hank Snr himself on this recording. It is played and sung in a slightly higher key but maintains the sound to the original. I feel I’m going to be saying this a lot, but his style of music is just second to none on the backing and with such a vocal talent to add over is just pure delight.
I Love you Because (Payne) Will always be a Jim Reeves classic for me and with so many great cover versions out there it's going to be hard to beat. So Frank speeds it up a little and gives a vocal performance that makes me play it time after time. From a ballad to a barn dance, foot tapping and heel slapping cover. His vocal change at the end is just a pleasure to the ears.
Everyday (Holly-Petty) We all know that Buddy Holly would have made such a change in modern 1950s music. Well, I think he would have been proud of this cover by frank. Using his array of instruments and techniques he keeps it in the style of the classic hit but with such a sentimental, heartfelt tribute to buddy version. Just how many overdubs it took to create this track with backing vocals and all the instruments featured. Great cover.
Hound Dog (Lieber -Stoller) The classic rock n roll track turned country roots. It shouldn’t, but it works. Banjo jumping in for the Rockin guitar. Dualling hounds give a great mid-section break, Frank holding the note gives it a totally different feel. Certainly, different from the version that got Elvis, being filmed from the waist up. Clever track!
Lord, I’m Coming Home (Kirkpatrick) It still amazes me after all the albums, tapes, and CDs, that I still get to hear a song that I’ve never come across. Such a beautiful rendition of a great gospel song. I can see it’s been covered by many a great artist like Tennessee Ernie ford up to Marty Stewart. Frank's vocals change it from a spiritual song to a country blues. Not sure how he thought that up, but praise deserved.
I Miss you Already (Rainwater-Young) Frank hits the high note to open this classic country cover. First recorded by legend Faron Young(writer) in 1957 as a stand alone single. Frank gives a perfect rendition with his vocals matching that of Faron’s. It’s the first track that sounds musically like the original. So, I guess it’s a favourite of franks. Great version.
We Belong Together (Carr-Mitchell-Weiss) Covered by a multitude of stars over the years. The Belmont’s in 61, jimmy velvet in 64. But more famously a Richie Valance cover was released in 1957. Frank sings this with such passion and provides a great backing vocal along with it. Just a simple snare drum and easy guitar allows the vocal to take the forefront.
Why Me Lord (Kristofferson) With its southern western feel it comes across more like a Marty Robbins el paso style intro.i must admit the first time I heard this track was on a bootleg Elvis concert with Elvis taking second lead with J.D Sumner from the stamps, it brought tears to my eyes then as it does now. It's not the style of the song, it's the words behind it. Frank does a super job on this track keeping the emotion in the vocal and letting the backing follow along. Brilliant.
Endless Sleep (Reynolds- Nance) Inspired by the track Heartbreak Hotel, this is also a story of lost love and tragedy. Jody Reynold’s released the track in 1958 but was often missed out on radio play due to its sadness and gloom. The second songwriter was made up on the hope it would give its listeners the view it was a song writing team. Frank keeps them sad vocals with a solo every guitar pick. The song had its ending rewritten so it saved the girl from drowning.
Bye Bye Love (Felice-Bryant) Husband and wife writing team for this classic Everly Brothers track from 1957. Keeping its original guitar opening before frank takes over and transforms into a whole new backing. Frank's ability to hear and then put in place an all new style with the instruments he choses and plays is just out of this world. And to top it off is another gold star for the vocal accompaniment.
Another Lonesome Morning (Adcock-Special) Ok, when did you last hear a cover of a Emmylou Harris song? Emmylou used an acoustic guitar for the backing, and it worked. A tender ballad was the result. Frank turns into a slightly faster backing and up-tempo vocals giving it that country beat with his musical direction. Lovely version.
Roses are Blooming (Williams-McCurdy) First recorded in 1951 and I believe it was backed by a Harmonica and guitar, whilst frank opens this track with the wonderful sound of the accordion and backed with an oasis of rhythms.
Are you missing me (Louvins) Frank gives us another vocal treat with this bluegrass cover, originally recorded in 1952 by Jim and Jesse McReynolds whose version is not too far from this one, once again a plethora of musical instruments from this one man show. His vocals never get tiresome, and his vocal ability is spot on.
Sure to Fall (Perkins) First recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955 but for the English its better probably known by the Beatles who recorded it for their Decca audition. Frank once again delivers a track that is few and far between to cover such a song. This is a beautiful rendition that I know Carl would have been proud to hear.
Lonesome Town(knight) The first time I heard this track was by Shakin’ Stevens in the early 80s. and I have heard many more since. Frank takes the track from a dreary teardrop heartbreaker to a mid tempo ballad. Acoustic guitar takes the lead with some nice deep bass. Great singing of the song from 1958 and the Ricky Nelson songbook.
Summary: Total enjoyment, from track one to the last track is so refreshing. Frank delivers a unique style of playing and vocals that I've not heard before. His musical imagination is just second to none. Covering some tracks that have never been covered and presented in total respect to every writer and artist.
Recommendation Simply yes
BIO: I came into this in the years that we did rock and roll with my old band "Betty Boops Los de Pecos Bill", those days are when I know other musical wonders like rockabilly , hillbilly, western swing, bluegrass, etc., around 2006, I began to compose in these styles under the name "Frank Jacket" and invented bands like "Nosville Hillbillys" and later "Frank Jacket & Los de Rio Seco" would come. "or Frank Jacket and "whatever"..constantly recording singles, eps, albums, all under my independent record label here in Chile "MULA (mule) RECORDS" and always playing in the (although small) Chilean country/rockabilly scene, as for the instruments I play, well, they have been learned over time and each one has its own charm, although I admit that the Steel Guitar is one of my favorites.
