Dany Franchi

Problem Child

Station House

For his third album, Italian singer/guitarist Dany Franchi enlisted high profile support from Anson Funderburgh and Andy T.  Anson and Andy recognized the talents of one of today’s emerging bluesmen and surrounded him with top notch players in Austin to record this genuine blues effort. Funderburgh says, “it was a real pleasure working with Dany. He’s a passionate singer with a great voice; his approach to songwriting is solid and well-thought-out. He plays guitar with a n authentic, old-school style while lending his own unique intensity to the sound, and breathes a new life into the music while staying true to its origins.  Dany is one o the new guy who will keep the rootsy blue and soul sound alive and moving forward.”

It’s difficult to argue with or embellish such high praise but here’s some more about Franchi.  He was born in Genoa, Italy in 1990 and has already received recognition as one the idiom’s rising stars, having played in several festivals globally.  His calendar is full of them this summer too.  His first album “I Believe’ was made in 2014 in collaboration with IBC winner Sean Carney.  In February 2017 Funderburgh and Don Ritter of Category5Amps decided to produce this album, recording in Austin with Grammy-winning engineer Stuart Sullivan.  Franchi wrote ten of the thirteen tunes, adding three covers. Jim Pugh is on keys, Nate Rowe on bass, Wes Starr on drums and Funderburgh is on guitar for “Back to the River” and Problem Child.” Andy T. plays rhythm on “Don’t Steal My Time.”  The Texas Horn lead by Kaz Kazanoff are on several tracks and Greg Izor adds harp to Eddie Taylor’s “Big Town Playboy.”

It’s uncanny how Franchi seems so natural.  His voice immediately exudes soul and he does not overplay.  His solos are crisp and clean, supporting the whole of the song rather than taking the “guitar hero” approach. Note these tracks if you’re prone to sample first – “Back to the River,” “Don’t Steal My Time,” and the slow blues of “My Only One.” Franchi’s guitar work is especially outstanding on Willie Dixon’s “Everything Gonna Be Alright.” He channels Albert King on “Wanna Know.”

Franchi’s already earned the respect of blues royalty. Viewing his website, you’ll find YouTube clips of Franchi performing with Funderburgh and harmonica aces Bob Corritore and Kim Wilson.  He’s performed at the renowned Dallas Guitar Festival and several other prestigious festivals.  If you’re a fan of Funderburgh and the Andy T. band this one’s right in your wheelhouse.

• Jim Hynes

[amazon_link asins=’B072119XJB,B00NUX9Q5O,B072MGG51N,B00NUXA3WO,B00NUXA2S4,B00NUXA11M,B00NUX9ZSW,B00NUX9YJM,B00NUX9XD4′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’maasc-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’25f26705-586e-11e8-ab37-bd12f7b269a0′]