Max Frankl

One of Europe’s finest jazz guitarists, Max Frankl combines superb phrasing, clean articulation, fleet-fingered flowing lines and thoughtful, harmonically rich compositions on his upcoming album 72 Orchard Street, his eighth recording as a leader and most compelling to date. He is joined by a crew of remarkably interactive players and exceptional soloists in trombonist and longtime collaborator Nils Wogram, alto saxophonist-alto clarinetist Reto Suhner, electric bassist Patrick Sommer and drummer Lionel Friedli this outstanding release for Wogram's Nwog Records.

A few of the pieces on Frankl’s latest release reflect his time living in New York City. The frantic title track, for instance, is named for the address on Manhattan’s Lower East Side where Frankl spent one month during his residency in the Big Apple. Due to a significant mold issue in that apartment, he was forced to move to Clinton Avenue (the title of track two) in Brooklyn. “Myrtle Avenue” is named for a major street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, where Frankl had lived on a previous visit to the Big Apple. “I've always loved Brooklyn’s vibe, especially Fort Greene, which is relaxed and calm compared to Manhattan,” said the guitarist-composer. “It’s my favorite place in New York City.”