Been a While in the Press
Translation: "On 'False Profit', the musicians so serve their instruments that their playing earns only top marks from me."
- Mike Kempf, Rocktimes (Germany) 2014
Translation: "Franklin's sound is not the electronic grungy sound that characterizes some contemporary albums. It remains transparent, coherent and pleasing to the ear. It's a fine mix of jazz, R & B, soul and funk."
- Eric Schuurmans, Rootstime (Belgium) 2014
Translation: "Franklin's sound is not the electronic grungy sound that characterizes some contemporary albums. It remains transparent, coherent and pleasing to the ear. It's a fine mix of jazz, R & B, soul and funk."
- Eric Schuurmans, Rootstime (Belgium) 2014
"Been a While has become a quiet listening piece."
- Philip Verhaege, Keys and Chords 2014
"Had I heard this disc in 2013 (the year it was released) it might very well have made my "best of the year" list. It’s that good."
- G. W. Hill, Music Street Live 2014
"It’s so wonderful when a completely unexpected CD arrives and proves to be real good. And this has happened again, with this CARL FRANKLIN album from the US. His music is soul, r’n’b and some westcoast mixed together. I think of bands and artists like HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS, STEELY DAN and LITTLE RIVER BAND here."
- Ola Gränshagen, Melodic.Net (Sweden) October 26, 2014
"Carl´s jazz/pop cover of The Beatles 'Drive my car' is awesome. Guitar legend John Scofield is guesting on the fusion trip of 'Chain reaction,' one of the reasons you should check out this album if you´re a fan of jazz and funk. Cool!"
- Kaj Roth, Palace of Rock (Sweden) February 11, 2014
"Fans and first-time listeners will immediately note stylistic similarities to sophisticated pop acts such as Steely Dan, Larry Carlton and Galactic, though there is a distinctive Franklin DNA that works beautifully with the distinctive talents of his core musicians."
- Rick Koster, The New London Day Sept 9, 2013
"Been a While ... is a thoroughly worthwhile recording that features fine playing, very good material, and a healthy dose of the influence of Steely Dan. For many, that latter quality may well be enough to land this recording on many people's want-lists. But there's enough originality that it does not turn into a kind of tribute album, and there's enough variety to keep it interesting."
- George Graham, WVIA Scranton, PA December 4, 2013
"... a continuous dose of smooth vocals, well thought-out articulate lyrics and solos... Lots of commercial potential and very easy to listen to!"
- Ms. Marci, Sound Waves Magazine November, 2013 Issue. Page 18
"The grooves are front and center. Each instrument takes its position in the mix. Tight vocal harmonies reminiscent of The Eagles (or maybe Atlanta Rhythm Section) are layered over the funk, adding a bit of chill. Scofield adds his signature licks and supporting comments."
- PR Newswire October 7, 2013
"Carl is the King of Groove here on this release. With top-notch musicians, and a super-soothing voice, it's reminiscent of older Steely Dan, but for 2013. Love it!"
- Sue Menhart, Amazon.com comments September 5, 2013
"I've heard some of these songs for years. From their infant stages to this final product, these songs have been a labor of love for Carl. And when a guy as gifted as Carl takes on a labor of love, the finished product is usually well worth the wait. 'Been A While' is no exception. The mixes, the performances, and the songs themselves are all top-shelf."
- Chris Castle, iTunes comments
- Mike Kempf, Rocktimes (Germany) 2014
Translation: "Franklin's sound is not the electronic grungy sound that characterizes some contemporary albums. It remains transparent, coherent and pleasing to the ear. It's a fine mix of jazz, R & B, soul and funk."
- Eric Schuurmans, Rootstime (Belgium) 2014
Translation: "Franklin's sound is not the electronic grungy sound that characterizes some contemporary albums. It remains transparent, coherent and pleasing to the ear. It's a fine mix of jazz, R & B, soul and funk."
- Eric Schuurmans, Rootstime (Belgium) 2014
"Been a While has become a quiet listening piece."
- Philip Verhaege, Keys and Chords 2014
"Had I heard this disc in 2013 (the year it was released) it might very well have made my "best of the year" list. It’s that good."
- G. W. Hill, Music Street Live 2014
"It’s so wonderful when a completely unexpected CD arrives and proves to be real good. And this has happened again, with this CARL FRANKLIN album from the US. His music is soul, r’n’b and some westcoast mixed together. I think of bands and artists like HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS, STEELY DAN and LITTLE RIVER BAND here."
- Ola Gränshagen, Melodic.Net (Sweden) October 26, 2014
"Carl´s jazz/pop cover of The Beatles 'Drive my car' is awesome. Guitar legend John Scofield is guesting on the fusion trip of 'Chain reaction,' one of the reasons you should check out this album if you´re a fan of jazz and funk. Cool!"
- Kaj Roth, Palace of Rock (Sweden) February 11, 2014
"Fans and first-time listeners will immediately note stylistic similarities to sophisticated pop acts such as Steely Dan, Larry Carlton and Galactic, though there is a distinctive Franklin DNA that works beautifully with the distinctive talents of his core musicians."
- Rick Koster, The New London Day Sept 9, 2013
"Been a While ... is a thoroughly worthwhile recording that features fine playing, very good material, and a healthy dose of the influence of Steely Dan. For many, that latter quality may well be enough to land this recording on many people's want-lists. But there's enough originality that it does not turn into a kind of tribute album, and there's enough variety to keep it interesting."
- George Graham, WVIA Scranton, PA December 4, 2013
"... a continuous dose of smooth vocals, well thought-out articulate lyrics and solos... Lots of commercial potential and very easy to listen to!"
- Ms. Marci, Sound Waves Magazine November, 2013 Issue. Page 18
"The grooves are front and center. Each instrument takes its position in the mix. Tight vocal harmonies reminiscent of The Eagles (or maybe Atlanta Rhythm Section) are layered over the funk, adding a bit of chill. Scofield adds his signature licks and supporting comments."
- PR Newswire October 7, 2013
"Carl is the King of Groove here on this release. With top-notch musicians, and a super-soothing voice, it's reminiscent of older Steely Dan, but for 2013. Love it!"
- Sue Menhart, Amazon.com comments September 5, 2013
"I've heard some of these songs for years. From their infant stages to this final product, these songs have been a labor of love for Carl. And when a guy as gifted as Carl takes on a labor of love, the finished product is usually well worth the wait. 'Been A While' is no exception. The mixes, the performances, and the songs themselves are all top-shelf."
- Chris Castle, iTunes comments