Dear listeners and readers of Soundville,

Music is a powerful means for artists to express feelings, experiences, and thoughts. And today I would like to tell you about Frank Hannon, a musician with quite a large background in creating music and performing on stage, as well as a co-founding member of the band TESLA. He has a rich history of songwriting and releasing singles and albums, but here I want to focus on his new solo release, a 13-track album titled ‘Reflections’, which came out on September 12th. It is an instrumental album that reflects Frank Hannon’s roots, blues rock, the spirit of the Wild West, his upbringing surrounded by country music, out in the fields, warm sunsets, free winds. A significant part of this release also carries the echo of personal trials and losses.

What is truly amazing and incredibly valuable about this record is that Frank Hannon recorded it on an Audigo wireless mic and mobile app, and he did it in a single take. The album becomes a pure stream of emotion, when everything lived and felt finds expression in music. In ‘Reflections’ and its 13 tracks Hannon gives release to everything that had been troubling and weighing on his soul after a series of tragic and painful events, holding on to the roots that shaped him. This album is on one hand a deep reflection, and on the other, a work of art created in its most direct and genuine form. To me it feels almost like a creative trance, when an artist turns completely inward and from his heart, soul, and lived experience flows the music he records and shares with the world.

It is one thing when a musician works on an album or a single, when the concept and sound are thought out in advance, and the tracklist is formed based on these ideas. There is a technical part where the musician plans how the release will sound. But with Frank Hannon’s album ‘Reflections’ everything is so free, so natural, like breathing. This is an album born from a spontaneous, momentary flow that turned into art. It is wonderful and incredibly valuable when music takes this form of healing. Right now I want to start listening to the most striking tracks that caught me the most and allowed me to feel the music. I recommend you put aside all your affairs, take your best headphones, and join me in this listening.

Of course, the first track is ‘Walk in the Rain’. Frank Hannon’s amazing guitar playing, the captivating string runs, and the intimate warm live sound with hints of the Wild West and acceptance are incredibly gripping. I love how a warm feeling of understanding and intimacy dominates in ‘Walk in the Rain’ throughout the entire track. The magnificent guitars of Frank Hannon in the track ‘San Francisco’ weave into something very playful, wild, something you want to know better, but there is a slight suspicion in the chest. It is a passion that is incredibly difficult to convey through instrumental music, but Frank Hannon succeeded. I like the complex technical elements and the complicated harmonies. And you know, when you remember that ‘San Francisco’ was born in the moment and recorded in one take, you immediately get goosebumps. It is amazing!

I can’t leave out the track ‘A Hundred Miles’ with its brightness, carefreeness, and energy that makes you just want to drop all worries, get off work, roll down the windows, and simply return home somewhere far from the city—where, with the passing of time, it seems like those were the best years. ‘A Hundred Miles’ is an incredibly strong track and definitely should be in your collection of inspiring songs. You know, something very sad and soulful in the track ‘Joy and Pain’ dividing the release into two parts caught me. I like the lead guitar that replaces the vocals and simply sings in Frank Hannon’s hands, while the supporting guitar arrangements add such charm that makes you want to close your eyes and feel the true moment with all its past decisions and the events around. Perfect blues!

I like how sensitive and heartfelt the track ‘Into the Blue’ sounds. It is one of the most melancholic and sad tracks, the guitar in Frank Hannon’s hands becomes alive, it breathes and tells a sad story filled with longing, regrets, hopes, unfulfilled dreams, and possibly unspoken words. When listening to ‘Into the Blue’, I get chills because it sounds so personal and intimate. Frank Hannon’s playing is absolutely amazing, only tracks made with soul can sound like this. The good old warm country in the track ‘Monkey Kitty’ dispels all the fuss and sadness. This track is so amazing, bright, stylish, and it makes a smile appear on the face, which gives ‘Monkey Kitty’ a special charm. What gives it this charm is the freedom and warmth of its sound. It is a very cinematic track, if it were chosen for a silent film to accompany theatrical scenes, I think that would be a great choice. Very cool.

The album concludes with the track ‘Reflections,’ which is also the central piece of the album and seems to hold everything that was in Frank Hannon’s soul. ‘Reflections’ is a beautiful and technically intricate track, with stunning guitar runs and airy strings that echo and intertwine, creating a connected and deep narrative. It was the perfect ending to the album! And you know, I even want to listen to it again just to enjoy that incredible sound once more. Be sure to add your favorite tracks from Frank Hannon’s ‘Reflections’ to your playlist so you don’t miss out on such wonderful music. It was amazing!

Hey Frank Hannon! Thank you for releasing such deep and touching music. It was magical, when I listened to ‘Reflections,’ I felt how many different emotions, memories, and influences were in it. Every track has its own incredible energy that makes you want to feel it again and again, discovering something new each time. You can hear how much work, energy, and life went into ‘Reflections,’ and I will definitely share your release with everyone. Let them also listen to such deep, emotional, and wonderful music. I love it and want more. I’m your fan!

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With much love,
Soundville