Beginning as an orchestral clarinettist and chorister, Dom Franks studied jazz under Jean Toussaint and became a lover of soul and funk during the early 2000s. These days he is part of the thriving west of England jazz scene.

As the title suggests, this new album is merely the first instalment of a longer project, the second part of which is promised for January of 2025. Duality pt.1 is Franks's tribute not so much to his fellow saxophonists as to organ masters Larry Goldings and the late Joey DeFrancesco.

But unlike many such tributes, the album consists of original compositions, inspired by his idols rather than merely reworking their material. ‘Storm Chaser’, for example, is very much in the slick post-bop DeFrancesco style, with a wonderfully assured tenor solo from Franks himself. Everyone sounds great on this tune, particularly guitarist Hopkins and drummer Tween, both of whom give an excellent account of themselves. Throughout the album more than able support is provided by the two organists.

Franks’ influences are much broader than Goldings and DeFrancesco. This openness to different styles is evident throughout, from the gospel-like ‘Home Fries’ to the dreamy, soaring ‘Ellipsis’ to the cheery New York swagger of ‘(The Wisdom of) Charlie Brown’. The Strayhorn band as a whole sound settled and cohesive whilst exploring these different avenues.

Duality is an accomplished and highly accessible release that effectively whets our appetite for part two.