Heard to good effect on Stefon Harris' latest album, Sonic Creed, young pianist Francies makes a solid debut here. It will come as little surprise that Derrick Hodge is in the producer's chair, as there are discernible echoes of both his work and that of Robert Glasper, in whose band he has played for many years. Hence the sharp contemporary slant of the sound, shaped by the density of hip-hop production, as well as the emotive surge of soul, is well to the fore. But 23-year-old Francies, who has already accompanied heavyweights, such as Pat Metheny and Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, has an approach to composing that is both lyrical and confrontational, with driving, bubbling drum figures a key part of much of the material. At times the emphasis on soaring melodies laced with sparkly electronics and bulging sub-bass strays loosely into Thundercat territory, making for tempting speculation on what a real-time meeting of these minds would possibly bring. Francies' soloing, particularly, on synths, is also pleasingly well-balanced between long and winding harmonic roads and punchy rhythmic pathways. As good a point of career departure as could be expected.