ALive At The Black Knight In New Orleans by Frankie Brent – A Jazz-Pop Gem That Sticks With You
There’s something about live albums that just hits different, ya know? They’ve got this raw energy, like you’re peeking into a moment in time that can never be replicated. And Frankie Brent’s ALive At The Black Knight In New Orleans is no exception. This jazz-pop vocal masterpiece feels less like an album and more like a late-night hangout with friends—friends who happen to have killer pipes and serious stage presence.
Frankie’s voice has this smoky smoothness to it, but don’t let that fool ya—it’s got grit too. It’s the kind of sound that wraps around you like a warm hug while still keeping you on your toes. The setlist leans classic but with enough twists to keep things fresh. Tracks like "San Francisco" and "Wine Drinker" are standouts for me, and here’s why they stuck in my brain.
"San Francisco" kicks off with this dreamy vibe, almost like you’re walking through foggy streets at dawn. Frankie nails the balance between nostalgia and hope—you can practically feel the Golden Gate Bridge swaying in the background. But what really gets me is how he lets the lyrics breathe; every word lands like it’s been thoughtfully placed there just for you. By the end, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to book a flight to California or sit back down for another listen.
Then there’s "Wine Drinker," which might as well come with its own wine glass emoji. This track slinks along with this sultry groove, and Frankie’s delivery makes it impossible not to grin. There’s a playful swagger to his voice here, like he’s inviting you to pour yourself a glass and join him in some mischief. The band locks in perfectly, giving it this loose-but-tight feel that screams “we’re having fun up here.” Honestly, after hearing this one, I started looking at bottles of red differently.
The rest of the album holds up strong too. Covers like "All The Things You Are" get the respect they deserve without feeling stiff, and "Everybody Loves Somebody" brings that timeless charm we all need once in a while. It’s clear Frankie loves these songs, and his passion spills over into every note.
If I had to nitpick, maybe a couple tracks could’ve leaned even harder into their jazz roots—but honestly, that’s part of what makes this album so accessible. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s just rolling with it in style.
So yeah, ALive At The Black Knight In New Orleans ain’t perfect—but maybe that’s the point. Listening to it feels like catching lightning in a bottle: messy, magical, and totally unforgettable. If anything, it left me wondering… does Frankie ever play gigs outside New Orleans? Because I’d totally show up—and bring the wine.
Rating: 8/10
