Kathy Frank, drummer and visual artist, performed with her husband, tenor saxophonist Ken Barry, on the Pat Morrissey / Artt Frank CD release on the MJA Records label out of New York City, entitled Souvenir. Souvenir is the title track composition written by her father, legendary bop drummer Artt Frank, who has played with such luminaries as Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, Tadd Dameron, Dexter Gordon, Jimmy Heath, Lee Morgan, Al Cohn, and many others -- including many years with trumpet immortal, Chet Baker.
Kathy also inherits considerable artistic talents from her mother, jazz vocalist and sculptor Earla Porch, who counts Chet Baker and Rex Reed among her admirers.
On Souvenir, Kathy is joined by Chet Baker alum Harold Danko, who is considered by critics to be one of the greatest jazz pianists ever. Harold had this to say about Kathy's drumming: "It really wasn't any surprise to me that she could swing as hard as she does. She has a great sense of time, and big ears, and she responds with appropriate placement." And Phil Bowler (bass) was no less impressed, saying, "She really swings, man! ... She has that same special feel as her father. She's focused and intense and she knows how to cook."
Kathy, like her dad Artt Frank, is a player who draws her inspiration from above -- from the same deep spiritual well. Artt, speaking of Kathy, said the following: "Listening to her play is like listening to myself on record or CD. I mean, she has that exact same ride cymbal work that I have. And she even uses her left hand accents against the ride and bass drum as I do. The longer she plays, the more she's going to receive -- she has inherited my history as a bop drummer. I'm very proud of her."
