Tony Franklin (Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers)

Courtesy of Fretless Monster Com

 

He is that rare bassist you can identify in one phrase!

 

Along with Jack Bruce, Jaco Pastorius, Fernando Saunders, Sting, and Pino Palladino  – Tony Franklin is among the most accomplished and recognizable fretless bassists to ply his craft in a primarily rock / pop context.

 

Franklin’s tenure with Jimmy Page, Chris Slade, and Paul Rodgers in The Firm profoundly augmented the language of hard rock bass – serving as a dual rhythmic foundation and harmonic catalyst.  His mastery of sustain coupled with his resonant tone showed just how magnificent the fretless can be when given the opportunity!   

 

A solo recording artist, composer, clinician, educator, and producer, among Tony’s top recorded works as a session cat / sideman / collaborator include platters with Glenn Hughes,  Jimmy Page, David Coverdale, Roy Harper, Donna Lewis, Tony MacAlpine, David Gilmour & Kate Bush, and Graham Bonnet to cite a select few.

 

Drawing his inspiration from the greats – Sir Paul, Jaco, Jamerson, and Queen’s countermelodic master John Deacon, Tony and Fender created a signature fretless and fretted Precision bass replete with a Hipshot Bass Xtender, a jazz bridge pickup, and vintage tuners.

 

An engaging presence on social media – keep up with Tony via his YouTube Page: Tony Franklin – The Fretless Monster and his website www.fretlessmonster.com

 

Tony Franklin Sound & Vision:

 

Glenn Hughes “I’m The Man” https://youtu.be/IO-36XiGxa8

 

The Firm “Satisfaction Guaranteed” https://youtu.be/p4zbS8pciTU

 

David Coverdale “Don’t You Cry” https://youtu.be/p4zbS8pciTU

 

VHF “Backside of Your Eyes” https://youtu.be/SNe9nAlQMXk

 

Tony Franklin “Never Be The Same” https://youtu.be/xP0sGkwl8X4

 

Tony Senatore rendering Tony Franklin with The Firm “Radioactive” https://youtu.be/i_Fy_YTaIOc