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Independently Speaking:The Frank McComb
Interview by Charese McLean-Davis reseydavis@excapethematrix.com
On February 3, 2007, while performing to a packed house in
Los Angeles at the popular Temple Bar, Frank McComb is encircled
in musical flames. The man is singing like his life depends on
it, his hands conversing with the keys like they’re in a serious
relationship. Sitting at his Fender Rhodes, he vibes and rocks
with his band so hard that the crowd shouts out with fever. He
possesses the intensity of a man who is on an undeniable and
continuing journey. He has clearly been some places, seen some
things and met some people that have given him his fierceness,
veracity and his determination to perform his best every time he
reaches a stage. This commitment has enabled him to create
numerous albums. Albums which he has single-handedly written,
produced, engineered and even packaged on his own, including the
highly acclaimed "Straight From the Vault", which earned
him the "SoulTracks 2005 Album of the Year" award. His all
instrumental "Tribute to the Masters" CD also reached No. 1 on
the SoulTracks charts shortly after its release in late 2006.
After the show, we share a couple of laughs and shot the breeze.
Days after the show, he was gracious enough to continue the chat
with me via e-mail about his past, present and future in regards
to his career. CMD: What does performing in front of a live audience
feel like and do for you? FM: It's a rush. There's nothing like a group of people
grooving to and singing your songs. CMD: Are you ever nervous before you perform? FM: Very seldom. Why be nervous when you know the
people came to see you? I can understand if you're
opening for someone else and it's their crowd, that's a
little different. Even in a situation like that, I'm still very
seldom nervous. CMD: I've heard you say that you play as well as you
sing, which is crazy! Which do you prefer? FM: Both because I love to do both. God forbid, but if I ever
lose my voice I can always depend on my hands and vice versa. CMD: 
FM: It's not good when a lot of the signed artists I know are wishing they could leave their labels. Promoters don't have the greatest reputation right now either. The pimpin' business is probably in better shape than the music business right about now.
CMD:
Where do you fit in as far as today's music is concerned?FM: I don't. That's always been the issue. "People" (record companies, managers, booking agents, club managers/owners, etc.) have always tried to get me to fit to "their" way of doing things because it's more convenient for "them". If I adjust myself to their system then everything will be great...for "them". I seem to be getting more accomplished doing things on my own. Don't get me wrong, everyone ain't bad and I'm sure the right team is out there for me but until we cross paths I'll continue to work alone.
CMD: What inspires you to write music?
FM: Life - the good, the bad and especially the ugly.
CMD: I remember you telling me that you were shy during your formative singing years. What finally gave you the courage to sing publicly?
FM: More like "who." Gerald Levert and his father Eddie Levert encouraged me to get there and do my own thing after touring in 1991 as the Musical Director for The Rude Boys on the O'Jays, LeVert and The Rude Boys tour. Eddie always encouraged me to never leave the piano while on stage. He would always say "cause that's where your magic is..."
CMD: What has given you the push to continue in an industry that is so uncertain?
FM: The fact that I miss what I grew up listening to. To be able to sell MY music directly to the buying public lets me know that I'm not the only one who misses the sound of PURE soul/jazz.
CMD: As an accomplished singer/songwriter/performer, what can you say to someone who is trying to make it in this business?
FM: 1. Learn the game for yourself.
2. Try to be as independent as you can.
3. Learn everyone's job so that you'll know when
they're slacking.
That way, if you have to fire them you
can do their job and not have to
worry about your ship
sinking. Be a true captain!
4. Count your own money and pay your own bills.
CMD:
You recently recorded an instrumental CD. What was your inspiration for that?FM: I wanted to show my appreciation with "A Tribute to the Masters" to the pianists that have inspired me along the way. I'm completely blown away that it's receiving so much attention, it was not expected! To be honest, I was prepared to catch a lot of heat from the buying public because I'm not singing a note ANYWHERE on the CD.
CMD: Musically speaking, who do you listen to? 
FM: Not much of anything lately, sad to say. Nowadays I can't seem to find anything that creatively touches my heart; therefore I have to go back to the stuff I grew up listening to. I'm listening to Billy Cobham "Total Eclipse" (1974) as I type the answers to this interview.
CMD: If you could record a duet with a male and female, who would they be?
FM: Kelly Price and Beyonce Knowles.
CMD: You gave me 2 females you'd like to duet with...no male artists?
FM:
Nnnnnnnnnnnope. Can't think of anyone off hand.....that's pretty bad, huh? If I had to say someone off the top of my head it would have to be Daryl Coley who, by the way, was the very first person at my show a few days ago.CMD: What is the first word that comes to your mind when you hear these names: Prince?
FM: Great cat to work with. He's really an everyday "person" behind the image.
CMD:
Alicia Keys?
FM: Can she really play?
CMD:
Beyonce Knowles?FM: I wonder what her gospel would sound like.
CMD:
Ne-Yo?FM: I'm very impressed with his acting skills. He'll probably be a monster once he finds his musical identity.
CMD: Name a song that describes who you are musically or not.
FM: You got me on this one cause I can't think of one. We Cancers have too many sides! (LOL)
CMD: Thank you, Frank!
FM: No, thank you!
For more information about Frank’s upcoming performances, to purchase any of his music or to have a good old fashioned chat amongst the "Frankadelics" and "Honeycombs," visit www.frankmccomb.info.com.