So let's cut to the chase. Not only does Francis avoid the sophomore jinx that derails so many artists, but he continues to build on his prolific profile creating a feast for famished guitar instrumental fans looking for something just a little different. Each song has a fictional movie theme that is given both a stud and sister rating. In fact, the movie theme even invades the musical content with the opening tongue in cheek dialogue between a male and female in disagreement. The male uses much profanity though it is completely blocked out by Steve Vai like guitar effects similar to those used in the David Lee Roth song "Yankee Rose."

The dialogue merges directly into the sassy "Studs n' Sisters" which explores the twin lead guitar harmony work that made Thin Lizzy and Wishbone Ash so famous. Add some fine flirtatious bass work from Francis and you know that you are in for another treat release from this still young though very mature axe slinger. The song is followed by impressive track after impressive track. One such moment is the funky horns of "Light it Up" that also includes an extended guitar duo between Francis and Blues Saraceno. And if the dueling was not enough, fast forward to the end of the album courtesy of the bonus track cheekily titled "Deleted Scenes" for even more battle axe escapades between the two. Great stuff with exceptional speed and execution. Meanwhile, if you found the brass work stimulating, then the R&B flavor of the danceable yet gritty "You Can Dance Better Than That" much in the vein of Aerosmith, will also float your boat.

However, it is not just volume that pervades and directs Chris's compositions as the electric warrior is also very capable of being an acoustic saint. This is best exemplified by the hauntingly beautiful "Used To Be". Instead of power and speed, Francis shows his listener the value of a well held soaring note that will send chills down your spine. Though the song is a little more mid tempo and mellow it would still benefit you to turn up the volume to grasp the entire vibe that is being presented. This mid tempo theme is repeated courtesy of the more moody and bluesy "Riding For A Fall."

The album is self produced and is warm and technically meticulous. In fact, with the exception of a few musical guests as well as the powerful interpretation of Madonna's "Material Girl," this is a solo album in the truest sense of the word. Yet it is of high caliber material that never falls into the category of another boring guitar workout. In fact, Studs n' Sisters translates into one of the best instrumental guitar albums in a very long time. One can only hope for continued success for this up and coming guitarist and that Ten's Gary Hughes wises up and makes full use of Francis' songwriting capabilities stud and sister rating. In fact, the movie theme even invades the musical content with the opening tongue in cheek dialogue between a male and female in disagreement. The male uses much profanity though it is completely blocked out by Steve Vai like guitar effects similar to those used in the David Lee Roth song "Yankee Rose."

The dialogue merges directly into the sassy "Studs n' Sisters" which explores the twin lead guitar harmony work that made Thin Lizzy and Wishbone Ash so famous. Add some fine flirtatious bass work from Francis and you know that you are in for another treat release from this still young though very mature axe slinger.

The song is followed by impressive track after impressive track. One such moment is the funky horns of "Light it Up" that also includes an extended guitar duo between Francis and Blues Saraceno. And if the dueling was not enough, fast forward to the end of the album courtesy of the bonus track cheekily titled "Deleted Scenes" for even more battle axe escapades between the two. Great stuff with exceptional speed and execution. Meanwhile, if you found the brass work stimulating, then the R&B flavor of the danceable yet gritty "You Can Dance Better Than That" much in the vein of Aerosmith, will also float your boat.

However, it is not just volume that pervades and directs Chris's compositions as the electric warrior is also very capable of being an acoustic saint. This is best exemplified by the hauntingly beautiful "Used To Be". Instead of power and speed, Francis shows his listener the value of a well held soaring note that will send chills down your spine. Though the song is a little more mid tempo and mellow it would still benefit you to turn up the volume to grasp the entire vibe that is being presented. This mid tempo theme is repeated courtesy of the more moody and bluesy "Riding For A Fall."

The album is self produced and is warm and technically meticulous. In fact, with the exception of a few musical guests as well as the powerful interpretation of Madonna's "Material Girl," this is a solo album in the truest sense of the word. Yet it is of high caliber material that never falls into the category of another boring guitar workout. In fact, Studs n' Sisters translates into one of the best instrumental guitar albums in a very long time. One can only hope for continued success for this up and coming guitarist and that Ten's Gary Hughes wises up and makes full use of Francis' songwriting capabilities.