Glastonbury veteran Julian Franks (tabla player and percussionist) has spread his wings and can now add producer, arranger, songwriter and film maker to his credits as creator and instigator of the Jewel in the Lotus project.  

The CD includes Tibetan singer Soname (performed for the Dalai Llama and played at the Royal Opera House); rising singing star Carrie Tree (has supported Damian Rice and Marillion); Jambience players Enrick Adam (guitar), Phil Jackson (didge) and Joe Samuels (violin); Indian virtuoso flautist Ashok Kumar Mehta and many other world music performers.

Quotes & Reviews

“On listening to Jewel in the Lotus I found myself drifting further and further away on a Soulful Pilgrimage through a richly woven soundscape of Western and Asian music”
“Being privileged to see an advance copy of the Jewel DVD I was very touched by it's magnetic warmth, especially as it seems to focus on what as inhabitants of this small planet we all have in common, and not as is usual....Our Differences!”

Dave M eegan , Record Producer (worked with U2 on Joshua Tree, Rattle & Hum; producer of Marillion's new album; worked extensively with Trevor Horn)

“Julian's album appealed to me for its energy, its quality and its obvious path from the heart. Julian is on a journey. There are talented people prepared to be a part of this journey and that's always a good sign”

Al Scott , Record Producer (Asian Dub Foundation, The Oyster Band, The Levellers)

“It's good to see Julian making music about something important to him. Lovely rhythms, and an expansive vista. Well done!”

Arthur Brown (of ''The Crazy World of Arthur Brown'), singer of psychedelic anthem ‘Fire'

“As a long term fan of world fusion music, I know what I like and I like Julian Franks new album ‘The Jewel in the Lotus' very much indeed”

Lynne Franks , Author, Entrepreneur & Lifestyle Guru

“I really enjoyed your album and will talk about it where I can”

Benjamin Zephaniah , Poet

“Julian's heartfelt musical impressions of his trip make for stimulating and evocative listening and might well make you want to pack your rucksack as well”

Matt Chittock , Wave Magazine

“Recorded in Hove, it sounds more like Nepal – one minute you're in a Buddhist temple and the next in a club”

Marie Sansom , The Insight Magazine

Get more information from Julian's website www.julianfranks.com