With all the uncertainty of the outside world at the moment, the sweet, honey-dipped, and tender, yet resolute, falsetto of singer and drummer, Aaron Frazer, is a straight injection of your favorite drug. It’s a voice that conjures the innocence and hopefulness of post-war R&B, while planting itself firmly in the urgency of modern times. Written and recorded in one week’s time with Dan Auerbach, along with L. Russell Brown (of Franki Valli fame),

Frazer’s debut, Introducing…, is destined to be a modern soul classic.

As drummer, songwriter, and co-vocalist for the soul outfit, Durand Jones and the Indications, and creator of the gospel-soul project, The Flying Stars of Brooklyn, Frazer comes seasoned and primed to finally introduce his pressed-collar soul. The dynamic songwriting team produce songs that integrate the golden glow of 70s soul-funk, the melodic nuance of doo-wop, and the grittiness of a Memphis studio session in the late 60s. A personal favorite, the hypnotic “Love Is,” is the perfect marriage of each songwriters approach as the vocal melody floats over a march-like soul groove.

While at first glance, love and heartache seem to be central themes, but Frazer takes on climate change and environmental duress. The lead single, “Bad News,” takes its musical cue from Gaye’s “What’s Goin’ On” where Frazer sings as mother nature speaking to a lover in a troubled relationship, “I’m on fire, I can barely keep it turning.”

On “Ride With Me,” he invokes the blues train metaphor to convince the masses to change their ways before it’s too late.

Instrumentally, each song is a joy to listen to, as tasteful counter melodies and melodic interplay keep the listener interested. Of course, Frazer’s drum work takes center stage in the mix, providing a solid foundation to an album that will certainly make an impression in the world of modern soul.

*Originally published in Content Magazine

(Dead Oceans/Easy Eye Sound)

Release Date: January 8th, 2021

Taran Escobar-Ausman

Album Reviews

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Aaron Frazer “Introducing…”