PETER FRAIZE - Chord Lines/In the Groove
Union Records URCD 010
Peter Fraize - tenor sax; Mark Stanley - Guitar; Greg Hatza - organ; Leland Nakamura - drums
Tenorman Fraize impressed with 2016’s ‘Facts and Figures’ release, and he’s back in the UK this month with a tour and this latest recorded offering. This is muscular, hard swinging organ jazz in the contemporary Joey Francesco influenced tradition, with powerful grooves courtesy of the splendidly-monikered Leland Nakamura and blistering solos from all concerned. Though he’s Director Of Jazz Studies at George Washington University back home in DC, Mr Fraize is a man of diverse musical taste and the twist here is the choice of material - such unlikely sources as Blue Oyster Cult, Barry Manilow, Chris Cornell and Janet Jackson are called upon and given the treatment to satisfying effect.
Manilow’s ‘Mandy’ becomes a Killer Joe style swagger, Cornell’s ‘When I’m Down’ is heavily flavoured with lush gospel chording from Hatza, and Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation’ gets a Dr Lonnie Smith funk makeover. Fraize’s tenor is precise, full-voiced, confident and bold - whether preaching the funk on the latter tune, or ingeniously exploring substitute dominants on his own ‘Sub Terra’ he shows a mastery of form and build in his solos coupled with an impressive technique. The band play up majestically alongside him, - especially fluid, big-toned guitarist Stanley - and have an absolute ball on ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ by Janet’s little brother. The extensive UK tour throughout July is highly recommended.
Reviewed by Eddie Myer
Union Records URCD 010
Peter Fraize - tenor sax; Mark Stanley - Guitar; Greg Hatza - organ; Leland Nakamura - drums
Tenorman Fraize impressed with 2016’s ‘Facts and Figures’ release, and he’s back in the UK this month with a tour and this latest recorded offering. This is muscular, hard swinging organ jazz in the contemporary Joey Francesco influenced tradition, with powerful grooves courtesy of the splendidly-monikered Leland Nakamura and blistering solos from all concerned. Though he’s Director Of Jazz Studies at George Washington University back home in DC, Mr Fraize is a man of diverse musical taste and the twist here is the choice of material - such unlikely sources as Blue Oyster Cult, Barry Manilow, Chris Cornell and Janet Jackson are called upon and given the treatment to satisfying effect.
Manilow’s ‘Mandy’ becomes a Killer Joe style swagger, Cornell’s ‘When I’m Down’ is heavily flavoured with lush gospel chording from Hatza, and Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation’ gets a Dr Lonnie Smith funk makeover. Fraize’s tenor is precise, full-voiced, confident and bold - whether preaching the funk on the latter tune, or ingeniously exploring substitute dominants on his own ‘Sub Terra’ he shows a mastery of form and build in his solos coupled with an impressive technique. The band play up majestically alongside him, - especially fluid, big-toned guitarist Stanley - and have an absolute ball on ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ by Janet’s little brother. The extensive UK tour throughout July is highly recommended.
Reviewed by Eddie Myer
