Les Fradkin

Artist Information

Biography

MIDI Guitarist Les Fradkin is one of the original members of the hit Broadway show "Beatlemania", a Guitar Synthesizer pioneer of the 1980's and is a 21st Century innovator on the Starr Labs Ztar. A classically trained musician as well as being a rock guitarist, he has found success as a recording artist, composer and producer with MGM Sunflower, ESP-Disk, Bell, Arista, RCA, and Laurie Records. Les has written the well known French hit "La Chansons Des Souvenirs" ("Song Of A Thousand Voices") for the famous French songstress Mireille Mathieu and the Latin Pop icon Roberto Jordan ("Donde"). He has played Mellotron, 12 and 6-string Guitar, Bass and Piano on dozens of Top 40 hit records throughout the early 1970's , scoring many US and UK chart placings throughout his career.

He was also an original member / singer / guitarist for the pop group California on Laurie Records in the US and RCA Records in the UK for it's entire existence from 1973 through 1985. California had several chart records including the 1981 release "Summer Fun Medley"-a medley of Beach Boys hits, "Jeans On", "He's Almost You" (charting in the United Kingdom) and an appearance on the Dick Clark American Bandstand television show.

In 1976, Les was selected over thousands of other auditioning guitarists to appear in the original cast of the smash hit Broadway musical "Beatlemania" playing lead guitar and the part of "George Harrison" in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. Running for two and a half years from May 1977 thru October 1979, every show (including over 1200 in New York alone) was sold out and the musicians quickly became celebrities with magazine cover stories ("Newsweek","Time", "People", "Rolling Stone") and many major television show appearances. With his guitar-playing in the international spotlight from the show, Fradkin developed a cult following that has avidly followed his career and made him a celebrity among guitar fans.

IIn 1996, he founded the surf rock group "Get Wet" and started a new surf guitar trend with Neo Classic Surf featuring a blend of stylistic references including The Ventures, Dick Dale, Jeff Beck as well as Classical Composers such as Bach, Paganinni, Vivaldi and others. This music found immediate success on the mp3.com charts with Get Wet enjoying 230,000 downloads and 16 #1 hit singles from 1999 thru 2001. Les and the band were also featured in the first edition of "MP3 For Dummies as an example of early indie musician success stories.

New Gandy Dancer Rock Magazine named Les' CD "A Day At The Beach" it's 2004 Album Of The Year. In addition, Les has performed with The Ventures as 2nd Lead Guitarist. Nokie Edwards of The Ventures has performed with Les on several occasions and is a featured guest on his "While My Guitar Only Plays" CD. In fact, Les has been acknowledged as a guitar virtuoso for over 30 years and he has been featured in issues of 20th Century Guitar Magazine, Pipeline and New Gandy Dancer Magazines.

Les has scored the theme and three additional songs for the documentary "An Accidental Icon-The True Story Of Gidget".

To date, Les has released 20 solo CD's on his RRO Entertainment Indie label and has had over 480,000 downloads bringing him several substantial hits on Apple iTunes and other download sites across the Internet.

Influences include Bach, Vivaldi, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Deep Purple, The Yardbirds, Yes and King Crimson.

His current music is a mixture of various influences and signposts including Rock, Progressive, Electronic and Classical.

Instrumentation

Les Fradkin - Guitar Synth

Discography

"LES FRADKIN"
"Canon Rocks!" (RRO-1035)
"Together For The World" (RRO-1034)
"Hyper Midi Guitar" (RRO-1033)
"The White Single" (RRO-1032)
"Baroque Rocks" (RRO-1031)
"Strat Heaven" (RRO-1029)
"Telstar (The Single)" (RRO-1028)
"One Link Between Them" (RRO-1027)
"Guitar Revolution" (RRO-1018)
"Pepper Front To Back" (RRO-1015)
"While My Guitar Only Plays" (RRO-1005)
"A Day At The Beach" (RRO-1003)
"Splash!" (RRO-1002)
"Reality-The Rock Opera" (RRO-1001)

BEATLEMANIA-
"Original Cast Live At The Wintergarden Theater" (ARISTA-8501)

THE GODZ:
"Pass On This Side" (ESP-DISK-3019)
:Godzundheit" (ESP-DISK-2017)

Current Radio and Streaming Songs:
"Lift Off"
"Canon In D"
"Summer"
"Liberty"
"Everything Is Wrong"
"System Crash"
"Warp Drive"
"Paperback Writer"
"Here Comes The Sun"
"More Than A Feeling"
"Sabre Dance"
"Immigrant Song"
"Highway Star"
"Air On A G String"

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• MySpace
• Last.fm
• Les Fradkin Canon on YouTube
• Les Fradkin "Lift Off" Video on YouTube
• Les Fradkin "Liberty" Video on YouTube
• Les Fradkin "Orbiter" Video on YouTube
• Les Fradkin Official Website

Audio

• Canon in D
  Listen  
• Lift Off
  Listen  
• Classical Gas
  Listen  
• Liberty
  Listen  
• Summer
  Listen  
• Warp Drive
  Listen  
• The Myth of El Cid
  Listen  
• Sabre Dance
  Listen  

Video

Lift Off-1QT.mov

Photo Gallery

Press

• Original Genius! [+ Show ]
  

  LES FRADKIN- "One Link Between Them" (RRO-1027) Two words come to mind after a listen to Les Fr...LES FRADKIN-
  "One Link Between Them"
  (RRO-1027)
  
  Two words come to mind after a listen to Les Fradkin's music, original genius. One of the most original pieces or music that I have heard in a really long time. Playing his MIDI guitar unlike anyone else, most would call his music Spacerock, which is an understatement. Les crafts each song perfectly to where it flows nonstop. Each song contains amazing rhythms and melodies, which left me on my toes wondering what was coming next. I would recommend this to any fan of Progressive, Electronica, and Space Rock music.
  
  I was absolutely blown away by his skill and intelligence. I don't see the music breaking any records, but it will definitely leave a permanent mark on anyone who listens to a song. Amazing.

• Simply brilliant with an added dash of amazing [+ Show ]
  

  Fradkin's expertise on the Starr Labs Ztar Midi Guitar, is simply brilliant with an added dash of...Fradkin's expertise on the Starr Labs Ztar Midi Guitar, is simply brilliant with an added dash of amazing. He used the Midi guitar to simulate fantastic keyboard and orchestral sounds while providing solid percussion; added with his flawless technique, Les has created another winning disc. I would consider this one of the best classical homage albums done by a rocker.

• Talented Performer! [+ Show ]
  

  LES FRADKIN-"One Link Between Them" (RRO-1027) Isn't it a really cool feeling when you discover ...LES FRADKIN-"One Link Between Them" (RRO-1027)
  
  Isn't it a really cool feeling when you discover something or someone that surprises you and simply knocks your socks? Entering the spacerock ring is Mr. Les Fradkin, armed with synthesizers and samples including his featured instrument- Starr Labs Ztar Model Z7S MIDI Guitar. But labeling Les squarely into the Spacerock genre would not be altogether true; combine spacerock, Jean-Michel Jarre and some progrock flair and classical influences and you can at least see where his music is reaching out to.
  
  What I like about `One Link Between Them,' is that Fradkin, makes his guitar synths and the Ztar sing with amazing intonation as if Rick Wakeman was playing a classic synth. His MIDI controller makes good use of a substantial array of equipment and samples but never seems forced, as if he's showing off his new toy. Drum programming is of high standards and on ocassion reaches the height of brilliant, though many of the rhythms, remind me of a classic Jean-Michel Jarre feel.
  
  High points to the album are:
  
  Track 2- `Orbiter,' is a standout! Penned by Mr. Fradkin, the piece starts outs with some tasty Mellotron and settles into some amazing rhythms as well some very cool leads. Les out Jarres Jarre on this track!
  
  Track 3- `From Venus with Love,' composed by Les and Loretta Fradkin is a gorgeous melange of tasty rhythms, beauty and spicy melody. As with Orbiter, I didn't want the track to end, but go on forever.
  
  Track 4- is Steve Vai's `Liberty,' The song really showcases the skill and amazing technique that Les can do, when needed.
  
  The next track is another cover, `Caravan,' (composed by D. Ellington, J.Ticol, I.Mills). Les combines a Middle-eastern influence with his electronic take on Ellington's classic.
  
  Track 6- `Warp Drive,' is exactly what it is titled. Add a little Yngwie, a dash of Jarre, some Tangerine Dream and a classical structure, with a pulsating rocking rhythm and you get a wild track. This track highlights Les' brilliant combination of expression as well as technique.
  
  `Sailing All Alone,' like track 6 was penned by Les, and slows down the pace to showcase his sense of beauty. Again, the music perfectly portrays its title. Tara Coker-Lewis's voice ascends the piece even higher. Beautiful job.
  
  `Longing To Return' briefly returns to the melody and riffs of `From Venus with Love,' but with an amazing beauty that is simply breathtaking. This is a fantastic composition that showcases the simplicity and the sublime. Amazing work Les! I sense a little Vangelis vibe (not soundwise), to this track.
  
  Track 9, "A Dim Twilight", is my favorite, perhaps because it is the more proggier of the album's pieces. Penned again by Les and Loretta Fradkin, the composition to me instills a sense of wonder, some nice interplay with the Mellotron flute, oboe and some tastily bass and digital drums. The song gets stronger as it goes though its 7 plus minute length. The Ztar married with electric guitar is breathtaking! Images of triumph permeate this song- and well it should.
  
  Joe Meek's `Telstar' finishes up the CD. Again, like Vai's composition, I feel that this one of the weaker tracks and personally, I like Les' penned pieces better, yet I do admire his daring as well as giving a nod to tunes and/or performers that he admires.
  
  Did I mention any lows? Nothing to talk about really, the few weaker tracks (IMHO), are still solid because of Les' musicality.
  
  All in all, I really liked this album. The CD has enough change and interest, as well as technique to keep Prog rockers interested. Mellotron sounds are not redundant and over-used, and Mr. Fradkin's musicianship marries well with the (especially his), compositions. If you are a fan of Jean-Michel Jarre, or like new technology, check out this artist- now! But there is more to this man than simple synths; Les combines and transmorphs the new technology with feeling, passion and old-fashioned gusto. He knows how to rock, and can even get you on the dance floor; but also, the music is brimming with intelligence, emotion and care.
  
  I can't wait to hear what this talented performer does on his next venture. It would be neat to hear a few longer tracks, so Les could spin his array of textures with a larger palette. I can envision a modern Supper's ready-like epic piece coming from Les' Ztar. Also, it might be interesting to add a few traditional instruments into the mix, as a highlight or accent.
  
  9.2 out of 10 rating

• Guitar Genius! [+ Show ]
  

  Once upon a time, instrumental rock music ruled the airwaves. Back in the early 1960's, songs like ...Once upon a time, instrumental rock music ruled the airwaves. Back in the early 1960's, songs like "Wipeout" and "Pipeline" were as well known in America as the hits the Beatles cranked out. Instrumental surf-rock is a uniquely American style of music. Created entirely within the surf culture of Southern California, surf-rock has become a genre that represents all sorts of extreme sports and lifestyles. Modern films such as Pulp Fiction have awakened new audiences to the joy of surf music, and new surf bands have been cropping up all over the world.
  
  Get Wet, who are based in Colorado, are a surf-rock band built around the genius of guitarist Les Fradkin. Fradkin is a guitarist of the first order, and it's our good fortune that he decided to direct his talent to melodic instrumental music instead of the six-string masturbation that is common to modern area axe shredders. Make no mistake - Fradkin could show Joe Satriani or Eric Johnson a thing or two. But instead of dazzling us with how many notes he can play per second, Fradkin layers his songs with melodies that will have you humming hours after the CD has been turned off.
  
  The album sets a fast and furious tempo with the title track, "A Day At the Beach." Hyper percussion and layered guitars combine to create the audio equivalent of a caffeine-charged large espresso. Pounding drums open "Kick Sand," but Fradkin smartly dials the volume back for the main melodic theme. The tempo is slowed a bit in "Pintor," which showcases some very stylish spaghetti-western style picking. "Key West Sunset" is a romantic sounding tune, perfect for an evening with a beautiful beach babe or dude. Sharp melodies and haunting dynamics make "Nature Calls" one of the album's highlights.
  
  You might wonder why Get Wet decided to cover the classic Beach Boys tune, "Good Vibrations," but after hearing this version, you'll never care for the original. The Beach Boys were never a true surf band - they were more of a manufactured clean-cut version of the Beatles. Fradkin takes this tune and completely transforms it into an instrumental masterpiece.
  
  Get ready for some real fun - after "Good Vibrations" fades from the speakers, a collaboration between Get Wet and their friends The Dirt Surfers ("The Dirt Surfers Get Wet (Wet Mix)") blasts forth like a nuclear explosion. If you can remain seated while listening to this tune, check your pulse. Do not miss this song - the gorgeous middle part alone is worth the price of this CD.
  
  Other standout tracks include a solid cover of "Beck's Bolero," and "Hurricane Warning," which could have easily been the theme song for any recent television police drama. Just for fun, the album also includes a very memorable version of Bach's holiday classic, "Joy of Man's Desiring."
  
  Instrumental rock doesn't get the attention it deserves these days. The recording industry, which once made stars of bands like the Ventures and artists like Dick Dale, hasn't got a clue about how to market this invigorating music. They don't understand that the melodies and driving rhythms may be enjoyed by anyone desiring high-energy rock and roll without angst-filled vocals and nasty lyrics. Whether you're cleaning your house, gardening, or heading out to hit the big waves, "A Day At the Beach" will get you moving. You can forget that large espresso, because this album will reach out, slap you across the face, and shout, "Wake Up!"

• Album of the Year! [+ Show ]
  

  LES FRADKIN-"A DAY AT THE BEACH" (RRO-1002) This is the real thing- an absolutely joyous, stunnin...LES FRADKIN-"A DAY AT THE BEACH" (RRO-1002)
  
  This is the real thing- an absolutely joyous, stunning album which restores our faith that surf is way,way alive in the fingers of Les Fradkin. Album of the year without doubt!

• Great Guitarist!
  

  Nobody covers The Beatles like Les Fradkin! One of the great guitarists of our time.

Setlist

My current set contains selections from my solo CD's and hit songs on iTunes.

Show:
(1) 75-minute set or (2) 45 minute sets:

Show selection list:
"Classical Gas"
"Canon in D"
"A Day At The Beach" (Theme from Accidental Icon)
"The Myth Of El Cid"
"Handel Rocks"
"All The King's Men"
"Summer" (from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons)
"Lift Off"
"Orbiter"
"Warp Drive"
""Liberty"
"From Venus With Love"
"Beck's Bolero"
"Baroque & Roll"
"Sabre Dance"
"Highway Star"
"Immigrant Song"
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
"Strawberry Fields Forever"
"Across The Universe"
"Paperback Writer"
"Here Comes The Sun"
"Everything Is Wrong"
"System Crash/A Dim Twilight"
"Caravan"
"Telstar"

Basic Requirements

Calendar