Eric Frazier
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Eric Frazier

New York City, New York, United States | INDIE

New York City, New York, United States | INDIE
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"Jazz Improv Magazine"

In Your Own Time explores a wide variety of styles and feels. The tunes are original and fresh sounding. The playing is phenomenal. Eric Frazier is a most talented musician. A fine singer, wonderful composer and groovy percussionist, I am again left wondering where his musical talents cease—or if they do..... This is not a CD to be missed - Dave Miele


"JazzReview.com"

When one listens to jazz percussionist Eric Frazier, don't expect to sit still. You will tap your feet, rock side to side or simply sing with familiar tunes on his latest project, In Your Own Time.

Frazier, a Harlem, N.Y., native, is known for his eclectic mix of jazz, blues, salsa, rhythm and blues, calypso, Latin jazz and world music. With a stellar band backing him up with the right note, one can salsa dance to "Que Tanga Un Buendia" to feeling the spirit of Southern churches in "Feeling So Unnecessary" to remembering late great R&B artists such as Luther Vandross ("Here to Stay") and Lou Rawls ("Like a Lion in the Serengeti"). The nine-track disc is popular on jazz stations nationwide.

Frazier has had extensive study of the congra drum, djembe drum and African dance. He has performed in several New York historic venues such as the Rainbow Room, Madison Square Garden Theater and the Apollo Theater. Having performed with legends such as Pharoah Sanders and Jack McDuff as well as many dance groups such as Katherine Dunham and The International African Ballet, it is easy to see how music and culture has influenced Frazier's background, and it reflects in his musical compositions. - Natasha Washington


"WMEB Radio - Orono ME"

Percussionist Eric Frazier knows how to lay down one hell of a groove. As a vocalist he has a relaxed bluesy style, reminiscent of Charles Brown. As a composer, I hear influences as diverse as Fats Waller and Pharoah Sanders. Add a strong dose of New Orleans style grooves and you get a feel for the music on "In Your Own Time." This is an album of funky songs with the emphasis on fun. ****½

Lester French, WMEB - Orono, ME - Lester French


"Eric Frazier at Rustik: Not Your Average Tuesday Night in Brooklyn"

Eric Frazier at Rustik: Not Your Average Tuesday Night in Brooklyn

Rustik Tavern
471 Dekalb Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11205
(347)406-9700
Tuesday, August 11, 2008

On Tuesday, August 11th at 8pm, a crowd of music lovers, neighbors and musicians gathered for the weekly jam session and open mic hosted by jazz percussionist, singer, songwriter and producer Eric Frazier. The Brooklyn native and bandleader, Eric Frazier hosted an evening of singers, songwriters and poets stepping up to jam with Frazier's band of notable jazz musicians. If you closed your eyes, you just might believe you were in 1950's Harlem at a popular music spot, listening to the big band of the day. Frazier crooned with his band, giving the listeners song selections such as “Pennies From Heaven", and “A Train." Frazier knew how to enliven the venue during his percussion solos and scatting while he sang. Other classic jazz tunes played by Frazier's band included: “Sugar" by Stanley Turrentine, “All Blues" by Miles Davis, and “Impressions" by John Coltrane.

Members of the band were: Eric Frazier (vocals, congas, and percussion), Paul Von Thadden (piano), Drake Colley (alto saxophone), Lon Ivey (drums), Wayne Jeffrey (guitar), Enrique Guerrero (soprano Saxophone) and Gene Torres (bass guitar). Every few minutes, new musicians were coming in to take the stage, even for just one song. The sounds of people talking, laughing, clapping and praising the musicians could be heard. Although there were plenty of tables and chairs, including seating at the bar, many chose to stand as close to the stage as they could to experience the musical vibes and high energy of the performers.

The open mic talent was steady throughout the night. Singer, Silver Fox, a distinguished looking, gray haired gentleman sang, “You Got Me Running." Kym Hampton, a gifted singer and ex-WNBA player (New York Liberty), hit the high notes on songs “Our Love Is Here to Stay" and “My Funny Valentine." Paul Mancuso, though shy at first, found his stride and offered, “Cherish." Aronda Wade was lively; wearing an orange outfit as she gave a spunky rendition of “Night and Day," Alicia Morissey gave wonderful renditions of “Angel Eyes, and Corcovado." Cynthia Holiday brought the house down with her version of “Teach Me Tonight." And several other singers from all over Brooklyn and other boroughs came out for their chance to sing before a packed house, accompanied by the band. Highlights of the evening included Frazier's band paying tribute to the late great singer, Isaac Hayes when they played an extended jazz funk version of Hayes' theme song from the movie “Shaft" and, George Benson's bass guitarist, Stanley Banks took the stage to jam with the band on Benson's song “Masquerade." Banks also features on Frazier's latest CD, “In Your Own Time."

Yvonne Cummings, a Brooklyn native explained why she attends the open mic jam with Eric Frazier every Tuesday. “I come for the music. What this reminds me of is a time when musicians went to the clubs late at night and played with legendary musicians. Here, you just never know who's going to show up. The musicians just come in to have fun and play for one another." George Johnson, also a Brooklyn native remarked, “It's like a family affair. Twenty to thirty musicians, top entertainers, amateurs and poets come through here just to have a good time. It's the best atmosphere. If you can just hum a tune, it's good." The evening ended around midnight and it was clear that no one wanted to go home. Eric Frazier and his band gave the Brooklyn community a night of big band sounds reminiscent of a legendary era in jazz history.
- AllAboutJazz.com


"Cadence Magazine"

Larry Nai of Cadence Magazine said of Eric's previous CD "Find Yourself (Then Find Me)." "It's a fun throwback to the soulful, breezy kind of music the Crusaders were making back when they had the word "Jazz" in front of their name." The current CD "In Your Own Time," is Eric's next level. - Larry Nai


"ejazznews.com"

If you've never heard of Eric Frazier before, In Your Own Time, is
one heck of a way to get acquainted. Percussionist and vocalist
Frazier releases his latest production of originals encompassing a
blend of R&B, Latin Jazz, salsa and a selection of straight jazz and
bluesy rhythms. Originating from the "Big Apple," Frazier records
this CD with a host of New York musicians that deliver an
outstanding performance. Among his group are David Lee Jones (alto),
Danny Mixon (piano), Jeremy Pelt and Maurice Brown (trumpets) and a
very fine rhythm section.


The opening piece is a predictable percussive tune "Feeling So
Unnecessary" with the leader in fine form. Pianist Mixon introduces
the next jumping track entitled "The Jazz Spot" containing excellent
solo expressions by altoist Jones, Pelt on trumpet, Mixon and
Frazier on vocals. "Que Tanga Un Buendia" is a delicious salsa with
heavy conga and drums in backup support to enticing vocals. Another
south of the border number is "Celia," a terrific Latin jazz score
with expressive phrasings by the leader on congas.
The music turns mellow on the smooth vocals of "Here To Stay" and
reverts to its jazzy core on the impressive and jazzy "I'm
Impressed."

An entertaining and enjoyable mix of jazzy blues and Latin flavored
charts all wrapped up in one nice neat package. Offering a variety
of tasteful musical styles presented by an engaging ensemble, Eric
Frazier's In Your Own Time is guaranteed to give you more than one
time of musical pleasure.
- Edward Blanco


"BVSReviews.com"

Eric Frazier is a percussionist. But he is a lot more. He has hosted his own television show and has performed with such greats as Reggie Workman, Pharoah Sanders and Jack McDuff. He has also recorded some dynamic albums. His latest effort is called In Your Own Time.

All of the tracks on the album were composed by Eric. He also wrote the lyrics to the songs that have vocals. The album was self produced and recorded. The distribution of the album is being handled by North Country Distributors.

There is some great talent helping Eric on the album. David Lee Jones is on alto sax. Danny Mixon plays the piano an Alvin Atkinson is on drums. Johnny Pelt plays trumpet on four of the tracks and Maurice Brown on the other five. Stanley Banks plays bass on seven of the tracks and Luis Arona plays on the other two. Rick Wayacan does the percussion on one song. Christopher Robinson does backing vocals on three of the tracks. As for Eric, he is on percussion and provides the lead vocals.

The first track is a bopping, body swaying tune called Feeling So Unnecessary. There is some killer trumpet out in front of the song. The groove keeps coming all through the song. Eric's percussion and the piano is too cool to describe.

The second song is The Jazz Spot. Eric sings here about a swinging club called the Jazz Spot. As there was trumpet in the first song, this one features a real sweet sax solo.

For the third song, there is a moving Latin piece called Que Tanga Un Buendia. Cool bongos, hot trumpet, scorching sax and decent vocals are what this song is all about.

Things move towards a classic jazz mode with I'm Impressed. Eric sings about this woman he's sort of, maybe impressed with. There is a terrific piano solo in the song.

I Found A Way lays down a nice bass line while kicking in some harsh trumpet and tough percussion.

Celia is a mixed bag of sounds. Eric does a great job on the congas, and there is once again great trumpet.

Here To Stay is a kind of light R & B styled tune.

Classic jazz is once again the style in Like A Lion in the Serengeti. Eric has soft vocals but the trumpet and sax speak loud and proud. A piano solo in the middle soars.

The album ends with a toe tapper called That's It.

Eric Frazier is indeed much more than just a percussionist. With the songs he's composed and the musicians he's assembled, In Your Own Time is definitely an album to really enjoy. - Bruce Von Stiers


"Allmusic.com"

Soul-jazz (or as jazz critic Scott Yanow calls it, "rhythm & jazz") has existed in many different forms over the years, ranging from the tenor-sax honkers of the late ‘40s/early ‘50s to the Jimmy Smith-influenced organ combos of the late ‘50s and ‘60s to Grover Washington, Jr., David Sanborn and the Crusaders in the ‘70s and ‘80s. But whatever the era, the basic idea behind soul-jazz has remained the same, and that idea is blues and R&B accessibility combined with the improvisatory freedom of jazz. It's an idea that percussionist/singer obviously favors on In Your Own Time. Parts of this album are relevant to hard bop--for example, "That's It"--and parts of it are mindful of modal post-bop (including "Celia"). But whether he is being influenced by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, John Coltrane, James Brown or the Neville Brothers, Frazier always gets his groove on and gives In Your Own Time a lot of soul-jazz appeal. - Alex Henderson


"Southbound Beat Magazine"

The wonderful thing about music is that it can evoke, convey or confirm any thoughts or emotions we care to imagine. We can praise God, worship the devil, shout at the moon, or bask in the sun. What a wonderful thing, this entity which we call music!

Eric Frazier has gathered an ensemble of journeymen jazz musicians to create a recording that is a pleasure to hear. Whether you are feeling blue and need something to raise your spirits, or if you need the right tunes to keep your good time going, “In Your Own Time” will certainly fit the bill.

Smooth jazz, with the emphasis on percussion. There are nothing like conga drums and trumpets to put a smile on one’s face and a rhythm in the step to even the most uncoordinated person. Eric’s congas, lyrics and vocals set the mood. Alvin Atkinson’s drums, Danny Mixon on piano and David Lee Jones provide the foundation. Jeremy Pelt and Maurice Brown take their turn on trumpet. Stanley Banks provides the bass, with a respite on two tracks by Luis Arona.

The result is a disc that you can put on at a party and be confident that you have set the perfect mood for your guests to dance, converse, or just sit back and chill.

The only flaw in this recording is the amount of time devoted to Frazier’s vocals. Eric Frazier has a beautiful voice. His smooth lyrics and sly vocals are a welcome change from the Rap and Hip Hop we have all come to endure. It would have been nice to hear more of his fine vocals.

Smooth percussion jazz with soft, clever vocals. Think about that “In Your Own Time” and then check out Eric Frazier at his site:

http://www.ericfraziermusic.com
- Pat Benny


"iNTERVIEW WITH ERIC FRAZIER, BY MONTE ADKISON "THE BLUES STALKER""

iNTERVIEW WITH ERIC FRAZIER, BY MONTE ADKISON "THE BLUES STALKER"
Percussionist and vocalist Eric Frazier can't be pigeon-holed strictly as a blues artist but his mix of jazzy blues and Latin rhythms is a refreshing breath of air on today's music scene. His latest CD, "In Your Own Time", is all original compositions released in August 2006 and showcases his versatile musical talents.

Blues Stalker: You were born in Harlem and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Can you give us a brief biography?
Eric Frazier: Yes, I began my career as an educator and former school Principal and was eventually transformed into a Jazz recording artist and performer. Some of the wonderful people who have recorded and performed with me include: Reggie Workman, Carlos Garnett, Stanley Banks (George Benson), Jimmy Ziegler, Danny Mixon, Jeremy Pelt, Bill Saxton and Wayne Escofery. My recordings continued to sell as the number of engagements increased; as a result, today, I am manufacturing and recording CD'S and DVD'S for artists, TV, and special events. There is an abundance of detail connected to the comments above. Please visit www.ericfraziermusic.com

B.S.: How did you get into the study of the Conga drum and Djembe drum? What other types of drums do you play?
E.F.: My interests in congas first began when I use to watch shows put on at Nathan Hale Junior High School 6 in downtown Brooklyn. There was a Caribbean combo of about 6 kids my age playing the congas. It was great and I was hooked at first sight! I began studying the drum at Southern Illinois University; informally, through doing gigs with instructors and dance groups. I play basically, hand drums, percussion and some traditional drums with sticks.

B.S.: I have never interviewed a percussionist who composes also. How does that work?
E.F.: Great that you asked! I hum or sing melodies and supporting instrumental parts into a tape and then have the tape transcribed into musical notation. You will never run out of tunes once you begin making up your own music.

B.S.: I read somewhere that you write your music to appeal to people who dance. That is an interesting approach. How has it worked for you? I know the first time I listened to your music that I wanted to get up and dance but I was driving down the road at the time.
E.F.: To have people dancing works well where venues have a cabaret license. Unfortunately most blues and Jazz clubs do not. The direction we need to seek is where people can dance. Jazz & blues was in its' heyday when thousands of people danced in the ballrooms and dance halls. Record companies changed that when they started hoarding artists into the recording studious. Jazz became the music of listeners, small jazz venues popped up everywhere, market sales went down, and the generation gap grew wider. Dancing became a phenomenon of the young, obesity over took our culture and other genres of music began to out sell Blues and Jazz.

B.S.: You have performed in many historic venues and with many noted musicians as well as dance groups. Care to name some of these?
E.F.: I've performed in such historic New York venues as the famous Rainbow Room, Madison Square Garden Theater, The Iridium Jazz Club, The Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and The Apollo Theater. He has performed in great Jazz venues of New York, Chicago, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, St. Louis, MO, Washington DC, Hartford, CT, Los Angeles, CA, San Diego, CA and numerous Universities and colleges. Some festival performances include the: Cape May Jazz Festival, Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Festival, Jazz Improv Festival, NYC, Brooklyn International Film Festival, Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival, International African Arts Festival, Fort Green Park Festival, Metrotech Music Festival, NYC, and numerous others.
I've performed with such dance groups as Katherine Dunham, Olatunji, Charles Moore, Chief Bey, The International African Ballet, and Varshaa Bardhan and Chandra Baneyei of The Tanusree Shankar Dance Company of India (Headed by Ananda Shankar, son of the great Ravi Shankar).
I have had the pleasure of great artists accompany me in my band and on my recordings, such as Reggie Workman, Robin Kenyatta, Carlos Garnett, Jimmy Ziegler, Jimmy McGriff, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ruben Wilson, Russell Malone, Bob Cunningham, Bill Saxton, Stanley Banks and Danny Mixon. In addition to performing with legends such as Pharaoh Sanders and Jack McDuff, my recordings have included the talents of young giants such as Jeremy Pelt, Anthony Wonsey, Wayne Escofery and Maurice Brown.

B.S.: You're a poet too, correct?
E.F.: I was a solo artist for the play "Wemmins of the Dark" at the historic Henry Street Playhouse in Soho, New York City and went on tour in the New York Metropolitan area performing my own poetry for The Rennick Playwright Company. I am the author of the following books of poetry: "Family, Friends and You," "Thought of a black Child" and "Black Gold and You."

- La Hora del Blues.com


Discography

"Count Your Blessings" released Oct. 1996
"Smile Inside Your Soul" released Aug. 2000
"The Eric Frazier Quintet Live at The Knitting Factory" released Sep. 2003
"Find Yourself (Then Find Me)" released Aug. 2004
"In Your Own Time" released June 2006
"The Eric Frazier Quintet Live at Humphrey's by The Bay" released March 2008
"The Eric Frazier Quintet Live at Cecils Volume 1" released June 2009
"The Eric Frazier Quintet Live at Cecils Volume 2" released June 2009

Distribution
Burnside Distribution Corporation
1522 North Ainsworth St.
Portland, Oregon 97217
503-231-0876
www.bcddistribution.com

North Country Distributors
Cadence Building
Redwood, New York
315-287-2827

Available:
www.cdbaby.com, www.amazon.com, www.jrrecords.com,
Appearances on other recordings:

"Life of a Superstar" by Pamela McPherson-Cornelius 2007
Eric Frazier-Composer "It's all Love" Track 3

"A Taste of Honey" By Neil Woodard 2006
Eric Frazier -Congas-Tracks 1,2,3,6,10

Bebopbraineez DVD, Children's Jazzy DVD Series, 2008 http://www.bebopbraineez.com/index.html

"Da Stuy" DVD movie written by Joseph Grant 2006
Features the Music of Eric frazier
http://www.ghettoeyez.com/

Photos

Bio

Biography – Eric Frazier

Eric Frazier was born in Harlem, New York City. He was raised in Brooklyn, New York in a family of eight children. He ran track and road races for 27 years. His love of the physical culture and creative expression led him to the study of the Conga Drum, Djembe Drum and African Dance.

His recordings exemplify a world of music including Jazz, Swing, BeBop, Salsa, R&B. Calypso and Blues. His CD’s have been a perennial best seller for Tower Records.
Eric hosted his own television talk show called “Cultural Horizons” on Queens Public Access Cable TV in 1998. He has made personal appearances on The Hambone Cable TV show (BCAT), The Camille Yarborough Manhattan Cable TV Show, along with his gifted and talented daughter Du Ewa Frazier (author of “Shedding Light On My Journey’s and CEO of Litnoire Publishing Company www.litnoirepublishing.com), The Jazzy Jazz Show (BCAT-TV), Producer’s Profile (BCAT-TV), Caribbean Soul (BCAT-TV), and BET Jazz Discovery and Bet On Jazz Cable TV shows. Eric is the co-host of WLIU Jazz radio 88.1 FM on BCAT Cable TV channel 57 (Time Warner) and Channel 70 (CableVision). In addition, He has appeared on numerous radio stations across the USA.

Eric has performed in such historic New York venues as the famous Rainbow Room, Madison Square Garden Theater, The Iridium Jazz Club, The Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and The Apollo Theater. He has performed in great Jazz venues of New York, Chicago, New Jersey, Philadephia, PA, St. Louis, MO, Washington DC , Hartford, CT, Los Angeles, CA, San Diego, CA and numerous Universities and colleges. Some of his festival performances include the: Cape May Jazz Festival, Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Festival, Jazz Improv Festival, NYC, Brooklyn International Film Festival, Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival, International African Arts Festival, Fort Green Park Festival, Metrotech Music Festival, NYC, and numerous others.

His interest in Dance, Music, Theater and Writing are evident in his background. Otis Gould, former Chi-lites drummer and college friend, taught him to play Congas for bands. He learned the Djembe drum from Ibrahim, famous master teacher from The Dance Company of Senegal. Eric was inspired in dance by his brother, the gifted and talented Gary Ellis Frazier, formerly with The Alvin Ailey Dance Company. Eric has performed with such dance groups as Katherine Dunham, Olatunji, Charles Moore, Chief Bey, The International African Ballet, and Varshaa Bardhan and Chandra Baneyei of The
Tanusree Shankar Dance Company of India (Headed by Ananda Shankar, son of the great Ravi Shankar).

Eric was a solo artist for the play “Wemmins of the Dark” at the historic Henry Street Playhouse in Soho, New York City and went on tour in the New York Metropolitan area performing his own poetry for The Rennick Playright Company. He is the author of the following books of poetry: “Family, Friends and You,” “Thought of a black Child” and “Black Gold and You.” Additionally, Eric is the author of numerous scholarly articles, Jazz Columns, publications and letters. He has lectured at numerous colleges and Universities and is available for lectures, workshops and presentations.

Eric has had the pleasure of great artists accompany him in his band and on his recordings, such as Reggie Workman, Robin Kenyatta, Carlos Garnett, Jimmy Ziegler, , Bob Cunningham, T.K. Blue, Lonnie Plaxico, Bill Saxton, Stanley Banks and Danny Mixon. In addition to performing with legends such as Pharaoh Sanders, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ruben Wilson and Russell Malone his recordings have included the talents of young giants such as Jeremy Pelt, Anthony Wonsey, Wayne Escofery and Maurice Brown.

Max Roach, renown as one of the most legendary Jazz Drummers in history, first heard Eric as a solo artist on October 25, 1998. He was inspired to get on the Mic and tell the audience to savor the moment because they were in the midst of a great conga player.

Eric’s latest CD “In Your Own Time),” is catapulting him to the very top of the music movers and shakers. We are confident that this CD will add enhanced pleasure to your every listening moment.

Eric Frazier’s CD ‘s may be purchased at J&R Music World, NYC, Burnside Distribution Retail stores. www.bdcdistribution.com, www.ericfraziermusic.com, www.cdbaby.com, www.jrrecords.com, www.itunes.com

Eric was educated at the famed “Boys High School in Brooklyn, New York. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in three years at Southern Illinois University, (Carbondale, Illinois) in Black American Studies with minors in Economics and Sociology and Cultures and two Masters degrees and a Doctoral ABD at Columbia University Teachers College in New York City in Education Administration and policy.

Biography of Band
David Lee Jones-Saxes was a grammy award winning artist with the group Digable Planets 1994. He performed with other artists such as Jack McDuff,