Les Fradkin: Press

LES FRADKIN-"One Link Between Them" (RRO-1027)

To say that Les Fradkin’s album One Link Between Them is synth-intensive is like saying the sun is kinda hot. Fradkin layers his tunes with inspiring levels of synthesizer sounds and melodies, mixed for optimal keyboard impact. The opening synth salvos on “Lift Off” are in your face and stereo-riffic, as are the big buzzing sawtooth waves and lively percussion on his far-out cover of Duke Ellington’s “Caravan.” Fradkin makes great use of the Roland GR-1 guitar synth throughout, and there is ample usage of Arturia’s Moog Modular V and Jupiter-8V soft-synths, as well as the GForce M-Tron and, evidently, a real Mellotron as well! Fradkin has sequenced and shredded his way into 2008 with one of the most adventurous digital recordings we’ve heard in a while. Get your synth freak on and lift off with Les Fradkin!

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

LES FRADKIN- "One Link Between Them" (RRO-1027)

One man and his Ztar...the one man is guitarist/keyboard player Les Fradkin, and for those of you who are wondering (and I'm sure most of you are) the Ztar is a MIDI guitar created by Starr Labs, and sort of looks like a cross between a Steinberger electric guitar and a SynthAxe. One Link Between Them is a fun ten song collection of instrumental tracks that mix space rock, electronica, ambient soundcapes, and progressive rock, showcasing Fradkin's keen sense of melody and adventure. Most of the synth & keyboard samples evoke classic sounds of Moogs, Mellotrons, and various Roland synthesizers, giving the album a very rich and futuristic flavor. Hearing Les tackle Steve Vai's "Liberty" (one of three covers on the album) is a real hoot, and his programmed drums and blinding Moog Modulator, permeated with haunting Mellotron, make "Warp Drive" one hell of a ride. Mellotron and Moog sounds once again rear their head on the severe melancholy of "Sailing All Alone", while the 7-minute "A Dim Twilight" features lush Mellotron & Oboe flutes that eventually give way to majestic synthesizer melodies that will please any serious prog rocker. Fradkin's closing take on the Joe Meek space anthem "Telstar" almost sounds like ELO, with some surf guitar lines thrown in for good measure.

One Link Between Them is an enjoyable listen, and is highly recommended to lovers of keyboard and guitar synth instrumental music.

LES FRADKIN - "ONE LINK BETWEEN THEM"
(RRO-1027)

The cliche "think outside of the box" applies very appropriately to the new disc by Les Fradkin - One Link Between Them. Les builds on an electronic foundation that can be traced as far back as the Rolling Stones' Their Satanic Majesties Request, and he takes the Starr Labs Ztar on a stellar journey via this concept album. Snippets of the Moody Blues, ELO, King Crimson and 80s Eurobeat bands (New Order and OMD come to mind) are also evident in Les' musical blitz on the astral and aural senses. One Link Between Them represents a dramatic departure from the guitar-driven pop-rock that Les is well-known for. However, if you study his earlier prog-rock, synth-rock and instrumental material, you won't be surprised by Les' latest artistic endeavor. Over forty years ago, Roger McGuinn challenged the studio technology of his time to create new forms of musical expression. Les is now taking that art form to places that Roger could never have imagined. As a result, One Link Between Them should appeal to several generations of music enthusiasts. Blast off - and prepare to enjoy the trip!

LES FRADKIN - "PEPPER FRONT TO BACK" (RRO-1018)
You gotta have chutzpa to tackle what is often considered the all-time greatest album in rock. I mean, it's one thing to cover a Beatles song, but to take on the entire Sgt Pepper album ?! No problem for Les Fradkin. He has the credentials and the chops to pull it off, which is exactly what he does on Pepper Front to Back, and then some !

The man who portrayed George Harrison in the original Broadway cast of Beatlemania! and who already has two George Harrison tribute cd's under his belt confirms himself here as one of the great guitar players of our time. Actually he had already done so on previous albums, but this time he's taking things even further. With the entire album performed on guitar synthesizer, a first for a Beatles cover album, Les brings Pepper right into the 21st century.

So how does all that translate into music ? There's of course no need to introduce the songs. Like the title says : it's Pepper front to back and has All you need is love added as a bonus track.

What makes this album so amazing is that you can easily compare it with the original Beatles album and Les Fradkin still comes out smelling like a rose ! From the powerful opening of the first track to his own "inner groove" sounds, Les always puts his personal stamp on each track ! While still staying fairly loyal to the original song, each song is approached with a fresh new look. It makes each and every song a pleasure to listen to for very different reasons : the "horns" on Lovely Rita, the lead and harmony guitars on She's leaving home, the Joe Cocker touch on With a little help, the "animals" on Good Morning, the "horns and strings" on All you need is love... the album is filled with all kinds of gimmicks that'll make you want to listen to it over & over again!

This is an album that will absolutely thrill Beatles fans and everybody who's into guitar albums. Les has been putting out some amazing music over the past years and has been building a loyal fanbase with it. This is a perfect opportunity to discover this unique talent !

LES FRADKIN-GUITAR REVOLUTION
RRO (1024)
Nobody covers the Beatles like Les Fradkin and if his own songs weren't that great, I'd say that's what he does best. His reconstruction of the entire Sgt Pepper album was nothing less than a revelation. And he continues in the same direction on Guitar Revolution.

In case you still haven't acquainted yourself with the music of Les Fradkin, this is as good a place to start as any. Les is all about guitars. Those in the know will drool over the equipment as it is listed on the inside cover. Those who listen to the music will file Les right next to Jeff Beck. The songs are a mere vehivle to display his amazing talents on the guitar. Although these are a bunch of the Beatles' best & well-known tracks, it almost doesn't matter as you always get caught up in the way Les treats them. I'll Be Back has that Ventures rhythm woven in, who would expect that solo piano on Within you Without you... I mean, there's something about each and every track that makes it stand out and why it's not "just" a cover of a Beatles song.

Once again two thumbs up for Les. WAY up !

LES FRADKIN-"12" (RRO-1015)

"12" is Les Fradkin's 12th album and except for one song is every bit as good as Les has done so far. Some Byrds, some Dylan, a few originals...they make an excellent mixture on which Les excells. Jumping out from the batch of guest musicians are Buddy Cage on pedal steel and ex-Manassas keyboardist Paul Harris.

But the real treat here is the song I made exception for earlier on : Alone Again Or ! This is obviously a cover version of the opening track on Love's Forever Changes. I'm a big fan of the Love original, but this one's right up there as well ! For me this track alone is worth the price of admission.

Fans of Les will no doubt enjoy the entire album, but everybody else should at least own Alone Again Or and since it's available as an individual download...what's the problem ? ;)

LES FRADKIN-"12" (RRO-1015)

Do you love jangly music? Do your ears perk up at the distinctive sound of a chiming Rickenbacker 12-string guitar? If so, don't hesitate to snap up a copy of Les Fradkin's twelfth solo disc - appropriately titled 12. As with past albums, Les is pictured on the cover with his Rickenbacker 360v64 (the model that was designed for George Harrison) 12-string guitar and Les showcases both his crisp pop-rock 12-string sound and his sonic production techniques on the nine tracks. Three of the tracks are original (two are co-writes), and the rest of the songs are a parade of tunes that Boomer music fans should be quite familiar with. Highlights include Les' versions of "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Eight Miles High"- recorded for the download-only four volume Byrds tribute set, Timeless Flyte (produced by Fradkin and released on his RRO Entertainment label), and available here for the first time on CD. Les' rendition of Mr. Tambourine Man sounds like he was studying every instrumental nuance in the studio when the Fab Five recorded this track in 1965. Les captures the sound of the Byrds again on his brilliant folk-rock version of "Four Strong Winds" by Ian Tyson. Les gives his own stamp to the McGuinn-Clark-Crosby classic "Eight Miles High", the traditional "I Know You Rider", Arthur Lee and Love's "Alone Again Or" and Bob Dylan's "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna-Fall." I have said this before but it bears repeating: Roger McGuinn's 12-string guitar style helped to pioneer the folk-rock sound of the 60s, and Les Fradkin nimitable 12-string guitar style is a leading force in the contemporary pop-rock scene that is keeping that chiming sound alive and vibrant. Hence, 12 is an album that should appeal to pop fans young and old.

http://cdbaby.com/cd/lesfradkin14

LES FRADKIN-"12" (RRO-1015)

So one day I’m wondering who besides me likes playing Rickenbacker 12-string electric guitars and I stumble upon Mr Les Fradkin who is based in Parker, Colorado. Having imported this album have to say first off that this guy knows exactly how to get a clear ringing sound out of a Rick AND he plays many other instruments. Co-produced by Loretta Fradkin, this album is the sound of someone totally in love with the West Coast guitar sound and folk-song vibe. Across these 9 cuts, Fradkin delivers a tuneful, twinkling, chiming set of songs all sounding precise and at times on the edge of frantic.

There is an endemic problem in doing versions, as any objective musician will tell you. I have long come around to the view that overall it’s best NOT to do songs you LOVE, but rather tunes you think you can do something with. Here the take on Love’s sublime ‘Alone Again Or’ is fantastically paced and presented, brings out every ounce of the song’s aching despair – but it’s more a recreation than a version, as such. Same with ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ and maybe nobody could play it ‘right’ better than Les.

But it’s with the lesser known songs and own creations that Fradkin really hits home. ‘Lay Down Your Arms’ has a sincere push and twanging hypnotic feel that makes you nod with approval. ‘Down On My Luck’ might be the best contemporary folkrock musing that anyone has come up with in recent years, it’s in the John Stewart/ John Prine league, kid you not. Marry this to the dextrous and well-placed guitar line decoration and you have a fine listen indeed.

A man with his heart on his sleeve and hopefully more originals to weave his guitar spells with ; a quality performer I greatly respect.

LES FRADKIN-
"JANGLEHOLIC" (RRO-1010)
Well, Fradkin had me at "Jangle". Any album with a title like "Jangleholic" is going to nab a lot of Not Lamers out of the gate, the only question is does the music live up to the hope. Well, listen below and smile is the answer. Fradkin knows his way around Byrds and 12 stringed Rickenbackers seeing as he was the original George Harrison in "Beatlemania" 30 years ago. "Jangleholic" is endlessly catchy 12-String Jangle Pop with a distinctive "sonic signature." The influence of 60`s and 70`s Pop with big hooks, lush harmonies, commercial production and virtuoso Rickenbacker 12-String electric guitar. On this release, Fradkin mixes his originals and offers up a great selection of Jangle covers from songs that influenced him as a 12-string guitarist: "I Want You" ( Bob Dylan ), "You Were On My Mind" ( by The We Five ), "I`ll Never Find Another You" ( by The Seekers ) and TWO Paul Simon songs from the Simon & Garfunkel Songbook- "A Hazy Shade Of Winter" and his electrfying cover of "The Dangling Conversation."

Jangle fans are going to freak and rejoice and for you, fans of the Rick, there`s little doubt of this being Extremely Highly Recommended!

LES FRADKIN-
"JANGLEHOLIC" (RRO-1010)

Les gets you right away with a Rickenbacker guitar pictured on the front cover! And you gotta love the title! Talk about truth in advertising! Not to worry, there are plenty of 6 + 12-string Ricks put to very good use here! In fact, Les plays all of the instruments here! The songs and treatments sound like a 60's AM Pop station playlist! The title track could be a Roger McGuinn outtake! "Guaranteed to please 'Jangle Pop' fans. Along with his usual unique and interesting twist interpretations of famous songs, his new original compositions are produced with oldies fans in mind. Covers include songs by Bob Dylan ("I Want You"), Paul Simon ("A Hazy Shade Of Winter" and "The Dangling Conversation"), The We Five (via their Sylvia Tyson penned hit "You Were On My Mind") and The Seekers ("I'll Never Find Another You"). His production has been favorably compared to Phil Spector" - Amazon.com WARNING: THIS DISC CONTAINS INGREDIENTS THAT MAY BE HABIT-FORMING FOR NON JANGLE-HOLICS!

LES FRADKIN-
"JANGLEHOLIC" (RRO-1010)

This cd title is a dead ringer for all you BYRDMANIACS out there. If you love the original classic line up of the Byrds, you ought to look into Les Fradkin's music. Rarely does an artist cover the 60's sound so faithfully and passionately. For fans of Beau Brummels, Beatles, and of course: THE BYRDS! ANd when it comes to being a jangolholic, tambourines and 12 strings never sounded better.

LES FRADKIN-
"GOIN' BACK"- (RRO-1009)

Fantastic 60's pop from the master of this style. If you love the Byrds, Beatles, Left Banke, Beau Brummels, Buffalo Springfield, etc..Please don't pass this by. Guest appearance on the cd include The Left Banke!!!, Mick Ronson, and Richie Furay! Les is in amazing company here. This is the real deal! 60's music is alive and well*****

LES FRADKIN- "JANGLEHOLIC" (RRO-1010)

I highly recommend Les' new CD, "Jangleholic". The writing and performing are really top notch. Wonderful tunes (both originals and covers), beautiful vocals, and the Ric-12 chimes throughout. The only problem I had when first listening to it was that I couldn't get past the title tune because is was so terrific. Les is in great form: sharp, funny, and classic all at once. I blasted it 4 or 5 times a row while driving with my wife before she nicely asked if we could move on and listen to the rest of the CD. Which we did, and loved. BTW, if you don't have the previous Les Fradkin CD, "Goin' Back", you should definitely look into that one as well. Brilliant!

LES FRADKIN-"IF YOUR MEMORY SERVES YOU WELL" (RRO-1013)

" The very prolific singer/songwriter/musician, Les Fradkin, has released yet another disc on his RRO Entertainment label - a 10-song tribute to Bob Dylan entitled If Your Memory Serves You Well. Les’ Rickenbacker 12-string guitar jangles, chimes and rings on most of the tracks … and he gives his usual “sonic” treatment to a number of folk-rock favorites. Les’ version of “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” sets a new standard for this oft-covered tune. If Les Fradkin doesn’t have his finger on the pulse of the Baby Boomer pop/rock audience, I don’t know who does!"

LES FRADKIN- "JANGLEHOLIC" (RRO-1010)

Byrds fans won't be disappointed. Next to covers of well known songs, Les offers some of his own compositions.

Fill your ears with that magical Rickenbacker 12 string sound!

LES FRADKIN-
"JANGLEHOLIC" (RRO-1010)

Les Fradkin returns with a new CD guaranteed to please "Jangle Pop" fans. Along with Les' usual unique and interesting twist interpretations of famous songs, his new original compositions are produced with oldies fans in mind. Covers include songs by Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Sylvia Tyson and The Seekers. His producing has been favorably compared to Phil Spector and this release also features his famous Rickenbacker 12-string guitar sound.

LES FRADKIN-
"SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS" (RRO-1012)

Les Fradkin delivers pulsing pop/rock excitement in Spirit of Christmas, a rollicking collection of largely original holiday tunes. This is music in the vein of the Beach Boys and the Beatles; in fact, the Beatles contributed two tracks ("Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon, and "Ding Dong, Ding Dong" by George Harrison). The mood is brightly rockin', and the beat will have you bouncin' in your chair, if not gyrating on the dance floor.

Spirit of Christmas opens well with "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday." The memorable chorus hangs with you long after the cut ends. Fradkin's own numbers are equally memorable--his "Say You Love Me for Christmas", for example, had me singing the refrain the first time through. "Christmas Vacation" (no relationship to the National Lampoon holiday film classic) is another terrific Fradkin creation; its wonderful steel pan island vibe will transport you to the tropics in December.

The Beatles' numbers are especially fine. George Harrison's Ding Dong, Ding Dong adds another dimension entirely. Although I am a big fan of the Beatles' work, both as a group and as separate artists, this number was unfamiliar to me. It's "Ring out the old, ring in the new; ring out the false, ring in the true" phrasing was a fun discovery. Fradkin's voice shines on "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)", especially on the opening bars. He also provides expressive vocals on the ballad "A Christmas Gone Too Soon." Generally speaking, I wish the vocals had been given more prominence on this recording. The stars, however, tend to be the instruments--mostly, the Rickenbacker guitars. And Fradkin certainly knows how to milk those instruments for all they are worth!

Les Fradkin's Spirit of Christmas is a strong choice for those who crave creatively-penned holiday romps with a 1960s flair. Very nice!

LES FRADKIN-
"SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS" (RRO-1012)
This felt so familiar on first listening that I assumed it was mostly covers, but no, seven tunes are by Les and Loretta Fradkin and two more are co-written with Les by Raven Kane and Diana Haig. The three covers are the Roy Wood and John Lennon classics plus the rarely covered "Ding Dong" by George Harrison. What's really familiar is the 70s pop-rock pomp, a Spectoresque wall of sound channeled through Jeff Lynne's mixing board. I had the feeling that Les was a one-man band kind of guy, and it turns out I was right, but what I didn't know was that he had a long pedigree in the business, working with everyone from Edison Lighthouse to the Godz (yes, the ESP Disk Godz), and a long stint in "Beatlemania" as George to boot. By the way, Edison Lighthouse was part of a continuum of late 60s-early 70s top 40 hits done by Flying Machine, Brotherhood of Man and White Plains. And you could easily justify this disc based on the nice job he does on the aforementioned songs, but his originals like "Say You Love Me For Christmas," "Christmas Sleeps Tonight," "Hello Christmas (Goodbye Year)," "Jangle Bells" and the lightly Caribbean-flavored "Christmas Vacation" argue for you to search this out at Not Lame, iTunes or CDBaby.

LES FRADKIN-
"PEPPER FRONT TO BACK"
(RRO-1018)
'm a Beatles covers collector and I must proclaim that this is the BEST instrumental Beatle song CD ever produced!!!! Every version of the Sgt. Pepper songs is gripping, vibrant and original, from the ska treatment of When I'm 64 through the biting beat of Getting Better to the gently weeping She's Leaving Home to the Woodstock retro With A Little Help From My Friends, Les Fradkin has nailed the spirit of '67 like no other in modern times. Even my friends who don't like Beatles covers have found themselves loving this CD! Viva Les Fradkin!

LES FRADKIN & GET WET:
"A DAY AT THE BEACH" (RRO-1003)

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!"

LES FRADKIN -
"PEPPER FRONT TO BACK"
(RRO-1018)
Excellent CD album and renditions of The Beatles SPLHCB 40th anniversary. Perfect Les!!!

LES FRADKIN:
"PERFECT WORLD" (RRO-1004)

Les Fradkin is a former member of the sixties' band Edison Lighthouse. He also played George Harrison in the seventies' Beatlemania project ("not the Beatles, but an incredible simulation"). Les is now back with a new album combining covers of sunshine pop classics like "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" and "Smile a Little Smile" with some new originals in a similar vein. The best of these is the sterling "God Bless California", which is perfect summertime pop in the Brian Wilson tradition. This track is extremely notable for featuring "Wrecking Crew" session musicians Hal Blaine, Carol Kaye and Don Randi. (The liner notes to the CD indicate that this is "possibly the very last collective appearance in a recording studio of Phil Spector's famous group of studio musicians...")

On the remaining cuts, Les is a real one-man band, playing most of the guitar parts as well as bass, piano, organ and mellotron mk II. He also handled engineering duties (with Larry Levine and Joe Hall), all musical arrangements, and co-produced the album with his wife Loretta. While some of the backing tracks are basic no-frills MIDI, the vocals by Les and such notable background singers as Alan Boyd are really jawdroppingly good.

This CD is a throwback to a bygone era, yet at the same time it sounds surprisingly fresh. Les Fradkin is a talented guy, and in an era dominated by by-the-numbers commercial rock music, a little talent and creativity go a long way. Recommended.

LES FRADKIN & GET WET-
"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!

LES FRADKIN:
"REALITY-THE ROCK OPERA"
(RRO-1001)

Two words sum it up: "Bloody Brilliant"! An hour or so after listening to "Reality," I had to peel myself off the wall, having been blasted there by Les' TNT production that reduced even Jim Steinman's most opulent work to mere fire side whispers....a stroke of production genius...a most intelligent libretto that makes you not only feel but also think...Check it out for yourself.

LES FRADKIN
"SOMETHING FOR GEORGE"
(RRO-1007)
From the first musician to portray George Harrison in the original Broadway cast and production of Beatlemania, comes this special collection of nine Harrison hits, with special guests Richie Furay of Poco and Buffalo Springfield. Beautifully done, 'Something For George" is a collector's item.

LES FRADKIN:
"WHILE MY GUITAR ONLY PLAYS"
(RRO-1005)

Les Fradkin's latest release, "While My Guitar Only Plays"
A collection of Beatles instrumentals in Les' distinctive guitar play'n style.
Beatles fans this is a GREAT CD!

LES FRADKIN:
"WHILE MY GUITAR ONLY PLAYS"
(RRO-1005)

I first heard this album on Archer's 'Breakfast With The Beatles' show and was amazed how Les Fradkin had duplicated the exact sounds of the lead guitar trade-offs in 'The End.' Then, when I got to listen to the CD, I was further impressed by Fradkin's unique interpretations. The moody, soulful 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' and the extra-jangly version of 'And Your Bird Can Sing' are truly phenomenal. Plus, the first cut I heard The Mountain radio station play, 'Here Comes The Sun,' features Nokie Edwards of the Ventures. I'm not usually a fan of Beatles covers, but this album really stands out.

LES FRADKIN:
"WHILE MY GUITAR ONLY PLAYS"
(RRO-1005)

The local Breakfast With The Beatles show on The Mountain (in Denver, Colo.) has softened me up to cover songs with its special features, but as a die-hard Beatles fan I usually won't go out and buy any, but Les Fradkin's CD has changed all that. When I first heard him duplicate the lead guitar effects on 'The End' I rushed to CD Baby and got the CD and, wow, it is great. His guitar and synth (which I usually don't like, but Fradkin takes the classic mellotron route) breath new life into these songs, especially 'And Your Bird Can Sing' and 'Here Comes The Sun.' No one will ever surpass a Beatles original, but Fradkin does the best re-interpretations I've heard since Aretha Franklin's 'Let It Be.'.

LES FRADKIN:
"WHILE MY GUITAR ONLY PLAYS"
(RRO-1005)

Les Fradkin has a new CD out, called While my guitar only plays. As you can guess it's not only a tribute to George Harrison, it also has all Beatles covers. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not much of a fan of this type of album, but this is one that will REALLY surprise you. In the first place because it's an all-instrumental album, which kinda takes away the urge to compare to the Beatles' original. And with Les' guitar very much taking the lead part in all the songs, you tend to concentrate on that. But there's so much more...there's bits of mellotron, percussion, guitar layers...they all contribute to the fact that this album is a unique listening experience. Each song has its own character, sometimes close to the original, sometimes taking on a life of its own. But Les always makes them his own, not in the least because of his unique guitar sounds. Just listen to that guitar solo in the Abbey Road medley !! In short, this is a CD I can strongly recommend !!

LES FRADKIN-
"WHILE MY GUITAR ONLY PLAYS"
(RRO-1005)
Guitar virtuoso extraordinaire, Les Fradkin, performs a refreshingly breathtaking instrumental album of Beatle pop tunes on his new CD entitled "While My Guitar Only Plays." Born and raised in New York city, Les played the role of George Harrison in the original Broadway cast of Beatlemania. On this new album, almost half the tracks are Harrison compositions which is Les's own way of paying homage to the late great Beatle. The remaining album tracks has him giving the nod to the other two composers, John Lennon and Paul McCartney by including some of their great songs that have become well-known to Beatle fans. Les's cover versions of "I Feel Fine", "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Paperback Writer" are filled with high energy performances with lots of interesting guitar improvisations. Any listener who plays these catchy instrumental tunes will easily come to appreciate and understand the reason why Les had been chosen for the part of Beatle George in the production of "Beatlemania." Rather than a rocker, Les chose to turn "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" into a light, graceful acoustic ballad almost like a quiet inner reflection of oneself. If this was Les's intention for the listener, then he definitely succeeded. Featured on "While My Guitar Only Plays" album is special guest Nokie Ewards of The Ventures. Between the two guitarist, they perform a very heart-warming version of "Here Comes The Sun" -- a recording that, if George were alive today, would surely put a smile on the face of the former Beatle (and sure to delight the ears of Beatle fans.) The medley that closes the album, "Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End" has Les and the band pulling out all the stops: THEY ROCK!!! Aided by drummer Joe Rotondo and bass guitarist Dave Stalheim, Les puts in some gutsy guitar licks. If I may use a phrase here from John Lennon, Les can easily "make a guitar speak" and then some, especially his lead guitar improvisations that trade off of each other on "The End" are simply brilliant.

Les Fradkin-"JANGLEHOLIC"
(RRO-1010)
Les sure does love that fireglow Rickenbacker 360V64 12-string guitar of his! Once again, this George Harrison model Rickenbacker is featured on the cover of Les' latest album (Les confided that he is a disciple of the Frank Zappa school of prolific recording) - Jangleholic. The album features several original tunes and Les' cover versions of some of his favorite songs from the past five decades. The title track recounts Les' lifelong love affair with the jangly, chiming sound of a Rickenbacker 12-string guitar.

Roger McGuinn turned many Bob Dylan folk songs into sing-along pop tunes with 4/4 time and chiming Rickenbacker riffs; Les does the same on his version of Dylan's "I Want You." If you ever wondered what a Simon & Garfunkel tune would have sounded like with Rickenbacker 12-string accompaniment, check out Les' fab version of "The Dangling Conversation." Les shines on the other cover tunes as well as on his own compositions. Les further enhances the chiming guitar licks with the use of the superb effects pedal - the JangleBox. (It's a small world - I met JangleBox inventor Steve Lasko last year, and I ran into him again at a Roger McGuinn concert!) Les is busy working on his next release; until that disc hits the street, this album should be the top attraction for jangleholics in 2006! You can find it at the following web link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lesfradkin10. Move over Starry Eyed & Laughing and Starbyrd; Les Fradkin belongs in that first pew of Jangledom with you!

LES FRADKIN:
"PERFECT WORLD" (RRO-1004)

Perfect World - by veteran jangly artist Les Fradkin, who once played with Edison Lighthouse. If you admire 60s pop, you can't help but sing along and tap your feet to this disc! Fradkin's guitars chime on numerous tracks, but his great cover of "Funny How Love Can Be" should delight Rickenbacker 12-string fans. This album also has the distinction of featuring the 60s studio artists affectionately known as the "Wrecking Crew." Fradkin wears his love of 60s pop music on his very talented sleeve. Long may you run, Sir Les!

LES FRADKIN-"Goin' Back"
RRO-1009 and
LES FRADKIN-"Love You 2"
(RRO-1008) -
When it comes to Roger McGuinn disciples … and George Harrison disciples (Les portrayed Harrison in the original Broadway cast of Beatlemania), Les Fradkin is among the leaders of the pack. These two discs feature, respectively, twelve very jangly tracks and eleven Beatles tunes (nine of which are Harrison-penned tunes). Les' fireglow Rickenbacker 360V64 12-string guitar is pictured on the cover of both discs. Almost every track has that snappy compressed sound that Roger McGuinn is known for. Among my favorite tracks are Les'cover version of "So You Want To Be A Rock'n'Roll Star" and all of the Beatles cover tunes.
Fans of jangly music should acquire both of these discs … and be on the lookout for the two-volume Jangleholic compilation that Les plans to release this month (Volume One) and in March (Volume Two). Long may you run, Sir Les!

LES FRADKIN:
"WHILE MY GUITAR ONLY PLAYS"
(RRO-1005)

While My Guitar Only Plays - by Les Fradkin. Fradkin follows up his 2004 solo disc with this 14-track (all Beatles tunes) instrumental disc that features Nokie Edwards of the Ventures. Fradkin portrayed George Harrison in the original Broadway production of "Beatlemania," and there's lots of jangly, chiming guitars on the Harrison-penned tracks on this disc. The Fradkin/Edwards guitars work well in unison, and I hardly miss the vocals on these classic Fab Four tunes. Twelve-string Rickenbacker fans will dig these instrumental treatments.

LES FRADKIN & GET WET:
"A DAY AT THE BEACH" (RRO-1003)
"SPLASH!" (RRO-1002)

Back in the ‘60s, instrumental guitar aficionados were in paradise. England had The Shadows and America had The Ventures. More than four decades later, few American guitarists are capable of combining the spirit of the classic West Coast surf-rock sound of The Ventures and the Euro-tinged guitar instrumental sound of Hank Marvin & The Shadows better than Colorado-based guitar ace Les Fradkin. Forty plus years after the Ventures and Shadows early ‘60s breakthroughs, Les Fradkin and his band, Get Wet, are in the midst of reviving the time-honored surf-rock instro sound and a whole lot more. Just in time for Summer 2004, Fradkin has re-launched the first two Get Wet albums—Splash! (from 1999) and A Day At The Beach (2001)—on his own RRO Records. Huge hits on mp3.com when released on CDR a few years back, Fradkin has shored them both up as definitive CD releases complete with 24-bit remastering, eye-catching new artwork and liner notes. Bonus tracks of Les Fradkin & Get Wet performing live in California and Colorado alongside a number of top players are featured on each—with the Splash! reissue spotlighting Les riffing out alongside legendary Eddie & The Showmen guitarist Eddie Bertrand. Colorful new artwork and top remastering makes these classic albums look and sound even better. The big, rocking guitar beat of Les Fradkin & Get Wet is essential listening for fans of surf-rock and symphonic rock instrumental sounds.

LES FRADKIN:
"REALITY-THE ROCK OPERA" (RRO-1001)

A masterful multi-instrumentalist who came to the attention of this writer through his release of two instrumental symphonic surf guitar rock CDs recorded under the name of Get Wet, guitarist Les Fradkin returned with his long awaited new album in early 2004...and it was worth the wait. A legend of the underground rock scene and studio world since his early ‘70s work with The Godz, Fradkin strikes a universal chord of well...reality with the 17 track Reality - The Rock Opera. A self-contained one man rock orchestra, Fradkin reestablishes himself on the cutting edge with his unique symphonic / synthesized guitars approach. Imagine influences from classic ‘70s groups such as Procol Harum and Moody Blues up through the high tech New Age electronic vibes of Yanni and you get a good idea of Fradkin’s mindset on Reality. An underrated songwriter, vocalist and rock guitar innovator, Fradkin keeps the spirits of Warren Zevon and George Harrison alive with his own probing lyrics and fitting melodies. Pundits into old rock lore will pick up on other cogent influences here like the caustic social satire of Harry Chapin and Turtle rockers Flo & Eddie. Fradkin’s production, engineering and performance of all the instruments—along with the superb co-production from his wife Loretta Fradkin—could turn him into the Phil Spector of the new millennium.

LES FRADKIN:
"WHILE MY GUITAR ONLY PLAYS"
(RRO-1005)

There is perhaps no better or more qualified guitarist around today to serve up a CDs worth of rock Beatles instrumentals than Colorado-based guitar maven Les Fradkin. After all it was Fradkin who was chosen, back in 1976 out of a pack of 2000 guitarists, to play the George Harrison lead guitarist part in the original Broadway production of Beatlemania. And with good reason. On his 2005 Beatles tribute CD—entitled While My Guitar Only Plays—Les and his band (including Joe Rotondo on drums and Dave Stalheim on bass) offer up fourteen of the best rock instrumental versions of Beatles classics ever recorded. And that’s saying something, because over the years there’s been hundreds of artists—from The Hollyridge Strings to Chet Atkins—who’ve paid instro honors to the greatest Fab Four music of the ‘60s. Fradkin puts all the arrangements and guitar parts in the right place and he’s chosen a collection of songs earlier overlooked as possible guitar covers in the past, achieving a fine detail of inlocking melodies with guitar voicings depicting the vocal harmonies and arrangements. Among the highlights on While My Guitar Gently Plays include Fradkin-ized covers of “Here Comes The Sun”—including a guest appearance by Ventures guitarist Nokie Edwards—instro covers of “And Your Bird Can Sing”, “Strawberry Fields Forever”, a sentimental, mellotron hued “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and a blistering instro rave-up of “I Saw Her Standing There”. Beatles fans who still relish the spirit in which these greatest ‘60s pop classics were first made, owe it to themselves to check out Les Fradkin’s While My Guitar Only Plays.