Andy Fraser - On Assignment

  by Lisa Torem

published: 12 / 7 / 2014

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Andy Fraser founded ‘70’s band, Free, for which he wrote ‘All Right Now’ and is acclaimed for his work, too, as a strong, influential bassist and songwriter. He has written for Rod Stewart, Chaka Khan, Joe Cocker and many other luminaries. His solo career is going on forty years, as well. His passion for preserving marine life resulted in ‘Tears of a Mermaid’ with his daughter Hannah Fraser, who is known for her realistic mermaid portrayals and commitment to the cause too. A survivor of AIDS and cancer, Fraser has a lot of human experience and emotion to pull from and he does so well on 'On Assignment', which is his 17th album. The dozen tracks make great use of today’s studio equipment and technology. The songs are loaded with energy and Fraser’s gritty yet soothing voice makes some strong statements about life, love, spirituality, and the future of the planet. ‘The Big One’ chronicles the horrific effects of global warming and Kat Dyson’s electrifying performance on guitar frame the story superbly. The album begins with the vivacious, galloping rhythms of ‘Ghetto Bus,’ which incorporates floating vocals and swirling bytes. ‘Time to Face the Music’ features screaming guitar, an earnest story line and seductive call and response. ‘Carnival’ finds Fraser in excellent voice. It’s a mellow presentation with tender lyrics: “Tears running down my eyes/Couldn’t see the other side.” ‘Totally Yours’ is a Gospel treat. Fraser’s voice is surrounded by a band of angels. The aforementioned ‘This Is The Big One’ is strong and convincing. ‘Beautiful’ is a song about Fraser’s renaissance after enduring trauma. He comes alive in a brand new way and his transformation is glowing. ‘Thank You’ is soulful and optimistic and ‘Reggae Boy’ is a playful break from the hard-hitting lyrical content of the others. ‘Oh Yeah’ finds Fraser’s falsetto in full bloom. ‘I Found God’ and ‘Witness’ are both expressive, thought provoking and deeply heartfelt. ‘Rain or Shine’ really sums up the dozen tunes; it’s full of energy, strong instrumentals and passion.

Track Listing:-

1 Ghetto Bus
2 Time to Face the Music
3 Carnival
4 Totally Yours
5 This is the Big One
6 Beautiful
7 Thank You
8 Reggae Boy
9 Oh Yeah
10 Witness
11 I Found God
12 Rain or Shine

Band Links:-

http://www.andyfraser.com/
https://www.facebook.com/OFFICIALANDYFRASER

Label Links:-

http://www.thoroughbredmusic.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/Thoroughbredmusic-263556470331064/

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