If anyone thought funk was going to stay in the 70s, think again. Aaron Frazer has now burst onto the scene with his solo debut album as of roughly three days ago, and it’s safe to say his new album is like being in a time machine. The twelve song track list is sure to raise some eyebrows for newer generations who aren’t familiar with this type of music, but music fans from the 60s and 70s are going to vibe with it just fine. He’s been a vocalist and drummer for the band Durand Jones & The Indications, but now with the help of producer Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys, Frazer is finally getting a chance to shine on his own.
Aaron Frazer has the look, he has the voice, and he’s ready to play the part with his new release Introducing…
Aaron Frazer has the look, he has the voice, and he’s ready to play the part with his new release Introducing... His style is clearly influenced by the music of yesterday, resembling in appearance a man from the 50s but singing and playing like a man producing music twenty years after. Think soul, funk, and a touch of rhythm and blues, and that’s what can be expected from Frazer. He has the falsetto of The Weeknd and his music arrangement is in closest comparison to artists like Marvin Gaye or Curtis Mayfield, though for a more current point of reference see parts of Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience. His sound isn’t new, but with any good fortunate on his end, he’ll see this sort of music making a much needed comeback.
Too many of his songs are worth gushing over, so it’s much easier to just highlight the record’s impact as a whole. Frazer’s vocal abilities are probably the most pleasing part of the album. Like Charlie Puth, Frazer’s high notes and range don’t even appear to physically match the person singing them from the outside, yet somehow they’re able to belt it out effortlessly. Next to that is the obvious instrumental arrangement. Whether it’s a slow song or upbeat, Frazer and Auerbach fulfilled the task of stringing everything together so succinctly that listeners should be able to hear each individual instrument down to the guitar riffs, bass line, and drum fills. The track list is complete and overall, strong. There isn’t a single weak song in the entire bunch and Frazer is consistent throughout, managing to show off his soulful side whilst also showing his clear passion for this genre of music.
Frazer hasn’t broken the mold nor has he plunged into unknown realms, but he’s absolutely on a trajectory of bringing back a sound many have forgotten as time has passed. His approach to music could very well see a revival of the age of soul and funk, ideally making it popular and worth listening to again. This debut album deserves to catch fire, even if it doesn’t’. Introducing… is tasteful, aesthetically fulfilling, and written with the upmost artistry and creativity. Listen to the whole album now on Spotify or miss out on something special.
