New Album from Pianist Pete Frassrand is Refreshing, Vibrant
“Happening Birthday” is quite a gift, an absolute joy to listen to. It kicks off with a gleeful melody accompanied by the smooth vocals of Sendy Brown, making it even more vibrant. It’s refreshing to soak in a jazzy birthday greeting that goes beyond the usual four-line birthday song. Frassrand’s solo piano ripples are enchanting, adding more magic to this track; it makes turning a year older an emotionally uplifting experience.
The longest track in the album at seven minutes, “Special K” begins with a raw recording of musicians talking in a studio before its thrilling intro. This cut has a swaggering and ambitious vibe to it the way you envision big-time executives walking the streets of New York with a spring in their step. This might as well be the song playing inside their heads while donning those designer suits. Part classic, part alternative jazz, this sleek track has unexpected twists and turns with powerful piano and guitar solos.
Lovely and charming, “Almost Home” goes straight to serenading you without any fuss. Frassrand’s endearing piano blends perfectly with the fantastic flute playing of Mike Gillispie. It reminds you of everything you love about home—the familiar scent of your room, your mom’s home cooked meals, the bending branches of the old tree in your backyard, the creaking of your old stairs, and the warmth of being back. This song is wonderfully sentimental and exquisitely delightful.
Frassrand’s work in this album is exceptional and simply remarkable. His musical creativity and imagination is so vivid that it makes listeners feel that they’ve been given the honor of seeing through an artist’s soul.
Website: http://petefrassrand.com