Aaron Frazer 'Introducing...'
Aaron Frazer (of Durand Jones & The Indications) has released his debut album, Introducing…, on Easy Eye Sound / Dead Oceans via Inertia Music.
A testament to his wide-ranging influence and deep gratitude for his musical community, Introducing... is both loving and gracious, critical without losing hope, and a showcase of a young artist on a seriously soulful ascent. Working with producer Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys), Frazer works to combine ‘70s soul with Auerbach’s particular sensibilities. Across Introducing...'s 12 tracks are songs with a message in the key of Gil Scott-Heron, as well as uplifting tales of love told through a blend of disco, gospel, and doo-wop.
Introducing... was recorded in a week at Auerbach’s antique and ephemera-laden studio in Nashville following a rapid and prolific songwriting session. Auerbach called on a crew of heavy session players -- including members of the Memphis Boys (who played on Dusty Springfield’s 'Son of A Preacher Man' and Aretha Franklin’s 'You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman'), symphony percussionist Sam Bacco, and members of the Daptone-Big Crown Records universe. With a collaborative vision, Introducing... manages to hit the sweet spot between intuition, intentionality, and craft – a love song that’s both personal and universal.
On single, 'Can’t Leave It Alone', a track where producer Dan Auerbach’s sensibilities shine. “I have a soft spot for mid 2000s hip hop with marching band vibes,” says Frazer of the new song. “It just takes me back to the formative songs I heard emanating from 92.3 on my boombox. Yung Wun had ‘Tear it Up,’ Shawty Lo had ‘Dey Know,’ Jay Z ‘Roc Boys,’ Young Buck ‘Get Bucked.’ I wanted to write something in tribute to that sound, and who knows maybe a marching band out there will play it at a football game someday. ‘Can’t Leave it Alone’ is an on-again-off-again anthem for the people who can’t seem to call it quits with their exes. Sometimes when they’re wrong, it feels extra right.”
