Rebecca Frazier – When We Fall (Compass Records, 2013)
When We Fall is a collection of original songs and instrumentals by bluegrass singer-songwriter and skilled guitar player Rebecca Frazier. She is an excellent guitarist from Virginia and was the first woman featured on the cover of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine. In addition to her admirable guitar technique, she is also an outstanding soprano vocalist.
Rebecca Frazier recorded When We Fall in Nashville (Tennessee) at a very difficult time in her life. She lost her second son in November 2010. “I knew I could rely on creativity and hope in order to heal,” Rebecca recounts. “While the project itself may have been inspired by loss, its creation has brought joy to the forefront.”
When We Fall contains a mix of splendid ear friendly bluegrass and Americana songs and dazzling instrumentals. Rebecca produced the album along with her collaborator and co-producer, Brent Truitt, who has worked with the Dixie Chicks, Alison Krauss, and Dolly Parton. The lineup on the album includes seasoned musicians such as her musical partner John Frazier on mandolin & vocals; bassist Barry Bales; banjo players Scott Vestal and Ron Block; Dobro master Andy Hall; fiddler Shad Cobb; and Shelby Means on backing vocals.
“I wanted to create a timeless-sounding work, because I’m so inspired by music from the 1970’s,” she says. “I rarely listen to ‘new’ music. Bonnie Raitt’s first record; old-school Tony Rice and Dave Grisman Quintet; Neil Young: all of this music was recorded before I was born, yet it’s free of datedness.”
Highlights include Rebecca’s version of Neil Young’s now classic ‘Human Highway’; the engaging song ‘Better than Staying;’ the vibrant instrumental ’Virginia Coastline’ where Rebecca Frazier and her collaborators get to showcase their admirable skills; the bluesy ‘Walk This Road’; the old-time flavored ‘Ain’t Gonna Work Tomorrow’; the jammy instrumental ‘Cliftop’; another skillful instrumental titled ’40 Blues’; and the sweet lullaby ‘Babe in Arms.’
Rebecca Frazier succeeded in her goal of making an enduring album. The production quality of When We Fall is modern, nonetheless the well-crafted acoustic instrumentation and vocals make this recording an everlasting collection of songs.
Buy When We Fall
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.