A top 20 guitar synthesizer player of all time, Les Fradkin’s awe-inspiring showmanship on the guitar is not something enough words can quantify. When playing his guitar, it is not the kind of bau you’d associate with other guitarists—his guitar is an extension of himself; it’s a part of him, and when he plays it, it’s like he’s exposing a part of his soul to the listener, allowing them a deep dive into the very core of his psyche. The wails emanated reflect his own being, taking a listener on this deep journey that is intriguing and one that holds them captive, refusing to let go even after the music is no more. With Fradkin, it is as if he and his guitar are always speaking the same language. That’s why it is impossible to separate the two.
A good case example is his latest 2-track single, “Hurricane Warning/12 Strings of Joy.” In both songs, no word is uttered, but by the end of your listening experience, you completely understand him and feel as if you have just had a conversation with him on what inspired these two releases. This is the kind of power and impact his music wields, and it is fascinating to say the least.
There is an undeniable urgency to the delivery in “Hurricane Warning,” perhaps mirroring its wild inspiration as the vehemently struck guitar strings wail determinedly and blend seamlessly with other electronic components to fashion a high-end masterpiece that is progressive, cinematic, and unforgettable. Fradkin does not take the foot off the gas, taking a listener on a sonic rollercoaster that is as captivating as it is uncontainable.
The second single, “12 Strings of Joy” is in beautiful contrast to the first one; expectedly joyful with an alluring rhythm and melody that feels like the track’s cornerstone…much more like what a hook is to any song with lyrics. The song exudes a celebratory spirit and is feel-good as Les showcases his guitar dexterity with the Hallmark 12 String Guitar, guiding its melodies towards a rich soundscape made up of some synthesized components and percussion.
“Hurricane Warning” has been featured in the motion picture, “The Accidental Icon the real gadget Story” and “12 Strange of Joy” was actually inspired by the German composer and musician Johann Sebastian Bach.
Stream this 2-track below and let us know how you feel about the music.
For more information, check out Les Fradkin’s official website: https://lesfradkin.com/