Interesting and really cool are the words I could think of to describe Les Fradkin’s “I Know You Rider.” This is a soul-stirring set to music as Fradkin breathes new life into a traditional blues masterpiece with emotional depth, lyrical honesty, and his signature guitar brilliance. A longtime trailblazer and original cast member of Broadway’s Beatlemania, Fradkin continues to show why he’s in a league of his own.
From the moment the song begins, Les grips listeners with tasty guitar melodies and a freshly invigorated hook: “Well I know my rider’s gonna miss me when I’m gone…” It’s a line that hits deep, not only for its bluesy poeticism, but because of how masterfully Fradkin’s Hallmark 12-string guitar echoes its emotional weight. With his unmistakable vocal tone leading the charge, he creates a soundscape that’s both poignant and hopeful, rooted in tradition yet delivered through a modern lens.
Les doesn’t just play the guitar—he coaxes it to sing, cry, and soar, channeling decades of virtuosity into a single performance that feels both intimate and epic. With every bend, pluck, and slide, his fingers pull out layered melodies from a single instrument, captivating the listener in a masterclass of guitar storytelling.
“I Know You Rider” is more than just a blues revival—it’s a heartfelt journey of love, loss, longing, and the kind of hope that waits just behind the storm. The accompanying official video is beautifully stripped back, showcasing Les and his guitar in their rawest form, letting the lyrics float beside him and drive the message home with powerful simplicity.
This release is a testament to Les Fradkin’s legacy as a 21st-century New Media artist—unafraid to innovate, yet deeply respectful of the roots from which his music grows. Whether you’re a blues enthusiast, guitar connoisseur, or simply someone who appreciates music that speaks to the soul, “I Know You Rider” is a must-listen.
Watch the official video and stream the single now across all major platforms.
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