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Eric Frazier at Rustik: Not Your Average Tuesday Night in Brooklyn

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By DuEwa Frazier



Rustik Tavern
471 Dekalb Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11205
(347)406-9700
Tuesday, August 11, 2008

On Tuesday, August 11th at 8pm, a crowd of music lovers, neighbors and musicians gathered for the weekly jam session and open mic hosted by jazz percussionist, singer, songwriter and producer Eric Frazier. The Brooklyn native and bandleader, Eric Frazier hosted an evening of singers, songwriters and poets stepping up to jam with Frazier's band of notable jazz musicians. If you closed your eyes, you just might believe you were in 1950's Harlem at a popular music spot, listening to the big band of the day. Frazier crooned with his band, giving the listeners song selections such as “Pennies From Heaven", and “A Train." Frazier knew how to enliven the venue during his percussion solos and scatting while he sang. Other classic jazz tunes played by Frazier's band included: “Sugar" by Stanley Turrentine, “All Blues" by Miles Davis, and “Impressions" by John Coltrane.

Members of the band were: Eric Frazier (vocals, congas, and percussion), Paul Von Thadden (piano), Drake Colley (alto saxophone), Lon Ivey (drums), Wayne Jeffrey (guitar), Enrique Guerrero (soprano Saxophone) and Gene Torres (bass guitar). Every few minutes, new musicians were coming in to take the stage, even for just one song. The sounds of people talking, laughing, clapping and praising the musicians could be heard. Although there were plenty of tables and chairs, including seating at the bar, many chose to stand as close to the stage as they could to experience the musical vibes and high energy of the performers.

The open mic talent was steady throughout the night. Singer, Silver Fox, a distinguished looking, gray haired gentleman sang, “You Got Me Running." Kym Hampton, a gifted singer and ex-WNBA player (New York Liberty), hit the high notes on songs “Our Love Is Here to Stay" and “My Funny Valentine." Paul Mancuso, though shy at first, found his stride and offered, “Cherish." Aronda Wade was lively; wearing an orange outfit as she gave a spunky rendition of “Night and Day," Alicia Morissey gave wonderful renditions of “Angel Eyes, and Corcovado." Cynthia Holiday brought the house down with her version of “Teach Me Tonight." And several other singers from all over Brooklyn and other boroughs came out for their chance to sing before a packed house, accompanied by the band. Highlights of the evening included Frazier's band paying tribute to the late great singer, Isaac Hayes when they played an extended jazz funk version of Hayes' theme song from the movie “Shaft" and, George Benson's bass guitarist, Stanley Banks took the stage to jam with the band on Benson's song “Masquerade." Banks also features on Frazier's latest CD, “In Your Own Time."

Yvonne Cummings, a Brooklyn native explained why she attends the open mic jam with Eric Frazier every Tuesday. “I come for the music. What this reminds me of is a time when musicians went to the clubs late at night and played with legendary musicians. Here, you just never know who's going to show up. The musicians just come in to have fun and play for one another." George Johnson, also a Brooklyn native remarked, “It's like a family affair. Twenty to thirty musicians, top entertainers, amateurs and poets come through here just to have a good time. It's the best atmosphere. If you can just hum a tune, it's good." The evening ended around midnight and it was clear that no one wanted to go home. Eric Frazier and his band gave the Brooklyn community a night of big band sounds reminiscent of a legendary era in jazz history.

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