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Australian Blues Band of the Year Chain Awards 2006 (The Brian Fraser Trio).
Lee Howard- Melbourne Herald Sun. Dec 2005
*** Good, worth the money and a worthy addition
Buy "Passing The Time" now
See this crew live and chances are you will be joining the queue for this disc after the show.
Brian Fraser's previous release on Black Market, 2003's solo Finger Pickin', was a pleasing effort, but gave the singer-guitarist plenty to do.
This time he is back with Mick Reid on harmonica and percussionist Benny Owen to back his growl and flying fingers.
The result is a gutsier set of electric blues, fired up up by Fraser's lap slide guitar. And it captures a fair representation of the band's live show's verve.
The material is diverse, augmenting Fraser's own offerings. There are covers of songs by Blind Willie Johnson and Bobby "Blue" Bland, while his upbeat version of Bo Diddley's Can't Judge a Book is emblematic of the tone of proceedings.
There are notes of reflection best illustrated by New England Highway and the venerable Nobody's Fault But Mine.
Lee Howard- Melbourne Herald Sun.
Bluesletter - Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society. Dec 2005
This has always been a most enjoyable band to listen to with Brian's gruff voice out the front giving plenty of feel and meaning.Behind him on backing vocals are Mick Reid and Benny Owen giving the smooth side of vocals as well. The Trio is well balanced with Brian on guitars and electric lap slide, Mick on harmonica and Benny on percussion and even didgeridoo. The CD has a mixture of covers and originals, all played at the highest quality ensuring a fine example of southern style Australian blues
Sam Fell- Rhythms Magazine 2005
Having just recently seen the Brian Fraser Trio play a set at the MBAS sponsered Memphis Challenge where they finished runner-up, it was quite appropriate that Fraser's new album presented itself in all its country blues glory, giving me a recorded taste while the live one was still fresh in my memory.
Passing The Time Fraser's fourth record in the past five years or so, sees him teaming up with a new band and embracing what is essentially a completely different style from what he's become known for. Fraser's last album, Finger Picken' Blues, was just that, whereas Passing The Time is heavily drenched in the frieght train steady twang of the lap steel, layered under and between some deluxe and decidedly underused harmonica, solid percussion and a bit of didgeridoo thrown in just to confuse/delight you even further.
While Passing The Time isn't a contender for album of the year, after a few listens, this album kind of like and old pair of jeans. The almost ridiculously enthusiastic backing vcocals from Benny Owen on percussion, act as the erratic fish on the hook while Fraser's rock-steady, crevasse deep lead vocal slowly reels it in, the two complimenting each other like bacon and eggs, giving the album that comforting, reliable feel.
Because of the heavy use of lap steel, Passing The Time has a haunting, almost sinister sound to it, (you proberly won't want to jump up and dance around while listening) plus the use of three vocalists on certain tracks adds a bit of depth to what could quite possibly have been another standard, boringly predictable "blues/roots' album.
Old numbers that have been Fraser-fied include Bo Diddley's, "Can't Judge a Book by its Cover", Blind Willie Nelsons, "Nobody's Fault But Mine" and Sylvestor Weaver's, "Guitar Rag", placed tastefully amongst Fraser's own, most of which seem to be painting a picture of meloncholy and hope, wistfulness and anxiety, all put to music that captures the overall pensiveness of the recording.
Having seen the band live, I can vouch for their enthusiasm and passion for their music. Fraser, the elder statesman of the Trio, is content to sit and play, he's the base of the band, and it's a stark contrast to Owen behind his assortment of percussive instruments; I don't think he stopped smiling or hitting something for the entire set. Boston born Mick Reid's consumate Mississippi sax skills, although not used enough on Passing The Time, are magic none the less.
So a decent record from a veteran and some 'young blokes' which, whilst it won't have HMV rushing around trying to secure extra stock for the Christmas rush, it will be a welcome stocking filler for the country blues enthusiast amongst you, something you can throw on as you unwind on the back porch after a hard day spent being melancholy and sliden' the blues.
Sam Fell- Rhythms Magazine
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