--=[ Frayne ]=--

Frayne - Frayne (2004)

Frayne comprises of a singer called Christina Sanchez and two guys who are none other than the sons of... Ramsey Lewis. Frayne Lewis should be known to you from his excellent musicianship and writing / production skills with his father on his "Between The Keys" album, and various Urban Knights albums. Who can forget such classics as "Just A Little Lovin'", fronted by the great Michael Logan?
Bobby Lewis makes up this talented troika by providing vocals, guitar and percussion. This is not like the work with their dear old pops, but is definitely their own unique imprint. "Weekend" is a fine example of this. This track caught the ear of a few quality DJ ears here in the UK, and its goodtimes vibe and easy, clappable melody makes this a song that would not be out of place on any of the excellent Soul Togetherness compilations. If you like Rick James' "Taste" then you should equally appreciate this.
"There Is Nothing Left" is a modern, spartan tapper that has some gentle female leads courtesy of Christina, and some great squeaky acoustic guitar. This would not be out of place on the Unified Tribe album from back in 2003. Similarly, "Aphrodisiac" delivers the goods, and also has that great good times vibe giving this more of an adult uptempo feel rather than the half baked, uniformed flavours dished up by today's new R&B generation. My top pick has to be the excellent bedroom aimed beat ballad, "Lay Back". Summery and warm best sums up this superb track which should win the trio a lot of fans. Please do not overlook this track; if nothing else it makes this release utterly worthwhile.
Lovers of instrumental numbers will find "Frayne's Soul Lounge" really warming. It is definitely in the 'funky joint' school of smooth jazz, but offers a lot more because it has more depth. Tony Toni Toné / Vertical Hold spring to mind with the cheerful "Ooo Wee"; the upfront vocals, dreamy keys and clapped beat work well. Some songs such as "Bump That" and "Free" are not too bad but would probably appeal to a younger, though more astute, set of years. There is also an instrumental version of Shalamar's hit "A Night To Remember"

Tracklisting is in the comments section.