Alvin Frazier
My name is Alvin Frazier, musician, songwriter & producer from Cleveland, Ohio.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Gifted and talented are two words that best describe singer, songwriter, musician and producer Alvin Frazier.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Alvin has been singing since the age of two and pecking at the keys since the age of three. Both of Alvins parents were involved in music at some point in their lives. My dad was a singer who had his own group, and my Mom was a drummer for her church when she was young. As you can see, the combination of singing and musicianship was a given.
Through watching and listening to his father rehearse and work out harmony arrangements with his group, Alvin would begin to imitate what he heard. My Mother saw the potential and started buying me toy instruments (i.e. pianos and guitars) and it wasnt long before I started to hear ideas as early as three years old, believe it or not, and Ive been going strong ever since.
Over the years, and without formal training, Alvin would go on to learn to play the piano, guitar, bass and drums. Outside of being a singer and self-taught musician, Alvin had a love for writing and storytelling. He would eventually use that talent for songwriting. Alvins musical journey has been extensive based on the different places he has been musically. That journey has been instrumental in Alvins understanding of the various aspects of music to which he has been involved and is the key to his versatility as a producer. Of course like any of the people who do what I do, I have many musical influences. Artists like Steely Dan, Earth, Wind & Fire, Pat Metheny, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, James Taylor, Sting, Sade, to Deitrick Haddon, Fred Hammond & Israel Houghton to name a few. However, I am very careful about the things that I choose to listen to.
Alvin attributes his success and rapid development as a songwriter / musician / producer to his faith in God. It would be foolish of me to think that all my abilities are a result of own my doing. Being brought up around music helped, but I recognize that I am blessed with a gift and have been assigned a work to do, and I know that with Gods help I will be able to complete it successfully one person and one melody at a time.
Known as the one man band, Alvin receives countless calls from mentors, peers and clients seeking his services and advice as a musician, songwriter or producer. Alvin says, I feel that creating music is part of my lifes destiny, and I am certain that it is my lifes calling, so I desire to be excellent at it by learning as much as I can.
Alvin is currently preparing to release and promote his debut offering Love & Faith Volume: 1 scheduled for release in July 2006. Be on the lookout for this awesome project.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes, I do. At various venues. I enjoy live performing because ministry is relating and connecting with the people.
Your musical influences
Soul, R&B, Gospel & Jazz
What equipment do you use?
Ibanez & Yamaha guitars, Yamaha & Roland keyboards, Ernie Ball & Cort basses, Sure mics and Cakawalk & Adobe Audition 1.0 recording software
Anything else?
My mission and goal in life and in music is to reach as many people as possible and share the love of Christ. That's what matters.
