Monday, October 14, 2024

Caesar Frazier - 1972 - Hail Caesar!

Caesar Frazier 
1972 
Hail Caesar!




01. Hicky-Burr 8:05
02. Ellie's Love Theme 5:00
03. See-F 4:37
04. Hail Ceasar! 6:23
05. Make It With You 4:42
06. Runnin' Away 4:55

Bass [Fender] – Gordon Edwards
Congas – Buddy Caldwell
Drums – Idris Muhammad
Guitar – Melvin Sparks
Organ – Ceasar Frazier
Tenor Saxophone – Houston Person
Trumpet – Cecil Bridgewater




After a career as a sideman for greats like Marvin Gaye and Lou Donaldson, Caesar Frazier stepped into the driver’s seat in 1972 for his debut solo LP. Featuring his impeccable organ playing throughout, it’s been a staple for crate diggers and hip hop producers alike for decades. Caesar is joined by a who’s who of funky jazz musicians (Houston Person, Melvin Sparks and Idris Muhammad) to make Hail Ceasar! a masterclass in laid back grooves. Between the assured originals and instinctively chosen covers, there is no doubt this is one of the greatest examples of Soul Jazz the 70s (or any decade) produced.

Born in New York City, raised, and educated in the South, Midwest, and West Coast, Caesar Frazier has spent his entire life since the age of fifteen, performing in bands, orchestras, and as a solo artist. As a recording artist, Caesar recorded numerous albums as an instrumentalist and vocalist. Over the years he also has accompanied other artists as a studio musician. One of the numerous highlights of his musical career include the time he spent traveling on mega concert tours as Marvin Gaye's keyboard accompanist. While working with Marvin and having personal conversations regarding musical concepts, the lessons learned left their foot print on his understanding of effective performance.

Caesar grew up hearing and being forever influenced by many of America's greatest artist that covered most all of the popular music genres. "I heard the greatest country artist, blues artist, rock and roll artist, rhythm and blues artist. And, loved it all. Another of the highlights of his musical life have been having numerous popular artists of recent years, use songs written by him to garner hit records. The rapper, Kanye West, rapper / actor "Common", the hip hop group "Gangstarr", are some of the current popular artists that have used songs written by Caesar Frazier to garner hit records.

To further broaden his understanding of the music & media business, Caesar earned an Associates Degree in Broadcast Communications, worked as the music director of a smooth jazz station, did "talk radio", was a news anchor, reporter, and news writer for broadcast and an"On Air Announcer".

"What a wonderful way to spend my life....doing what I've loved all of my life!"

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