As school rolls into finals week and my teaching duties lighten up going into the holidays, I have some time to reflect on the wild year I’ve had so far. Interestingly, my “Spotify Wrapped” playlist consists almost entirely of music that I’ve had to learn for a gig or class, and so it provides a good overview of my music making this year.
At the top of the list you can find the fascinating collection of Studies in African Rhythm that I learned for an international-themed classical piano recital. There’s also plenty of other classical piano pieces, along with other classical works I had to teach in school, hard rock (Ricky Liontones), smooth R&B (Smooth Tuba Tuesday), and a host of other popular hits that I played with cover bands and jazz standards from combo gigs. Highlights of the music that I didn’t have to learn for a gig include Mdou Moctar, Hiatus Kaiyote, Arooj Aftab, Brittany Howard, and Kim Gordon (look them up if you don’t know them).
I have a couple of shows to announce today, with more very exciting things to come. First, on December 13, I’ll be playing with Ricky Liontones at Liar’s Club for the millionth time this year, this time opening for Masonic Wave. We’ll also be paying tribute to Ricky’s original band from a decade ago, Polite Machines, with music from their catalog.
Next, on December 20, we’ll be a part of a major event happening at The Piazza in Aurora. Put on by Rock 95.5 in Chicago, “Holiday Havoc” will feature a slew of major rock artists, including Anberlin and Eve 6, and yes, us! What’s more, I’ve been told that you can save $5 on your ticket if you buy them online using this link and the code “ricky” at checkout!
Mike Frasier Music 