Back in the 1970's and 1980's, I produced and recorded for a variety of labels including MGM, Laurie, ESP Disk, Bell and Arista. I recorded solo and as a member of several groups including Beatlemania, Edison Lighthouse, California, The Godz, The Left Banke, Thornton Fradkin & Unger and others.
Here's a new video sub chanel for checking out some things from my career stretching back to 1970:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=9BC19BD27C576F2D
Features:
California-Summer Fun Medley
Beatlemania-The Making Of Beatlemania
Beatlemania-On The Merv Griffin Show
Les Fradkin with The Left Banke-"I Could Make It Last Forever"
Les Fradkin & Get Wet- "A Day At The Beach"
Roberto Jordan-"Donde?" (Song Of A Thousand Voices) (Spanish)
More releases to come including Les' 1980-81 group- The Allies with
never before seen video footage, video footage from "Reality-The Rock
Opera", a video from the "12" CD and other surprises as well!
Regards,
Les Fradkin
http://www.lesfradkin.com
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Les Fradkin Orbiter Video On You Tube
Les Fradkin, the Starr Labs Ztar virtuoso, presents "Orbiter" from his "One Link Between Them" CD.
Robert Fripp once remarked in Guitar Player Magazine: "There is a new music to go with this new instrument. Therein lies my interest in the guitar synthesizer. That something entirely new will appear." This COULD be it! Come have a look and listen to a new sound in Progressive Rock.
This album has received wide acclaim in publications such as Keyboard Magazine and across the Internet.
Les, who is classically trained, is moving at Hyper speed. In this video, he's playing the Starr Labs Ztar MIDI Guitar in a Jean Michel Jarre meets Robert Fripp influenced style on his own composition.
The Ztar can be strummed with string triggers or tapped with one or both hands as seen in this video.
The main lead sound is the Les Fradkin Lead Guitar Sample and the Logic ES2. Background sounds are from an M-Tron, Roland XV-5080 and Arturia Soft Synths. The sounds at the intro are made with The GForce M-Tron Pro and Propellerhead Reason.
Take a Journey To The Stars!
MIDI Guitar.... as you've never seen it before!
Visit the Les Fradkin Official Website:
http://www.lesfradkin.com
For more information on the Ztar:
http://www.starrlabs.com
Robert Fripp once remarked in Guitar Player Magazine: "There is a new music to go with this new instrument. Therein lies my interest in the guitar synthesizer. That something entirely new will appear." This COULD be it! Come have a look and listen to a new sound in Progressive Rock.
This album has received wide acclaim in publications such as Keyboard Magazine and across the Internet.
Les, who is classically trained, is moving at Hyper speed. In this video, he's playing the Starr Labs Ztar MIDI Guitar in a Jean Michel Jarre meets Robert Fripp influenced style on his own composition.
The Ztar can be strummed with string triggers or tapped with one or both hands as seen in this video.
The main lead sound is the Les Fradkin Lead Guitar Sample and the Logic ES2. Background sounds are from an M-Tron, Roland XV-5080 and Arturia Soft Synths. The sounds at the intro are made with The GForce M-Tron Pro and Propellerhead Reason.
Take a Journey To The Stars!
MIDI Guitar.... as you've never seen it before!
Visit the Les Fradkin Official Website:
http://www.lesfradkin.com
For more information on the Ztar:
http://www.starrlabs.com
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Les Fradkin Ztar Video Collection
Ever heard and seen a Starr Labs Ztar? The Ultimate MIDI Guitar
Curious? Be in the know and check out the Les Fradkin Video Ztar Collection!
Featuring "Lift Off"- The Rock Television Winner of the Month!
Curious? Be in the know and check out the Les Fradkin Video Ztar Collection!
Featuring "Lift Off"- The Rock Television Winner of the Month!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Les Fradkin New Video On You Tube
Watch the NEW Les Fradkin Video:
"Everything Is Wrong" featuring
the amazing Starr Labs Ztar.
Les Fradkin, from the Original Cast of Beatlemania, joins millions of Americans who feel "Up Against The Wall". Les' song "Everything Is Wrong" perfectly encapsulates what's wrong with America today and the financial crisis we all face.
Whether you're for Barack Obama & Joe Biden or John McCain and Sarah Palin, Americans feel "Up Against The Wall" with all the "Elephant Talk" from Washington politicians.
What's especially eerie is that Les wrote about this FIVE YEARS AGO. Now, "Everything Is Wrong" is a song who's time has finally come!
LES FRADKIN: "Reality-The Rock Opera"
5 Years ahead of it's time!
Now, with the 2008 Presidential Election, the bailout crisis, the Wall Street mess, tightening of Credit-
It's time has finally come!
Featuring:
"Everything Is Wrong"
"Rehearsals For Retirement"
"System Crash"
"It's Plastic"
Les Fradkin plays and endorses:
Starr Labs Ztar Model Z7S MIDI Guitar
w/Air Power Wireless System
"Everything Is Wrong" featuring
the amazing Starr Labs Ztar.
Les Fradkin, from the Original Cast of Beatlemania, joins millions of Americans who feel "Up Against The Wall". Les' song "Everything Is Wrong" perfectly encapsulates what's wrong with America today and the financial crisis we all face.
Whether you're for Barack Obama & Joe Biden or John McCain and Sarah Palin, Americans feel "Up Against The Wall" with all the "Elephant Talk" from Washington politicians.
What's especially eerie is that Les wrote about this FIVE YEARS AGO. Now, "Everything Is Wrong" is a song who's time has finally come!
LES FRADKIN: "Reality-The Rock Opera"
5 Years ahead of it's time!
Now, with the 2008 Presidential Election, the bailout crisis, the Wall Street mess, tightening of Credit-
It's time has finally come!
Featuring:
"Everything Is Wrong"
"Rehearsals For Retirement"
"System Crash"
"It's Plastic"
Les Fradkin plays and endorses:
Starr Labs Ztar Model Z7S MIDI Guitar
w/Air Power Wireless System
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Like A Rolling Stone is Out!
Steven Kurutz's new book "Like A Rolling Stone" (The Strange Life Of A Tribute Band) is out and doing real well. Although the book is about tribute bands in general and specifically about the Rolling Stones tribute band "Sticky Fingers", there is quite a bit of backstory devoted to Beatlemania and specifically, the four original cast members (Mitch Weissman, Joe Pecorino, Les Fradkin & Justin McNeill).
In addition, Les Fradkin is featured prominently in two sections of the book dealing with Beatlemania on Broadway as well as his and the other original members' current activities.
In addition, Les Fradkin is featured prominently in two sections of the book dealing with Beatlemania on Broadway as well as his and the other original members' current activities.
 |  |
| Like A Rolling Stone Book Cover | |
Sunday, April 6, 2008
One Link Between Them Review-ProgRock
LES FRADKIN-"One Link Between Them" (RRO-1027)
Prog Rock Plus Website Review
Isn't it a really cool feeling when you discover something or someone that surprises you and simply knocks your socks? Entering the spacerock ring is Mr. Les Fradkin, armed with synthesizers and samples including his featured instrument- Starr Labs Ztar Model Z7S MIDI Guitar. But labeling Les squarely into the Spacerock genre would not be altogether true; combine spacerock, Jean-Michel Jarre and some progrock flair and classical influences and you can at least see where his music is reaching out to.
What I like about `One Link Between Them,' is that Fradkin, makes his guitar synths and the Ztar sing with amazing intonation as if Rick Wakeman was playing a classic synth. His MIDI controller mades good use of a substantial array of equipment and samples but never seems forced, as if he's showing out his new toy. Drum programming is od high standards and on ocassion reaches the height of brilliant, though many of the rythyms, remind me of a classic Jean-Michel Jarre feel.
High points to the album are:
Track 2- `Orbiter,' is a standout! Penned by Mr. Fradkin, the piece starts outs with some tasty Mellotron and settles into some amazing rhythms as well some very cool leads. Les out Jarres Jarre on this track!
Track 3- `From Venus with Love,' composed by Les and Loretta Fradkin is a gorgeous melange of taste rhythms, beauty and spicy melody. As with Orbiter, I didn't want the tracks to end, but go on forever.
Track 4- is Steve Vai's `Liberty,' Though IMHO one of the weaker tracks (due to the composition, not instrumentation), the song really showcases the skill and amazing technique that Les can do, when needed.
The next track is another cover, `Caravan,' (composed by D. Ellington, J.Ticol, I.Mills). Les combines a Middle-eastern influence with his electronic take on Ellington's classic.
Track 6- `Warp Drive,' is exactly what it is titled. Add a little Yngwie, a dash of Jarre, some Tangerine Dream and a classical structure, with a pulsating rocking rhythm and you get a wild track. This track highlights Les' brilliant combination of expression as well as technique.
`Sailing All Alone,' like track 6 was penned by Les, and slows down the pace to showcase his sense of beauty. Again, the music perfectly portrays its title. Tara Coker-Lewis's voice ascends the piece even higher. Beautiful job.
`Longing To Return' briefly returns to the melody and riffs of `From Venus with Love,' but with an amazing beauty that is simply breathtaking. This is a fantastic composition that showcases the simplicity and the sublime. Amazing work Les! I sense a little Vangelis vibe (not soundwise), to this track.
Track 9 is my favorite, perhaps because it is the more proggier of the album's pieces. Penned again by Les and Loretta Fradkin, the composition to me instills a sense of wonder, some nice interplay with the Mellotron flute, oboe and some tastily bass and digital drums. The song gets stronger as it goes though its 7 plus minute length. The Ztar married with electric guitar is breathtaking! Images of triumph permeate this song- and well it should.
Joe Meek's `Telstar' finishes up the CD. Again, like Vai's composition, I feel that this one of the weaker tracks and personally, I like Les' penned pieces better, yet I do admire his daring as well as giving a nod to tunes and/or performers that he admires.
Did I mention any lows? Nothing to talk about really, the few weaker tracks (IMHO), are still solid because of Les' musicality.
All in all, I really liked this album. The CD has enough change and interest, as well as technique to keep Prog rockers interested. Mellotron sounds are not redundant and over-used, and Mr. Fradkin's musicianship marries well with the (especially his), compositions. If you are a fan of Jean-Michel Jarre, or like new technology, check out this artist- now! But there is more to this man than simple synths; Les combines and transmorphs the new technology with feeling, passion and old-fashioned gusto. He knows how to rock, and can even get you on the dance floor; but also, the music is brimming with intelligence, emotion and care.
I can't wait to hear what this talented performer does on his next venture. It would be neat to hear a few longer tracks, so Les could spin his array of textures with a larger palette. I can envision a modern Supper's ready-like epic piece coming from Les' Ztar. Also, it might be interesting to add a few traditional instruments into the mix, as a highlight or accent.
9.2 out of 10 rating
Lee Gaskins
ProgRock Plus Website
http://progrock.homestead.com/LesFradkinreview.html
Prog Rock Plus Website Review
Isn't it a really cool feeling when you discover something or someone that surprises you and simply knocks your socks? Entering the spacerock ring is Mr. Les Fradkin, armed with synthesizers and samples including his featured instrument- Starr Labs Ztar Model Z7S MIDI Guitar. But labeling Les squarely into the Spacerock genre would not be altogether true; combine spacerock, Jean-Michel Jarre and some progrock flair and classical influences and you can at least see where his music is reaching out to.
What I like about `One Link Between Them,' is that Fradkin, makes his guitar synths and the Ztar sing with amazing intonation as if Rick Wakeman was playing a classic synth. His MIDI controller mades good use of a substantial array of equipment and samples but never seems forced, as if he's showing out his new toy. Drum programming is od high standards and on ocassion reaches the height of brilliant, though many of the rythyms, remind me of a classic Jean-Michel Jarre feel.
High points to the album are:
Track 2- `Orbiter,' is a standout! Penned by Mr. Fradkin, the piece starts outs with some tasty Mellotron and settles into some amazing rhythms as well some very cool leads. Les out Jarres Jarre on this track!
Track 3- `From Venus with Love,' composed by Les and Loretta Fradkin is a gorgeous melange of taste rhythms, beauty and spicy melody. As with Orbiter, I didn't want the tracks to end, but go on forever.
Track 4- is Steve Vai's `Liberty,' Though IMHO one of the weaker tracks (due to the composition, not instrumentation), the song really showcases the skill and amazing technique that Les can do, when needed.
The next track is another cover, `Caravan,' (composed by D. Ellington, J.Ticol, I.Mills). Les combines a Middle-eastern influence with his electronic take on Ellington's classic.
Track 6- `Warp Drive,' is exactly what it is titled. Add a little Yngwie, a dash of Jarre, some Tangerine Dream and a classical structure, with a pulsating rocking rhythm and you get a wild track. This track highlights Les' brilliant combination of expression as well as technique.
`Sailing All Alone,' like track 6 was penned by Les, and slows down the pace to showcase his sense of beauty. Again, the music perfectly portrays its title. Tara Coker-Lewis's voice ascends the piece even higher. Beautiful job.
`Longing To Return' briefly returns to the melody and riffs of `From Venus with Love,' but with an amazing beauty that is simply breathtaking. This is a fantastic composition that showcases the simplicity and the sublime. Amazing work Les! I sense a little Vangelis vibe (not soundwise), to this track.
Track 9 is my favorite, perhaps because it is the more proggier of the album's pieces. Penned again by Les and Loretta Fradkin, the composition to me instills a sense of wonder, some nice interplay with the Mellotron flute, oboe and some tastily bass and digital drums. The song gets stronger as it goes though its 7 plus minute length. The Ztar married with electric guitar is breathtaking! Images of triumph permeate this song- and well it should.
Joe Meek's `Telstar' finishes up the CD. Again, like Vai's composition, I feel that this one of the weaker tracks and personally, I like Les' penned pieces better, yet I do admire his daring as well as giving a nod to tunes and/or performers that he admires.
Did I mention any lows? Nothing to talk about really, the few weaker tracks (IMHO), are still solid because of Les' musicality.
All in all, I really liked this album. The CD has enough change and interest, as well as technique to keep Prog rockers interested. Mellotron sounds are not redundant and over-used, and Mr. Fradkin's musicianship marries well with the (especially his), compositions. If you are a fan of Jean-Michel Jarre, or like new technology, check out this artist- now! But there is more to this man than simple synths; Les combines and transmorphs the new technology with feeling, passion and old-fashioned gusto. He knows how to rock, and can even get you on the dance floor; but also, the music is brimming with intelligence, emotion and care.
I can't wait to hear what this talented performer does on his next venture. It would be neat to hear a few longer tracks, so Les could spin his array of textures with a larger palette. I can envision a modern Supper's ready-like epic piece coming from Les' Ztar. Also, it might be interesting to add a few traditional instruments into the mix, as a highlight or accent.
9.2 out of 10 rating
Lee Gaskins
ProgRock Plus Website
http://progrock.homestead.com/LesFradkinreview.html
Thursday, April 3, 2008
One Link Between Them Announcement
My new Progressive Space Rock CD "One Link Between Them" is now released. It's available at Apple iTunes and other fine download stores. Featuring "Lift Off", "Orbiter", and "Telstar."
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