As He Sleeps by Frazier Riddell

When I decided to record a solo guitar instrumental CD, I did so at my home, and my son Evan (7 at the time) was literally sleeping in the next room as I was recording parts of this project. I’m hoping acoustic guitar players will enjoy this project with it’s many different tunings.”

This project contains songs written over the years as far back as the mid 1980’s and as recent as January of 2004. All of them are original compositions. Most of these songs were written in the last 4 years and there is a nice mix of 7 different tunings including the 2 bonus tracks. This is music a guitar player might study closely while a non-musician may listen to it as simple background music. One thing’s for sure, this project is what it is. Not a lot of room here for covering up ‘imperfections’ (one of the most overlooked spices in pop culture). Please listen and enjoy!

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PROJECT TUNINGS USED:

(1) Born On The Delta [D-A-D-F#-C-D]

(2) For Paul [D-G-D-G-B-D]

(3) Jangle [standard]

(4) Silvertone [D-G-D-G-B-D]

(5) Zebra Rag +6 [standard]

(6) Wrong Note, Right? [D-A-D-F-C-D]

(7) Folk Grass [standard]

(8) Angel Wings [D-G-D-G-B-D]

(9) Variation On A Theme [D-A-D-G-B-D]

(10) View From A Porch [standard]

(11) As He Sleeps [D-A-D-G-B-D]

(12) Rock & Roll Solo [standard]

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Frazier Riddell was born in Canton Mississippi, in the 1960's, the son of a strong willed cotton farmer & loving Christian mother. He shared a love for music that was shared along with his family. "My first music learned was on my grandfathers piano" says Riddell. "My brother Charles and sister Diane taught me Chopsticks, Heart and Soul, and another tune. All three songs were duets and we played them over and over till improvisation sprung up to avoid boredom! Looking back I realize I first learned about improvisation at age 5."

Frazier took another step in his music when he took up saxophone in the 6th grade. He played alto and tenor sax throughout High School. During these years Frazier's other brother Robert casually taught him some chords on the guitar. "I learned to play 'dueling banjos' and the few chords my brother taught me, really well. I never really took the time to learn much more until I was 20 years old" says Riddell. "I wasn't playing sax (yet) at college, but still loved music, and began to dive into guitar more and more."

Another big happening must be mentioned according to Riddell. "I had a born again experience in 1981. I ain't trying to brag and I ain't trying to preach (although I do sometimes in my songs) but this changed the course of my life! After my experience with the Father, Son & Holy Ghost, I realized I wanted to use my life pursuing something I loved. I asked my parents if I could change my major to Music. I was prepared for a no, but I got a YES!" It was at this time that Riddell began writing songs.

Riddell can name many important musical influences. The Beatles, The Monkeys, The Partridge Family, David Bowie, Elvis Presley, Maynard Ferguson, Chicago, Bruce Springsteen, Randy Stonehill, Larry Norman, Ry Cooder, Steve Forbert, Tom Petty, Skynard, Neil Young, BTO, Pink Floyd, Steppenwolf, Styx, Boston, Yes, The Police, America, 10cc, John Mellancamp, and the list goes on and on...... "My strongest musical influences from the early years are the 3 B's: The Beatles, David Bowie, & Bruce Springsteen" says Riddell.

Since then, many people, places & jobs, have come and gone. Riddell is now married to wife Susan and they have a son, Evan. "We wanted our son to grow up around Grandmamma, Grandaddy, Aunts, Uncles, 1st cousins, etc...." says Riddell. "So, in 1995 we moved to my hometown in Mississippi. These last 10 years have helped me renew my love for music & hopefully they've made me a better writer. It's not easy, and I don't always enjoy it, but I'm beginning to see past the trees so to envision the whole forest."

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