Matt Frazier – Drummer
“Frazier provides a solid, steady pulse with creative fills and great energy.”
Music Connection Magazine
“Matt plays with energy, musicianship, and has a toehold on the groove — lots of talent.”
Bruce Swedien, legendary engineer/producer
“Matt belongs in the studio. His feel reminds me of Jim Keltner.”
George Mesterhazy, acclaimed keyboardist/producer and musical director for Shirley Horn
Matt Frazier is a song-oriented drummer and percussionist with extensive experience in arena, studio, club, show, and casual contexts. His working-class middle-American roots influence every aspect of his craft. “I’m a no nonsense guy and that’s how I play drums,” Matt says. He finds efficiency in simplicity, giving exactly what’s essential, never overwhelming the listener with needless information. That philosophy combines with solid time, tasteful finesse, a wide variety of dynamics and textures, and an astute artistic sensitivity to result in a distinct and highly sought after sound.
Band mates frequently comment on Matt’s conscientious approach to music and life. “I play a supportive role as a drummer and that’s the way I like it. Anything I can do to make the band and the lead voice or instrument sound better is what I try to do.” Add great ears and well developed sight reading skills to Matt’s list of qualities and it’s understandable how he’s been able to work in so many different musical contexts covering virtually all styles of Pop, Rock, R & B, Soul, Blues, Jazz, Latin and Country.
Matt’s playing can be heard on TV shows like Bravo’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and Spike TV’s “10 Things Every Guy Should Experience.” He has also worked in the studio with new artists like retro rocker Andy McCutcheon (produced by Brad Gilderman) and has performed live with classic R&B acts like Billy Paul, Friends of Distinction, GQ, Heatwave, and Gene Chandler. Other credits include: Barbara Lewis; Malo; Barbara Mason; Blue Magic; Joe Bataan; The Originals; Sonny Ozuna; The Wayne Foster Orchestra; The Ms. Kentucky Pageant; and Actors Theatre of Louisville.
In addition to being a passionate musician, Matt is a well-studied professional. He has studied with some of the best drummers in the world: Kenny Aronoff (Smashing Pumpkins, John Mellencamp, Melissa Etheridge); Jeff Hamilton (Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra); and Jeff McAllister (Duke Robillard, Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd).
Matt is available for work in the Seattle area or for travel. His U.S. passport is up to date.
Some Songs…
Throwing Stones (Indie Rock)
There Came the Dawn (Indie Rock)
Ojos Claros (Latin Pop)
Kenny is Never Blue (Americana)
Some Grooves…
Straight Ahead Medium
Straight Ahead Up
Shuffle
Second Line
Mardi Gras
Mambo 23
Mambo 32
Samba