Fred Fried: When Winter Comes (2003)

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: November 11, 2003

When Winter Comes is feather-light 7-string acoustic guitar lying on a bed of gossamer strings. That may be a bit of hyperbole, but this disc by Cape Cod guitarist Fred Fried is a collection of spatial and plush original recordings. Mr. Fried plays his guitar more like a piano than a stringed instrument, with the effect of notes cascading rather than marching ahead. Notable on the recording are the two ballads "Hold Your Breath" and "Pathos," where Fried is introspective and his rhythm section retains the same aspect.

Fried is joined by veterans Steve LaSpina and Billy Drummond on bass and drums, respectively. Their playing is appropriate, sensitive and intelligent. Richard De Rosa, whose arrangements smack of rich texture and delicate temperament, capably scored the strings for six of the nine tunes. The result is a beautifully atmospheric and seasonal music carefully crocheted into a cool winter theme.

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Track Listing: When Winter Comes; Patty

Personnel: Fred Fried

Record Label: Ballet Tree
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream