alvin frazier: News / Blogs

Hey Family,

Yes, I know it's been awhile. It's seems like I've been saying that alot lately over the past few months since I haven't been chatting with you all as often. I am working on that. Really. I want to make sure I keep my peoples aware of what's new in my world.

Life has been good along with it's share of challenges. I recently lost my dear friend, my grandmother at the end of last month. She was my best friend and biggest supporter. Constantly pushing me to pursue my dream and wouldn't except any excuses. I will sincerely miss her encouraging words and wisdom. She was a great woman and perhaps the strongest person I've ever known. Her words, stories and laughter will resonate in my heart for a lifetime...

So let's see here, The joshua Trio finally entered the studio last fall to record our EP. The session was alot of fun and I think it really got the juices flowing as far as the group sitting down to map out a full-length project. I love my joshua "brothers" Elijah Gilmore & Derrick George. We're more than a group, we're a family. Hopefully I will have more news about our album soon. The band will also be hitting the road this Summer with dates in Detroit and New York City.

My new album is still currently in the works, but nearing completion. I am very grateful to my family, friends and fans for the support and anticipation of this CD. We are planning for a possible Fall 2010 release. I believe it will exceed expectation.  My first album "Love & Faith: Volume 1" is still pushing along with 2 of the tunes being used in 2 different independent films. "Beautiful" in the film "UnEqual" and "Two of a Kind" in the film "The Hitmaker". Details are still being ironed out for the latter film in which I am slated to make a cameo appearance as well.

There are few more things I'm working on that I don't want to disclose as of yet, but they are major. This just means that you'll have to come back to find out what those are....

Peace & Love

 

alvin

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

I can't believe it's been 3 years since this site went up (eventhough due to technical difficulties the site was off-line a few days.) For those who came by we apologize for the inconvenience. The past 3 years have been amazing for me professionally and personally as well. Sure, there have been plenty of ups and downs, highs and lows, but as we know experience is the best teacher.

For the past year and a half I have been diligently working on my sophmore release "A Wonderful Love (Love & Faith: Vol. II)". I'm very excited about this album and I truly believe that it will be a breakthrough album. I anticipate releasing 2 additional projects this year: "The Heart of a Man" (my solo smooth-jazz album) & "We are Joshua" (The joshua Trio). It appears that 2010 will be a busy year for me. As always I plan to continue to raise the bar and produce quality work for my "fans" (friends as I would like to call them) to enjoy. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I strive to sing of God's goodness and love through my unique brand of "Soul" music. Make this year a great one!

Peace, Love & Blessings,

alvin

Ok Y'all I know its been a minute but I'm trying to get back to my blogs again so I can keep my peoples informed on what's new with me.

One of the greatest experiences I've had since being in the music business was attending the 4th Annual International Soul Music Summit in Atlanta recently. The wealth of information provided during the panel discussions were priceless and the networking opportunities were awesome. I enjoyed performing and just hanging out talking with different artists from all across the country. The world even!

For me being asked to come was an even greater accomplishment being that I have a unique spin on the type of "Soul" music that I do. I am so grateful to God for the doors that He opens which allows me to reach people who just don't do the "church thing" and if so not very often. Surely its challenging at times because you just don't know how people will react to you, but what I'm doing is so much bigger than me and I realize that God is in control so I just do my part and let Him take it from there.

My music and stage performance is all apart of the entertainment vehicle I use to reach the masses with my message of Love & Faith. I could say that music is my chosen career path, but its more like a divine partnership because this is definitely a ministry as well most importantly.

I had the chance to meet and talk with many artists whom I admired over the years and that was really inspiring. The whole weekend was inspiring on so many different levels. Oh yeah, I saw some craziness but I refused to let it deter me from what I came there for: to perform (minister) and to network.

I left Atlanta feeling energized and ready to make my dreams a reality with the Lord's help, of course.


God Bless

alvin

If you are looking to add elegance, style and class to your next show or event then look no further than The joshua Trio. These three men bring a wealth of professional musical experience combined with the versality to accomodate any client's needs be it weddings, receptions, private parties, corporate parties, festivals, workshops & club venues. Swing, Straight-Ahead, TOP 40, Gospel, Latin, Fusion, Neo-Soul, Funk & Acoustic the joshua trio does it all... "Authentically".

The group primarily functions as a trio, but at the client's request will add a saxophonist or vocalist. The trio can also serve as a backing band for soloists looking for that special band to compliment and make that all too important performance even more special.

When putting together your next event, remember that old saying "You get what you pay for..." Why work so hard to organize a great event only to cut corners on the entertainment? Contact the joshua trio for affordable, quality, mature entertainment. Today.

For inquiries e-mail: joshuajazz@alvinfraziermusic.com

Hey Fam,

I know some of you may be wondering why things have been relatively quiet around my way. Well I've been working very hard to finish up my sophmore release along with making some transitions personally and professionally. I am on hiatus so to speak, but rest assured that some great things are on the horizon. I'll keep you posted as always with any new updates. It feels strange in one sense not to be working (gigging), but I am finding time to do and think on some things I haven't been able to for a long time.

Allow me to seque (seg-wa) for a moment to do some reflection. In this business of music on any level if you do this professionally is an uphill battle and you must be equipped in order to keep up and eventually win. It can be very taxing and time consuming. Many sacrafices are required, but if you love what you do and are passionate about it then it's well worth it. Generally I'd be working with management planning the next big event, scouting other acts or lining up future performances, but there comes a time in which it's neccessary to sit back for awhile and do some soulsearching, prayer and meditation as to what the next strategy plan will be.

We can become so engulfed in our jobs, careers or ministries that we find ourselves communing less and less with our powersource, GOD. Could it be we stay busy as to not deal with issues we face in our personal lives? Are we really just that driven or do we hide behind our positions or stage personas? That's a question only you can answer. Every now and again I have to check myself to make sure that I am still listening to the voice of GOD and not my own. It can happen so easily and there were times when I found it was me I was hearing and not Him. At that moment I had to slow it down get refocused. I'm so thankful for His grace & mercy in which he shows along with unconditional love time and time again...

Peace & Love
alvin

I was looking back over my career thus far as well as reviewing my website. I am so thankful for all that God has done. It has truly been amazing. Most of the press I've received has been relegated to my work as a vocalist, but I am also an accomplished musician as well. I enjoy the Gospel and I LOVE Jazz! I get lost in it's subtle complexities.

Jazz has made me a better musician and The Joshua Trio (my jazz group) gives me the opportunity to flex my skills as a bassist and guitarist along with allowing me to express my compositional skills in a different way.

Music IS a universal language, but it is also a ministry tool not just through vocals but instrumentally as well. I've learned in my journey through music just how powerful music can be even when there are no words present. Your heart plays a big part in this.

For those of us who are believers we should have the heart of God and if that is so it will be reflected in all that we do. No, I'm not saying you will always do the right thing all the time, but what is on the inside will be reflected on the outside. If our heart is for God then that will be evident through our words and works.

Hey Y'all,

I know it's been quite a while since I've last posted anything, but as you may already know the life of a musician is a hectic one. For years I had always heard how music was a universal language, but it wasn't until the release of my first album that I actually witnessed it for myself.

Being blessed to perform both here in the states and abroad and seeing the response of people who come from all different walks of life dancing and singing side by side was awe-inspiring to say the least. Being raised by a single mom when I was coming up we moved around alot so I didn't have many constants in my life, but the one constant I had then and now was music. Before I became fully aware of the awesomeness of God and his plan for my life, music was something that never let me down. I found (and still do) find joy & peace in music. I thank the Lord daily for the gift of song.

One of the greatest lessons God has taught me was that although I love music with a passion, it is not my God. It can soothe me, but it can't save or deliver me. Only Jesus Christ can do that and I recognize that He is the giver of the gift.

Creating great music with a message of truth is so very important to me because I don't want to just entertain people, but encourage and help them through my gift. If someone walks away from one of my shows or turns the stereo off after listening to my cd and is feeling better or more importantly desiring a closer walk with thee then I've accomplished what I set out to do and it's all good. To God be the glory!

Hey Yall,

Yes, I know it's been awhile since I've written, but things have been pretty fast paced lately. So much to do with so little time. I am very grateful to be busy doing what it is I love. God has been so good to me. I watch in awe as He continually opens and closes the neccessary doors in my life so that I can grow and go to that next level.

Growth is something I desire in all aspects of my life be it personally and professionally. It is so easy to get caught up in all the hype that comes along with this industry/ministry that I am in. I pray daily that the Lord keeps me humble and focused on the vision and purpose He has given me, but growing in my personal walk is just as important.

This walk certainly isn't easy, but I know that if I keep my eyes on Him I can make it. Be encouraged and pray for me as I pray for you.

God Bless

alvin

If I had a dollar for everytime I heard the statement "When is Volume 2 coming out?" I'd have a nice piece of change saved up. It doesn't bother me or Eastbrook at all. It's a good thing actually. That means that "you" the fans have enjoyed volume 1 enough to hear what's next.

Volume 2 is in the works and is slated for a Spring 2009 release. No official date has been determined as of yet. The album is about 3/4 done and I feel it will be the breakthrough album for me. In the meantime I am continuing to market and promote volume 1 while in the studio finishing up my next 2 releases. I am also in the process of recording my first solo inspirational smooth-jazz project tentatively entitled "The Heart of a Man". Eastbrook Music plans to have the album finished and ready for release by the fall of this year.

Somehow in the midst of those projects myself and the other members of my jazz trio "joshua" are planning our first recording. I'll do my best to keep you abreast of the project's progress. Hey, that rhymed (smile).
I certainly have my work cut out for me, but I as well as Eastbrook Music are so excited and looking forward to releasing more soul-refreshing music for you to enjoy. May the Lord bless and keep you. Until next time.

Peace & Love

alvin

Finally at last I've gotten around to putting up a page for my jazz group "joshua". For the past year I've been focusing very strongly on my career as a solo artist and as a result I have seen God do some major things on my behalf and still is for that matter. Initially we planned to release an album by the group first, but because of various factors and what I believe to be God's orchestration we decided to release my solo project first. That project "Love & Faith: Volume 1" is doing very well and more information about that can be found on my individual page as well as this website.

Since this journey began I have learned quite a bit. One of the things I've learned is when attempting to record an album with band mates who have other obligations and projects, scheduling studio time can be a real task thus putting a halt in the recording process. We have discussed the possibilty of recording an album for quite some time and finally we are beginning to lock down some committed time to do so.

What I love most about "joshua" is how different the sound is from my other work. Although I love to sing and write lyrically, I enjoy playing as well and the group gives me the opportunity to express myself in an instrumental way.

So far 2008 appears to be a very busy year for myself as a solo artist as well as 1/3 of "joshua" so be sure to visit this site along with both myspace pages for the latest news and show dates!

Peace & Love

Your Brother

alvin (1/3 joshua)

Some of you may remember when I posted a blog entitled "FM Finally" almost a year ago that talked about me receiving FM airplay over in England. Since that time I have been fortunate enough to have received FM airplay here in America as well. "I Miss You" from my album was recently placed in regular rotation on WPRS FM Praise 104.1 in Washington DC. God never ceases to amaze me with His favor. To a major artist this may be small, but for me and my organization it's another accomplishment in our grassroots promotion and marketing campaign. Call in to your local AM or FM stations and request your favorite alvin frazier song.

Remember to support independent artists!!!

God Bless

alvin

What's up, y'all!

I arrived safely back to the states on Monday evening. Much to my chagrin I was greeted by 14 degree temperatures and cloudy skies. Home sweet home. My tour of Asia which included Japan, South Korea, Diego Garcia and Singapore was an awesome experience to say the least. The culture, fashion, people and foods was such an eyeopener for us all. Every event of the tour wasn't rosey, but that's what makes the adventure of touring and the stories to be told that much better. We found plenty to laugh about.

It's amazing to see how the power of music transcends language, color and culture right before your very eyes. Seeing people of many different races and backgrounds swaying and dancing to our music was a great feeling. I felt really blessed when after the shows people would approach me to express their appreciation of the message in my music. To God Be The Glory!

The troops were also very appreciative of what we were doing and we enjoyed being able to bring a little taste of home to them as well. I must admit that some places were hard to leave because it was so beautiful. The last week of the tour was extremely tough due to the fact I was on a tropical paradise in 91 degree weather sitting on white sand beaches and knowing by the next week I'd be in 14 degree weather shoveling snow. LOL!

What I learned about touring multiple countries is that it is definitely WORK! There were times in which I was able to relax and take in the sites, but at the end of the day I knew that the word "tour" was another name for "business trip". I managed to get some excercise in and improve my diet in terms of the type of food I ate for the most part. I had my American fixes, but since the food of the culture was healthier the more of it I ate the better my diet had become. I did gain an additional 10lbs., but anyone who's seen me in person knows it didn't hurt none (smile).

Special thanks to Shelby Brown for giving me the opportunity to share my gift and music abroad "live". I am in the process of arranging my thoughts and experiences into a journal. It may be written, audio or video format we'll see. I'll keep you posted.

Until next time

Be Blessed,

alvin

Hey It's Me Again,

As always I want to take the time to thank everyone who came out to my tour kick-off concert / dinner this past weekend. Didn't we have a blast?! We ate, we grooved, we laughed, we worshiped and we danced. All this on a Saturday night and still giving God the glory all the while.

The doors that God has opened for me has been unreal. I often say to myself that I don't deserve this favor that He has given. I know that I am not worthy by my own efforts, but God who is rich in mercy never ceases to amaze me. 2007 like life itself had it's ups and downs, but a lot of wonderful things happened for me last year. I was the first Christian artist to headline the world-renowned Night Town in Cleveland, Ohio. The show was a big success! Earlier that year I became the lead singer of the multiracial acapella group, Praise-apella. During my time with the group we had the chance to minister before 25, 000 people at The Fest as well as record a Christmas album together. God had it set up where I found myself in rotation in 4 different music genres in one year 3 at the same time at one point. Gospel, Christian, R & B and Smooth Jazz, a rare feat for and up and coming independent artist! Glory be to God!

Along with my debut album, "Love & Faith: Volume 1", I was featured on a total of 3 albums in 2007, Tony Lee's " Speak Life" in which I wrote and produced a great tune entitled "Be Strong" the he and I performed together. I also recorded "The Perfect Gift" with Praise-apella. A great Christmas album that we followed with a series of awesome Christmas concerts. There are many more accomplishments that I can tell you the Lord did, but I'm sure you get the picture (smile). I'm not boasting in myself (I'm nothing without HIM). I'm boasting about what the Lord has done. When He gives you vision and purpose, trust and believe Him then watch Him work.

How I managed to juggle a career as a solo artist, lead singer and producer in one year is truly a mystery to me and can only be attributed to a great and mighty God who surely has a plan and purpose for my life. Here we are at 2008 and the Lord is still on the case. Some great things are on the horizon. I won't mention them in detail just yet. I am still being prayerful. However, I am leaving for a tour of Japan in a few days. I am very excited and nervous at the same time. This isn't to say that I haven't come across some opposition, but this is in the Lord's hands and His will has to be done. Keep me in your prayers as I prepare for this journey. I am looking forward to bringing the message of Love & Faith to our troops as well as civillians overseas.

Peace & Love

Your Brother

alvin

Hey It's Me Again,

I know it's been a few months since I've blogged, but things have been hectic that's all. This past year for me as an artist has been truly amazing. God has showed out time and time again. So many doors and opportunities have been given. It seems unreal at times. However with all the great highs there have been some lows, but I keep reminding myself of how good the Lord has been and still is. Being thankful for what I do have as opposed to complaining about what I don't have keeps things in perspective for me. I truly believe that if God has brought me to it, He will bring me through it...

2008 is looking to be a monumental year. So many things are on the table, The House of Blues, touring in Japan and possibly Germany (still sketching out the details on that one), California & Atlanta to name a few. Not to mention expanding into a larger radio market.

I am overjoyed and yet remaining prayerful. Support your independent artists! We have a message that needs to be heard. Quality music that will minister to your heart and soul. That's what I'm bringing. So SPREAD THE WORD! The Love & Faith: Experience LIVE will be coming to a city near you. Call your radio stations and request my music. I appreciate the luv!

Peace & Blessings

alvin

Many of you have asked "Who does your graphic designs?" Well actually, we do. Outside of music I have always enjoyed photography and I've been blessed and fortunate enough to tie that gift in with my ability to do graphic art design.

Based on the comments and reviews we've received from our work, we decided to form Onda Fligh Graphic Design. Onda Fligh is basically an extension of the Graphic Arts Department of Eastbrook Music.

Our team of professionals include photographers and graphic art designers. Together we create tasteful and appealing designs to suit any client.

For more information please contact us at: ofgd@alvinfraziermusic.com

For those in the Cleveland area, the Love & Faith CD can be found at the following locations:


CD / Game Exchange aka Record Exchange
(various locations listed below)

1780 Coventry Road
Cleveland Hts., OH 44118
216-321-1887

5322 Warrenville Ctr. Road
Maple Hts., OH 44137
216-662-7675

20201 Van Aken Blvd.
Shaker Hts., OH 44122
216-491-0805

22465 Shore Center Drive
Euclid, OH 44123
216-472-0817

Nikki's Music & Video Fax
11701 Buckeye Road
Cleveland, OH 44120
216-991-4034

T & L Christian Bookstore
13633 Euclid Avenue
East Cleveland, OH 44112
216-541-0002

Agape Books & Cafe'
15813 Waterloo Road
Cleveland, OH 44110
216-812-4463

Seekers Coffeehouse
13365 Smith Road
Middleburg Hts., OH 44130
440-884-0000

The Exchange
6271 Pearl Road
Parma Hts., OH 44130
440-845-0828

more locations coming soon...

Hey Y'all,

I have yet another chapter to add to my majestic journey in music ministry. Along with my upcoming Love & Faith dates I will also be ministering with an acapella group called "Praise-apella". They are a wonderful group of people who love the Lord.

Being apart of a non-instrumental group is a whole new thing for me, but I am excited about it and I believe God has ordained this union for this particular season.

This opens a whole new window of opportunities to minister to different people. Again I look forward to the awesome things the Lord is doing in my life!

Pray my strength in the Lord.

Radio as we know is an awesome entity and here in Cleveland I have been blessed to receive airplay on quite a few AM stations. FM is another story altogether, but it's all in God's timing. However I just found out that 100.4 Smooth FM in England has just recently added "Just the Way You Are" (from my album) to their playlist! Glory be to God for all the open doors this coming year!

The life of an independent artist / label is a hectic one to say the least, but I have learned that the more you know the more you grow. Doing your homework is an understatement. Like the word of God says "You must study to show yourself approved..."

Having a vision along with prayer and a strategic plan is very important to any venture. I am very fortunate to have good people who are gifted at what they do to help me carry out the vision and are passionate about it.
A great team of like-minded people are instrumental to your success. You can't do it alone believe me I know.

I've come to understand that just because your are the visionary doesn't mean you are to handle everything. Don't get me wrong I feel that knowing all angles of your type of business is essential, but trust God to show you who to entrust certain responsibilities to.

It's two days before Christmas and instead of being out and about spending money I don't have I am designing my official website. I am very excited about this! As much as I enjoy receiving gifts for the holiday, I find myself in a different place this year. Getting tangible gifts would be nice, but I am in a place of intense prayer about receiving healing and deliverance in areas of my life that have been a hinderance. To me that's the greatest gift I could receive from the Lord this year. I pray the same for you as well.
As far as the new year is concerned, I look forward to marketing & promoting the Love & Faith project. I am planning some trips coast to coast (LA & NYC) to do some promoting. Keep me in your prayers.

God Bless

alvin