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Fly Guitars Interview: Andy Fraser - part 4: Andy Fraser band / solo

Introduction and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers | Free | Sharks | Andy Fraser band | Naked...and Finally Free


Andy Fraser band

Andy Fraser band
The first album by the Andy Fraser band from 1975 was simply titled Andy Fraser band.

FlyGuitars Your next release was The Andy Fraser Band in 1975; that was yourself on bass and vocals, Nick Judd on keyboards and Kim Turner on drums. After the Sharks record were you keen to get back to being the singer in the band?

Andy Fraser Exactly. It was important to start digging in, learning all I could, strengthening my voice, and getting all the experience I could if I was gonna sing the songs I was writing. Nick Judd is a very talented keyboard player, and Kim Turner quite the energy on drums. It was later to come full circle, when later, Kim who went on to co-manage the Police with Miles Copeland, managed me through the Fine, Fine Line period. Last year, sadly he died of cancer - which is unbelievable to consider - he was younger than me. We must make the most of each moment. A great, very very generous guy!

FlyGuitars With no guitar on this record the bass is used more as a lead instrument - something you were thinking about whilst playing with Frankie Miller? Did you put the Andy Fraser Band together intending not to have a guitar player?

Andy Fraser I suppose so. Without giving it that much thought. Nick Judd made a great sound with just keyboard and bass pedals, and I was tweaking around with the very early pedals available them - laughable when you consider what is available today, so it didn't seem like we needed anything else.



Andy Fraser solo albums

In Your Eyes
The first solo album by Andy Fraser, In Your Eyes was also released in 1975.

FlyGuitars Following quickly in footsteps of the Andy Fraser Band, you recorded a solo record In Your Eyes in the latter part of 1975 at the Muscle Shoals studio with a larger band consisting of yourself on vocals and bass guitar, Roger Hawkins on drums, Barry Beckett on keyboards, Pete Carr and Jimmy Johnson on guitar and the Muscle Shoals studio horn section, what memories do you have of that recording?

Andy Fraser Being in awe of their talent. This was the band that had backed up so many of my favorite singers. Aretha, Staples singers, Wilson Pickett. I was a little overwhelmed by the situation I think. It was one of those record 2 tracks a day, 10 in five, 10 vocals on day 6, and mix on day 7. Finish. I would need to be Aretha Franklin, to come out smelling pretty, and I didn't yet have that experience. So, a sharp learning curve. Jump in the deep end, as it were. (Sounding so British today).

FlyGuitars First Water, Andy Fraser Band and In Your Eyes are three very different sounding records but all demonstrate consistency as a strong songwriter and bass player. Was it your desire to constantly put out very different sounding records or just that you didn't feel settled with any one of these bands?

Andy Fraser Still reaching towards a place I felt far from. Truthfully, with this latest release, Naked... and finally Free (see part 6) it is the first time I have felt - OK we are starting to lock in now. It feels and sounds natural, I can still listen to it, which was rarely the case before.

Andy Fraser - Fine Fine Line
The second solo album by Andy Fraser, Fine Fine Line.

FlyGuitars Fine Fine Line (1984) was released ten years after In Your Eyes - why was there such a long gap before its release and why did you choose not play bass on that record?

Andy Fraser I had moved to the US. Made a complete break, and spent most of my time writing and strengthening my voice. It was the aforementioned Kim Turner, who was the motivating force to do the Fine, Fine Line project. I chose not to play bass on the record, so as to give full attention to the vocals. We all have only 100% to give at the best of times, and I felt sub-dividing my energies with both Bass and vocals, would have short changed the singing, which I was intent to making stronger.

FlyGuitars The production on that record sounds very much of the time but the songs again show off your song writing ability, was that a hard record to make after such a long break?

Andy Fraser Not from that point of view. Because I was concentrating solely on the song and the singing, it was starting to get easier. I think Michael Thompson is an incredible guitarist, and Bob Marlette a one of a kind keyboard player, very talented. Actually it fell apart for very strange reasons. In my mind I thinking of them as band members, although I was paying them to rehearse - (I know, does not compute), and after we finished the record, the label says great, but we only want to sign you, not the other guys. As you can imagine, things go down hill fast after that. We went out on tour, with a bunch of different guys, and everything starting going sideways.




Thanks to Graham Fieldhouse and Andy Fraser

Gibson bass guitars for sale

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1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 1 of the best originals its 1 of a kind & Minty

1964 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass 1 of the best originals it's 1 of a kind & Minty

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$27495

These early production Reverse?? Thunderbird??s & Firebird??s were so far ahead of time & very few were ever made comparatively to Fender??s P & J Basses. This particular example was ordered in Gibson??s most popular color of a Dark 2-tone Sunburst finish all over its neck & body. Very little yellowing appears yet she has slight playtime all over. These tend to get funky from playing in bars & clubs & get nicotine stained. Its rosewood fingerboard is straight as an arrow ... view on ebay
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1958 Gibson EB-2 1st year Museum Quality 100% original its 1 of a kind & Minty !

1958 Gibson EB-2 1st year Museum Quality 100% original its 1 of a kind & Minty !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$9995

This is a truly superb original example of one of the rarer Gibson electric basses: the first-generation semi-hollow EB-2. The EB-2 in general is not a overly rare bass, but these earliest models built in the debut year were sold in only small numbers; many more were built in 1964-68 when production was at its peak. The ES-335 guitar from 1958 is one of Gibson??s most treasured and sought after instruments; this matching bass is actually considerably rarer, if not as highly in demand ! The EB-2 ... view on ebay
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1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass

Loveland, Ohio, 451**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$8695

1959 Gibson EB-2 Bass, Sunburst finish, Booming Humbucking pickup withBlack Plastic cover, Nickel parts, Full feeling neck, Fine bass! Hang tag, VG++, Original hard case... view on ebay
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Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-2 Semi Hollow Body Short Scale Electric Bass w OCBC

Vintage 1968 Gibson EB-2 Semi Hollow Body Short Scale Electric Bass w OCBC

Collingswood, New Jersey, 081**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6500

HomeAbout UsView all listingsContact UsShipping MenuCategories
Music, Instruments Jewelry: Antique / Vintag??e MENSJEWELRY: CAMEOSJewelry: 1940-1980's VintageJewelry: 1910 - 1939 Art DecoJewelry: 1837-1910 VictorianJewelry: 1895-1910 Art NouveauJEWELRY: Necklaces, Pendants WATCHES & WATCH ACCESSORIES JEWELRY: Brooches & PinsJEWELRY: EarringsJEWELRY: BraceletsJEWELRY: LocketsJEWELRY: Charms & BraceletsJEWELRY: SetsJEWELRY: RingsJEWELRY: SILVERCHINA & PORCELAINRELIGIOUS ... view on ebay
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Vintage 1981 Gibson Flying V Bass Guitar - Short Scale  /  Rare Only 375 Made

Vintage 1981 Gibson Flying V Bass Guitar - Short Scale / Rare Only 375 Made

Saratoga Springs, New York, 128**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6500

This is one of the rarest Gibson basses made. Very hard to find on the secondary market. Fantastic condition. Transparent Blue. Stamped second but this was not uncommon at the end of the run for selling instruments at a promotional price to dealers. Does not devalue the instrument at all. Includes the original manual and hardshell case. Please no trade offers. All sales are final & local pickup ONLY. Thanks
Gibson released the Flying V bass in 1981 as part of the Norlin era??s push for ... view on ebay
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1960 Gibson EBO a stunning rare all original example from Gibsons best era !

1960 Gibson EBO a stunning rare all original example from Gibson's best era !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6495

This is a very rare late production 1960 Gibson EB-0 Bass the original slab-bodied EB-0 bass weighs just 9 lbs. 6oz. and has a nice, fat nut width of just under 1 11 / 16 inches and a scale length of 30 1 / 2 inches. Solid mahogany body, one-piece mahogany neck, and unbound Brazil rosewood fretboard with 20 original jumbo frets and inlaid pearl dot position markers. Headstock with inlaid pearl ??Gibson?? logo and pearl crown inlay. Two-layer black over white plastic ?bell-shaped?? truss-rod ... view on ebay
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1967 Gibson EB-2C Bass fabulous special ordered EB-2 in "Sparkling Burgundy" !

1967 Gibson EB-2C Bass fabulous special ordered EB-2 in "Sparkling Burgundy" !

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 333**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6495

The Gibson EB-2 Bass was invented in 1959 & made famous by many players. This example is oh-so rare & very special ordered by its 1st owner & is 1 of the coolest special ordered EB-2C??s from 1967. Its beautiful slightly faded original ??Sparkling Burgundy?? custom color finish is what this is all about & it??s so frickin rare. Its 1 piece mahogany neck feel delicious. No volute nor Made in the USA stamp. She??s got a perfect orange label too. Its pickgard is missing. Its ... view on ebay
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1979 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar with active Moog Electronics

1979 Gibson RD Artist Bass Guitar with active Moog Electronics

Frankfort, Indiana, 460**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

This vintage 1979 Gibson RD Artist is in MINT Condition. The sunburst finish in perfect condition. It has Robert Moog active electronics on board. At the flip pf a toggle switch you can have compression with indefinite low end sustain to clean midrange and high treble tones. Each pick up has a dedicated volume and tone control that are clean with no noise. Requires X-Tra Long Scale strings if you want to go through the body or long scale from the bridge. Comes with the original hard shell ... view on ebay
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Mike Watt??s 1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass

Mike Watt??s 1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass

Cross Junction, Virginia, 226**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$6000

1969 Gibson Les Paul Bass: ESP Strat preamp with bypass mini-switch added. Badass bridge, headstock repaired. Mike Watt moved the output jack from the side to the front and added a big ol' washer to reinforce it you can see it in the picture. He also removed the side jack.
(bought from dirk vandenberg of guitar surfari. mike watts bass tech in San Pedro... view on ebay
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Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

Gibson 1960 EB-0 Bass Guitar Cherry

Rochester, New York, 146**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5999

Here we have a very historic bass guitar from Gibson, an EB-0 from 1960.
This is a double cut solid body guitar, featuring banjo-style tuners and a one pickup design. Condition-wise this piece is in great playing and sounding condition, and bears typical signs of wear and tear. Small dings, checking, and scratches can be seen on the surface, as well as more checking and wear up the neck (as seen). This will include a non original case.... view on ebay
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1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar w / original hard-shell case.

1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar w / original hard-shell case.

Clarkston, Washington, 994**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

The 1964 Gibson EB2 bass guitar is a vintage piece that comes in its original hard-shell case. This electric bass guitar is designed for professional performance, making it a high-quality option for musicians. With a classic semi-hollow body, rosewood fretboard, and maple neck, this right-handed guitar offers a rich sound that is perfect for bass players looking for a vintage feel and high-performance capabilities. The red body color adds a touch of style to this iconic Gibson model from 1964.... view on ebay
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Vintage 1967 Gibson EB-2 DC Semi-Hollow Short Scale Electric Cherry Bass w / OHSC

Vintage 1967 Gibson EB-2 DC Semi-Hollow Short Scale Electric Cherry Bass w / OHSC

Collingswood, New Jersey, 081**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

HomeAbout UsView all listingsContact UsShipping MenuCategories
Music, Instruments Jewelry: Antique / Vintag??e MENSJEWELRY: CAMEOSJewelry: 1940-1980's VintageJewelry: 1910 - 1939 Art DecoJewelry: 1837-1910 VictorianJewelry: 1895-1910 Art NouveauJEWELRY: Necklaces, Pendants WATCHES & WATCH ACCESSORIES JEWELRY: Brooches & PinsJEWELRY: EarringsJEWELRY: BraceletsJEWELRY: LocketsJEWELRY: Charms & BraceletsJEWELRY: SetsJEWELRY: RingsJEWELRY: SILVERCHINA & PORCELAINRELIGIOUS ... view on ebay
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1967 Gibson EB2-C Bass Guitar Cherry Finish Original Hardware

1967 Gibson EB2-C Bass Guitar Cherry Finish Original Hardware

Hackettstown, New Jersey, 078**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5500

Made in 1967 at the Kalamazoo plant this is a Gibson
EB2-C bass in very good condition. Everything original except for strings and brand new truss rod. Very little finish cracking
Works perfectly! Baritone pushbutton switch works!
We minor cosmetic damages shown. There was a chip on the left side of the head when I bought it and when the truss rod was fixed there was some bubbling on the neck and damage to the head stock
Feel free to reach out for any questions!... view on ebay
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1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case.

The Gibson comes with a stellar silver and gold very early flight case you could ship it overseas in that thing and I wouldn't be afraid. It came from a very high end Collection and is in extremely good condition and will not find one in better shape. Plays and sounds amazing, has the stock bass boost switch that gets super deep tones and a very very cool bass!!!!  It is so clean you can eat off of it!!! Jimmy page... view on ebay
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1970s Vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob Clean

1970s Vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob Clean

Kingston, Michigan, 487**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

The product is a vintage Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph Bass Knob from the 1970s. This knob would have been used on the bass guitar of a Gibson Les Paul Recording / Triumph model from that era. Made by Gibson, known for their high-quality instruments, this knob is likely to be a rare and sought after collectible for vintage guitar enthusiasts.... view on ebay
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1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass Guitar with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case

Chantilly, Virginia, 201**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$5000

1964 Gibson EB-2 Bass with Hard Shell Vintage Flight Case.

The Gibson comes with a stellar silver and gold very early flight case you could ship it overseas in that thing and I wouldn't be afraid. It came from a very high end Collection and is in extremely good condition and will not find one in better shape. Plays and sounds amazing, has the stock bass boost switch that gets super deep tones and a very very cool bass!!!!  It is so clean you can eat off of it!!! Jimmy page... view on ebay
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Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920s

Vintage 1913 Gibson Mando Bass Style J -Natural- For Repair & Restoration 1920's

Brooklyn, New York, 112**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4950

This listing is for a rare and amazing Vintage Gibson Style J Mando Bass. To the best of my knowledge this bass was made in 1913 and these Style J Mando Basses were made in small quantities between 1912 throughout throughout the 1920's and 1930's. This one is not in great shape and will require some professional restoration but these are so rare it would be a great project for the right player or luthier to restore
The Mando Bass serial number is 15722 as best I can make out but the label ... view on ebay
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Gibson Thunderbird II 1979 Plus Xtras: TOUR-READY!!!

Gibson Thunderbird II 1979 Plus Xtras: TOUR-READY!!!

Denver, Colorado, 802**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4600

Thanks for looking at the best deal for a TOUR-READY 1979 Gibson Thunderbird II
No cracks / breaks / repairs - functionally perfect
The only work I had done was stainless steel frets by Tenorio Werx (the best in the business IMHO). As a rule he insists on nut replacement when doing one of his legendary fret jobs. Wait until you play this beast
The combination of the impeccable fretwork and that impossibly-thin '79 neck results in one of the best-playing basses I have owned
And of... view on ebay
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Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Ebony w / Case

Gibson 1978 RD Artist Bass - Ebony w / Case

Pine Brook, New Jersey, 070**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4600

1978 Gibson RD Artist Bass in Ebony
Bass is in very good condition
All Moog electronics function
There had previously been a thumb rest which was removed and the holes patched. Still visible
There is slight damage to the finish on the back of the neck from the bass being hung
Comes with a case, but not the OHSC
... view on ebay
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1967 Gibson EB-2D Semi-Hollow Bass ?? All Original w /  Willies Guitar COA

1967 Gibson EB-2D Semi-Hollow Bass ?? All Original w / Willie's Guitar COA

Forest Lake, Minnesota, 550**, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

$4500

Up for sale is a beautiful, highly desirable 1967 Gibson EB-2D dual-pickup semi-hollow electric bass guitar in its original Cherry finish This instrument has been professionally evaluated and certified completely original by the experts at Willie??s American Guitars (Saint Paul, MN). The original pickups (including the famous neck 'Mudbucker' and bridge mini-humbucker), the factory tuning pegs, knobs, and the push-button baritone switch are all intact and fully operational The serial number ... view on ebay
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