Reviews from the USA:
FRA FRA SOUND D’YA SO/Tour PR RESULTS AS OF 1/06/10 read more.....

IN THE NEWS FRA FRA SOUND: Dya So read more.....

Fra Fra Sound
Old Town School School of Folk Music, Oct. 21, 2009



Michael Simon (PO)

Story by James Walker,  Photos by Phil Onofrio (PO) and James Walker, Jr. (JW)

Fra Fra Sound, an inventive septet out of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, breezed through Chicago last week "under the radar" for a series of concerts and workshops under the primary sponsorship of Columbia College's Center for Black Music Research.
To assign their sound to a singular genre would be inappropriate and misleading, as these seven exceptional musicians blend the sound of funk, gospel, R&B, and Reggae into their own experience of Caribbean and African Rhythms intertwined with jazz improvisations.
This writer had the pleasure of listening to this infectious sound at Old Town, a venue noted for its international music, before a less than capacity on a late Wednesday night. Nevertheless, those in attendance left with a new respect for this group that performs all over the globe.
The music performed was primarily made up of original compositions written by several members of the band. They do not rely on a singular member, as each band mate had plenty of opportunities to showcase their skills with well orchestrated extended solos. This certainly is not a "one man gang", and to recognize one over the others would be misleading.
Nevertheless, on this occasions, percussionist Carlo Hoop , made a lasting impression every time he was afforded solo opportunities. Of course that's to be expected from a group who's sound is based on the rhythms of Africa and the Caribbean. Band leader and "story teller" bassist Vincent Henar was very engaging as he introduced each song with descriptive language that made each more meaningful.
Such sounds included "Feeling the Earth", featuring saxophonist Efraim Trujillo and keyboardist Bobin van Geerke; "Eyes of the Tomachek", featuring trumpeter Micheal Simon and Hoop on the African Jimby; and "We'll See You There", displaying guitarist Andro Biswane's talents. Perhaps the highlight of the evening occurred on the Caribbean sound of "Anaci the Survivor" which featured vocals of drummer Walther Muringen on a lively number that inspired several patrons to rise to their feet and dance.
Although this set was concluding around 11pm, the excitable crowd was not ready to call it a night and coaxed the band into an encore which resulted in most rushing to the front to conclude this evening with all dancing.This truly was an appropriate way to end a very special performance.
More Pictures see galerie 3, gallery 4 and galery 5

Original tekst from www.jazzchicago.net

Reviews of DYA SO
Fra Fra Sound

On DYA SO (RIGHT HERE), the internationally renowned  Dutch band called Fra Fra Sound explores three topics that are big issues in Europe: migration, globalization and multicultural society. The resulting music is a rich balance of warm ensemble writing and well-integrated improvisations.  Led by Henar, the group plays an innovative set of 9 songs written by various members of the ensemble which expand on their fascination with music styles of Surinam. By incorporating modern rhythms and musical influences from the Caribbean, African drum beats and the United States (i.e., New Orleans jazz) Fra Fra Sound has expanded their appeal to a wider audience with thirsty ears. “Along the Crossroad” opens the set and immediately captivates you with its traditional African drumbeat introduction which segues into a dynamic horn vamp that reflects Efrain Trujillo and Michael Simon’s articulate interplay. The exciting colors and textures of “GK” make it a real winner. The piano solo and dynamic comping of Robin Van Geerke gives this song an additional level of inspired brilliance. Andro Biswane adds his vibrant guitar colors later in the song and as the artistic value of this song grows, the horns blaze away in tandem while Henar keeps the rhythm logic alive on the e-bass. Overall, the songs on this recording are sure to please any avid World music enthusiast. Buy the CD today. Simply click on the image.

Dya So
Warning: Listening to Dya So may cause the humming of melodies, head bobbing, finger snapping and an uncontrollable urge to dance.

The Dutch jazz septet, Fra Fra Sound, has performed together for over 25 years entertaining crowds around the globe with their international blend of members and music that has roots in Pan-African, Caribbean, Latin and urban music.

A lot has happened since their 2003 release Kultiplex (Pramisi Records), constant touring and multiple projects including a big band recording; but one thing is certain, Dya So (translated: Right Here) is proof that the group is as tight as ever and are still going for the gusto.

The nine tracks are packed with first-class Afro-centric tunes. Like an elaborate quilt, its vivid colors are splashed with an array of influences—the music of the Crusaders 70s jazz/funk, trumpeter Hugh Masekela, and the energy of singer Angelique Kidjo. Though there are many individual moments of the seasoned artists but the group dynamic is the most prevalent factor; tight horn arrangements, infectious beats with ubiquitous percussion.

The entire recording is strikingly consistent, but also yields surprises; the sound of voices and children playing on “Along the Crossroad,” a nice bass/guitar bridge in “GK” and a throwback to urban street horns of Cannonball Adderley, Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley on “100% Halal.” The percussion/piano duo track “Le Nouveau Mande” and the Afro-Cuban clave of “Nahawi” all point to a group whose repertoire is fluently versed in a variety of settings and know how to entertain listeners with enjoyable and accessible music.

(In: www.allaboutjazz.com, 5 mei 2008. Door: Mark F. Turner)

Fra Fra Sound - DYA SO: Having led an "addictive lifestyle" myself for a few years, I know that what often causes folks to get hung on substances is a key element missing in their lives - & that is the joy that comes from a life fully lived... these gents help to inspire such through their music, in a big way!  I'm highly impressed, as will any jazz fan who is looking for Afro-Latin sounds that will get both body & mind moving in zones that bring that joy on!  To watch a video of them "at play", go HERE - the feeling there reminds me somewhat of old vids of groups that Joe Zawinul was in, & in fact, Weather Report does come to mind on tunes like "We'll See You There" (this is at their MYSPACE page... couldn't find any direct download samples that weren't using FLASH).  We've actually listened to (& reviewed) them before, but for some reason, I was unable to find the issue they were in.  The FAVORITE track (for me) on this outing, though, was "100% Halal"... in addition to the marvelous horns, there is also some fantastic electric piano work... if this one doesn't get you up & moving - you're dead already!  Those who want to find jazz that will stand the test of time need only check out the links above... 9 joyous tracks that will be the envy of jazz aficionados 'round the planet.  I give them a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, & have told the promoter that we want EVERY release they have (past, present or future) for review!  Funk without the fuss - GREAT jazz that gets an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.95!  Get info at www.myspace.com/frafrasound   Rotcod Zzaj