Recognized by some as the first woman to appear on the cover of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, bluegrass luminary and native Virginian Rebecca Frazier continues to build upon her roots music career.
Today, September 13, 2024, the guitarist and songwriter has released her latest album, Boarding Windows in Paradise, via Compass Records. After a decade-plus hiatus, Frazier is back in all her glory with a collection of new songs that come straight from her heart.
Growing up along the coast of Virginia, her affinity for nautical life, nature, and its imagery comes as no surprise. The album’s title is a metaphor, presented directly in the lyrics of the closing track, “Hurricanes.” Over the years, Frazier has learned that she can create her own paradise, and for the esteemed songwriter and musician, priorities lie within her family and finding authentic creativity.
Since her 2013 release, When We Fall, music took a back seat to being present with her children. Unwilling to miss milestones in the lives of her loved ones, Frazier has remained unapologetically true to herself, just one of the many characteristics that lends itself to her impassioned musical style.
A budding friendship with Bill Wolf, the Grammy-winning producer, is what encouraged her to record again. Nothing about the process of creating Boarding Windows in Paradise was forced or rushed. Instead, Wolf and Frazier prioritized building an energy and taking their time with each track. For one, the two even ventured to a nearby beach to record audio from nature — a testament to Wolf’s commendable production integrity. Joined by other bluegrass greats like Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, and Stuart Duncan, Frazier’s captivating style soars to new heights.
The album’s opening track, “High Country Road Trip,” which is accompanied by a freewheelin’ music video, is an instant anthem for the free-spirited wanderer. Scenes from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado surround Frazier and Rorey Carroll (the song’s co-writer) on all sides as they cruise down scenic Highway 285 in a 1967 Ford Mustang. Bursting with bluegrass and folk star power, this track features Fleck (banjo), Bush (mandolin), Duncan (fiddle), Barry Bales (bass), Josh Swift (dobro), as well as Adam Chaffins and Shelby Means on backing vocals. With a message of living in the moment, this tune is about enjoying the in-between moments that we often overlook.
If you’re one who fancies a fun genre-crossing cover, look no further than “Borderline,” which was released as a single back in August. This one features Love Canon and Duncan in a rootsy, melodic re-imagining of Madonna’s iconic 1984 hit. Frazier’s sweet and soothing vocals shine in this fun tribute to one of music’s greatest names.
Co-written with Jon Weisberger and Bob Minner, “Make Hay While the Moon Shines” is a classic ode to the majestic and mythical wonders of the moon. Space and cosmic connection is a common theme among songwriters, and for Frazier, her lunar curiosities began during her youth spent along the Chesapeake Bay. This tune captures a certain magic and anticipation surrounding the full moon.
Frazier’s poignant closing track, “Hurricanes,” is a testament to the strife she’s endured in her life’s journey thus far. Drawing inspiration from her own ups and downs as well as those of others, this track’s title is “a metaphor for intentionally maintaining priorities in life.” “Hurricanes” leaves listeners with a paradox — “We just keep on living here, boarding windows every year in paradise.”
After listening to Boarding Windows In Paradise, it’s no secret that Frazier’s past continues to color her future — one that pays homage to the natural beauty of her youth while leaving room for growth. Frazier currently divides her time between Virginia and Nashville. A noteworthy singer, songwriter, and picker, her authenticity and resilience in the face of trials help to make her a bluegrass force to be reckoned with. Perhaps her music can give you the strength required to weather your own hurricanes.
Rebecca Frazier Tour Dates
Sept. 20 – Deer Creek Coffeehouse, Darlington, Md.
Sept. 21 – Berlin Fiddlers Convention, Berlin, Md.
Sept. 21-22 – Maryland Folk Festival, Salisbury, Md.
Oct. 9 – The Spot on Kirk, Roanoke, Va.
Oct. 10 – The Tin Pan, Richmond, Va.
Oct. 11 – Easy Wind Farm, Burgess, Va.
Oct. 12 – Avalon Theatre, Easton, Md.
Oct. 13 – The Purple Fiddle, Thomas, W.Va.
Oct. 20 – Clubhouse on Highland, Birmingham, Ala.
Oct. 24 – White Horse Black Mountain, Black Mountain, N.C.
Oct. 25 – Muddy Creek Café & Listening Room, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Oct. 26 – The Down Home, Johnson City, Tenn.
Nov. 7 – Charleston Pour House, Charleston, S.C.
Nov. 8 – Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry, Duluth, Ga.
Nov. 17 – Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, Tenn.
