Donavon Frankenreiter - 2006 - Move By Yourself [192]

Former pro surfer Donavon Frankenreiter rides a new wave on his sophomore effort. A change in labels from mentor Jack Johnson's Brushfire to Lost Highway finds the bearded, long-haired, doe-eyed singer/songwriter channeling his inner Talking Book-era Steve Wonder on this occasionally funky and consistently engaging keyboard-dominated album. His dreamy, near-falsetto voice floats through these soulful slices of pop perfection. The low-boil funk and nonchalant vocals sometimes recall Curtis Mayfield or Boz Scaggs in their casual, yet distinctive approach. An offhand natural warmth oozes from this recording that finds the singer and his band tapping an earthy groove. Nothing seems rushed or forced, as the musicians lock into the sunshiny, blue-eyed, melodic R&B vibe. A few more upbeat cuts like the irresistible title track and the riff-driven "That's Too Bad" might have added more supple firepower, but even the ballads connect with a rootsy low-key charm. Frankenreiter hasn't entirely forsaken his tropical beach-boy charm, as shown by the closing "Beautiful Day," but Move by Yourself is a refreshing twist that proves the artist is far more than a surf bum who picked up music to occupy his downtime on a rainy day.

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Donavon Frankenreiter - 2004 - Donavon Frankenreiter [320]

Born on December 10, 1972, in Downey, CA, Donavon Frankenreiter took to surfing at a young age. By the age of 13 he had a sponsor -- Billabong -- and the pursuit of a professional career in surfing led to a move to Hawaii a year later. He had rented a home from the parents of Jack Johnson, a fellow surfer who would become a successful recording artist years later. The two became fast friends, learning guitar together, surfing, and just plain hanging out. Music was always fun to play for Frankenreiter, but it wasn't until 2002 that he was confident enough to try it professionally. Meanwhile, Johnson's musical career had broken through into the mainstream, and he was starting his Brushfire Records label. With guest spots from Johnson, G. Love, and Koool G Murder of the Eels, Frankenreiter's self-titled debut appeared on Brushfire in May of 2004. This album is the acoustic compliment to the laid-back world that Donovan comes from.

(Full Covers)

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