The Birth of Organic Soul?
When exploring the world of Donavon Frankenreiter, one can easily see that experimentation is high on his list of priorities. Growing up in Hawaii with longtime pal Jack Johnson, Frankenreiter had already traveled the globe as a pro surfer before deciding to explore his second passion of music. Frankenreiter’s debut came in 2004 with a self-titled release on buddy Jack’s Brushfire Records label that followed closely with Johnson’s mellow, acoustic sound. Although the record earned him many new fans, Frankenreiter also felt dismissed by critics as “another guy sitting on a beach with a guitar.” Ready for something new, Frankenreiter signed with Lost Highway and recorded Move By Yoursef—a jamming fusion of funk, soul, and rock that reveals influences ranging from Stevie Wonder to Jamiroquai.Frankenreiter opens the record with the title track, a five-minute jam fueled by a Talking Book-era keyboard groove and Frankenreiter’s calm croon. “The Way It Is” follows with a Jamiroquai-esque dance-ability and funk guitar sound straight out of the Shaft soundtrack. Later, “Fool” oozes Ray Charles’ attitude and bluesy feel while “That’s Too Bad” is as exciting as any Robert Randolph Band sing-a-long. “These Arms” and “All Around Us” fall flat in comparison to their more exciting surroundings but are easily forgotten once Frankenreiter has closed with the peaceful acoustic tune “Beautiful Day.”
Move By Yourself is a clear departure from the surf-rock genre as Frankenreiter’s creativity and affinity for old-school funk and soul gel as smoothly as his voice floats. Fans of his first album will still enjoy Frankenreiter’s laid-back vibe and contagious spirit but should get ready to turn in those flip-flops for a new pair of dancing shoes.
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