GREG FRASER
LEAD GUITAR * LEAD VOCALS
Young Wild and Free, Take A Deep Breath, Love Machine.
If you're a fan of Maple Leaf Mayhem, these albums will bring a quick
smile to your face.And if Sault Ste. Marie native Greg Fraser chose to
never again record another note, his place in Canadian hard-rock history
would be assured. His former band, Brighton Rock, produced these
classics of hard yet melodic heavy rock, and played its heart out to
fervent fans, both in the Great White North and abroad, during those
glorious years of the late 80s and early 90s.
Raised in the tourist-crazy town of Niagara Falls, Greg spent much
of his formative years playing that all-Canadian of pastimes, hockey.
Lacing up his skates at the age of five (he also played lacrosse), he dreamt
of one day joining his heroes in the NHL. But fate had other plans.
Surrounded by music (his father was a local radio DJ and his mother
played the radio constantly), Greg found himself latching onto the sounds
and enjoying it very much. Then one day simple enjoyment became
something much more. Hearing Ritchie Blackmore'sclassic intro riff
to Deep Purple's beyond-classic 'Smoke On The Water' sparked an
intense interest in the instrument that could make such a powerful
sound. Soon a guitar was purchased, and, at 12, lessons were
undertaken. But after a couple years of plucking out such rockin'
numbers as 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' Greg came to the
conclusion he needed to rock. Quitting guitar lessons, he decided to
teach himself. Greg learned more from watching and listening to
accomplished players than formal instruction ever could teach.
He practiced. hard. Every spare chance, he was practicing .
At 16, Greg quit school, joined a touring hard-rock band, and
set forth on the path that would become his destiny. He ran the
touring circuit for the next couple of years with bands like Pharaoh,
Hydra and Angus. When Greg turned 19 he received a call from
Lennex singer Rick Rose. Their guitarist, Johnny Dee, had split to
form a new band called Honeymoon Suite. Would Greg be interested
in the gig? He was, and Lennex went on to record an album produced
by world famous guitarist Mick Ronson (David Bowie, etc.).
Greg absorbed all he could in the studio. This was an opportunity he
wasn't about to waste. After all, he was in a studio with a world-class
musician, and where the mighty Rush had worked! As things turned out,
the record was never released, and the band split up, but Greg had a
crash course in professional music-making and was more determined
then ever. With his newfound confidence Greg set out to find players
who shared his musical tastes to form a fresh new band. First in was
high-school friend Stevie Skreebs on bass. The pair were soon joined by
Gerald Mchee on lead vocals, Mark Cavarzan on drums, and Johnny
Rogers on keys / background vocals, This new band was called
Brighton Rock.
And Rock they did indeed!
1986 saw the release of the legendary debut, Young Wild and Free ,
and with it, classics like 'We Came To Rock' and'Can't Wait For The
Night'. The award-winning group went on to produce two more
well-received albums and six music videos. Brighton Rock played to
sold-out crowdsall over North America and the U.K. and had a blast
doing it. Eventually, 10 years of recording, touring, partying and
kickin' ass caught up to them and, so, too, did the changing tide in
mainstream musical tastes. Brighton Rock disbanded. Its brand of
high-energy and party-hearty metal had run its course. Each of the
members went on to try different things. Greg stayed the rockin'
course, however, joining another Canadian legend, Helix.
After three years of touring the guitarist decided to come off the
road and get back to what it is that most drives him, songwriting.
Greg built a studio in his home and wrote and recorded demos of
hundreds of riff fragments and songs until he felt he had 10 great
and fully-constructed tunes. With the urge to see these songs through,
Greg once again decided to form a band. A band that would not cater to
any current trends in music. A band that did not care what was “in.”
Taking over vocal duties himself, he entered the studio with
Brighton Rock bassist Stevie Skreebs and powerhouse drum
legend Phil Epp. A new and vibrant musical force was about to
be born. And then there was…
FRAZE GANG
To contact Greg