Home » Jazz Musicians » The Frelix Project

The Frelix Project

"These songs are from my life," says Wilfred 'Nenja' Frelix. "The reason it took me so long to write, play and produce this album is that I wanted to hear and feel the music. I wanted this album to be special and reflect where I am at in my life. I feel these songs have been worth the wait."

It Could Happen, from The Frelix Project combines a smooth jazz sound with gospel and subtle urban hip-hop flavorings. What is amazing about It Could Happen is that Frelix wrote, arranged and played the entire album with limited assistance from a handful of guest musicians and vocalists. Like a good magician, he makes what he does seem effortless.

It Could Happen reunites Frelix with several long time music associates including engineer Bernard Terry, who first worked with him in the early 80's when both were making a name for themselves in the music industry. Various guest artists appear and Frelix mixes up the tracks by featuring the likes of saxophonists Ralph T and Dexter Graham, keyboard players Pete Roberts and Steven Himes, vocalists Keith Powell, Mychal Marcel Henderson and freestyle poet Kendall Reaves to compliment his exceptional guitar arrangements.

Frelix is a masterful guitar player who started playing and writing music in the late 1960's as a student in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His influences include Larry Carlton, Ernie Isley and George Benson. Growing up in a rough and tumble neighborhood, the young teenager spent hours in his bedroom playing his guitar and composing a growing catalog of songs. By the age of 13 he was an established musician playing regular gigs on the local club circuit. "Music gave me an escape and allowed me to focus on a positive creative outlet. I knew from a very early age what I wanted to do with my life," says Frelix.

It Could Happen will appeal to Jazz and Gospel enthusiasts alike and will quickly become a favorite CD for a Sunday drive or just listening at home. The spiritual element that is influential to Frelix's style is immediately apparent on "The Blessing", "Lord I Love You", "Sing to the Lord", "The Vision" and "Perfect Peace". Frelix goes beyond the jazz sounds of "Revelation", "The Pastor", "Last Days" and "It's Sunday" by bringing in touches of hip hop and old school R&B on songs "Can't Nobody Love Me", "The Way He Loves", "Emotions" and "I Wanna Thank You". All of these songs combine to make It Could Happen an uplifting and entertaining album for anyone.

Read more

Tags

Music

Similar

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.