Right off the bat, California literally takes you to London, England to the famous Abbey Road Studios as you see from the front cover. The listener will be transported to a place where music matters and life goes on, so enjoy this “Magical Mystery Tour” of sorts. ‘Postcard From London’ includes an impressive list of 22 songs with 13 being originals and nine covers. California Featuring Les Fradkin brings to you an incredible mix of songs that will keep the audience engaged from start to finish.
The record features award-winning composer and virtuoso Midi guitarist Les Fradkin on lead & background vocals, 12 string bass, guitars, electric bouzouki, electric oud, piano, organ, mellotrons, drums, theremin, gizmotron, Starr Labs Ztar & guitar synthesizer and Loretta Pieper Fradkin on lead & background vocals, synthesizer, mellotron & percussion. The album also includes some very special guest musicians and they are: Michael Brown, Tom Finn, Steve Martin Caro, George Cameron, Mick Ronson, Hilly Michaels, John Hawken, Phil Spector, Jim Dessey, Rick Bloom, Mort Silver, Larry Davidson, Joe Pecorino, Mitch Weissman, Justin McNeill, Joe Rotondo and Dave Stalheim. ‘Postcard From London’ certainly has a lot to offer listeners and just a wide array of styles to choose from.
As soon as you hit play, striking sound effects and unique dynamics hit you on “Fellow Travellers (California Version)” proving that good music travels well. Next, an addicting melody can be heard on “Jangleholic (California Version)” that will take the listener on quite a ride. California supplies a superb cover of “Good Vibrations” and I honestly feel Brian Wilson would be smiling down on this one. The musical direction and vocal approach are all very smart here on “Good Vibrations” as California feat. Les Fradkin did this classic Beach Boys hit major justice. Another massive hit and classic cut is performed brilliantly by California as “Brown Eyed Girl” is up next. Les Fradkin’s vocals are the perfect style for this song and I believe this take on “Brown Eyed Girl” would please Van Morrison himself.
California featuring Les Fradkin gives an excellent rendition here that gets 5 stars in my book, so everybody now “Brown Eyed Girl”! California provides a strong delivery and powerful presence on the following number, “The Mighty Quinn” where a very broad sound engulfs you. Heading into the next composition, “Have I The Right (California Version)”, a distinct melody hits you like a ton of bricks! Track seven, “Funny How Love Can Be”, provides catchy harmonics as California gives a standout performance both vocally & musically. “I Need You (California Version)” has rich dynamics and overall is just pleasing to hear. California provides a convincing argument on “I Could Make It Last Forever” where the listener receives an everlasting effect. “I Could Make It Last Forever” is a musical production for the ages that I feel could play on forever. Next on “Come To Me (Remastered)”, you receive a classic touch that is timeless and a song that is catchy beyond belief. Prepare for wonderful instrumentation on “Willin” where this number stands out in a crowd and is sure to be a fan-favorite! Track 12, “Under The Covers (California Version)”, is very appealing to the ears and has a very inviting tone.
On “Come Fly To Fall In Love”, the listener will sense a comforting vibe and he or she will want to embrace it all. Get ready to escape to an exotic “Island” where all feels right and cool, audible waves are crashing into your ear canals. Next, a classic, timeless touch overpowers you on “You Belong To Me” where you will want to just clap and sing along! Envision a “Perfect World” where music makes sense, feels fine and is just the ideal soundtrack for generations to come. Sound the bells and turn up the volume because it’s the most wonderful time of year upon us on “Christmas Vacation”. California gives you “A Christmas Gone Too Soon” that is a powerful production that will stop you in your tracks and is just flawless and well-played. California is soaring high on “As Eagles Fly In The Night (California Version)” as one solid delivery is detected. If you believe and are ready for a spiritual, uplifting message then fully consume “Jesus Can Save (California Version)” where this gripping composition speaks volumes. “All You Need Is Love” is a special recording session because it’s the first time original Beatlemania members, Les Fradkin, Mitch Weissman, Justin McNeill and Joe Pecorino ever recorded together back in 1976 in New York City. This is a terrific rendition of a classic, Beatles song that hits on all the right notes and proves once and for all that “All You Need Is Love”, then, now and forever. California delivers an outstanding version of another timeless Beatles song, “The End” that is enjoyable, entertaining and one fitting finale to this record.
California featuring Les Fradkin truly impressed me with this record due to the high-quality recordings and overall depth. ‘PostCard From London’ is a true delight to hear with so many shiny & creative gems on this record. Les Fradkin says it best here summing up the entire album along with its themes and concepts. “The past is present in the future. While you’re in your car, in your kitchen, on a plane, on a train or just thinking on the beach in your brain, we’ve got 22 songs to fill your day with love, hope and happiness.” Be sure to add “Postcard From London’ to your playlist AND check out the official advertisement here:
Listen on Bandcamp HERE.
