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by rick grant
rickgrant01@comcast.net
Jamie DeFrates is one of the few singer/songwriters who has been successful without having to tour extensively. Jamie works from his high-tech audio studio in the Channel 4 building, where he has scored many projects for the Wilderness Society, PGA Tour, Sally Corporation, and the American Cancer Society as well as his production work for Channel 4. With the release of Winterhawk, Jamie has recorded five albums of his intelligently conceived and melodic original music, which has reached listeners far and wide.
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In addition to his private CD projects, Jamie wrote the soundtrack for the documentary Lakovos, A Legacy, which was about the life of Archbishop Lakovos. It aired on the A&E Network. The project won an Emmy. One of Jamie’s most revered projects was his scoring the music for Timber, which was a video created for the Wilderness Society. The Timber music video won two Silver Tellys, three Florida Crystal Reels, and three Jacksonville Image awards. And for Jamie’s score, the Atlanta Songwriter’s Association voted him songwriter of the year.
At Jamie’s CD release showcase at European Street, Jamie opened solo then brought up his lovely fiancee, Susan Brown, to provide the lush vocal harmonies which highlights Winterhawk’s folksy sound. For me, it was like a family reunion. Many of my old friends were there, and true to his reputation, Jamie performed with his laid-back style, telling stories and looking very comfortable on stage. Clearly, Jamie’s new love has inspired him to complete this stellar project with strong emotional commitment conjuring up visions of the mighty hawk flying freely on the wind currents.
During the second set, Jamie brought up Chip Harrington on harmonica. Chip also performed on the CD. At his set break, Jamie told me he is a finalist in the Suwannee Springfest’s songwriting contest that starts on March 22nd. I also met Susan who is charming, talented, and obviously adds her creative voice to this loving partnership. Their love for each other comes through on the album which exudes positive vibes.
The emotional transfer by osmosis is very rare on a studio project. In fact, a highlight cut, ‘Come Back Baby’ was written by Susan. Based on Jamie and Susan’s compatible musical collaboration, I’m confident that this merger will result in many new songs from both Jamie and Susan. I would encourage Jamie to at least do some regional touring whenever possible to expose his music to more people. Jamie said it’s difficult when he is working five days a week in the studio. Aye, such is life.
Indeed, Winterhawk is impeccably recorded with Jamie’s unwaveringly clear voice mixed up front, featuring Susan Brown on backup harmonies and various guest artists, including Andy King on upright bass, Brian Homan on Dobro, and other artists. Although all the tracks include a cadre of guest musicians, thankfully, the CD is not overproduced. Winterhawk is Jamie’s return to his folk roots. The overall mix is reminiscent of the Carter family’s early recordings of American roots music with gospel leanings.
To stress the emotional power of this record, Jamie says on the album notes, “I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to this CD and a special thanks you to Susan, who sings like an angel and inspired me with her beauty and love to do this project. I’d also like to dedicate Winterhawk to my mother, whose love, strength, and determination will always be a great inspiration to me, my sister for always believing and being there, and my son Dylan for teaching me unconditional love.”
The album opens with the title cut, which is just Jamie’s voice and guitar. “The winter hawk is free....you can’t hold him to the ground when there are blue skies.” This symbolizes the Zen of the moment. In other words, you have to let it go and not hold on to the past. This stunningly beautiful song sets the tone for the rest of the album which, collectively, is like a walk on the beach with a cool breeze on your face. On ‘Mama I’m Your Fallen Angel’ Chip’s harmonica and Brian’s Dobro are prominent in the mix as Jamie fingerpicks his guitar. By now, the listener is hooked. Bravo Jamie and Susan. Love is the power of the universe.
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