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By Thomas Semioli

He is a true giant of the instrument who accomplished so much at a young age, it’s remarkable to consider that after departing Free at the age of 21, he hardly played bass anymore save for a brief stint in a short-lived collective with Chris Spedding, and with various ensembles to support his sporadic solo work and other one-off projects. 

This remarkably articulate and instantly identifiable bassist composed the seminal guitar anthem “All Right Now,” and penned hits for Robert Palmer (“Every Kind of People”), among others.

Andy Fraser worked his Gibson EB-3 like Miles Davis played trumpet – every note had a purpose, and he possessed a signature sound that was both gritty and sweet – depending on the musical situation.

Phrasing akin to tuba and an upright, Fraser was an absolute master of rhythm and space – utilizing whole notes, quarter notes, and rests to their maximum effectiveness and drama.

Classically trained, Andy was on the bandstand with John Mayall at the age of 15.

Andy Fraser Sound & Vision

With Free…

“Mr. Big” https://youtu.be/Ai-4zRRnD4k

“All Right Now” https://youtu.be/5wiF6b4rxno

“Be My Friend” https://youtu.be/XvDNS_x3BTo

Andy solo…

“Beautiful” https://youtu.be/bGmR10TYQ2w

“Healing Hands” https://youtu.be/lv_SruC9UzQ