Frazey Ford - FUV Live - 2014

Frazey Ford, best known as the co-founder of Canadian folk trio The Be Good Tanyas, grew up with soul music in her blood. In fact, before her days harmonizing with The Be Good Tanyas, she was in a soul band. Her first solo outing, Obadiah, started to reveal Frazey's romance with soul music, in particular, the Memphis sound. This was apparent to documentary filmmaker Robert Gordon who by chance heard a song from Obadiah on the radio. Following an inspired thought, he tracked down Frazey to suggest that she come to Memphis to record with Al Green’s legendary session band, The Hi Rhythm Section, at Royal Studios.

Both a dream come true, and the most terrifying creative challenge Frazey had ever had, she overcame her fear and some writer’s block, emerging with her most fully realized work yet. That album was her sophomore release, Indian Ocean. Frazey Ford's visit to Studio A this fall showcased her voice at its most open and soulful peak, songs steeped in that Memphis sound. When I spoke to her, it was clear that she'd discovered—with gratitude and wonderment—how life can sometimes deliver the most magical gifts when we least expect it.

[recorded: 10/15/14]

More from Frazey Ford and The Be Good Tanyas:

• Frazey Ford - Words & Music - 2010
• The Be Good Tanyas - Words & Music - 2006