SOD: Donavon Frankenreiter "Move By Yourself"

Jack Johnson is the face of a very popular style of music, of which there are many, many artists associated. But Johnson to date has gotten the most face time and thus, many of the smaller acts have failed to break as he has. It's almost as if the world is saying, Jack is enough for us. 

But he's not. I think this video holds a little weight to that fact because Donavon Frankenreiter can clearly play. And though not all of his songs are as upbeat and funky as this one, he's definitely developed himself a nice sound over the years. The irony of it is that Frankenreiter is actually very close friends with Jack Johnson, who plays on his albums and has produced some of them. Donavon rented a room from Jack Johnsons parents when he was in Oahu surfing under the sponsorship of Billabong and later, when he was more musically established, signed to Johnson's own Brushfire Records. So the two of them are obviously linked by more than just their sound.

Frankenreiter is locked into that soft rock/surf rock genre pretty exclusively, which has led to comparisons and collective performances with the likes of G. Love and the Special Sauce, Dave Matthews, Pete Yorn, and Pete Francis (Dispatch), in addition to Jack Johnson. And though these musicians all have apparent similarities, Frankenreiter has separated himself from this group at points throughout the years.  For example, when he first entered the music scene at 18, he played guitar (but did not sing) for Sunchild. This outfit was a little more rootsy, and had undertones of straight 70's classic rock. It would be easier to compare their sound to the Black Crowes at that time, than to any of the above. But as he explored his sound, and relationship with Jack Johnson, he found a niche in the same genre as his friend, who has been an active part of his music ever since. 

And then there's tracks like this one. It shows a funkier side to Donavon exists, especially in live performances, which is why this guy is probably a lot of fun in the right venue. It just so happens he'll be playing at Brooklyn Bowl (directions) this friday (7/6/12) at 8pm. And for a paltry $12, you could wind up attending the perfect summer concert; a nice blend between the relaxing groove, and the funky beat. Oh, and of course there's the beer.