If you enjoy songwriting as an art form, you will want to tune into The Frankie and Johnny Music Hour on Monday, February 22nd, at 8:00 pm est, www.blogtalkradio.com/frankie–johnny because Frankie and Wendy will be going to Texas to visit with two singer-songwriters, Joel Melton and Michael Fracasso.
Both artists make Austin, TX their home and in this city where world-renowned music festivals abound and where a thriving community exist to support those musicians, these two songwriters stand out as true originals! You’d be hard-pressed to meet two songwriters who are any more genuine or talented for crafting a story that will take you on a melodic and imaginative journey through a song.
And these songwriting talents could stand alone, but they don’t stop there!
JOEL MELTON – Having learned to play guitar from his father, Joel Melton began his career in music very early. Playing parties, small gatherings and wherever music could potentially enhance life, you’d find Joel with his guitar entertaining the crowd. Joel credits the Blue Door and owner/promoter Greg Johnson in Oklahoma City for nurturing his unique craft of songwriting. It was here where Joel met and performed with other great Americana/Roots musicians like Jimmy Webb, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Kevin Welch and of course, Michael Fracasso. As a result of these influences and a desire to focus on songwriting, he moved to Austin, TX in 2004. Since then, Joel’s music has been selected for use by Bravo Network on one of their shows titled “Tale Lights” and also on the PBS station KCNT at a special Fort Hood dedication by returning Marines from Iraq. Joel is a master at entertaining and story-telling; performing comes as natural to him as breathing and though he could be content with his own success, Joel enjoys listening and encouraging other songwriters. Whenever requested, he willingly and unselfishly gives of his time and creative talents, whether it’s through collaboration, sharing resources or just simply through generous and always kindly guidance and mentoring. Joel has filmed and screened two documentary films “The Journey” and a movie about Texas songwriters “There’s Something in the Water”. One of his inspirations for this film grew out of befriending fellow songwriter, actor and composer Alton Watson. It was from this friendship that Joel and Alton created and host the annual “There’s Something in the Water” songwriting festival held in Regency, Tx each spring. This festival has been dubbed by folks as far as California and Michigan as, ‘The longest half-day festival around!’ and if you’re a fan of homegrown music in a non-pretentious, warm and comfortable atmosphere, then this festival is not to be missed!
MICHAEL FRACASSO – Born to Italian immigrants in the town of Mingo-Junction, Ohio, Michael’s father worked the steel mills and his parents grew vegetable gardens and made their own wine to compliment authentic, home-cooked Italian meals. Along with listening to music on the AM radio shows, Michael would sometimes travel with his family to the Country Music Jamboree held in W. Virginia and it was here where Michael saw his first concert, country legend Kitty Wells. As a young adult, Michael too would work the mills in the summer before going away for college in Ohio and Washington state and later, his travels brought him to Greenwich Village, NY where he learned the art of songwriting. In 1990 Michael moved to Austin, Texas “with everything that would fit in the back of my Volkswagen Rabbit, which was mostly my guitars”. Fracasso is a badass folkie with a sweet Italian tenor and has been compared to legendary singers Roy Orbison and Gene Pitney. Michael truly is a “songwriter’s songwriter” and is well respected and admired as such. He was voted best new artist upon his arrival in Austin by Third Coast Music Magazine. Michael Fracasso has recorded and toured with artists such as Charlie Sexton, Lucinda Williams and Patty Griffin and recently, Michael has songs on “Ribbons of Highway: Tribute to Woody Guthrie”. His seventh CD, Red Dog Blues(May 2007) was number one on the Americana Charts in Europe and throughout his songwriting career, he has toured extensively in the US and Europe. In addition, Michael combines his love for singing/performing with that of cooking! He is available for house concerts where he will cook up a wonderful gourmet Italian meal for you and your guests and after dinner, wow them with his amazing songs/performance! Wherever Michael is performing, if you can get to one of his shows, you need to GET THERE!!.. and be ready to escape into pure musical magic by one of the true masters of his craft!
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