JB Frederick: Know It or Not

JB Frederick’s indie “Know It or Not” is a whole-hearted return to ‘80s rock, think Meatloaf meets Jesus.

Frederick is a multi-instrumentalist who covers all the vocals and every axe but lead guitar on four tracks, as well as the arranging and production duties. So "Know It or Not" is his baby, do or die, with apparently the valued input of wife/manager Diana Lynn. The ten tracks are pretty much driving rhythms, passionate vocals and '80s keyboards, at times bringing classic Todd Rundgren to mind ("Heavens End"). Frederick relies on the strings equally ("Ballerina" and the throbbing rocker "Forevermore"), expressive on both. The latter also has some powerful vocal arrangements, which I would say is Frederick's strong suit. His vocals are deeply expressive and often quite moving ("The Lord's Prayer"). "Kyrie Eleison" is an interesting inclusion, a Celtic rocker. "Know It or Not" won't please everyone but I don't know that Frederick is out to please everyone; I kind of doubt it. Fans of Styx are gonna love this indie offering, click here for more JB Frederick info.