Get to know… Duane Frye

Duane Frye is enjoying his retirement. He's playing a lot of pool, taking beach trips with his wife and, when he finds time, playing a lot of blues harp. Like, a lot. Duane doesn't book a huge number of gigs with his band, The Blues Drivers, but it keeps him busy. He also sits in with tons of local bands looking for a good harmonica player and always keeps his tools handy when he goes out to see someone play. He stays in demand for blues projects and stays ready to go - a good combination for someone who got into music later in life and turned it into a calling. Take a few minutes and get to know Duane "Catfish" Frye, and then go see him play some blues. When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? "I actually played trumpet in high school band. So I did have some music knowledge. Then I didn't do anything musical for 25 years. I kept seeing Benny Wilson and Sonny Leonard playing harmonica at the local marinas. My wife saw how much I enjoyed it and purchased one for my birthday. I quickly developed a passion for the instrument." Is your current project a first, or have you been involved in other things? "My first band was The Backtalkers, which was a great learning process for me. I got a chance to see how seasoned professionals manage the live music business on and off stage. I learned a lot from front man Billy Crawford. Of course, I led Catfish Frye Band for 5 years. It was a special part of my life that I'll always cherish. That was a great band. I was in a band called Shake Your Moneymaker for a while. It was a hoot jamming with another great bandleader, Victor Lawson. I've played in bands a few times with Jimmie D. What a guy and a true classic bluesman. So many bands and musicians have welcomed me to their stage that I just can't even try to name them all, but they know how much I appreciate the opportunities they gave me. Two more local icons were a big part of my early years as well. The legendary Benny Wilson and top entertainer Jason Lloyd brought me a long way in the early days." What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? "I just absolutely love the way performing music makes me feel, especially the blues. I just can't be still and the emotion seems to always consume me on stage. If you've seen the Blue Drivers you know what I'm talking about. It does me that way when I'm watching other musicians as well. Being a huge fan of other musicians is an important part of being a musician. There's much to learn and feel from everyone. My rules on stage are have fun and let the music come from your soul." How would you describe your music (band/project)? "The Blues Drivers is mainly a blues band but we play some cool rock as well. We look for songs that the people might know but they don't hear every band playing it. Our fans have commented many times how they love our setlist. We hit all the varieties of Blues and blues/rock. We have a lot of fun and energy on stage. It's hard to explain but I hope everyone will come see us and experience what we are. I'm very proud to be in a band with Jamey Gillenwater, Brian Seiler and Chris Taylor. They are truly Top Shelf and a joy to play with. I couldn't be happier." Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? "Oh no. I recently retired from a local business after 40 years. I'm not looking for another job, but I'm happy to throw my passion into a part-time hobby. I'm very content playing a show every three or four weeks and putting everything I have into that. It's perfect for me. The Blues is in there and it has to come out. If I played seven or eight times a month like I once did it would be like another job. But the way it is now, I get really excited when showtime comes." What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies? "I love working out. It's good to have cardio fitness when you play the harmonica. I've been an avid pool player most of my life. I enjoy competing in the senior league. I can ride a unicycle..lol." Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)? "The Blues Brothers, ZZ Top, SRV, Johnny Winter. These artists brought blues to the mainstream which led me to the other great unknown musicians of the 50s and 60s that were true blues superstars. My favorite harmonica players are Jason Ricci and James Cotton. I like those that know how to play raw and nasty." If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? "I know I can be wild, crazy, and off kilter at times, but my heart is always in the right place. I'm a very emotional person with a lot of passion. I just love to play for the people." How can people contact you about booking and information? "You can reach the Blues Drivers at catfishfrye@gmail.com or call me at 423-502-9754. You can also find us on facebook."