FRANK WAKEFIELD
Listening to Frank Wakefield on “The Kitchen Tapes” is better than having the best seat in the house and better than hanging out backstage. That’s because there’s none of the pressure of “performing” as these boys are just jamming, improvising, and letting go.
They have nothing to prove, moreover they have everything to gain by not playing it “safe and straight.” These guys are stretching the limits of their imaginations.
Throughout the unique session that is “Kitchen Tapes”, Frank and partner Red Allen explore 25 bluegrass chestnuts, including seven Bill Monroe compositions, gospel and heart songs, traditional folk ballads, fiddle (on mandolin) tunes, and five Frank Wakefield originals.
At the time the “Kitchen Tapes” was first recorded, Frank and Red’s partnership was in its second decade and third chapter. They had teamed in the early fifties in Ohio, after recording independently for two small Bluegrass labels (Kentucky and Wayside), and again in the late fifties when they made their first records together on “Starday.” They used a studio group that included Bluegrass legends Don Reno on banjo and Chubby Wise on fiddle.
By the early 60’s both had relocated and reunited in the Washington D.C. Area where they continued touring with the “Kentuckians.” The group included at various times, Bill Emerson, Pete Kuykendall, Bill Keith, Chubby Wise, Billy Baker, Scott Stoneman, and Tom Morgan.
By the end of 1964, Frank joined the “Greenbriar Boys.” He added a nice touch of authenticity to a group of talented urban pickers, but ended his long partnership with Red.
Then in 1975, Don Reno, Chubby Wise and Frank were brought together by Jerry Garcia and Garcia’s long time friend and picker, David Nelson to make “Pistol Packin’ Mama” for Grateful Dead Records.
This led Frank to move to California and form “The Good Ol’ Boys.” This band recorded three albums and toured the country in various forms until the early 80’s. In late 1983, Frank moved back to Sarasota Springs where he continues to teach and perform.