Frankie Negron: Independence Day, coming Sept. 22

Frankie Negron is a very accomplished, salsa superstar, having earned one Gold and four Platinum album awards, after being discovered at the age of 14, singing doo wop, by Paul Simon. This latest album, Independence Day is his first English language record and it’s shot through with rock ballads that show off his stunning vocal abilities. Opening with “Torn,” Frankie sets the tone right from the start.  He’s not straying far from his Latin roots; these songs are about heartache and they are emotionally charged in the way that only a real crooner can express. Lyrically, Independence Day is near perfect. The words, “I still remember life without you, but I just can’t go back to who I used to be, ’cause when I lost you, I lost half of me” sung in that earnest manner is exactly what I want to hear on a rainy night. These are songs that you will sing along to loudly in the car, not caring if anyone sees you.

It goes without saying that vocally, Frankie Negron has what it takes. And this album gives him plenty of room to give it a good stretch. His high notes are beautifully soft and not overwrought. Independence Day, with fifteen tracks, provided me more than one favorite. “I Won’t Back Down” is a gorgeous anthem; it’s definitely going on my car mix!  “Holding On To Love” which, with all it’s dramatic flair, has stuck in my head for a few days now. There are four tracks at the end of this album sung in Spanish and they are, dare I say, perhaps the best part of the project. Well not better than the first three songs. They’ve served to make me really want to find out more about his back catalog. Frankie Negron might well be this generation’s Steve Perry, if that’s possible. Except that Steve Perry had a much more annoying voice, even I, who adore that man, will admit to it, xoxo      buy Independence Day here on the 22nd, darlings!

Tour Dates
Sep 19 2009 5:00P City Hall Plaza – Caliente Festival Boston, Massachusetts
Sep 21 2009 9:00A Fox 5 – Good Day NY New York, New York
Sep 22 2009 8:00P Canal Room – Record Release Party New York, New York
Sep 23 2009 5:00P Best Buy “In-Store” New York, New York
Sep 24 2009 7:30P Wilbur Theatre – The Latin Pride Music Awards Boston, Massachusetts
Oct 17 2009 8:00P Treasure Coast – Treasure Coast Latin Festival Lake Worth, Florida