Song Spotlight: Maddi Fraser's Phone Calls (a night at Bar Lubitsch)

I ran across Maddi Fraser in 2023 via the band Fresh Hot Waffles. I loved the band's harmonies so much that I listed them as one of my favorite new finds of the year. The band appears to have ended their run in 2024 (or maybe just taking an extended break). Fraser continues to sing across Los Angeles and I got to catch her recent set at Bar Lubitsch, which was hosted by both WFNM and Taylor Sackson. Interestingly enough, I also crossed paths with Taylor Sackson for the first time in 2023 and she made my list of favorite new finds of the year -- saw both Fresh Hot Waffles and Taylor Sackson at a WFNM night. Fraser took part in Season 16 (2019) of The Voice. Sackson took part in Season 19 (2021) of American Idol.  

Maddi Fraser at Bar Lubitsch

Her set had a backing band that included Matt Kelly on guitar, Mialine Davitt on bass, and Mica Erin on violin. Does Maddi have a bias towards musicians who's first name starts with an "M"? Someone mentioned that during the set so I'm just stealing that thought from the band itself. Fraser herself adds a touch of the theatrical during her set, likely honed via her role in the musical sketch comedy trio The VeeGees and as part of Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras.  Mica Erin played violin with Fresh Hot Waffles and Mialine Davitt was (is) part of The Most Extras so the set at Bar Lubitsch was a friends affair. 

Maddi Fraser at Bar Lubitsch

Her tune "Lover Girl" is a story song "about the lady of the night." Someone in the crowd called out, "scandal." It is a song that could fit perfectly in at the recently refurbished Bird Cage Theatre at Knott's Berry Farm. "Coming Home" is a song about wanting to get back together with an ex-lover. She brought up Faydean to sing back-up vocals on the tune (if interested, you can read my recent blog post about Faydean here). 

I'll go with the final song of her set, "Phone Calls," as my song spotlight. Faydean stayed on stage while Taylor Sackson was also asked to join in the country tune, "elbow your way to the front." It was a packed crowd at Bar Lubitsch to support a stunning line-up that did require a little use of the elbows. The song was introduced as being about how life can be good no matter the hand that you are dealt.

Maddi Fraser at Bar Lubitsch

Love is beautiful. 

Don't you think so, darlin.

I'm sorry you didn't find love with me. 

Setlist: Toast, Goodness Me, Georgia, Lover Girl, Come Home, Phone Calls.