Welcome to the official home of Michael Frazier, Oregon Songwriter. This is the place to listen to original songs featuring acoustic guitar, flute and vocals. All the lyrics are here, as well as links to purchase CD's and contact Michael. Learn about Michael, his musical history and check on recent News.
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Oregon Songwriter Michael Frazier Musical History of the 24 Carrot Band History
More Musical History of Michael Frazier, Oregon Singer Songwriter - The 24 Carrot Band
In 1985 I met Tim Lamberson. Starting out as a lead singer, he wound up as the drummer by default in his old band Alliance. At the time we met, he did not have a kit and played a "tong box" I had also purchased in the early years. It was a maple box with 8 tongs cut into the top to elicit 8 different tones when struck with a light mallet. It was actually quite appropriate with my original acoustic guitar songs, and he developed intricate patterns that really enhanced the songs. Tim also possessed excellent pitch and a talent for coming up with harmony vocals, which for me was invigorating. Little did I know at the time , the influence he would have over my musical history. We have continued to hook up over the years. More about Tim later.
Tim Lamberson playing the Tong Box

Visit Tim's Web Site at INSITU
After a couple of sessions Tim invited a friend of his, Jon Rose, to "sit in" with us. Jon played keyboards, including an old clavinette. It made the coolest sounds I had ever heard. The three of us quickly bonded in a musical sense, and began to work on my original songs and some favorite cover tunes. Jon, a multitalented individual, also played some guitar and bass. He was very knowledgeable about music equipment and, unlike Tim and I, he actually had some. Amps, speakers, mics, cables - you know, the basics for a music group. We rehearsed in my garage and began to search for gigs and audition other musicians for their talent and interest in forming a fuller sounding group. By default, we booked ourselves as Michael Frazier and Friends at our first gig at The Riverhouse in 1987.
Jon Rose plays the keyboards
David Spears on the tong box
Tim Lamberson on Drums
We struggled for some time with other musicians popping in and out of the group. Sig Paulson played guitar with us for a short time as did Patrick Nugent. A fellow named Rich played congas and he was quite good, though he lacked the commitment we were seeking. Tim brought in another friend, Dave Spears. Dave wasn't really a musician though he loved our tunes and we discovered he could contribute percussion, background vocals and some good ideas. We hooked back up with David Craven and Joe Evans for a few gigs, The Riverhouse and Bush Park Art Fair, Boones Treasury. After a while, both David and Joe had other commitments that kept them from continuing in the band. Eventually, Tim purchased a full fledged drum kit and Spears took over the percussion duties; the tong box, tambourine, and the congas that Rich left behind, among other things. We booked ourselves as The 24 Karat Band until we heard of a band from Albany with the same name. We liked the sound of the name and simply changed a word. That is when the 24 Carrot Band was born. Tim drew the Carrot Guy as our band representative beginning many years of Carrot Times. He was a natural. To see the various versions of this tuberous gentleman check out the Logo Pages.
It was 1987 and the four of us began searching for more musicians again and tracking down more gigs. Spears met Leo Clarksmith in a bar one day and discovered he played acoustic guitar, was relatively new to town and had not hooked up with another group yet. We invited Leo over for an audition and he immediately displayed appreciation of my original material as well as the opportunity to play with a group. He had a nice ability to spice up some of the empty spaces without overplaying and added a bit of the "Dead sound " to some tunes. Leo became a regular for the next few years.
Leo Clarksmith on Acoustic Guitar
I made a big splash with the band when I connected with Frank Dosland. That boy could play. Lead guitarist with the taste, tone and riffs to put the icing on our Carrot cake. He had drifted in from South Dakota where he played all the time and was motivated to meet the Oregon public in a musical sense. We began to gig regularly at Boones Treasury and worked a variety of offbeat local and coastal gigs. After a short time we recorded the first 24 Carrot Band Cassette Album at The ROOT CELLAR.
Frank Dosland rips out another hot lead guitar part
Jim Flynn engineered the project over Memorial Day Weekend in 1988. Some band members spent up to 12 hours a day together, working on the project. Day 1 we recorded all the basic rhythm tracks in a live format. Day 2 we recorded all the vocal tracks and day 3 was mix down. This was my first experience recording my songs and, in my mind, I clearly wanted more. On with the journey. This was the beginning of THE ROOT CELLAR and Root Cellar Productions.
Jim Flynn, engineer and production manager for the 24 Carrot Band album
With the taste of recording fresh in my mouth, I felt the need to affirm myself as a singer songwriter and continue recording. The Band was in a stall and I decided to do something to continue moving forward. In the Autumn of 1988, I recorded my first solo album as a diversion from the band, a need for some control and a Christmas Present for my family. I went to a local studio, owned and operated by Randy Stauss. I played, he ran the 8 track tape deck and together we mixed the final cuts and mastered a cassette tape album, Between The Worlds.
Album art for the solo cassette Between The Worlds, by Michael Frazier Oregon Songwriter
Tim, Jon, Frank, Leo, and I continued on as the 24 Carrot Band and played together for nearly 2 years. There were numerous gigs; Boones Treasury , The Riverhouse, Salem Art Fair and Dory Days at Pacific City . We made T-shirts, promoted ourselves. We had local press and felt like we were on our way. We were a diligent group though it was hard to promote an original band in Salem, and I did not want to do top 40. I was a writer, after all. In late 1989 Frank moved to Eugene to pursue his continuing education. We tried the four piece idea for a while, though it was clear there was a void. With my family commitments and other issues calling me, I decided to disband in March of 1990. For the moment the 24 Carrot Band was indeed, history. I will always appreciate this period for the energy and youth. I had written a lot of songs during this time and was beginning to get the feel of writing for a band. It was difficult to let go of musically, though personally I was getting worn out. I had a full time day job, a family and other situations to deal with. It was simply time for a break.
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