Always one to come up with new creative music, our friend Les Fradkin is back to show off something he was at the forefront of, Midi Guitar. New album Mr. Midi Guitar is a bold, tech-forward instrumental album that sits comfortably at the intersection of progressive rock, jazz fusion, and electronic experimentation. In true indie-artist fashion, Les Fradkin builds his own lane, using MIDI guitar as both the hook and the engine driving the record forward.
From the outset, the album makes it clear that this isn’t a standard guitar showcase. Opening up with “Liftoff” we know right away we are about to go on a journey. Les Fradkin uses his custom Starr Labs Ztar to trigger synths, orchestral textures, and futuristic tones. His guitar is a full-on command center. The result is a sound that feels expansive and cinematic, but still grounded in tight musicianship and sharp compositional choices. Lots of classical music influences are taken to the future. We get Midi Guitar versions of “Canon in D”, “Bach Rokcs”, and “Ode To Joy” to prove this point.
“Ode To Joy’ Live by Les Fradkin
Stylistically, Mr. Midi Guitar pulls from a wide range of influences—prog rock complexity, jazz fusion fluidity, baroque beauty and electronic precision. Tracks shift seamlessly between soaring melodic passages and rhythmically dense sections, keeping the listener engaged without feeling overwhelming. Even when the arrangements get intricate, the sense of melody keeps everything accessible.
One of the album’s strongest qualities is its sense of curiosity. Tracks like “Summer” feel like an exploration of what’s possible when traditional guitar playing meets modern music technology. Instead of using MIDI as a gimmick, Fradkin treats it as a legitimate compositional tool, allowing him to paint with a broader sonic palette than most instrumental rock records attempt.
Mr. Midi Guitar is an album that will especially resonate with musicians, prog fans, and anyone interested in the evolution of guitar-based music. It’s technical without being cold, experimental without being alienating, and confident without being flashy for its own sake. Music for lovers of music.
For listeners looking for something instrumental, inventive, and unapologetically independent, Les Fradkin’s Mr. Midi Guitar is a rewarding deep dive into the future-facing side of guitar music. Find more HERE.
