On the Edge, originally released in 1990, was the second album as a leader by Craig Fraedrich and features: John DeSalme and Phil Burlin on saxophone, Brian Bennett and Paul Henry on bass, Robert Fox on piano and Alan Wonneberger on drums. Reviews: Yes there is good jazz in Virginia; no, New York has no corner on the good players. Craig Fraedrich and his compatriots are case in point. These 1988 and 1990 recordings by a group of considerable D.C. area musicians may have difficulty vying for your attention amidst the flood of Gotham based goodies, but given half a chance Fraedrich and company will make many friends. Craig Fraedrich is a brass man of admirable facility and heartfelt tone. Kenny Wheeler comes most immediately to mind. Fraedrich is the leader and most auspicious/conspicuous soloist on these dates. There is an openness to these original compositions that bodes well for Fraedrichs future. …Both releases are marked by tight ensembles, clear, clean execution and admirable studio values. . ..Fraedrich and company admirably stay the course of originality… JAZZTIMES None of these albums were recorded for a major label and none feature musicians just barely out of their teens. So while the lions share of the press, airplay and gigs will still probably go to the Hargroves, Holidays, and DeFrancescos, the musicians here will continue to labor in relative obscurity. Which is too bad because given the chance, so many of these over looked players turn out recordings like these -CDs that bristle with more invention, depth and vision than most of what the current hotshots are able to muster CADENCE Fraedrich has drunk deep the well of cool jazz. Theres a lot of the post-bop-with-modal leadings that Miles Davis inspired here, as well as the ambience and sensibility that characterized not only the great 1960s Blue Note recordings (Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter) but also the more traditional of the 1970s ECM albums. (Kenny Wheeler, Steve Kuhn) The playing is idiomatic, smooth and virtually flawless. …Fraedrich and company really are fine players who achieve both tight ensemble work and coherent, interesting improvisation. …You may enjoy this a lot and I recommend keeping an eye on this guy. OPTION MAGAZINE