Jack Frost's Brothers in Arms Brings Rock Luminaries Together

Guitarist Jack Frost is an extremely busy man, balancing his solo career with such bands as Seven Witches and the Bronx Casket Company as well as manning the guitar for rock royalty Aldo Nova. He’s also known for being a former guitarist for metal legends Savatage. And Frost is never too busy for new bands and new albums. His latest band, Brothers in Arms, releases its debut album, “Sunset and Clark,” on Friday, Sept. 24.

Brothers in Arms features Frost and a great array of gifted artists, including singers Keith St. John (Kingdom Come, Montrose, Burning Rain), Andrew Freeman (Last in Line, Lynch Mob, Hurricane) and Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot, King Kobra), just to name a few. Frost has known all of these musical compadres for many years and even decades. While some might be quick to categorize Brothers in Arms as a “project,” Frost stresses that, rather, Brothers in Arms is a true band, with members contributing a plethora of ideas to the songs.

The album title, “Sunset and Clark,” is appropriate. The music that Frost and his friends have created is upbeat, energetic and at times raucous, harkening back to the feel of the Sunset Strip in the 1980s, while still retaining modern sensibilities. Highlights include Frost’s fiery solo work and stalking riff on “Last to Know,” crashing chords and melodic notes on “City Never Sleeps,” and stutter step playing on “Voices Are Calling.” REO Speedwagon guitarist Dave Amato delivers a searing solo on “Make You Mine. Keyboardist Charlie Calv (Angel, Shotgun Symphony) provides tones and flourishes that perfectly complement the music.

Then there are the singers, whose powerful, commanding performances breathe life into the songs. The vocal roster, in addition to St. John, Freeman and Shortino include Steve Overland (FM, Overland), Nick Walsh (Slik Toxik, Moxy) Jesse Damon (Silent Rage) and Todd Poole (Roxy Blue, Saliva). Pat Benatar bassist also makes a guest appearance.

Drummer Karl Wilcox (Diamond Head) and bassist Alex Jansen (session bass for Hardline, Scorpions) hold it all together as a dynamic rhythm section.

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jack Frost.

Q. Was Brothers in Arms written pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, or both?

A. After 19 months in lockdown everybody was really hurting about it. A lot of my friends were like, “I’m bummed out, I’m not going to play guitar.” But I have to play. I wrote and started sending riffs to my good friends. I came up with some of the songs and riffs but each guy brought something to the table. Everyone wrote this record. It’s definitely a band, a great band. It really fits the name Brothers in Arms.

Q. Was the band something that’s been on your mind for a while, or was it spontaneously formed during the pandemic?

A. I’ve always wanted to do something like this. Over the last few years I’ve been playing Randy Rhoads and Ronnie Montrose tribute shows. It was so much fun being onstage with so many different players, and it stuck in the back of my mind. Even on my solo records, we had different singers, but it was never a band.

Q. Tell us about your relationships with some of your bandmates?

A. They’re the best musicians and the easiest to work with. Keith St. John is like a brother. The song that Paul Shortino did I wrote with him in mind. With Steve Overland (FM, Overland) I wanted to write that Journey/Foreigner 80s classic driving in your car with the roof down. I love Andrew Freeman’s work in Last in Line and Lynch Mob. Jessie from silent rage, man, that dude has got pipes and a half. Every time they sent back a section of what they did it was like Christmas morning. Dave has basically for the last 10 years been my younger brother. We have a very big interest in guitar and amp collecting. When REO comes around we’ll go guitar shopping. Nick Mahan, it’s been 25 years. I’m very fortunate.

Q. Why the album title “Sunset and Clark?”

A. I think people right now need some fun in their lives. We’re just having fun. Some time to smile and laugh and not be miserable. If you look at the album cover it’s the Whiskey a Go Go. This album brings back those feelings of being on the strip. Or on the East Coast going to L’Amours, the Birch Hill and the Cat Club. When Rock-and-Roll was fun.

Q. Is there any way logistically that Brothers in Arms could play live?

A. We’ve already been talking about it. Do the West Coast like L.A. and Vegas and have each singer sing their songs. And if someone can’t make it then another singer could do their songs. We would also do songs from each of the guys’ bands.

Q. Have you done any shows recently with any of your other bands?

A. I’m pretty happy that we just did a Seven Witches show in Belgium and I’m just about to go to Montreal with Aldo Nova. I’m in the best shape of my life, taking care of myself. But it’s not like the old days like when I was with Savatage and doing gigs for six months straight. It stinks because I love to play and meet all the fans.

Q. Could there be another Brothers in Arms album?

A. I have so many riffs and I’m so I’m so inspired by the response. They want to do more songs next time. I’ll definitely be hitting these guys up.