Articles by: Preston Frazier

Zig Zag Power Trio, Aaron Comess, Sofia Trio + Others: Five for the Road

Zig Zag Power Trio, Aaron Comess, Sofia Trio + Others: Five for the Road

Zig Zag Power Trio, Aaron Comess and Sofia Trio are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.

Toto, “She Knows the Devil” from Kingdom of Desire (1992): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “She Knows the Devil” from Kingdom of Desire (1992): Toto Tuesdays

“She Knows the Devil” seems to be meant as nothing more than good rock-funk fun. If that’s the case, this Toto song accomplished its mission.

Yes, “Masquerade” from Union (1991): YESterdays

Yes, “Masquerade” from Union (1991): YESterdays

While it’s good, Yes’ Steve Howe-played and -produced “Masquerade” seems like an unusual song to receive a Grammy nomination.

Linda and Richard Thompson, “The Great Valerio” (1974): One Track Mind

Linda and Richard Thompson, “The Great Valerio” (1974): One Track Mind

A classic song closing a classic, acclaimed album, Linda and Richard Thompson’s “The Great Valerio” still captivates, decades after its creation.

Vinyl

Mark Wade Trio – Moving Day (2018)

It becomes obvious throughout ‘Moving Day’ that the Mark Wade Trio has played together for a while, as there is an unmistakable telepathy.

Chicago, “Bright Eyes” from Chicago VIII (2002 reissue): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Bright Eyes” from Chicago VIII (2002 reissue): Saturdays in the Park

A hidden gem, Robert Lamm’s Rhodes-driven “Bright Eyes” finally made it onto ‘Chicago VIII’ – but it took 27 years.

Yes, “Shock to the System” from Union (1991): YESterdays

Yes, “Shock to the System” from Union (1991): YESterdays

“Shock to the System” almost seems like a leftover from Yes’ ‘Big Generator’ era, instead of a tune begun by Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe.

Toto, “Struck By Lightning” from 40 Trips Around the Sun (2018): Sneak Peek

Toto, “Struck By Lightning” from 40 Trips Around the Sun (2018): Sneak Peek

Toto’s “Struck By Lightning” has a tough attitude that wouldn’t have been out of place on 1984’s ‘Isolation’ or 1992’s ‘Kingdom of Desire.’ Yet it also offers something different.

Vinyl

Steve Porcaro goes inside Toto’s new music: ‘It was a Toto first’

Toto’s Steve Porcaro joins Preston Frazier to discuss their expanded greatest-hits package, and how a key moment on his recent solo project impacted the band.

Vinyl

Giada Valenti, “Gracias a La Vida” (2018): One Track Mind

An example of what pure joy and gratitude should sound like, Giada Valenti’s “Gracias a La Vida” is a worthy tribute to life.