Articles by: Preston Frazier

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Nick Finzer, jazz trombonist: Something Else! Interview

Nick Finzer joins Preston Frazier to discuss highlights from his musical journey, the sweeping influence of Duke Ellington, and what’s next.

Toto, "Rosanna" from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Rosanna” from Toto IV (1982): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s fourth album represented a major investment for Columbia Records after ‘Hydra’ and ‘Turn Back’ failed to reach the heights of the band’s debut.

Yes, "Long Distance Runaround" from 'Fragile' (1971): YESterdays

Yes, “Long Distance Runaround” from ‘Fragile’ (1971): YESterdays

“Long Distance Runaround” is stuffed with progressive elements from Jon Anderson, producer Eddy Offord and Yes, only adding to its stature in the canon.

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Essentials by the Eagles’ Glenn Frey: Gimme Five

Most people associate Glenn Frey with the peaceful, easy country-rock songs with the Eagles. But he also had a gift for R&B and vocal arranging.

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The Westies – Six on the Out (2016)

The Westies’ terrific sophomore effort revisits many of the elements that made 2015’s ‘West Side Stories’ shine, even while hitting a few new heights.

Toto, "If It's the Last Night" from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “If It’s the Last Night” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s “If It’s the last Night” doesn’t hit the heights of “A Million Miles Away,” but it’s an effective ballad. Unfortunately, it’s not an effective album closer.

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Xander and the Peace Pirates, “Soul Sailing” (2016): One Track Mind

Xander the Peace Pirates’ “Soul Sailing” combines the powerfully soulful vocals with expressive and road weary yet expressive slide guitar playing.

Yes, "Five Percent for Nothing" from Fragile (1971): YESterdays

Yes, “Five Percent for Nothing” from Fragile (1971): YESterdays

Bill Bruford frequently calls this Yes song, originally titled “Suddenly It’s Wednesday,” a starting point of his journey as a composer.

Toto, "Turn Back" from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Turn Back” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

“Turn Back” stands the test of time well on its own, and elevates Toto’s third album – even though it was miscast.

Yes, "South Side of the Sky" from 'Fragile' (1971): YESterdays

Yes, “South Side of the Sky” from ‘Fragile’ (1971): YESterdays

An amazing piece of music, “South Side of the Sky” is a platform for the best of Yes’ compositional, playing and arranging talents.