Articles by: Preston Frazier

Yes, "Perpetual Change" from The Yes Album (1971): YESterdays

Yes, “Perpetual Change” from The Yes Album (1971): YESterdays

Yes’ “Perpetual Change” is a wonder of polyrhythms, poetic lyrics, tight harmonies, elegant keys and sometimes melodic, always innovative guitar.

Vinyl

Los Lobos, Patrick Moraz, Geoff Downes + others: Preston Frazier’s Five Recommended Stocking Stuffer CDs

A pair of musicians with Yes affiliations are among Preston Frazier’s recommendations for Best of 2015 gift ideas.

Toto, "Live For Today" from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

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

As a Toto song, “Live For Today” is an interesting footnote for the band and a hint of the greatest of future Toto contributions by Steve Lukather.

Yes, "A Venture" from The Yes Album (1971): YESterdays

Yes, “A Venture” from The Yes Album (1971): YESterdays

Jon Anderson’s often-forgotten “A Venture” likely would have been a favorite on most prog projects, and that speaks to the strength of ‘The Yes Album.’

Vinyl

Adam Larson, jazz saxophonist and composer: Something Else! Interview

Adam Larson joins Preston Frazier for a rangy Something Else! Sitdown with details on his new LP, early influences and favorite music.

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

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

Toto’s “English Eyes” doesn’t offer too much lyrically. Instead, led by Steve Lukather’s stadium-sized guitar, it simply rocks.

Vinyl

Greg Gonzalez of Grupo Fantasma: Something Else! Interview

Greg Gonzalez joins Preston Frazier to discuss Grupo Fantasma’s new album, and the origins of their unique blend of Latin, rock and funk sounds.

Yes, "I've Seen All Good People" from The Yes Album (1971): YESterdays

Yes, “I’ve Seen All Good People” from The Yes Album (1971): YESterdays

Yes’ “I’ve Seen All Good People” uses a number of elements not commonly found in rock. But it all comes together to form an unlikely masterpiece.

Toto, "Gift With a Golden Gun" from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Gift With a Golden Gun” from Turn Back (1981): Toto Tuesdays

Toto aimed for a streamlined feel on ‘Turn Back,’ and this opening track is a competent – though not exactly perfect – execution of that strategy.

Vinyl

Grupo Fantasma – Problemas (2015)

With ‘Problemas,’ Grupo Fantasma continues to seamlessly blend Latin, funk and rock in a manner which is distinctively their own.