Billie Rainbird – Deep Blue (2015)
Billie Rainbird’s debut album, produced by former Toto drummer Simon Phillips, emerges as something diverse, thought provoking and memorable.
Articles by: Preston Frazier
Yes, “Everydays” from Time and a Word (1970): YESterdays
Talk about a buzz kill. Yes’ cover of Stephen Stills’ “Everydays,” though situated between two of their best early songs, just doesn’t work.
Solitaire Miles, “Ghost Riders in the Sky” from ‘Susie Blue and the Lonesome Fellas’ (2015)
Given Solitaire Miles’ musical education, her Susie Blue persona may come as a surprise to some, but it is hardly a lark – and this proves it.
Novalima – Planetario (2015)
‘Planetario’ may be Novalima’s most accessible release to date, but the Afro-Peruvian electronica group still packs quite a wallop.
Toto, “Hydra” from ‘Hydra’ (1979): Toto Tuesdays
‘Hydra,’ Toto’s second album, confounded critics and fans alike upon its release in October 1979, but it has aged well.
Yes, “Then” from Time and a Word (1970): YESterdays
An inventive and frenzied drum part from Bill Bruford helps propel Jon Anderson’s “Then” into the upper echelon of early Yes songs.
Preston Frazier’s Mid-Year Best of 2015 (Pop, Jazz + Rock): Yes, Richard Page, Toto + others
This Mid-Year Best of 2015 list also includes J.D. Souther, Jose James, Luke Reynolds, Kevin Gilbert, Leslie Johnson, Joni Mitchell, Marc Cary and others.
China Crisis – Autumn in the Neighbourhood (2015)
China Crisis could have celebrated the 30th anniversary of 1985’s ‘Flaunt the Imperfection’ with a reissue. Instead, they did something new and exciting.
Yes, “No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed” from Time and a Word (1970): YESterdays
‘Time and a Word’ opens with “No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed,” a Yes song which doesn’t quite sound like Yes.
Marty Walsh, former Supertramp guitarist: Something Else! Interview
Perhaps best known for a stint in Supertramp, Marty Walsh is a do-anything sessions guitarist you’ve heard – even if you don’t think you’ve heard of him.
