Articles by: Preston Frazier

Joni Mitchell - 'Dog Eat Dog' (1985): On Second Thought

Joni Mitchell – ‘Dog Eat Dog’ (1985): On Second Thought

My first experience with Joni Mitchell, ‘Dog Eat Dog’ rivals the ‘Mingus’ album for being her most polarizing work.

Chris Greene Quartet - Music Appreciation (2014)

Chris Greene Quartet – Music Appreciation (2014)

Chris Greene, and all of ‘Music Appreciation,’ builds in intensity and power but never forsakes subtlety.

Steely Dan Sunday, "Slinky Thing" (2012)

Steely Dan Sunday, “Slinky Thing” (2012)

<<< BACKWARD (“Three Picture Deal”) ||| ONWARD (“I’m Not The Same Without You”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** Walter Becker’s Circus Money was released in 2008. Though there hasn’t been a Steely Dan album since 2003’s Everything Must Go, the eleven years since have proven to be theRead More

Vinyl

On Second Thought: Joni Mitchell – Wild Things Run Fast (1982)

I’ve always loved the six degrees of separation concept as it relates to my musical discoveries. The career of Joni Mitchell is a perfect example of that. You May Also Like: Joni Mitchell – ‘Chalk Mark in a Rain Storm’ (1988): On Second Thought Joni Mitchell’s ‘Dry Cleaner From DesRead More

Steely Dan Sunday, "Three Picture Deal" (2008)

Steely Dan Sunday, “Three Picture Deal” (2008)

<<< BACKWARD (“God’s Eye View”) ||| ONWARD (“Slinky Thing”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** Is it fantasy, twisted reality or just plan good story telling? Whatever it is, Walter Becker’s second solo album goes out on a strong note. You May Also Like: Steely Dan Sunday: “Paging AudreyRead More

Fabian Almazan - Rhizome (2014)

Fabian Almazan – Rhizome (2014)

If you’ve seen trumpeter Terence Blanchard live you are already well aware of pianist/composer Fabian Almazan.

Steely Dan Sunday, "God's Eye View" (2008)

Steely Dan Sunday, “God’s Eye View” (2008)

<<< BACKWARD (“Darkling Down”) ||| ONWARD (“Three Picture Deal”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** “…And the winner for best bass clarinet solo on a reggae or ska song goes to Roger Rosenberg!” There’s no such award but if polka albums can get Grammys, why not this category? RogerRead More

Vinyl

Sam Luna – Under Construction (2013)

Dismissing Sam Luna’s music as simply folk, is really doing a disservice to it. Chicago-based Luna’s release, Under Construction, has many folk elements such as Luna’s evocative lyrics and strong melodic acoustic playing. You May Also Like: Pierce Edens via Heist TV: Shows I’ll Never Forget Chicago, “Get On This”Read More

Vinyl

Doobie Brothers Songs with Jeff “Skunk” Baxter: Gimme Five

Most fans of the Doobie Brothers seem to have allegiances to particular periods in the band’s 45-year history — with the most common divide being Tom Johnston vs. Michael McDonald. You May Also Like: Why You Shouldn’t Overlook the Doobie Brothers’ ‘What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits’ Doobie Brothers’Read More

Steely Dan Sunday, "Darkling Down" (2008)

Steely Dan Sunday, “Darkling Down” (2008)

<<< BACKWARD (“Somebody’s Saturday Night”) ||| ONWARD (“God’s Eye View”) >>> *** STEELY DAN SUNDAY INDEX *** I recall hearing an interview with Al Stewart of “Time Passages” fame who mentioned that the reason his songs are so lyrically lush (i.e. wordy) is because he believes it’s better to writeRead More