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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.

Anthrax - 'For All Kings' (2016)

Anthrax – ‘For All Kings’ (2016)

‘For All Kings’ not only stands with my favorite Anthrax records – it’s easily the best complete metal album I’ve heard in several years.

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.

The Beatles, "Lovely Rita" from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967): Deep Beatles

The Beatles, “Lovely Rita” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967): Deep Beatles

The Beatles’ “Lovely Rita” provides a moment of levity to ‘Sgt. Pepper,’ distinguishing itself from other tracks through its raunchy subject matter and clunkier sound.

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Ralph Alessi – Quiver (2016)

I just realized why Ralph Alessi became Fred Hersch’s trumpet player of choice: Alessi is Fred Hersch, rendered through brass instead of ivory.

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Zakk Wylde, “Sleeping Dogs” from Book of Shadows II (2016): One Track Mind

Zakk Wylde’s “Sleeping Dogs” makes a good promise for ‘Book of Shadows II.’ Here’s hoping the rest of the album delivers on it.

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The Main Ingredient – Greatest Hits: The Encore Collection (2000): On Second Thought

If you’re looking to have your spine tingled and heart jingled, the Main Ingredient certainly fits the bill.

Singing the Phonebook with the Beatles, Talking Heads, Billy Joel, R.E.M. + others: Odd Couples

Singing the Phonebook with the Beatles, Talking Heads, Billy Joel, R.E.M. + others: Odd Couples

Returning to songs by the Beatles, Talking Heads, R.E.M. and others that – despite being pretty much incomprehensible – captured the public’s imagination.

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B-Leaguers – Death of a Western Heart (2016)

B-Leaguers’ ‘Death of a Western Heart’ is crammed to the finish line with hooky punk-pop songs along the lines of the Buzzcocks, Undertones and Green Day.

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Nolatet (Mike Dillon, Brian Haas, James Singleton + Johnny Vidacovich) – Dogs (2016)

Playing with nervy purpose is purpose enough for the new jazz supergroup of Haas, Dillon, Singleton an Vidacovich to get together and make a record.