Short Tracks: Prog Rock Christmas (Various Artists)
Only Yes’ Billy Sherwood could get me to listen to yet another Christmas album—and only Sherwood could pull off such a strong release with such a diverse group of prog-rock artists.
This Christmas by Chicago from ‘What’s It Gonna Be, Santa’ (2003)
“This Christmas,” written and originally recorded by soul legend Donny Hathaway in 1970, seems like an unlikely candidate for 2003’s What’s It Gonna Be, Santa?, the expanded version of Chicago XXV.
Short Cuts’: Short Cuts: “What Child Is This” by Chicago from ‘Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album
This statement in no way diminishes Champlin’s vocal chops or his keyboard and organ talent. There are also a few great examples of Champlin’s excellent fretwork with Chicago.
Short Cuts: “O Come All Ye Faithful” by ChicagoFrom What’s It Gonna Be, Santa?
Bill Champlin brings his usual vocal-arranging expertise, stacking his voice with Scheff’s in the background harmonies. The result is a joyous and heartfelt rendition of this holiday classic.
Interviews: Don Breithaupt on Monkey House’s ‘Remember the Audio’: Slang of Ages Interview – (2022)
Remember the Audio, and I’m trying to put my finger on the evolution of Monkey House. How would you describe the change from True Winter to Remember the Audio?
Interview with Andrew Synowiec on Recreational Substance (2025)
Preston Frazier: It’s great speaking with Andrew Synowiec about Recreational Substance , his album with fellow guitarist Oz Noy, which is out on January 17, 2025.
Book review: “On Track…Crowded House: Every Album, Every Song” by Jon Magidsohn (2025)
On Track…Crowded House: Every Album, Every Song is more than just a guide; it’s a celebration of Crowded House’s enduring artistry.
Short Track: ‘Waves’ by Fernando Perdomo
Hot off one of the stronger rock albums of 2024, guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer Fernando Perdomo released the prog-rock instrumental album ‘Waves.’ Out now and available via https://fernandoperdomo.bandcamp.com, the album is the first of the guitarist’s series of monthly releases. Perdomo is releasing one album a month in 2025. Waves is a bold first step […]
Short Tracks: ‘ An American Warlock in Hollywood’ by James Booth and the Return
California-based James Booth and The Return have returned with their first full-length album since Postcards From The New Frontier in 2022. The band continues to hone its craft with an eclectic mix of prog-rock, jam rock, and psychedelic rock. Singer, multi-instrumentalist, and principal songwriter James Booth start the album with an epic three-part funk/prog assault […]
Short Tracks: JUAN DHAS – ‘AETHER’ ( Best Of 2024- Jazz)
Juan Dhas’ third full album Aether reflects the journeyman’s continued exploration of jazz guitar and continued acumen as a writer and producer. Dhas has released several singles since his last album, 2018’s Catharsis. Each of those singles reflected Dhas’ journey, both physically and professionally. The 10 songs on Aether give Dhas’ journey additional perspective. Working with longtime cohort Anthony Muthurajah as […]