Jazz guitarist, composer, and educator Alex Wintz joined Preston Frazier to discuss his just-released trio album, Live to Tape, choosing just the right cover song, what Idris Muhammad’s death
Alex Wintz’s Live to Tape was a compelling display of the guitarist, composer and educator’s chops, taste, and improvisational powers. Working with bassist Dave Baron and drummer
A Slang of Ages Q&A with Preston Frazier ⸻ Preston Frazier: New Stages feels like a long time in the making. When did the idea
Steely Dan’s Walter Becker was born on February 20, 1950. To celebrate the birth of the late guitarist, bassist, and producer, Walter Becker has released
Ambitious concepts in jazz can sometimes collapse under their own weight. Fortunately, New Stages from the Mark Wade Trio does the opposite. Instead of feeling
— Preston Frazier: Tim, how are you? Timothy Carman: I’m good. Happy to be here. Thanks for having me on. Preston: Great to see you
Eclectic is surely an overused word in music journalism, yet it applies perfectly to The Longest Way Round, the latest release from the Ben Rosenblum
Argovia have been circling the upper tiers of modern prog/metal for a minute now, and “Ebb & Flow” feels like the track where they stop
As Toto gears up for its 2026 tour, Joseph Williams sat down with Slang of Ages to talk long-form shows, deep cuts, studio archaeology, and
Pianist, band leader, and composerEdward Simon doesn’t interpret tradition so much as invite it into the room, pour it a drink, and let it stretch
Multi-instrumentalist Fernando Perdomo never stays in one place for too long. The talented guitarist, producer, and songwriter has continued his year-long Clouds series while slightly
Parlor Greens don’t so much return as they roll back in, wheels sparking, engine humming, with Emeralds—a sophomore set that sharpens the trio’s greasy soul-jazz
Troy Mercy doesn’t introduce himself on Let The Night Begin so much as he kicks the door off the hinges and dares you to keep
Rush 1984–2015: On Track by Richard James (Sonicbond Publishing); Every album, every song — and a band that refused to stand still Richard James’ book
Following the momentum of his debut solo effort Until We Meet Again, Japanese-American drummer and producer Shane Sato shifts gears with his second single, “Deep
Kansas City’s The Freedom Affair doesn’t revive Southern soul so much as inhabit it. Their self-titled sophomore set moves like Muscle Shoals with a Midwest
Nuit Parisienne à la Havanefeels less like an album and more like an overheard conversation at 2 a.m.—intimate, unguarded, and quietly profound. Pianist Roberto Fonseca
Didn’t multi-instrumentalist Fernando Perdomo give us 120 wonderful Prog-Rock songs in 2025? His “Waves’ series, which culminated with the recently released ‘The Best of Waves’
Some albums capture a moment, and others quietly define an era for the people who lived with them. Stories of a Stranger has always been
In Welcome Back My Friends, author and music historian Bruce Pegg builds a living, breathing oral history of Emerson, Lake & Palmer—one of prog rock’s
Projekt Gemineye’s The Dark Days of Yesterday is a powerful, intricately produced album that explores personal struggle, resilience, and reflection. Across its tracks, band conceptionalist
For a man whose guitar has spoken volumes for nearly five decades, Triangulation feels like both a reckoning and a renewal. From the opening track,
“Torrential Pain” picks up where he was with ’Splinters’ in many respects. Bailey’s preference for hard-charging melodic rock and his ability to look in the
‘Only Fools Love Again’ by multi-instrumentalist Danny Ayala is a throwback to an era of music when songs, not production tricks, ruled the music industry.
Fernando Perdomo has contributed as producer and/or principal artist to several projects that made my top 20 list for 2025. His twelve-album Waves series deserves
Jaime Ospina, working with a powerful group of musicians for five days in the Lechehouse Music studios in Buda, Texas, produced a challenging and innovative
Travis Hall’s debut album, HeART Museum, is a genre-blending journey that fuses the elegance of classical opera with the soul-stirring essence of R&B and NeoSoul.
Prog rocker Ben Craven has been a favorite of mine since his exquisite 2016 album, ‘Last Chance to Hear’. While Craven has produced several stellar
No, the album isn’t Animal Logic III. Instead, it is a fresh, thoughtful, and daring look at life and aging. Holland produced the 11 songs,
Steve Porcaro, a founding member of Toto, makes a bold, intensely personal statement with The Very Day that highlights his mastery as a songwriter while
Vernon Reid has always been a restless innovator. As the driving force behind Living Colour, his guitar redefined what Black artistry could sound like in
Jazz in 2025 didn’t just look backward or push forward—it did both at once, with purpose, grit, and imagination. This installment of Slang of Ages’
Some records don’t just survive time—they outrun it, dance past it, and dare you to keep up. The Queen of Salsa: Centennial Tributedoes exactly that.
Tim Morse – Transformation – 20th Anniversary Tim Morse’s Transformation, released in 2015, is an impressive showcase of sophisticated songwriting, progressive rock ambition, and heartfelt
Fernando Perdomo has all but completed his twelve-album prog-instrumental ‘Waves’ album series. The multitalented Perdomo has given listeners 120 songs over the last 12 months
Tim Morse’s Transformation, released in 2015, is an impressive showcase of sophisticated songwriting, progressive rock ambition, and heartfelt musicianship. Best known for his work as
Talented multi-instrumentalist Fernando Perdomo brings his year-long, epic ‘Waves’ series to a rewarding conclusion with the release of ‘Waves 12’. The prolific artist/producer has given
Johannes Wallmann isn’t just releasing albums—he’s building worlds. Not Tired follows the wonderful duet album, Holding Space, with saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree. The Wisconsin-based pianist and
Miami-based trio Fat Produce returns with Soulful Days, a warm, analog-driven celebration of deep groove culture—recorded live to tape and rooted in soul-jazz, funk, and
Jim Griffin isn’t just making records—he’s building monuments. The veteran progressive rocker follows up his impressive 2023 release, Marginalia Suburbia with perhaps his best work
Preston Frazier: Hello Mark Anthony K. It’s always a pleasure to speak to you about your new music. You are so prolific—not only with Projekt
Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber has been defying categories for over two decades, blurring the lines between funk, rock, soul, and free jazz. If You
Ah, the games afoot. Fernando Perdomo’s 2025 efforts have included a varied yet stellar selection of albums. The twelve-album ‘Waves’ series has been a worthy
Preston Frazier: Hello, Danny. How are you? It looks like you are on a tour bus?! Danny Ayala: Yes, I’m currently on tour, so I’m
If you were fortunate enough to catch The Steve Morse Band on its recently completed fall tour for Triangulation, you are already familiar with the
In this Slang of Ages conversation, Preston Frazier reconnects with British multi-instrumentalist Joe Bailey to discuss his latest solo album, Torrential Pain. Known for his
I’ve enjoyed the Original Demo series by the Spain-based label Contante & Sonante. Last year’s Tonio K / Burt Bacharach release remains one of my favorites, and
If you are a fan of Fernando Perdomo, you know how prolific and talented the multifaceted artist is. Perdomo has given us a box set’s
Out now on Craft Recordings is a remixed classic. Sylvester’s Step II wasn’t just another disco record—it was a declaration. Released in 1978, it shimmered
⸻ Saxophonist and composer Ron Blake has built a career defined by taste, tone, and versatility—whether onstage with the Saturday Night Live Band or in
La Tanya Hall Interview for Slang of Ages Blog Preston Frazier: La Tanya, how are you? La Tanya Hall: I’m doing great! I just got
The latest Steve Morse Band album, ‘Triangulation’, won’t be out until November 14; however, if “Texus”, the latest single from the album, is any indication,
Fat Produce’s sophomore LP, Soulful Days, is a vibrant celebration of soul-jazz and funk, steeped in both reverence for its influences and the fresh energy
Projekt Gemineye’s The Dark Days of Yesterday is a powerful, intricately produced album that explores personal struggle, resilience, and reflection. Across its tracks, band conceptionalist
Preston Frazier: Travis, how are you? Travis Hall: I’m doing well, thank you. I’m super excited to be here today. Preston Frazier: I’m glad to
Travis Hall’s debut album, HeART Museum, is a genre-blending journey that fuses the elegance of classical opera with the soul-stirring essence of R&B and NeoSoul.
‘Only Fools Love Again’ by Lemon Twigs touring member Danny Ayala is a throwback to an era of music when songs, not production tricks, ruled
Fernando Perdomo’s year-long , ‘Waves’ series reaches the 100 songs milestone, and a bit of a quandary. Perdomo has consistently provided engaging songs on these
When pianist Armen Donelian recorded his debut album Stargazer in 1981, he was hardly a newcomer to the jazz world. Having already played with Sonny
Guitarist, composer, and Living Colour co-founder Vernon Reid has never been one to play it safe. From shaping the sound of Black Rock in the
La Tanya Hall’s ‘If Not Now, When… ‘ (out on October 10) is more than just a return; it’s a reclamation. After losing her voice
With The Very Day, Steve Porcaro makes a bold and deeply personal statement, one that highlights his mastery as a songwriter while refusing to be
Vernon Reid has always been a restless innovator. As the driving force behind Living Colour, his guitar redefined what Black artistry could sound like in
– Preston Frazier How are you? – Steve Porcaro I am fantastic. – Preston Frazier It’s good to hear new music from you. This is
Say Yes is the latest release by versatile singer La Tonya Hall. She recorded this first new work since 2009’s It’s About Time in between dates as a backup
– Preston Frazier I’m speaking with Miguel Zenon regarding his new album, his first live album with his quartet called ‘Vanguardia Subterranea’ . Miguel, how
Two-thirds through his epic ‘Waves’ album series, it seems that guitarist, composer, and acclaimed side-man Fernando Perdomo has no bottom to his well on finely
“2X Lover” featuring Jude Cole is the next single for Stecve Porcaro’s highly anticipated second solo album, ‘The Very Day’. Written by Porcaro and Cole,
Pete Fucinaro’s Little Window is a dynamic journey through contemporary jazz, expertly blending traditional roots with modern improvisational flair. The album, recorded at Clubhouse Recording
It’s hard to believe that New York-based, multi-Grammy-winning alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon has not done a proper live album this far into his career. While
– Preston Frazier Hello, Catherine and Colin, how are you? – Catherine Russell I’m fine. – Colin Hancock Good, how’s it going? – Preston Frazier
1. Ambient Den was born out of the lockdown era. What was the moment or conversation that sparked the formation of the band? The lockdown
Preston Frazier Tim, welcome. I’ve been a fan since ‘ Transformation” first came out back in 2005. – Tim Morse Wow, yes, the original album
The August installment of prog-rocker Fernando Perdomo’s ‘Waves’ series continues its devotion to the ocean/water theme with another ten forward-leaning songs. Dedicated to the late
The second single from Steve Porcaro’s second solo album, ‘The Very Day,” brings in Michael McDonald on lead vocals. McDonald, who contributed lead vocals on
Powerhouse saxophonist Ron Blake follows up his critically acclaimed 2023 release, ‘Mistaken Identity’, with a profoundly personal and evocative release, ‘ SCRATCH Band featuring Reuben
The pairing of a multi-instrumentalist/jazz scholar, Colin Hancock, with a multi-Grammy-nominated vocalist, Catherine Russell, is a match made in heaven. Russell, fresh off her 2024
Beto Martinez, guitarist with Brownout, joined Preston Frazier for a Sitdown covering everything from the band’s latest – titled Brown Sabbath Vol. II – to his early musical experiences
Produced by Willie Colón | Released on Fania Records | Reissued by Craft RecordingsHéctor Lavoe’s sixth solo album, El Sabio (“The Wise One”), originally released
The second and final Best Live / Reissues of 2017 honorable mention goes to Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou. Better known as Vangelis, he has already made his
There must be at least two other Richard Thompson box sets, not to mention a greatest hits compilation. This raises the question of whether the
The Miami-based trio Fat Produce and the infectious groove-laden track, “No Way”. The single, out now on F-Spot Records, pairs the funky in-the-pocket drumming of
Steve Howe released at least three releases in 2017, and all of them are great. His second Anthology could have easily been divided into two. At 56
Yes produced their greatest live album ever this year. It’s a remarkable feat, considering this is the first not to feature founding member Chris Squire. Topographic Dramadocuments, in
The Walter Becker-produced original recording from 1985 is already a masterpiece and a gem among China Crisis’ stellar albums. How can you make a great
Craft Recordings continues with its series of essential salsa reissues. “Guisando” by Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe is a vibrant and classic album that showcases
BOB DYLAN – TROUBLE NO MORE: THE BOOTLEG SERIES, VOL. 13 1979-1981 (ROCK/FOLK ROCK): A pre-release review of this box set questioned how good this would be. Don’t believe my
Short Cuts: 5 Fleetwood Mac songs by Christine McVie who was born July 12, 1943. 1. “Oh Daddy” – ‘Rumours’ (1977) “Oh Daddy” is one
‘ Waves 7’ stays the course of the Waves series as we enter the dog days of summer. Multitalented producer and guitarist Fernando Perdomo delivers
Maestro Steve Porcaro helped make the holiday weekend extra special by releasing the first single from his upcoming album, ‘The Very Day’. “Miss Jane Sinclair,”
British Prog-Metal multi-instrumentalist Joe Bailey follows up his epic 2023 release ‘Splinters’ with ’Torrential Pain’, which is out now on Reficul Records. Not that Joe
Initially released in 1981, ‘Celia y Willie’ returns remastered and available in high-quality vinyl. The reissue, part of Craft Recordings’ celebration of Cruz’ Centennial is
Projekt Gemineye concludes its single series of releases with the soaring “The Silent Flight”. Mastermind Mark Anthony K ups his keyboard/synth game with expressive patches
Louisiana-born soul-singing sensation Durand Jones got started, long before his debut album Durand Jones and the Indications was even a dream yet, in the church. That laid
Down Under prog rocker Ben Craven has been a favorite of mine since his exquisite 2016 album, ‘Last Chance to Hear’. While Craven has produced
The third of Projekt Gemineye’s single series, “Hold Your Head High,” is full of Gibson SG goodness, which supports the direct, and dare I say,
It seems Projekt Gemineye mastermind Mark Anthony K intends to release four singles in rapid succession from his singles collection. Song #2, “ Rides The
“Force Of Nature”, the first of four non-album cuts to be released by Mark Anthony K’s dynamic Projekt Gemineye, has a familiar yet different feel.
I randomly landed on the Durand Jones song “Now I’m Gone,” recorded live in Boston, when I was shuffling my iPhone and I remembered why
I always have a high level of anticipation for a new Jon Herington release. His Jon Herington group has released excellent record after excellent record.
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