On Track…Crowded House: Every Album, Every Song is more than just a guide; it’s a celebration of Crowded House’s enduring artistry.

Preston Frazier: Michael Leonhart is a great honor to speak with you. Your career has spanned well over thirty years. At Seventeen, you were a Grammy winner, and there are so many projects I would want to dig into with you,

I’ve been listening to Sometimes, Late at Night repeatedly. There seems to be an arc about the album in terms of relationships. So, could you talk a little bit about the theme of the album?

his is one of the most unhinged and diverse albums I’ve ever put together. It’s definitely me, trying to definitely find out who I really am, hence the songs. But I’ve done a lot of different styles of music and I’ve done a lot of different things.

Hybrids can sometimes be a rough proposition. Luckily, the album Movable Objects by the band Hybrid shows an empathetic melding of talents and styles. Hybrid, which features Adam Larson on tenor sax, Clark Sommers on bass, and John Kizilarmut on drums,

opened for Steely Dan in 2013. I did my first tour with them in 2013 with the Deep Blue Organ Trio. We had been doing various opening dates for them for a few years, at least two years prior to that. Then we landed the entire tour.

Rachel Z career as a side musician is astonishing. Her work with Regina Carter, Terri Lynne Carrington, Wayne Shorter, Al Di Meola among others, hints at her acumen as a musician.

Nick Finzer continues to further his craft with his latest Outside In Music release, ‘Legacy’. The album, a recognition of J.J. Johnson features some of the trombone legend’s original sidemen such as bassist Rufus Reid, drummer Lewis Nash, and pianist Renee Rosnes.

JD Souther,  now in his late seventies, has released the best work in this career after his commercial peak. Souther, who had big hits in 1979 and 1981 ( with the songs “Your Only Lonely “ and “Her Town Too”, respectively) ,

Hybrids can sometimes be a rough proposition. Luckily, the Movable Objects by the band Hybrid shows an empathetic melding of talents and styles.

Fernando Perdomo’s Patreon and Bandcamp pages are a treasure trove of demos, new album releases, and one-off singles. It’s a perfect example of what progressive music means. 

Metaphors, sarcasm, downright snarkiness are but a few of the characteristics of a Steely Dan song. The song,” Things I Miss The Most” doesn’t have these tell-tale Steely Dan signs yet stills ranks among their best because on what it does contain.

Catherine Russell has been on my mind recently. Of course I’m excited by the fact that Steely Dan has decided to tour on what is one of their off cycle years. Part of the thrill of last several seasons of Steely Dan tours has been the band’s arsenal of fantastic background singers.

I’m calling Shenanigans on Steely Dan! Shenanigans! In 1972 Steely Dan fans got a hint of Walter Becker’s singing voice in the song, “Turn That Heart Beat Over Again”.

If Two Against Nature came out as a L.P. the song ‘Jack of Speed’ would have made a perfect side two opener. Its funky, it rocks, it sophisticated. ‘Jack of Speeds is one of the strongest cuts on Two Against Nature and ranks in my top 5 Steely Dan Songs of all time, yet it’s disappointing!

Decades after his death, Sylvester, described as an androgynous, openly gay, drag-loving, African American, falsetto-singing, unapologetically flaming man-diva, has experienced a continuous surge in popularity. His latest posthumous release,

“There’s more to life than anger and pain” according to Mark Anthony K’s lyrics in the leadoff song from Projekt Gemineye’s album “What’s On Your Mind”.

Judith Owen frequently walks the high wire without a net. She is an accomplished singer and songwriter with a long career singing her bold compositions and is an equally accomplished pianist. Her latest release, “Judith Owen Come Alive,”

Cidny Bullens’ album “Little Pieces” is a musical gem that beautifully intertwines with the narrative of Bullen’s autobiography, “TranElectric: My Life As A Cosmic Rock Star.” This album is a captivating journey filled with heartfelt lyrics and incredible melodies.

I’m probably in the minority of Yes fans, but I didn’t think much about the Yes album “Talk” when it was released in March 1994. The album ranked towards the bottom of my favorite Yes albums.

Peter Himmelman’s “Flown This Acid World is a captivating album that the immense talent of all the musicians involved. With guitarist Greg Herenach’s intricate and soulful playing, pianist Jeff Victor’s melodic and emotive touches, bassist Al Wolovitch’s solid and groovy foundation

Nick Finzer continues to further his craft with his latest Outside In Music release, ‘Legacy’. The album, a recognition of J.J. Johnson features some of the trombone legend’s original sidemen such as bassist Rufus Reid, drummer Lewis Nash, and pianist Renee Rosnes

If you have been fortunate enough to catch the enigmatic Jose James on tour for his latest release. “1978” or his acclaimed 2023 release “On & On,” then you are already familiar with drummer Jharis Yokley.

Jamie Leonhart’s “The Illusion of Blue, Side A” is a mesmerizing blend of artistry and soul that solidifies her place as a contemporary music virtuoso. Collaborating with the renowned Michael Leonhart, known for his intricate musical arrangements,

Fernando Perdomo’s Patreon page is a treasure trove of demos, new album releases, and one-off singles. It’s a perfect example of what progressive music means.

Out now on Spicerack Records, The Christian Fabian Trio’s album “Hip To The Skip” is a captivating blend of jazz and funk elements that showcases the trio’s exceptional musicianship. From the original opening track, “Hip To The Skip,” to the album closer,

The self-titled album “Alliance” featuring drummer Colleen Clark and Sharel Cassidy is a bold musical statement. Supplemented by pianist Hannah Meyer and bassist Carmani Edwards, the band navigates through nine songs with power and grace.

The album “Sherinian/Philips Live” is a captivating and electrifying masterpiece that showcases the exceptional talents of Derek Sherinian on keyboards, Simon Phillips on drums, Bumblefoot on guitar, and Ric Fierabracci on bass.

Jamie Leonhart- “The Illusion Of Blue, Side A” Jamie Leonhart’s “The Illusion of Blue, Side A” is a mesmerizing blend of artistry and soul that

Preston Frazier: Ive been looking forward to this interview. your last album, Devil The Tthe White City, was breathtaking, driving, it was very musical. when I heard about “Splinters”, I was immediately intrigued

Walter Becker, who left us on September 3, 2017, left a fantastic legacy with Steely Dan. His estate has also released albums worth of material, which further his legacy. Love in the 4th (a.k.a. Lies I Can Believe) is among many great songs on www.walterbeckermedia.com.

Preston Frazier is joined by Greg Gonzalez, one of the original founding members of Grupo Fantasma. Over the years, Gonzalez has worked in a variety capacities with the band, including songwriter, producer, mixer and engineer, while also working with Brownout, Money Chicha and others.

Dare I say, there are no good songs which directly take on the tragedy of 9-11. Neil Young’s song, “Let’s Roll” is the most memorable of a sorry bunch. Part of the challenge is that the events that surround the day are so large in scale that a four-minute pop song doesn’t do the event justice

David Whitman’s fourth album, “Ode to Joe,” is a heartfelt salute to the legendary drummer Joe Morello, beautifully recorded at Capital Studios.

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.

Ben Craven, who calls himself a “cinematic progressive-rock singer-songwriter,” has quickly established himself as one of the leading lights in neo-prog. But the Brisbane, Australia-based Craven understands its history, too.

Joe Bailey’s 2022 album, Devil In The White City, was one of the year’s best. Splinters, available now via Bandcamp doesn’t retread the themes of Devil In The White City however its nine songs offer a variety of hard-charging, powerfully constructed Prog-Metal.