Part one of a two-part conversation, Bill Champlin joins Preston Frazier for an in-depth, fan-driven interview centered on his album No Place Left to Fall. Champlin walks through the making of the record — recording live with co-producer Mark Eddinger and engineer Jason Casaro in a church studio in Hopatcong, New Jersey, and assembling a band with Bruce Gaitsch, George Hawkins, and Billy Ward for old-school, in-person rehearsals and tracking. He shares warm memories of longtime collaborators George Hawkins and Bruce Gaitsch, breaks down standout tracks like "Total Control" (co-written with Jay Graydon) and "Tugging On Your Sleeve" (written with his son Will and Michael Caruso), and traces his rhythm guitar influences back to New Orleans and LA session players and organist Mike Finnigan. The conversation also covers his history with Lou Rawls, the writing behind "The Truth" and "He Started to Sing," and a personal story about his early connection to the Cipollina brothers. Rounding out this first installment, Champlin talks Suns tour news — including lineup changes with Terry Haggerty stepping in — plus the solo songwriting behind "Lover Like That," the massive "spaghetti singers" vocal stack on "Looking for You," and stories from co-writing with Swedish songwriter Andreas Carlson, including the unusual origins of "Yo Mama." Part two continues the conversation.

Vibraphonist, composer, and educator Jalen Baker joins Preston Frazier on the Slang of Ages Podcast to discuss RePaved, his ambitious new suite inspired by Houston’s historic Third, Fourth, and Fifth Wards.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Baker explores the personal and historical inspiration behind the album, the impact of gentrification on Black communities, and why he chose to tell the story as a continuous suite. He also discusses writing for jazz quintet and string quartet, recording the album live in just two days, collaborating with producer Jeremy Pelt, and the musicians who helped bring RePaved to life.

The interview also includes a track-by-track look at key compositions—including “Antioch (The Beginning),” “John Henry,” “Dowling: Emancipation,” “City of Water,” and “Cashmere”—along with Baker’s thoughts on composition, improvisation, his musical influences, and the five albums that shaped him as an artist.

RePaved is released September 4, 2026, via Cellar Music Group.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about jazz, history, and the creative process, be sure to like, subscribe, and follow Slang of Ages for more interviews with today’s leading artists.

Topics covered:

The inspiration behind RePaved

Houston’s Third, Fourth, and Fifth Wards

Jazz, history, and community

Writing for strings and jazz ensemble

Recording the album live

Producer Jeremy Pelt’s contributions

Track-by-track discussion

Jalen Baker’s essential listening list

Upcoming tour dates

#JalenBaker #RePaved #Jazz #Vibraphone #CellarMusicGroup #SlangOfAges #JazzInterview #Houston #ModernJazz #JazzPodcast #slangofagespodcast

Check out www.patreon.com/SlangOfAgesPodcast for exclusive content, early access, and to support the Slang of Ages podcast.

My latest Book, "Shade Of Living Colour" is out now!

My first book, “Toto, The Band, Not the Dog”, is also available at major book retailers, at www.slangofages.com, and through your online retailers.

Special Thanks to my Patreon Executive Producers: Cynthia Tom, Cheryl Frazier, Vinicio Cifuentes, and Bill Todd

Check out all my reviews at slangofages.com. You may also donate on the ‘about’ page.

In this episode of the Slang of Ages Podcast, Preston Frazier takes an in-depth look at Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals’ 2016 album Call It What It Is. Returning after a long hiatus, Harper reunited with the Innocent Criminals for an album that blends blues, rock, soul, funk, and socially conscious songwriting.

Preston explores the history behind the album, the musicians who brought it to life—including the late Michael Ward and Juan Nelson—and examines each song, discussing its themes, standout performances, and musical highlights. From the powerful title track to favorites like “Deeper and Deeper,” “When Sex Was Dirty,” and “How Dark Is Gone,” this episode celebrates one of Ben Harper’s strongest modern releases.

If you’re a longtime Ben Harper fan or discovering this album for the first time, this episode offers insight into the music, the messages, and the musicians behind one of the most compelling releases of the 2010s.

Subscribe for more album deep dives, artist interviews, and music reviews from the Slang of Ages Podcast.

#BenHarper #CallItWhatItIs #InnocentCriminals #AlbumReview #MusicPodcast #SlangOfAges #BluesRock #SoulMusic #ClassicRock #MusicHistory

This is the Slang Of Ages Podcast—where records don’t age out; they age in.

LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!

My new book, “Shade Of Living Colour” is out now!

Also check out “Yes Indeed: Tales From Yes, Without Jon Anderson,” available at all major book retailers.

Check out patreon.com/SlangOfAgesPodcast for exclusive content, early access, and to support the Slang of Ages podcast.

My latest Book, "Shade Of Living Colour" is out now!

My first book, “Toto, The Band, Not the Dog”, is also available at major book retailers, at www.slangofages.com, and through your online retailers.

Special Thanks to my Patreon Executive Producers: Cynthia Tom, Cheryl Frazier, Vinicio Cifuentes, and Bill Todd.

Check out all my reviews at slangofages.com. You may also donate on the ‘about’ page.

The Rock Band That Redefined the Genre (And Why They Belong in the Hall of Fame)

Think Living Colour is just "Cult of Personality"? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with author Preston Frazier to dive deep into his explosive new book, Shade of Living Color. We break down the incredible highs, the devastating 90s breakup, and the undeniable legacy of a band that reclaimed Black participation in rock and roll.

From Mick Jagger’s secret weapon role in their early success to the truth behind those Corey Glover rumors, we’re unpacking the full, unfiltered history of one of rock’s most innovative forces.

What We Discuss in This Episode:

The Jagger Factor: How Mick Jagger co-produced Vivid and championed the band.

The 90s Breakup & Reunion: What really happened when the contracts ended?

Track-by-Track Breakdown: Reassessing classics like "Type," "Open Letter to a Landlord," and "Glamour Boys."

The Hall of Fame Debate: Does a smaller catalog mean they don't belong in Cleveland? (We beg to differ).

Myth-Busting: Is Corey Glover actually related to Danny Glover? (The answer might surprise you).

What’s Next: A sneak peek at Preston’s upcoming Steely Dan project, Stealing Dan.

This is the Slang Of Ages Podcast—where records don’t age out, they age in. LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!

Preston hosted the season finale of Season 9 ( episode 150) of the Slang of Ages podcast, focusing on the 1986 album "Chicago 18" by the band Chicago. He discussed the significant lineup changes following Peter Cetera's departure, including the addition of new members Jason Scheff on bass and vocals, and Bill Champlin, while noting that the album reached only number 35 on the Billboard charts compared to the top 10 success of its predecessor. Preston analyzed each song on the album, highlighting key tracks like "Niagara Falls," "Forever," "If She Would Have Been Faithful," and "Will You Still Love Me," which became top 40 hits, while noting that the remade version of "25 or 6 to 4" was less successful. He praised the production by David Foster and the contributions of various musicians, while observing that the band's commercial peak was declining as they adapted to modern sounds, including drum programming by Danny Seraphine.

My new book, “Yes Indeed: Tales From Yes, Without Jon Anderson,” is out now!

Check out patreon.com/SlangOfAgesPodcast for exclusive content, early access, and to support the Slang of Ages podcast

My first book, “Toto, The Band, Not the Dog”, is also available at major book retailers and at www.slangofages.com, as well as through your online retailers.

Special Thanks to my Patreon Executive Producers: Cynthia Tom, Cheryl Frazier, and Vinicio Cifuentes.

Preston hosted the penultimate episode of Season 9 of the Slang of Ages podcast, discussing Rodney Crowell's 1988 album "Street Language." He provided a comprehensive overview of the album's background, including how Crowell left Warner Brothers Records after they rejected the album for being too rock-oriented, and his decision to work with co-producer Booker T. Jones for his debut release on Columbia Records. Preston analyzed each of the album's 10 tracks, highlighting the musical contributions of various artists like Stuart Smith, Eric Johnson, Vince Gill, and the Uptown Horn Players, while explaining how Crowell's vocal approach evolved to feature less Nashville twang and more of a rock-influenced style.

In this episode of the Slang of Ages Podcast, host Preston Frazier reviewed the 1988 album "What Up Dog?" by Was (Not Was), which reached number 43 on the charts. Preston discussed the band's background, including founders David Was and Don Was, and highlighted the album's notable tracks such as "Spy in the House of Love," "Walk the Dinosaur," and "Robot Girl." He explored the album's diverse musical styles, ranging from R&B to funk, and praised the contributions of vocalists Sir Harry Bowens and Sweet P. Atkinson. Preston also noted the album's successful singles and the impressive lineup of musicians involved in its creation.

This is the Slang Of Ages Podcast—where records don’t age out, they age in.

LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!

My new book, “Yes Indeed: Tales From Yes, Without Jon Anderson,” is out now!

Check out patreon.com/SlangOfAgesPodcast for exclusive content, early access, and to support the Slang of Ages podcast 

My first book, “Toto, The Band, Not the Dog”, is also available at major book retailers and at www.slangofages.com, as well as through your online retailers.

Special Thanks to my Patreon Executive Producers:  Cynthia Tom, Cheryl Frazier, and Vinicio Cifuentes.

Check out all my reviews at slangofages.com. You may also donate on the ‘about’ page.

Preston reconnects with Bobby Broom to discuss his new tribute album 'Notes of Thanks,' its repertoire choices, recording details, and promotion and touring plans. Broom explained he deliberately recorded the project while Sonny Rollins is still alive, returning to a guitar trio format with bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins, whom he had not recorded with as a pure trio in over a decade; Watkins has been Rollins' drummer for the last six years of Rollins' performing career.

Broom recounted how he first connected with Rollins—early gigs with Al Haig, an R.L. Ray-arranged audition, and a Carnegie Hall date that launched their collaboration—and described his song-selection process as primarily personal, with minimal referencing of Rollins' original recordings aside from checks on "Doxy" and research into "Kim" via a Night Music clip. The group agreed to include Carroll's original "Me Time." The album was recorded over two days; Broom played a Kane Top hollow-body guitar built by luthier Danny Kane Top, and contrasted vintage-style guitar sounds with his mature, melody-supporting approach. Touring plans include upcoming dates and a Jazz Showcase appearance; Listeners are directed to bobbybroom.com and Bandcamp for purchases.

This is the Slang Of Ages Podcast—where records don’t age out, they age in.

Slang of Ages Host, Preston, catches up with Dennis Atlas’s new album, Principle, focusing on its creation, recording process, collaborator roles, production choices, and promotion plans. Dennis explained that most writing and recording occurred over the prior 18 months, with many songs sketched on the road and tracked primarily in his home studio while select contributors recorded at their own studios and connected remotely via SessionWire. Production decisions emphasized assigning parts only where a guest’s distinctive voice would elevate a track; Shannon Forrest’s remotely coordinated drum tracking was highlighted as tightly executed. Specific credits and arrangements were covered: John Pierce was credited as “bass advisor” after deferring to Dennis’s own bass performances, Bumblefoot delivered a standout solo on “Games,” Steve Lukather contributed on “Scare Me” and “Candy on Mars,” Marco Minnemann guested, and Joseph Williams recorded low harmony parts to create dual-octave vocals. Additional contributors included Trev (guitar, mixing), David Paich (Fender Rhodes/keyboards), and Greg Philliganes (piano and synth on “Save It for Tomorrow”). Dennis described singles and videos for tracks such as “Different World,” outlined release formats and preorder availability, and noted he is performing with Toto on their An Evening With Toto tour, praising new pianist Ray Thistlethwaite and the tour’s deeper-setlist approach.

LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE!

My new book, “Yes Indeed: Tales From Yes, Without Jon Anderson,” is out now!

Check out patreon.com/SlangOfAgesPodcast for exclusive content, early access, and to support the Slang of Ages podcast.

 

My first book, “Toto, The Band, Not the Dog”, is also available at major book retailers and at www.slangofages.com, as well as through your online retailers.

Special Thanks to my Patreon Executive Producers:  Cynthia Tom, Cheryl Frazier, and Vinicio Cifuentes.

Check out all my reviews at slangofages.com. You may also donate on the ‘about’ page.

In this episode of Slang of Ages, we dive deep into Dig—the 2001 album that finds Boz Scaggs stepping into the new millennium without chasing trends, yet somehow landing right inside them. Known for his smooth, yacht-ready classics, Boz flips the script here, trading polish for pulse and sunlight for shadow.

We explore how Dig leans into trip-hop textures, downtempo grooves, and late-night electronic soul—creating a moody, headphone-driven experience that feels more underground than mainstream. From the gritty gratitude of “Thanks to You” to the cinematic drift of “Vanishing Point” and the tension-filled “You’re Not,” this album captures an artist aging with intention, not nostalgia.

We also break down the album’s themes—emotional dislocation, romance in a digital world, and the quiet introspection of late-night living—while spotlighting the subtle production choices that give Dig its timeless edge.

Is Dig a reinvention, a left turn, or a hidden gem in Boz’s catalog? And why does it still sound so modern today?

Press play and find out why this might be one of the most underrated albums of the 2000s.