Books and Music Review
September 2003

A Preview of New Music Releases for the Fall
From Outkast's politicized hip-hop to the first CD from singer-songwriter Edie Brickell in a decade, this fall brings a bevy of new music releases. NPR's Michele Norris reviews the fall lineup with Tom Moon of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Will Hermes of Spin magazine.

'The Beatles on Apple Records'
A generation after The Beatles parted ways, the group's swan song -- the album Let It Be -- is being reissued. But this time, the music will be closer to the original intent, meaning no Phil Spector choirs and strings. Listen to rare Beatles tracks from the Let It Be sessions, as well as music from other artists originally on the Apple label.

Music Review: 'Changing Places'
A new CD by Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen has captured the attention of our reviewer Jim Fusilli. Here Gustavsen plays with a trio, and the music is an exquisite mix of slow passionate sounds and sparse melodies, reminiscent of Bill Evans or Keith Jarrett. The CD, available from ECM records, is called Changing Places.

Music Review: 'Private Astronomy'
David Greenberger has a review of Private Astronomy: A Vision of the Music of Beiderbecke, the latest CD from musician Geoff Muldaur and the band Futuristic Ensemble. They explore the music of Bix Beiderbecke, the legendary cornet player from the 1920s.

Seal Releases CD After Five-Year Hiatus
NPR's Michele Norris talks with singer/songwriter Seal about his new album, titled Seal IV. It's his first album in five years, and reflects time spent in his home back in England.

Book Review: 'Secret Father'
-- Alan Cheuse reviews Secret Father by James Carroll. Set in Berlin during the beginning of the Cold War, the novel is part spy thriller, part family history.

Book Review: 'Saul and Patsy'
Alan Cheuse reviews Saul and Patsy, by Charles Baxter.

An Illustrated 'Muhammad' for Young Readers
Books by the children's author Demi use brilliant jewel-toned colors, intricate patterns and gold leaf on every page. NPR's Michele Norris talks with the author about Muhammad, a story of the prophet of Islam. See sample illustrations and hear Demi read a passage from the book.

Ray Barretto: The Beat Goes On
At 78, he's a reigning ambassador of Latin jazz, and percussionist Ray Barretto is still going strong. NPR's Felix Contreras profiles the artist. Hear clips of the song that inspired Barretto to take up jazz and a track from his latest album, Homage to Art Blakey.

'Lunch at the Picadilly'
NPR's Melissa Block talks with Clyde Edgerton about his new novel, Lunch at the Piccadilly. It's about the drama, trauma and characters that inhabit nursing homes.

CD Explores the Many Facets of Lap Steel Music
The lap steel guitar, operated by sliding a steel bar along steel strings, is both an instrument and a style of playing. A new CD, Legends of the Incredible Lap Steel Guitar, explores the wide variety of musical traditions -- from Hawaiian to Western Swing -- that have evolved around the lap steel. NPR's Melissa Block talks with Cindy Cashdollar, an artist featured on the CD.

'Diary of a Worm': A Children's Tale with a Twist
NPR's Michele Norris talks with children's book author Doreen Cronin and New Yorker cartoonist Harry Bliss. Together, they've released Diary of a Worm, a new children's book told from the perspective a young male worm who's actually a lot like many children. The book details a year in the life of this little fellow, who wears a red baseball cap and lives with his mother, father, grandfather and sister.

'Verve Remixed 2'
Verve Records has again invited DJs and electronic musicians to remix classics from it's extensive catalog. Music critic Michelle Mercer has a review of the Verve Remixed 2 CD.

Terence Blanchard's 'Bounce'
Just past 40, trumpeter Terence Blanchard can look back at numerous musical accomplishments, including nearly two dozen albums and a body of well-respected soundtrack work for director Spike Lee and others. NPR's Steve Inskeep talks with Blanchard about his latest CD, Bounce.

Big Sandy's New CD
NPR's Melissa Block talks to Robert Williams, a.k.a. Big Sandy. Big Sandy, along with his band, the Fly Rite Boys, are a band with a passion for rock and roll from the 1950s, particularly the Sun Records rockabilly sound. Their new CD, It's Time, adds Cajun, western swing, doo-wop and rhythm and blues to the mix.

Yogi Berra's 'Ten Rings'
Lawrence Peter Berra -- better know by his nickname Yogi -- is better known for his malapropisms and Zen-like quips. But in his new memoir Ten Rings: My Championship Seasons, Berra recounts the players and team spirit that created the Yankees dynasty. Read an excerpt from the book.

Latin Grammies Preview
NPR's Melissa Block talks with Leila Cobo, Latin music bureau chief for Billboard magazine, about the Latin pop singer/songwriters. She talks about different artists who have written their own material and are being recognized for their songwriting in different categories. Cobo also talks about the international nature of the Latin Grammies with artists from Guatemala, Mexico, Brazil and Italy. And not all of the artists want to record in English to expand their popularity.

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