Music Reviews archive
Read Joyce DiDonato: Sublime Singing Makes The Unreal Real
November 27, 2012 – Hear a celebrated mezzo-soprano sing an aria from her exceptional new recording of Baroque opera.
Listen Jason Kao Hwang: From The Blues To China And Back
November 26, 2012 – The violinist attempts to mix jazz, classical and traditional Chinese music on Burning Bridge.
Listen Samuel Yirga: A Prodigy Reviving Ethiopian Jazz
November 21, 2012 – Yirga has had to fight to be himself, and his distinctive voice shines through in his debut, Guzo.
Listen The Mythic Power Of Bessie Smith
November 21, 2012 – A new 10-CD box set collects the complete works of the colossus who straddled jazz and blues.
Watch The Insect Trust: An American Band Deconstructed
November 20, 2012 – Free jazzers, hippie rockers and country-blues musicians made up this ragtag late-'60s band.
Read Calculated Instability: The Pioneering Sonatas Of C.P.E. Bach
November 20, 2012 – The quirky music of J.S. Bach's most impressive son delights in an album by pianist Danny Driver.
Listen Bill Withers: The Everyman Singer With A Poet's Soul
November 19, 2012 – Since the singer's 1971 debut, he has had nine albums, all of which are now available in a box set.
Listen An Unlikely Tribute: Jamey Johnson Covers Hank Cochran
November 14, 2012 – The country-music star has enlisted the likes of Merle Haggard to salute the prolific songwriter.
Listen Cody ChesnuTT Contains A Universe On 'Hundred'
November 9, 2012 – ChesnuTT is the best sort of egomaniac: On Landing on a Hundred, he's preachy but delightful.
Watch Samuel Yirga Ushers In A Golden Age Of Ethiopian Music
November 8, 2012 – Yirga finds his way into standards with a voracious talent that savors each musical flavor.
Read Young Cellist With An Old Soul Plays Elgar, Elliott Carter
November 6, 2012 – Hear an excerpt from an excellent album of cellist Alisa Weilerstein playing music classic and new.
Watch Taylor Swift Leaps Into Pop With 'Red'
November 5, 2012 – Red challenges Swift's diehard fans while inviting naysayers to give her music another try.
Watch Neil Young Still Vital On 'Psychedelic Pill'
October 30, 2012 – Whenever things get too cozy on Psychedelic Pill, Crazy Horse is there to rearrange the furniture.
Listen After 26 Years, The Sam Rivers Trio Resurfaces
October 30, 2012 – The late saxophonist's 2007 concert with his classic 1970s small group has been released on CD.
Read Gidon Kremer's Bach Makeover
October 30, 2012 – Hear the violinist play a newly commissioned work based on Bach.