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Music Reviews

Ayler Recordings Released in New Set

Albert Ayler was a well known adherent of the school of free jazz before his mysterious drowning death in the New York's East River in 1970. A new 10-CD set of rare and previously unissued recordings offers insight into his music. Tom Terrell has a review of Albert Ayler: Holy Ghost, Rare and Unissued Recordings 1962-1970.

Ayler Recordings Released in New Set

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Marsalis vs. Davis: Scoring the Life of Jack Johnson

Day to Day music critic David Was comments on the musical score of Unforgivable Blackness, the new Ken Burns documentary about boxer Jack Johnson. Was compares the music, composed by Wynton Marsalis, to the score of an older movie about Johnson composed by jazz legend Miles Davis.

Marsalis vs. Davis: Scoring the Life of Jack Johnson

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Shatner, Folds Unite for 'Has Been'

Meredith Ochs reviews a new music CD by Capt. James T. Kirk, also known as William Shatner. The album, Has Been, is a funny and philosophical collaboration between the former Star Trek star and musician Ben Folds, among others.

Shatner, Folds Unite for 'Has Been'

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Eminem's 'Encore'

Music Critic Oliver Wang says that Eminem's most recent CD, Encore, breaks new ground for the controversial artist. He is more mature and reflective but still is can revert to the poisonous lyrics that made him one of the most popular rap artists of the last five years.

Eminem's 'Encore'

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Guinea's Kanté Highlights Traditional Roots on New Album

Mory Kanté, a musician from the West African nation of Guinea, made history two decades ago when his song "Yeke Yeke" hit the pop charts in France and launched his international career. Reviewer Banning Eyre says now Kanté is back with a new album, Sabou, that highlights his traditional roots.

Guinea's Kanté Highlights Traditional Roots on New Album

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Brian Eno Albums Remastered for Compact Disc

Brian Eno is known most as a producer of other people's music: David Bowie, the Talking Heads and U2 to name a few. In the 1970s, after leaving the band Roxy Music, Eno made four now-legendary albums that have been remastered onto CD. Reviewer Mikel Jollett talks about the recordings.

Brian Eno Albums Remastered for Compact Disc

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Albert Ayler: 'Holy Ghost'

Fresh Air

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new box set Albert Ayler: Holy Ghost, celebrating the saxophonist and composer. Through renewed interest — and a string of reissues — Ayler has grown increasingly influential and appreciated in recent years.

Albert Ayler: 'Holy Ghost'

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Catchy and Rare: 'A John Waters Christmas'

Fresh Air

Director John Waters, known for making art from sleaze, has a new CD for the season, A John Waters Christmas. It includes such songs as "Here Comes Fatty Claus" and "Little Mary Christmas" — all from the man once crowned the "Pope of Trash" by William Burroughs.

Catchy and Rare: 'A John Waters Christmas'

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Chris Douridas: Ray LaMontagne, 'Trouble'

NPR's Alex Chadwick talks with Chris Douridas of member station KCRW in Santa Monica, Calif., about up-and-coming musician Ray LaMontagne, a former shoe factory worker with a distinctive singing voice and signature songwriting style who now has a hit debut album, Trouble.

Chris Douridas: Ray LaMontagne, 'Trouble'

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