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Music Reviews

Anouar Brahem

Anouar Brahem, the Tunisian master of the Oud, the predecessor of the lute and guitar, took a break recently from his beloved instrument ... to play the piano. When he returned to the Oud, he created a new role for its ancient voice. Michelle Mercer has a review of Brahem's latest CD Le Pas Du Chat Noir, (The Black Cat's Footsteps) on ECM Records.

Anouar Brahem

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Les Yeux Noirs: 'Bahamouk'

Charles de Ledesma has this review of the CD Bahamouk, by the French band Les Yeux Noirs — who blend Gypsy and Klezmer music. They were inspired by the Yiddish songs from the grandparents' homeland — Poland — and set out to preserve that sound, and create something modern on top of it.

Les Yeux Noirs: 'Bahamouk'

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'Assembly'

Dr. Hukwe Zawose is well known in his native Tanzania as a respected traditional musician. He and his son recently collaborated with Canadian guitarist and producer Michael Brook, who is best known for creating electronica and ethnic "trance-pop." Banning Eyre, senior editor at Afropop.org, has a review of Assembly.

'Assembly'

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The Variations of Glenn Gould

Glenn Gould was just 22 when his performance of Bach's "Goldberg Variations" made him a star. In 1981, he recorded another version, which was radically different, and was released just a few weeks before he died of a stroke at age 50. On Weekend Edition Saturday, Scott Simon talks with music critic Tim Page about a new album featuring both versions.

The Variations of Glenn Gould

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Patricia Barber: 'Verse'

Music critic Jim Fusilli reviews the latest CD by jazz singer and songwriter Patricia Barber. The recording, called Verse, is a departure from her previous work. She wrote all of the tunes on this record. Her piano performance is less dominant on this album, but the recording is sustained by the band of musicians, including trumpeter Dave Douglas and drummer Joey Baron.

Patricia Barber: 'Verse'

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