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Music Reviews

Music Review: 'Big Star Story' from Big Star

The 1970s Memphis rock band Big Star never reached commercial success, but the group is often cited as a precursor to the grunge of the 1990s, as well as today's power-pop. A new compilation, Big Star Story, assembles some of the songs from the group's three full-length albums. NPR's Will Hermes has a review.

Music Review: 'Big Star Story' from Big Star

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Music Review: 'Glamoured' from Cassandra Wilson

Grammy-winning singer and composer Cassandra Wilson has made a career out of using her jazz and blues skills to transform pop songs. On her latest album, Glamoured, Wilson applies her rich, husky voice to a variety of musical genres. NPR's Michelle Mercer has a review.

Music Review: 'Glamoured' from Cassandra Wilson

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Music Review: 'Stumble Into Grace' from Emmylou Harris

With more than 25 records released, you might think 56-year-old Emmylou Harris would fall into some sort of rut, or at least lean on successful formulas. Her new record, Stumble Into Grace, turns out to be another ground-breaking record for the singer and songwriter. Reviewer Meredith Ochs says the songs are modern day folk songs that are personal and well crafted.

Music Review: 'Stumble Into Grace' from Emmylou Harris

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Music Review: 'Changing Places' from Tord Gustavsen

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: 'Changing Places' from Tord Gustavsen

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Music Review: 'Private Astronomy' from Geoff Muldaur

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.

Music Review: 'Private Astronomy' from Geoff Muldaur

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Music Review: 'Verve Remixed 2' from Various Artists

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.

Music Review: 'Verve Remixed 2' from Various Artists

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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.

Terence Blanchard's 'Bounce'

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Music Review: Reissues from Toots and the Maytals

Fresh Air

Music critic Milo Miles looks at the career of reggae greats Toots Hibbert and his band, the Maytals. The group's recent re-issues are Time Tough, Funky Kingston (Island Records) and Monkey Man (Trojan Records).

Music Review: Reissues from Toots and the Maytals

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