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Music Reviews

Director's Cuts

Director's Cuts Music Picks for the Holidays

As music director of Weekend Edition Sunday, NPR's Ned Wharton supervises music continuity for the show, keeps tabs on what's new and noteworthy in the music world and produces many of the artist features heard on the program. He offers holiday picks for 2004.

Director's Cuts Music Picks for the Holidays

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Marking the Coleman Hawkins Centennial

This week marks the centennial of the birth of Coleman Hawkins, the jazz saxophonist who helped define his instrument. A new recording compiles some of Coleman Hawkins' best work, and critic Jim Fusilli says it's a must-have for any fan of American music.

Marking the Coleman Hawkins Centennial

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Kings of Convenience May Put Norway Back on Musical Map

The Norwegian acoustic pop duo Kings of Convenience once titled one of their albums Quiet Is the New Loud. They get even quieter on a new CD, Riot on Empty Street. Meredith Ochs has a review.

Kings of Convenience May Put Norway Back on Musical Map

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Bill Cosby and Quincy Jones Remixed on New CD

Tom Terrell reviews a CD of funk collaborations between Quincy Jones and Bill Cosby, The Original Jam Sessions: 1969, and a companion CD called The New Mixes Volume One. He says while the 1969 tracks were fairly ordinary, the remixes are full of musical surprises.

Bill Cosby and Quincy Jones Remixed on New CD

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John Lennon's 'Acoustic'

Music journalist Ashley Kahn reviews a new collection of John Lennon recordings called Acoustic. While listening, you can also learn how to play Lennon's songs. The CD collection comes with a chord chart that shows where to place your fingers on the frets of a guitar.

John Lennon's 'Acoustic'

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Tinariwen Makes Music a Powerful Weapon

Tinariwen formed in the refugee camps of Libya and Algeria. They've carried instruments and rifles in their lives, and fought for the freedom of their Tuareg people. Their music is a mix of North African blues and at times reggae-influenced. Chris Nickson reviews their CD, Amassakoul.

Tinariwen Makes Music a Powerful Weapon

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Joseph Arthur: 'Our Shadows Will Remain'

Musician Joseph Arthur's fourth full-length CD, Our Shadows Will Remain, is sure to garner critical acclaim and add to Arthur's league of loyal fans. Music critic Christian Bordal recently caught a live performance of Arthur in Los Angeles, and shares his impression of the musician and his stage presence.

Joseph Arthur: 'Our Shadows Will Remain'

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