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Music Reviews

Employment Brings Relief To Food-Insecure Illinois Family

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Illinois artist and mother of three Ja Nelle Pleasure, who has recently experienced food insecurity, about how she is feeding her family this winter.

Employment Brings Relief To Food-Insecure Illinois Family

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Sonny Rollins Plays His Heart Out In A Newly Discovered Live Recording

Fresh Air

Recorded over the course of three days in 1967, during a period when the saxophonist was disillusioned with the record business, Rollins in Holland presents a jazz master in an ideal setting.

Sonny Rollins Plays His Heart Out In A Newly Discovered Live Recording

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Music Interviews

Pianist Keith Jarrett On The 'Calling' That Drew Him To Jazz

Jarrett is acclaimed for his intense and physically energetic improvised performances. Kevin Whitehead reviews Jarrett's new album, Budapest Concert, and we listen back to a 2000 interview with him.

Pianist Keith Jarrett On The 'Calling' That Drew Him To Jazz

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Music Features

New Anthology Revisits Brief History Of The Gospel Truth Label

The Gospel Truth was a subsidiary of the famous soul label Stax Records. A new anthology, The Gospel Truth: The Complete Singles Collection, revisits its brief moment in gospel soul history.

New Anthology Revisits Brief History Of The Gospel Truth Label

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With 'Pedernal,' Susan Alcorn Expands Pedal Steel Guitar's Range

Fresh Air

Pedal steel guitar is a staple of country music, but Alcorn bends it around odd corners. Her quintet's new album is beyond category — roaming betwixt jazz and improvised music and rock and country.

With 'Pedernal,' Susan Alcorn Expands Pedal Steel Guitar's Range

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Cornet Player Ron Miles Embraces His Pop Influences On 'Rainbow Sign'

Fresh Air

Much of the music on Miles' new album has a poppy accessibility — but it isn't quite easy listening. Instead his quintet stretches the material and lets things get a little warped.

Cornet Player Ron Miles Embraces His Pop Influences On 'Rainbow Sign'

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From Springsteen To Stevie Wonder, Veteran Musicians Capture The Moment

Fresh Air

Three new songs from established acts speak to the times: "Ghosts," by Bruce Springsteen; "Can't Put It in the Hands of Fate," by Stevie Wonder; and "Didn't Want to Be This Lonely," by The Pretenders.

From Springsteen To Stevie Wonder, Veteran Musicians Capture The Moment

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CD Set Of Leontyne Price's Live Performances At The Met Opera Is A Treasure

Fresh Air

Price, now 93, was the first African American soprano to have a major career at the Metropolitan Opera. Critics and fans agreed that she had one of the most beautiful singing voices they'd ever heard.

CD Set Of Leontyne Price's Live Performances At The Met Opera Is A Treasure

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Latin Jazz Album 'El Duelo' Features Lively Solos And Moments Of Surprising Beauty

Fresh Air

For 30 years, trumpet and flugelhorn player Diego Urcola has toured and recorded with Cuba-born saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera. For his own new album, Urcola hired his boss as featured sideman.

Latin Jazz Album 'El Duelo' Features Lively Solos And Moments Of Surprising Beauty

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Low Cut Connie Showcases A New Ambition On 'Private Lives'

Fresh Air

Once known as a loud bar band, Low Cut Connie bends classic rock to meet ever-more complex emotionalism. The resulting album is filled with songs about lovers, losers and beautiful dreamers.

Low Cut Connie Showcases A New Ambition On 'Private Lives'

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Temporary Trio Creates A Quirky Groove On 'General Semantics'

Fresh Air

Reed players Geof Bradfield and Ben Goldberg join formidable drummer Dana Hall on a new album that features humor, sobriety and a piece that's funky one minute and chamber music the next.

Temporary Trio Creates A Quirky Groove On 'General Semantics'

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Super Deluxe Release Of Prince's 'Sign O' The Times' Holds Up As A Masterpiece

Fresh Air

Prince's creativity is more impressive than ever on a new version of his highly praised 1987 album — now with three discs of previously unreleased material.

Super Deluxe Release Of Prince's 'Sign O' The Times' Holds Up As A Masterpiece

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