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Music Reviews

Remembering The Jazz Legends Who Died In 2020

Fresh Air

Dozens of notable jazz musicians died this year, many from COVID-19. Fresh Air critic Kevin Whitehead remembers some of the legends lost, including Bucky Pizzarelli, Ellis Marsalis and Jimmy Heath.

Remembering The Jazz Legends Who Died In 2020

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3 New Holiday Songs Tap Into The Cheer — And Despair — Of The Season

Fresh Air

The holidays have never felt more ambivalent — a feeling captured by Phoebe Bridgers' "Christmas Song"; The Bird and the Bee's "You and I at Christmas Time"; and Nick Lowe's "Winter Wonderland."

3 New Holiday Songs Tap Into The Cheer — And Despair — Of The Season

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Tenor Sax George Coleman Shines On Newly Released Live Record, 'In Baltimore'

Fresh Air

The album showcases 45 minutes from Coleman's '71 sets at Baltimore's Famous Ballroom, where the atmosphere was typically lively and the jazz legend was elegant and full of fire.

Tenor Sax George Coleman Shines On Newly Released Live Record, 'In Baltimore'

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A Year Like No Other: Ken Tucker Picks 10 Albums That Made An Art Of Escapism

Dua Lipa performs onstage for the 2020 American Music Awards. Her album, Future Nostalgia, ranks second on Ken Tucker's list of his favorite albums of 2020. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for dcp hide caption

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Best Music Of 2020

A Year Like No Other: Ken Tucker Picks 10 Albums That Made An Art Of Escapism

Fresh Air

The pandemic, along with unprecedented political and social upheaval, created a year in which listeners sought to be transported. Enter these 10 albums. At the top of the list: X's Alphabetland.

A Year Like No Other: Ken Tucker Picks 10 Albums That Made An Art Of Escapism

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Music Features

'Black Swans': New Collection Features Recordings Of Early Black Classical Musicians

NPR's Audie Cornish talks with Saïs Kamalidiin, a Howard University professor, about a new collection showcasing 25 recordings of early Black classical musicians, called Black Swans.

'Black Swans': New Collection Features Recordings Of Early Black Classical Musicians

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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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