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Music Reviews

'All My Yesterdays' Captures The Beginning Of A 50-Year Engagement

Fresh Air

Music from Thad Jones and Mel Lewis' first and seventh Mondays at the Village Vanguard is out on a new two-CD set. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says All My Yesterdays explodes with creative energy.

'All My Yesterdays' Captures The Beginning Of A 50-Year Engagement

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Bonnie Raitt Explores Her Roots In 'Dig In Deep'

Fresh Air

Raitt's new album is dominated by uptempo songs, R&B sounds and complex emotions. Rock critic Ken Tucker says the singer's distinctive style gives Dig In Deep a "vital glow."

Bonnie Raitt Explores Her Roots In 'Dig In Deep'

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Music Review: 'Livin' On A High Note,' Mavis Staples

Music reviewer Tom Moon says the latest from gospel-soul icon Mavis Staples is the most stirring of her recent releases. He reviews Livin' on a High Note.

Music Review: 'Livin' On A High Note,' Mavis Staples

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New Recording Revives Ravel's 'L'Enfant Et Les Sortileges'

Fresh Air

The opera, by the late composer Maurice Ravel, spins a modern fairy tale about a naughty child at bedtime. Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new recording of it by conductor Seiji Ozawa.

New Recording Revives Ravel's 'L'Enfant Et Les Sortileges'

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Music Review: 'Manman M Se Ginen,' Ram

Ram has been making music for over 20 years. The veteran Haitian band is out with their sixth studio album. Music reviewer Banning Eyre says it's their best work to date.

Music Review: 'Manman M Se Ginen,' Ram

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Westerberg And Hatfield Aim For The Heart With 'Wild Stab'

Fresh Air

The debut album by the I Don't Cares features two familiar voices — Paul Westerberg and the singer-songwriter Juliana Hatfield. Rock critic Ken Tucker says the songs on Wild Stab "will grab you."

Westerberg And Hatfield Aim For The Heart With 'Wild Stab'

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Music Review: 'The Traveller,' Baaba Maal

Baaba Maal is one of the most well-known Senegalese singers today. For over three decades, his music has won him fans all over the world. Music reviewer Banning Eyre says his first album in seven years, The Traveller, is different and surprising.

Music Review: 'The Traveller,' Baaba Maal

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New Box Set Shows Off The Twisted Rhythms Of Jazz Pianist James P. Johnson

Fresh Air

Johnson was one of the greatest pianists of his time. Critic Kevin Whitehead says the Classic James P. Johnson Sessions (1921-1943) "paints a portrait of a working virtuoso."

New Box Set Shows Off The Twisted Rhythms Of Jazz Pianist James P. Johnson

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Sia Reclaims Songs She Wrote For Others On 'This Is Acting'

Fresh Air

The Australian songwriter who has written hits for Rihanna, Beyonce and Katy Perry just released an album of her own. Critic Ken Tucker likes Sia's singing, in part, because of its imperfections.

Sia Reclaims Songs She Wrote For Others On 'This Is Acting'

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Lizzo Brings Ideas, Humor And Sass To 'Big Grrrl Small World'

Fresh Air

The vivacious alt-rapper Lizzo mixes rap, gospel and neo-soul on her new album. Critic Milo Miles says Big Grrrl Small World will win listeners over with its energy and hooks.

Lizzo Brings Ideas, Humor And Sass To 'Big Grrrl Small World'

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The Riffs And Rhythms That Led To Jazz As We Know It

Fresh Air

The Original Dixieland Jazz Band's first recording in Feb. 1917 is often cited as the first jazz record ever, but critic Kevin Whitehead says that the roots of jazz stretch a little further back.

The Riffs And Rhythms That Led To Jazz As We Know It

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Walter Martin Remembers Art History Class With 'Arts + Leisure'

Singer-songwriter Walter Martin. Sebastian Kim/Ile Flottante Music hide caption

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Sebastian Kim/Ile Flottante Music

Music Interviews

Walter Martin Remembers Art History Class With 'Arts + Leisure'

The Walkmen musician has gone solo with his new record. It's a song cycle inspired what Martin calls his "shaky grasp of college art history."

Walter Martin Remembers Art History Class With 'Arts + Leisure'

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Songs We Love: Nicholas McCarthy, 'The Man I Love'

Born without his right hand, Nicholas McCarthy pursued a career as a concert pianist. Paul Marc Mitchell/Warner Classics hide caption

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Paul Marc Mitchell/Warner Classics

Deceptive Cadence

Songs We Love: Nicholas McCarthy, 'The Man I Love'

The one-handed British pianist pours the optimism of a young man at the dawn of his career into a classic Gershwin song.

13The Man I Love

  • Buy Featured Music

    Song
    The Man I Love
    Album
    Solo
    Artist
    Nicholas McCarthy
    Label
    Warner Classics
    Released
    2015

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