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Music Reviews

Songs We Love: Leyla McCalla, 'A Day For The Hunter, A Day For The Prey'

Leyla McCalla Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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The Record

Songs We Love: Leyla McCalla, 'A Day For The Hunter, A Day For The Prey'

Great new Haitian/Creole-influenced music and video from the singer-songwriter-violinist (and ex-Carolina Chocolate Drop); plus, an interview about where her creative energy now resides.

01A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey

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    Song
    A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey
    Album
    A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey
    Artist
    Leyla McCalla
    Label
    Jazz Village / Harmonia Mundi
    Released
    2016

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Music Review: 'You're Dreaming,' The Cactus Blossoms

If you listen to the Cactus Blossoms, you will definitely be reminded of the Everly Brothers. But Minneapolis brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum are much more than a tribute act. Music critic Meredith Ochs says the duo's gorgeous harmonies and ageless sound spell out just the beginning for these brothers.

Music Review: 'You're Dreaming,' The Cactus Blossoms

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Music

Alt.Latino Stakes Out SXSW: The Chamanas, Jenny And The Mexicats And More

Alt-Latino host Felix Contreras is at the Austin festival this weekend, scoping out great Latin music. He shares some of his finds with NPR's Rachel Martin.

Alt.Latino Stakes Out SXSW: The Chamanas, Jenny And The Mexicats And More

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At 83, 'Songwriter-Singer' Loretta Lynn Comes 'Full Circle'

Fresh Air

The country music legend's new album mixes original material with interpretations of country classics. Reviewer Ken Tucker says the record shows a vulnerability that is somewhat new to Lynn's music.

At 83, 'Songwriter-Singer' Loretta Lynn Comes 'Full Circle'

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Ortiz's 'Hidden Voices' Mixes Cuban Strains With Modern Jazz

Fresh Air

Pianist Aruán Ortiz grew up in Cuba and lived in Spain a few years before moving to the US in 2002. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Ortiz's new trio music is fully bilingual.

Ortiz's 'Hidden Voices' Mixes Cuban Strains With Modern Jazz

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Lucius Layers Harmonies With Emotion In 'Good Grief'

Fresh Air

The surging voices of two female lead singers create the signature sound of the five-piece band Lucius. Rock critic Ken Tucker says the band's new album, Good Grief, is often lovely and well-crafted.

Lucius Layers Harmonies With Emotion In 'Good Grief'

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Music Review: 'Final Wild Songs,' The Long Ryders

The Long Ryders are an '80s band. Smart lyrics mix with garage rock, psychedelic sounds and country. After five years of recording and touring, they called it quits in 1987. Now, almost 20 years after their separation, the band is back together and heading on tour. Reviewer Meredith Ochs says the newly released album of their classic songs cements their legacy.

Music Review: 'Final Wild Songs,' The Long Ryders

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Songs We Love: ORA, 'Kyrie'

Singers in the newly formed vocal group ORA perform music old and brand new. Nick Rutter/Courtesy of the artists hide caption

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Nick Rutter/Courtesy of the artists

Deceptive Cadence

Songs We Love: ORA, 'Kyrie'

Founded in 2014, this vibrant, new choral group juxtaposes William Byrd's Renaissance classic with newly commissioned inspirations.

08Kyrie after Byrd

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    Song
    Kyrie after Byrd
    Album
    Upheld by Stillness
    Artist
    ORA
    Label
    Harmonia Mundi
    Released
    2016

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