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Music Reviews

Music Review: 'Changing Places' from Tord Gustavsen

A new CD by Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen has captured the attention of our reviewer Jim Fusilli. Here Gustavsen plays with a trio, and the music is an exquisite mix of slow passionate sounds and sparse melodies, reminiscent of Bill Evans or Keith Jarrett. The CD, available from ECM records, is called Changing Places.

Music Review: 'Changing Places' from Tord Gustavsen

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Music Review: 'Private Astronomy' from Geoff Muldaur

David Greenberger has a review of Private Astronomy: A Vision of the Music of Beiderbecke, the latest CD from musician Geoff Muldaur and the band Futuristic Ensemble. They explore the music of Bix Beiderbecke, the legendary cornet player from the 1920s.

Music Review: 'Private Astronomy' from Geoff Muldaur

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Music Review: 'Verve Remixed 2' from Various Artists

Verve Records has again invited DJs and electronic musicians to remix classics from it's extensive catalog. Music critic Michelle Mercer has a review of the Verve Remixed 2 CD.

Music Review: 'Verve Remixed 2' from Various Artists

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Music

Terence Blanchard's 'Bounce'

Just past 40, trumpeter Terence Blanchard can look back at numerous musical accomplishments, including nearly two dozen albums and a body of well-respected soundtrack work for director Spike Lee and others. NPR's Steve Inskeep talks with Blanchard about his latest CD, Bounce.

Terence Blanchard's 'Bounce'

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Music Review: Reissues from Toots and the Maytals

Fresh Air

Music critic Milo Miles looks at the career of reggae greats Toots Hibbert and his band, the Maytals. The group's recent re-issues are Time Tough, Funky Kingston (Island Records) and Monkey Man (Trojan Records).

Music Review: Reissues from Toots and the Maytals

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Director's Cuts

Director's Cuts: New CDs from Mark Oliver Everett

In this edition of Director's Cuts, Weekend Edition Sunday's music director Ned Wharton reviews two new projects from Mark Oliver Everett, also known simply as "E." His group Eels has a new disc on DreamWorks called Shootenanny! and under the name MC Honky, the fictitious rapper produces "Self Help Rock" on the CD I Am the Messiah on spinART Records.

Director's Cuts: New CDs from Mark Oliver Everett

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'Forro' Music Sweeps Brazil

The cool sophistication of bossa nova and hot rhythms of Samba have come to characterize the popular conception of Brazilian music. Now a rural style of music called forro — full of simple harmonies and frantic rhythms — is making a big splash in Rio and the United States. Music critic Michelle Mercer offers an introduction with a look at two CDs: Brazil Classics 3 and Brazil: Forro Music for Maids and Taxi Drivers.

'Forro' Music Sweeps Brazil

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Music Interviews

Christian Bordal on Music: Warren Zevon's Final Album

Independent music critic Christian Bordal talks with NPR's Madeleine Brand about what may be the last Warren Zevon album, The Wind. The rocker is dying of cancer.

Christian Bordal on Music: Warren Zevon's Final Album

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Christian Bordal on Music: 'Earthquake Glue' from Guided by Voices

Independent music critic Christian Bordal talks with NPR's Alex Chadwick about the latest CD by the relatively obscure "indie-rock" band Guided by Voices.

Christian Bordal on Music: 'Earthquake Glue' from Guided by Voices

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'Dance With My Father' from Luther Vandross

R&B singer Luther Vandross is continuing to recover from the stroke he suffered earlier this year. His latest CD, Dance With My Father, debuted at number one earlier this summer, and remains in the top 10. Writer Sara Bardeen has a review of the CD.

'Dance With My Father' from Luther Vandross

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