World music commentator Milo Miles examines the genre, which was developed in the Caribbean, developed in France, and was influenced by African and American traditions.
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz tries his hand at television reviewing. He turns to one of his favorite Norman Lear shows from the late 70s, "Fernwood 2-Night," a satirical talk show whose edgy humor still resonates today. It airs nightly on cable TVs Nick-at-Nite.
Film critic Stephen Schiff and book critic John Leonard look back at the movies and books of 1990. They give us their favorites from the year, and consider trends and highlights in popular culture.
Television critic David Bianculli reviews the new Masterpiece Theatre series, "Scoop," based on the Evelyn Waugh novel of the same name. It's about a young, inexperienced foreign correspondent in 1935.
Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews what he says is Coppola's best movie since the last Godfather. He says it's not perfect, but it's better than anything else in theaters right now.
Fresh Air producer Amy Salit interviews filmmaker Stephen Frears about his new film "The Grifters," based on the novel by writer Jim Thompson. Frears earlier films include "My Beautiful Laundrette," "Sammy and Rosie Get Laid," "Prick Up Your Ears," and "Dangerous Liaisons."
The photographer is known for both her freelance work and portraits of famous and ordinary people in her home city. Aperture Press has recently released a new book of her photos.
Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new collaboration between composers and musicians Brian Eno and John Cale. Tucker says it's a gentle, pleasant departure from their more avant-garde work.
Political cartoonist Mark Alan Stamaty writes the comic strip "Washingtoon," which lampoons the news of the day. Stamaty joins Fresh Air to share his perspective on the events of the past year.
A live concert with Evan Lurie on piano, Alfredo Pedernera on bandoneon, and Jill Jaffe on violin. Lurie's music draws on the inspirations of the New Tango movement. Lurie is also a member of the the Lounge Lizards.
The Fresh Air critic read early reviews of the film, which warned parents away from the theater. He says these admonitions only encouraged him to bring his daughters to the theater.
The Stephen King adaptation is the actress's movie debut. Her work on stage has been highly praised, including her performances in "Night Mother" and "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune."
Altman is establishing himself as a Hollywood director; he also gained acclaimed for his television series Tanner 88, cowritten by Gary Trudeau. His new movie is "Vincent and Theo," about painter Vincent Van Gogh and his brother Theo.
Kevin Whitehead, who normally reviews jazz for Fresh Air, looks at the new movie "The Russia House," an adaptation of the recent John LeCarre spy novel. Whitehead says it's neither good nor bad, but he likes Sean Connery's performance.
