The first episode of the PBS documentary series' new season, about playwright Preston Sturges, has TV critic David Bianculli excited for forthcoming profiles of other cultural figures. He says the program isn't just engaging -- it inspires him to further explore the work of each American master.
Kevin Whitehead reviews albums by Muhal Richard Abrams and Walter Thompson. Both bandleaders came from the 1960s avant-garde scene, and incorporate all styles of jazz into their music, including traditional bop, free improvisation, and electronic sounds.
A new edition of photographer David Douglas Duncan's 1951 book This is War, which captures images of Marines in Korea, has just been published. Duncan is also known for his several photos of Pablo Picasso.
Writer, poet, and commentator Andrei Codrescu. His thoughts regularly appear on "All Things Considered," and he also recently reported for ATC on the changes in his native country, Romania.
Rock musician Chrissie Hynde. She's the head of the rock band, "The Pretenders." The band's got a new album called "Packed!" It's on Sire/Warner Brothers.
Actress Celeste Holm. She appeared in the films such as "All About Eve," "Gentlemen's Agreement," and "High Society," on Broadway in shows such as "Oklahoma!" and "The King and I," and in numerous television roles over the years. She's now taking part in a retrospective of 20th Century Fox films being held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
Part two of a two-part interview with architect Andrés Duany (pronounced ahn-drays due-wahn-nee). Duany's specialty is taking on the American suburb. He eloquently argues that the burbs stifle the quality of everyday life, and today he gives concrete proposals on ways to make our neighborhoods livable again.
Attorney David Cole. Cole is a staff attorney for the Center for Constitutional Rights, and has recently taken part in court cases involving flag burning and controversial art exhibits.
Architect Andrés Duany (pronounced ahn-drays due-wahn-nee). Duany's specialty is taking on the American suburb. He eloquently argues that the 'burbs stifle the quality of everyday life, and he has concrete proposals on ways to make our neighborhoods livable again. (The first of a two part interview--today what's wrong with the suburbs, tomorrow how to make them better).
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new recording of John Field's Nocturnes, performed by Irish composer and pianist John O'Conor. (on the Telarc label).
Biographer Laurence Bergreen. His new book is "As Thousands Cheer: The Life of Irving Berlin." (published by Viking Press). Bergreen is also the author of "James Agee: A Life."
Artist David Wojnarowicz (voy-nah-ro-vich). His work has twice been the cause of controversy, once, when a political essay accompanying his work caused the NEA to suspend funding to a gallery, and more recently, when a conservative organization excerpted parts of his work to dramatize what it calls pornographic art. Wojnarowicz is now suing that organization for copyright infringement and libel.
World music critic Milo Miles examines the vocal music of South Africa, and he examines the career of the country's leading vocal group, "Ladysmith Black Mambazo."
Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead looks at another British invasion, this one the current invasion of British jazz musicians. Kevin reviews singer Cleveland Watkiss, saxophonists Evan Parker, Courtney Pine, and Steve Williamson.
