Blues

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Tom Wait's new album, "Bone Machine," which Tucker says brings a new freshness and humor to the singer and songwriter.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead surveys a recent boxed set of vintage recordings by blues singer Howlin' Wolf ("Howlin' Wolf: The Chess Box" is on MCA records).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews two great solo saxophone pieces by Coleman Hawkins. The first is called "Picasso," and is based on the music of cellist Pablo Casals. The second is called "Dali."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead has just returned from the Chicago Jazz Festival, where Swiss composer George Gruntz premiered his "Chicago Cantata."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Jumptime," the first in a series of reissues of 50s singles from alto saxophonist and singer Tab Smith. (Smith originally recorded these tunes for the United label. They're being reissued by the Delmark label in Chicago).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews three albums that show the lasting influence of the blues in the genre that proceeded it. The artists he features are Big Joe Turner, Jay McShann, and Jeanie and Jimmy Cheatham.

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward surveys some of this year's best rock and roll CD re-issues, featuring higher-fidelity sound and more informative liner notes.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says that some of the soloists Duke Ellington featured in the bandleader's big band left a lasting impression -- even after their departure. Whitehead reviews two new CD anthologies which feature trumpeters Bubber Miley and Louis Armstrong's collaborations with the jazz composer.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "The Complete Blue Note Recordings of George Lewis," a box set featuring the music of early New Orleans clarinetist George Lewis. Whitehead says you don't need to be familiar with Lewis's historical significance to understand the timeless grace of his playing.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "That's a Serious Thing," a new reissue featuring trombonist Jack Teagarden. Kevin says the album shows how Teagarden brought a country influence into jazz. The album's on the RCA/Bluebird label and it features Teagarden performances from 1929 to 1957.