Jazz

Saxophonist Bobby Watson learned a lot about band dynamics from performing with the acclaimed drummer. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Watson's new album, No Question About It, features excellent performances from all the players, but the arrangements go on a little too long before the improvising begins.

Performer-in-residence Harry Connick, Jr. performs to two tunes about his hometown.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says that jazz evolved in hubs throughout the United States -- not just in New Orleans, Chicago, and New York. The new big band Dreamland Syncopators resurrects some lesser known compositions from the 1920s that came from other parts of the country. Whitehead says their album Territory Jazz is a good history lesson.

The critically-acclaimed jazz artist is known for her use of electronics in her performances. She joins Fresh Air to discuss musical development and her experience as a woman in a male-dominated scene.

Performer-in-residence Harry Connick, Jr. plays songs by Matt Dennis and Cole Porter.

Jane Ira Bloom recorded her first album when she was still a student at Yale; she later was invited to compose music for NASA. Critic Kevin Whitehead says her latest album features tasteful electronics and a sensitive, spare accompaniment.

The saxophonist and composer brings back the large ensemble sound on his new album. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the performances are energetic but a often a little too loose. Hemphill's own playing steals the show.

Performer-in-residence Harry Connick, Jr. plays the music of Harold Arlen. While his name may be known to few, Arlen wrote several popular and recognizable songs.

Rock critic Ken Tucker steps out of his comfort zone and reviews three recent best-sellers he otherwise wouldn't have listened to. He says Anita Baker's Giving You the Best That I Got is lush but soulless, while the Bangles' Everything is an excellent ripoff of a 1960s rock album. Duran Duran's Big Thing is the band's attempt to prove they're serious musicians -- but it's a hapless bummer.

Despite recording throwaway pop and calypso songs, Dinah Washington called herself a jazz singer. Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the third volume of Washington's posthumous greatest hits collection, which features several of her collaborations with jazz musicians.

Performer-in-residence Harry Connick, Jr. performs a few Duke Ellington songs.

Hal Wilner produced the compilation album Stay Awake, which features contemporary artists performing songs from Disney movies. Rock critic Ken Tucker says it's uneven but has unexpected moments of beauty and inspiration. It's more of a baby-boom curiosity than an essential recording.

New Orleans-based performer-in-residence Harry Connick, Jr. performs a few classic standards.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new album by Charlie Haden, Paul Motian, and Geri Allen. He says Haden's full, chordal bass playing compliments Allen's spare piano melodies. Motian's musical drumming is given equal weight.

Clint Eastwood's biopic Bird delves deep into the personal life and legend of Charlie Parker. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the story fails to connect these often tumultuous moments with the genius of Parker's music.

The jazz piano wunderkind performs some classic swing tunes on piano.

The tenor saxophonist's father led a big band; Jacquet later played with Count Basie's group. He says that, early on, he was able to imitate the sound of great musicians of his era, but was slow to develop his own style.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new film based on the life of legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker. Schiff says it makes up for its lack of narrative drive with insight and an excellent soundtrack.

Composer and clarinetist John Carter's music takes its cues from a variety of American traditions, including jazz, folk songs, and the works of fellow composers Charles Ives and Morton Feldman. Kevin Whitehead reviews Carter's new album, Fields.

The drummer's new album incorporates dueling saxophones and electronics. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says DeJohnette's band leaves behind their more minimal approach for a more contemporary, commercial sound.