Music

Music critic Milo Miles gives us his take on Napster, the online music community that allows users to download entire songs free of charge.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews recordings by two countertenors: a collection of religious music for solo voice by Vivaldi performed by German born Andreas Scholl (on Decca) and “Serenade” (Virgin Classics) by American David Daniels.

Jazz pianist Keith Jarrett. Called one of the greatest improvisers in the history of jazz, Jarrett was famous for his wildly passionate solo recitals. In 1996, Jarrett came down with a mysterious illness—- an interstitial bacterial parasite-- that caused him to stop performing for about two and a half years. Jarrett has started performing and recording again, but he still keeps a low public profile, so his condition will not worsen again. His newest CD, Whisper Not (Universal Classics), will be released next month.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews “Thelonious Monk: The Complete Prestige Recordings” (Prestige)

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews ”Electric Waco Chair,” the new recording by the Chicago based group The Waco Brothers. One of the band’s leaders is Jon Langford, formerly of the British group the Mekons.

Kathleen Hanna and Johanna Fateman of the band, Le Tigre (lay-TEE-gruh). Hanna was the lead singer of the 90s band Bikini Kill. Bikini Kill was part of the music/cultural/feminist movement know as “Riot Grrl,” which focused on the concept of ‘girl power” and young women’s empowerment. The movement was based primarily in Washington, DC and Olympia, WA, and its members formed bands, wrote fanzines, and held meetings, protests and festivals. HANNA was a leader and spokesperson for the movement. Her first solo project after Bikini Kill was called Julie Ruin. She then formed Le Tigre.

Jazz saxophonist James Carter. He has just released two new CDs— “Chasin’ the Gypsy” and “Layin’ in the Cut” (Atlantic Records). The 31-year-old New York based musician was discovered at the age of 17 by Wynton Marsalis. He’s played with Marsalis, the late Lester Bowie and Kathleen Battle. He has been praised by jazz musicians and critics alike; Richard Harrington of the Washington Post once wrote, “To hear saxophonist James Carter is to be blown away.”

We’ll speak to Kathryn King about her mother, jazz singer Jeri Southern. King co-produced a new re-issue of her Southern’s work from the fifties (The Very Thought of You: Jeri Southern/The Decca Years, 1951-57/GRP Records). Miles Davis once said she was his favorite singer. She’s been described as “smoky-voiced.” Southern died in 1991 at the age of 64. King has worked in the record industry for 25 years as a corporate executive and independent producer.

Rick critic Ken Tucker reviews “Big Mon,” a new tribute album to Bill Monroe. It was produced by Ricky Scaggs for his own label and includes many big names, such as Dolly Parton, Bruce Hornsby and Joan Osborne. (Skaggs Family Records)

Rock critic Ken Tucker considers what pop music Al Gore and vice presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman might use tonight at the conclusion of their convention.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two new CDs by Juiliana Hatfield, “Beautiful Creature” and “Total System Failure.” (both by Zoe records)

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews “Malinke” (Omnitone) the new recording by Marty Ehrlich.

Screenwriter/actress Polly Draper and jazz pianist Michael Wolff have co-produced “The Tic Code.” The new film is about a mother and her son, a musical prodigy with Tourette’s syndrome. The syndrome is a nervous disorder that produces uncontrollable facial tics and jerky muscular spasms, as well as causing strange noises to be emitted from those who have the disorder. Polly Draper wrote the film based on the life of her husband, Michael Wolff.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new album “Riding With the King” featuring guitarists B.B. King and Eric Clapton.

Biographer Howard Pollack is the author of “Aaron Copland: The Life and Work of an Uncommon Man” (University of Illinois Press). This year marks the 100th anniversary of Copland’s birth. Though Copland was Jewish, gay, and raised in Brooklyn, his work came to personify the American West, with such well known compositions as “Billy the Kid” and “Rodeo.” Copland also wrote “Appalachian Spring,” and “Fanfare for the Common Man.” Copland also wrote the film scores for “The Red Pony,” and “The Heiress.” Pollack is professor of music history and literature at the University of Houston.

Music critic Milo MIiles reviews new albums by two Latin artists: “Make Up for Lost Time” (High tone) by Little Willie G. and “Nava” (Ryko latin label) the debut album by Nava.

The 1957 musical “The Music Man” by Meredith Wilson is currently being revived on Broadway. A talk with two of the stars: Craig Bierko who plays the lead role of traveling salesman and conman Harold Hill originated by Robert Preston. This is Bierko’s first Broadway show. Also co-star Rebecca Luker who plays Marian the Librarian, the role originated by Barbara Cook. This is LUKER’s fourth Broadway role.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews “Transcendental Blues” the new recording by Steve Earle.