Music

Critic Milo Miles reviews the reissue of Iggy Pop's "Raw Power."

Singer Syl Johnson had hits in the nineteen-sixties and seventies such as Come on Sock it to Me and Take Me to the River. Rappers including TLC and Hammer have sampled his early tunes. Johnson will perform, backed up by a four piece band.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Fresh Air: a presentation of blues music and interviews with performers at the world-famous Chicago Blues Festival recorded on June 8, 1997. Featuring Dan Penn, a master of nineteen-sixties soul and the writer of hits such as Cry Like a Baby and Sweet Inspiration. His songs have been recorded by artists including Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding. Penn is joined by his long-time songwriting partner Spooner Oldham, a talented keyboard player, who has recorded with Arthur Alexander and Box Tops and has toured with Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

Also performing with Penn and Oldham, Rufus Thomas, the self-proclaimed world oldest teenager. He played an integral role in the success of major record labels in the nineteen-fifties, Sun Records and Stax Records. He celebrates his 80th birthday at the festival by playing with his son, Marvell Thomas.

A concert and conversation with Eric Comstock. He's a cabaret singer and pianist whose love is rediscovering lesser known songs in American popular music history. InTheater magazine wrote, "Comstock tickles the ivories like a virtuoso and sings in a clear, warm straightforward style that owes much to Fred Astaire." For today's concert, he'll be joined by Dean Johnson on bass. Comstock has a new album, called "Young Man of Manhattan." (Harbinger Records)

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz has been following the work of choreographer Mark Morris. Today he talks about Morris' career and some of his recent work.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the Byrds.

Music critic Milo Miles reviews two "outstanding" world music CDS from 1996: "The Subtle Body" (Bar/None label) by Brazilian singer/guitarist Arto Lindsay, and "Money No Be Sand" (Original Music) an anthology by world music pioneer John Storm Roberts.

The blues singer and guitarist has been credited with helping bring the traditional acoustic sound of Mississippi Delta Blues to contemporary blues audiences. He has a new CD called "Fish Ain’t Bitin’," by Alligator Records. His first album is titled Between MIdnight and Day.

Biographer Laurence Bergreen talks with Terry about his newest book "Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life". It is published by Broadway books. While this is certainly not the first biography of Armstrong, Bergreen used many of Armstrong's previously unexplored personal letters and diary entries. Bergreen traces Armstrong's life from his birth in New Orleans in 1901, through his four marriages, and his many contributions to American Jazz.

MIlo Miles reviews Wayne Kramer's album "Citizen Wayne."

Rock critic Ken Tucker says he believes that the most popular country music is the blandest, while an underground movement of "alterna-country" performers is more passionate and raw. He'll review two such albums: Robbie Fulks's "Country Love Songs" and Joy Lynn White's "The Lucky Few."

The popular Cuban ensemble recently played a few dates in the States. Music critic Milo Miles saw them perform and has some thoughts about the band's lively career.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Paul McCartney's new album, "Flaming Pie."

Ken Emerson talks about the subject of his new biography, Stephen Foster. Foster was a nineteenth century songwriter who had a strong impact on American music. He was the composer of many familiar songs including, "Oh! Susanna," "Camptown Races," and "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair." Emerson says Foster was heavily influenced by black music. And even though the music was often performed in the offensive black-face style, his songs sometimes betray a sympathy for African-Americans.

In 1994, Philadelphia-based DJs and recording artists King Britt and Josh Wink joined their creative efforts together to form Ovum Recordings, an independent record label. Britt and Wink are each celebrated techno performers in the international dance music community and each has his own unique music style. Ovum recently agreed to a worldwide label pact with Ruffhouse/Columbia Records.

Jazz critic Kevin Whithead reviews "Spinning Song" featuring guitarist Duck Baker playing the music of Herbie Nichols.

Ochs has one of the world's largest private collections of record covers. He has a new book collecting covers from the 1950s to the 1990s, "1000 Record Covers" (Taschen Publishers, Germany). He talks with Terry Gross about his favorite recordings though, and brings them for us to hear.

Music commentator Milo Miles reviews a recent show of "They Might Be Giants."

The music of singer, songwriter, and guitarist Matthew Sweet is a mix of pop and alternative and has been likened to Revolver-era Beatles. His albums have enjoyed international critical and popular success. In his newest album, "Blue Sky on Mars" (Zoo Records), Sweet sings both lead and background vocals, as well as playing most of the guitars, keyboard, and bass.