Music

REV. : Part (2) of Ed Ward's review of the new box set of music by the Velvet Underground.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers The Velvet Underground. Andy Warhol produced their first album in 1966.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Brown Sugar" (EMI label) the debut album by the singer named D'Angelo and "R. Kelly" (Jive records) by the rapper R. Kelly. Both are R&B albums.

Broadway singer John Raitt. He's the father of singer Bonnie Raitt. The two have collaborated on a new album of show tunes, "The Broadway Legend," (Angel). Raitt made his Broadway debut as Billy Bigelow in the original production of "Carousel." He also was in the original Broadway cast and film of "The Pajama Game." He's performed in many other musicals including "Oklahoma," and "South Pacific."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Bruce Springsteen's album "The Ghost of Tom Joad."

Internationally-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman. He celebrates his 50th birthday this year. He has several new releases, and a PBS special: "The Beethoven Triple Concert" two live concert recordings with pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim, and cellist Yo Yo Ma. And "In the Fiddler's House," featuring Perlman playing Klezmer music with four Klezmer bands. There's also a PBS Great Performance special on Klezmer music featuring Perlman. (It aired nationally November 27 at 10PM. Check local listings). Both CD's are on the EMI Classics label.

From the hip-hop group, PM Dawn, Prince Be. The duo consists of Prince Be (Attrell Cordes) and his brother J.C. the Eternal (Jarrett Cordes). One reviewer writes of them, "the duo effortlessly blends disparate elements -- balladeering and rapping, samples and live orchestration -- into gorgeous, wide-screen tableaux of sound. They also write terrific songs, from galloping melodies. . . to exquisite forlorn ballads." Their new album is "Jesus Wept" (Gee Street, Island Records).

Critic Milo Miles reviews "Blues, Rags, and Hollers," a reissue of a 1963 debut album of Koerner, Ray, and Glover (Red House Records Elektra).

Music Commentator Milo Miles reviews Right on Time by Little Buster and the Soul Brothers. It is put out by Bullseye Blue.

American folk singer Rosalie Sorrels may not be wildly famous but since the 1960s she's developed a near cult like following. Her admirers describe Sorrels as someone who has lived the life she now sings about. In fact, she was immortalized in a song by Nanci Griffith describing Sorrels as "Salt of the earth.....with a voice like wine." .Her newest CD is "Borderline Heart" by Green Linnet Records Inc. The book "Way Out in Idaho" is a collection of her poems, songs and recipes.

Composer and Lyricist Ralph Blane died Monday at the age of 81 at his home in Oklahoma. He is best known for his work with Hugh Martin. Together they wrote songs for Broadway and Hollywood. They are best known for songs in the MGM classic, "Meet Me in St. Louis." That starred Judy Garland and featured the songs "The Trolley Song," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "The Boy Next Door." (Originally aired 10/31/89)

TV Critic David Bianculli previews next week's Beatles documentary. The six hour series features new music by the Beatles. The recordings use archive tape of John Lennon.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two albums showcasing country musician Faron Young.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews recordings by British singers soprano Margaret Tate (stage name Maggie Teyte), and tenor Heddle Nash. (on the British label, Pearl.)

Critic Milo Miles reviews the album "Vietnam Blues: The Complete L+R Records" by J. B. Lenoir.

Ken Tucker reviews the Smashing Pumpkins new album, "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness."

American Conductor John Mauceri. He is the host and narrator of a new PBS Great Performances documentary, "Music for the Movies: The Hollywood Sound." Mauceri also composes the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in music from Hollywood films from the 30's and 40s'. (The documentary airs tonight at 9:30). Mauceri is currently music director of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in L.A. He has two new CDs: "Between Two Worlds: Music of Korngold," and "The Sound of Hollywood: Music From the Movies" (both on London records).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album by Terence Blanchard, "Romantic Defiance."

Rock historian Ed Ward continues his look at the contribution various cities have made to rock and roll.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks at Chicago's contribution to music. Artists discussed include Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Fontella Bass, The Dels, The Chi-Lites, and Earth, Wind, and Fire.