Music

Susannah McCorkle joins Fresh Air to discuss and perform some of Cole Porter's songs. She is accompanied by pianist Ben Aronov and bassist Chip Jackson.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new album featuring live sets from the 1960s by late pianist Earl Hines. Whitehead says some may find Hines's older style corny, but the album is as enjoyable as any record made this year.

Milt Hinton isn't just an in-demand bass player -- he's also an accomplished photographer who has taken thousands of pictures of jazz musicians. He joins guest host Marty Moss-Coane to talk about growing up in the south and, later, in Chicago--where Al Capone had an unexpected impact on his youth. Hinton's collection of his photos, Bass Lines, has just been published.

Robert Mugge makes documentary films about unique and vital American music. His subjects include Al Green, Sonny Rollins, and native Hawaiian musicians. PBS will broadcast six of his movies this summer.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new compilation of jazzed-up versions of Christmas classics.

Conductor Roger Norrington seeks to recreate the sound of classical pieces -- particularly by Beethoven -- as they were originally performed. His orchestras plays period instruments; Norrington emphasizes the dynamics and tempos that were written in the scores -- markings often ignored by other conductors.

The Hungarian pianist isn't well-known in the United States, but a number of reissued recordings on the Price-Les$ label, which classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz calls "glorious," will give listeners a chance to hear what they've been missing.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the 1960s British rock band, whose members later founded several other groups, most notably the Electric Light Orchestra.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Paul Motian's new album, Misterioso, keeps listeners off-balance with its quick shifts from the rhapsodic to the rambunctious.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the Knitting Factory Festival in New York City.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews "I'm Real," the new album by JAMES BROWN, the self-proclaimed "Godfather of Soul."

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new reissue of the works of composer and conductor Alexander Zemlinsky.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Ike Turner, whose career in rock and roll began long before he met Tina.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new album by bassist Michael Bisio and his quartet.

Dave Van Ronk. He was part of the folk music scene that flourished in Greenwich Village in the 1960s. His musical interests have ranged from traditional folk styles and jug band music to blues and jazz. He is known as a talented guitarist and singer who helped bring the relevance of black music to white audiences both in the United States and abroad. He'll also perform in today's show.

The final performance in a month-long series by fiddler Michael Doucet and two members of his Cajun band BeauSoliel.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker looks at several women rock musicians who reject female rock stereotypes and work in highly idiosyncratic and original styles. The groups and individuals includes the Sugarcubes, Jane Wiedlin and M.C. Lyte.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews recent recordings of three Schubert sonatas, performed by pianist Maurizio Pollini.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles The Kinks, one of the first of the British Invasion groups, and their 1966 album Face To Face.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews violinist Billy Bang's new album "Live at Carlos: 1," which is a club in New York City. Bang performs with his sextet, which includes bassist William Parker and drummer Zen Matsuura.