Music

American conductor and music director Leonard Slatkin discusses the differences between the classical music worlds of Europe and the United States. He says the fast pace of American concert production and music instruction has its benefits and drawbacks.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the 1960s rock band the Great Society, which featured singer Grace Slick before she joined the Jefferson Airplane.

The prolific Modern Jazz Quartet returns with a new album featuring orchestration written for the New York Chamber Symphony. Jazz critic Francis Davis says the music lives up the Olympian standard to which he holds the group.

Musician Marty Grosz returns to Fresh Air to discuss the role of the rhythm guitarist in jazz, particularly in the early days of big bands. He sings two songs to illustrate the technique.

Sam Charters is a white northerner who studies the history black southern music. He moved to Louisiana to learn about forgotten jazz players and make field recordings of unknown blues musicians.

Whitney Houston's new album, Whitney, debuted at the top of the pop charts, in part fueled by its hit single, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody." Rock critic Ken Tucker says the songs are thinner than those on her last album, and wonders if they'll be enough to sustain her immense popularity.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says that John Gibbons' new record of Bach's music showcases the performer's mastery of the harpsichord.

Rock historian remembers the 1960s Boston band The Remains, whose music reflected the genre's growing depth and sophistication. Despite opening for the Rolling Stones and the Beatles, the group never caught on.

Artist-turned-musician Carl Finch discovered polka while working on an installation. He later started the new wave polka band Brave Combo.

Jazz critic Francis Davis says Nigel Kennedy avoids the dilettantism of other classical musicians who want to get down and dirty in other genres. Kennedy's new album features interpretations of Duke Ellington and Bela Bartok.

Guitarist Paul Burlison and drummer D.J. Fontana are two members of rockabilly sextet the Sun Rhythm Section. Both musicians were active in the 1950s and played with legends like Elvis Presley. They join Fresh Air's Terry Gross to share memories of their decades-long career.

Jazz guitar player Marty Grosz talks about the songwriter's lyrics, which he says are at once remorseful and exuberant. Grosz performs two of Waller's songs for Fresh Air listeners.

The performer, composer, and professor is one of bop's progenitors. He continues to innovate with his Double Quartet, which incorporates strings into a more conventional jazz combo. He became an activist during the civil rights movement, and often incorporated his politics into his music.

Rock critic Ken Tucker says Fleetwood Mac's records in the 1970s kept rock music vital. Their most recent effort feels uninspired by comparison.

Two new CDs from the CBS Masterworks series showcase conductor Pierre Boulez's interpretations of classic works by the 20th century composers. Critic Lloyd Schwartz recommends them both.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the brash and powerful blues "shouter" Wynonie Harris, whose raucous songs had a strong influence on early rock and roll.

The free jazz innovator remains both influential and controversial 30 years after he appeared on the scene. His new album is called In All Languages.

Sun Ra's recent releases reveal the pianists' enduring interest in free improvisation and spectacle. Jazz critic Francis Davis says one is a prime example of the musician's ensemble work; the other is unlistenable.

Accordion player William Schimmel examines the stylistic nuances that distinguish the genre.