Music

Jazz critic Kevin White pays tribute to Ella Fitzgerald who turns 75 this Sunday. He argues that there are two versions of the jazz singer -- an interpreter of ballads and standards, the other a "superhuman" scat singer.

Fresh Air Producer Amy Salilt talks with Peter Garrett, lead singer of the Australian rock band Midnight Oil, a band known for its environmental and political activisim. They have a new album called Earth and Sun and Moon.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new CD of the pianist performing five Beethoven concerti. It's conducted by Leonard Bernstein.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the Evidence label's reissues of three early Sun Ra albums: "Bad and Beautiful," "Super-Sonic Jazz," and "Jazz In Silhouette." The LPs were originally recorded for Sun Ra's own Saturn records.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new CD of the opera "Lord Byron," by American composer Virgil Thomson. The librettist is actor Jack Larson.

Larson got his start playing Jimmy Olsen, the cub-reporter on the original "Superman" TV show. One of his poems, "The Relativity of Icarus," was part of a Joffrey Ballet." He's also written a couple of versed plays, "The Candied House," and "Cherry, Larry, Sandy, Doris, Jean, Paul."

Frisell is a prolific performer and recording artist; one reviewer likened him to both a "painter and sonic psychopath." His latest album, "Have a Little Faith," pays tribute to American music makers like Muddy Waters, Madonna, John Hiatt and John Philip Sousa.

Robinson recorded many classic blues and R&B sessions for his Red Robin, Fire/Fury and Enjoy record labels. He recorded Elmore Jones, Buster Brown, and Gladys Knight and the Pips. A new boxed set of work is called "The Fire/Fury Records Story."

Rock historian Ed Ward reviews Rhino Record's DIY anthology series chronicling the punk music of the 70s and 80s.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Rosanne Cash's latest album. He says, like Cash's previous effort, it deserves to be a hit.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the trumpet player and composer's new double disc, Citi Movement, which finds Marsalis exploring longer forms.

Mayfield has been called "the thinking man's soul man." He's known for his floating falsetto voice, gospel sound, and social commentary. He was with the group, "The Impressions" for 12 years recording such classics as "Gypsy Woman," "I'm so Proud," and "People Get Ready." His score for "Superfly," was considered a musical breakthrough, and has inspired many of today's hip-hop performers.

Terry talks to Hinojosa from Austin, Texas, where the musician is performing at the South by Southwest Music Festival. Hinojosa's latest album is "Culture Swing.

Milo Miles reviews new salsa singer India, whose album "Llego la India," features bandleader and salsa veteran Eddie Palmieri.

Tamra Davis is the director of the new rap satire film "CB4," which stars Chris Rock of Saturday Night Live. Davis is well-known for her work directing music videos with everyone from Sonic Youth to Bette Middler. Her first film was "Gun Crazy."

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the blues man and master guitarist, who would have celebrated his 100th or 101st birthday this month.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead pays tribute to the singer, who died last Monday.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews CB4, the new satirical comedy produced by Nelson George, and starring Chris Rock and Phil Hartman of Saturday Night Live.

Ken Tucker reviews, "Wandering Spirit," the new solo album by Mick Jagger.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the debut album by the hip-hop group, Digable Planets, which is quickly garnering critical acclaim and a growing fanbase.