Music

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead talks about his favorite releases in 1990.

Rock historian Ed Ward plays some of the worst in Christmas music. He says it's almost enough to make him convert to another religion.

Ken Tucker reviews new albums by Guy and LeVert. He says they're updating the R&B sound for the '90s.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the new (and first) recording of John Harbison's cantata "The Flight into Egypt," which won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize. The CD also includes two additional works by the composer.

Cerf writes children's songs for Sesame Street and helped launch the humor magazine the National Lampoon. In 1978 he co-edited the journalistic parody "Not the New York Times." His most recent humor book is "The Book of Sequels," a spoof of current trends in the publishing and film industries.

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward profiles pioneering rhythm and blues artists Joe and Jimmy Liggins. Joe recorded one of the the genre's first hits,"The Honeydripper" in 1945. Jimmy was a lesser musical figure, but also enjoyed success with his more rough and ready style.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album by the Music Revelation Ensemble, led by guitarist James Blood Ulmer. Ulmer studied with Ornette Coleman, and has developed a loose, free, and often bluesy sound. A new guitar player, Joe Morris, takes Ulmer's style even further in his trio record, Sweatshop.

Classical Music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the Great Performances telecast of Peter Sellars' production of "The Marriage of Figaro." It airs this Friday night on PBS.

Luft is featured on the new complete recordings of the 1930 musical Girl Crazy -- she sings the part that gave Ethel Merman her start on Broadway. Luft's mother was Judy Garland, and her sister is Liza Minnelli.

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward surveys some of this year's best rock and roll CD re-issues, featuring higher-fidelity sound and more informative liner notes.

The accordion player learned how to play by studying with his father, the late Clifton Chenier. C.J. joined his father's band, The Red Hot Louisiana Band, ten years ago, and took over as leader after Clifton Chenier died in 1987. Their new record is called Hot Rod.

For years, jazz fans have been looking for recordings that a fanatical fan named Dean Benedetti made of Charlie Parker in the late 40s. Those recording recently turned up, and they've just been issued on a boxed set of compact discs. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says they're surprisingly good, but don't add much to what we know about the famed saxophonist.

Ken Tucker reviews Monie Love's Down to Earth and Shazzy's Attitude: A Hip Hop Rapsody. Ken says these women provide a solid alternative to the prevailing misogynistic lyrics in contemporary rap and heavy metal.

Rock historian Ed Ward discusses the musician's role in recent popular music. Before rising to prominence in the Velvet Underground, Cale studied with avant-garde composers like LaMonte Young.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Jelly Roll Morton: The Complete Victor Recordings," released on the occasion of the musician's 100th anniversary. Morton is widely considered to be the first great jazz composer, and is finding more acclaim now than he did while he was alive.

Rock historian Ed Ward explains how American record companies repeatedly tried to capitalize on the popularity of blues music by repackaging it for pop audiences.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the singer's album, "Enlightenment." Tucker says it's a partial return to Morrison's more accessible, folk-rock roots.

Critics say Carter has no equal. Her career has spanned four decades, and she's earned three Grammy nominations. Carter's new album is called "Droppin' Things.

Classical Music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews new CD reissues of original cast recordings of classic Broadway musicals, including Oklahoma, Carousel, and Annie Get Your Gun.

Kevin Whitehead reviews "Charles Mingus: The Complete Debut Recordings," featuring music from 1951 through 1957. Both legendary and unknown jazz musicians make appearances on these little-heard recordings.