Music

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews some commemorative recordings of the late Swiss composer and conductor Frank Martin, who isn't well known in the U.S. His music was often moody and unsettling, and religious in nature.

Pizzarelli's new album, "My Blue Heaven," features his interpretations of some great songs from the swing era. He is the son of noted jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, and often performs in the New York cabaret scene.

Rock critic Ken Tucker comments on the success of white rapper Vanilla Ice's debut, To the Extreme, and The Simpsons Sing the Blues, a compilation performed by the voice actors of the popular animated show.

Magnuson starred in the movies, "Making Mister Right," and "A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon," and on the TV series, "Anything But Love." She's had numerous one woman monologue shows in Manhattan. She joins Fresh Air for an interview, and shares an excerpt of one of her life performances, about groupies following Doors' frontman Jim Morrison.

World music commentator Milo Miles examines the genre, which was developed in the Caribbean, developed in France, and was influenced by African and American traditions.

The Fresh Air rock critic gives us his ten best for 1990 and his thoughts on the music scene over the year.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new collaboration between composers and musicians Brian Eno and John Cale. Tucker says it's a gentle, pleasant departure from their more avant-garde work.

A live concert with Evan Lurie on piano, Alfredo Pedernera on bandoneon, and Jill Jaffe on violin. Lurie's music draws on the inspirations of the New Tango movement. Lurie is also a member of the the Lounge Lizards.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.