Music

Not much of Cornysh's work survives, but the vocal ensemble the Tallis Scholars has unearthed enough to record a new album of the composer's sacred and secular music. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says it's as excellent as all of the ensemble's previous recordings.

Johnny Kidd started wearing his trademark eyepatch after a guitar string snapped mid-concert and injured him. His rockabilly-infused music inspired several British invasion bands, but Kidd could never match their success. Rock historian Ed Ward tells the story of his short career, and the legacy of his backing band, the Pirates.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new reissue of recordings by Artie Shaw's quintet, the Grammercy Five, which went through a lineup changes over the years. He says it reveals the seriousness of Shaw's search for greatness.

Pianist Kenny Barron says that the late jazz musician's style was jagged, percussive and dissonant. Barron performs some of Monk's compositions to demonstrate this innovative approach.

Writer Mark Ribowsky has a new biography on the prolific and reclusive record producer, called He's a Rebel. Phil Spector innovated new studio techniques; his airy, heavily-overdubbed music helped form the California sound. Ribowsky also describes Spector's severe, domineering personality, and his frustration with changing trends in pop music.

Raitt's first album in three years, called Nick of Time, was produced by Don Was of the band Was (Not Was). Rock critic Ken Tucker says its diverse songs showcase the singer and guitar player's rich voice and increasing accessibility.

Critic and composer Gunther Schuller's new book, The Swing Era, examines the history of big band music. Though he is already a jazz enthusiast, Schuller says he researched his book as if he had no prior knowledge of the genre, hoping to craft a more comprehensive and objective account of that its development.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new recording of the Estonian composer's version of the Passion of St. John. He says that its simplicity reveals surprises, and that, even at 70 minutes, the piece never grows tiresome.

Lovett plays country music, but he's heavily influenced by rock and roll and jazz. His newest album, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, takes its cue from the big band era.

Many listeners aren't familiar with the New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair, but his songs have had a profound influence on the current generation of Louisiana musicians. Rock historian has this profile.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says a new album by Connie Crothers and the Lennie Popkin Quartet features predictable, snaking melodies, but, like their mentor Lennie Tristano, they keep up the intensity beneath their cool exterior.

Part 2 of the Fresh Air interview with Little Anthony. He talks about the making some of his hit records like "Shimmy Shimmy Cocoa Pop" and "Hurt So Bad." He performs regularly in New York, but hopes to reignite his recording career.

Jazz pianist Kenny Barron joins Fresh Air to perform some of Abdullah Ibrahim's music, as well as Barron's own composition inspired by Ibrahim.

Part 1 of the Fresh Air interview with soul singer Little Anthony. He fronted the group the Imperials, and is still performing in New York.

XTC's Andy Partridge describes his band's music as "weird pop." His frustration with the imperfections of live performances and his intense stage fright have kept the band from touring. Yet Partridge opens up on XTC's latest album with what rock critic Ken Tucker calls "an aggressive humanism."

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a newly re-issued recording of the late pianist GLENN GOULD playing Haydn's last six piano sonatas. Gould made these recordings in 1980, two years before his death.

The record producer is best known for propelling Elvis Presley to stardom; but Phillips founded his label in part to give African American musicians in the South a place to record their songs. Rock historian Ed Ward tells his story.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says critical darling's piano music is often considered dark and heavy. But Blake's new album, Painted Rhythms Volume II, also has a sharp wit.

Barron was part of the Sphere jazz ensemble and records for the ECM label. He joins Fresh Air to perform some of the songs that influenced his playing.

The husband and wife duo Ashford & Simpson wrote hits for other artists before striking out on their own. Rock critic Ken Tucker says that their focus on contented, monogamous life may seem bland to many listeners, but their soulful pop make their bourgeois values seem sexy.