Music

Rhys Chatham is a classically-trained, minimalist composer who incorporates rock influences into his music. He joins Fresh Air to talk about his choice of instrumentation, and the evolution of his work over the years.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new country star's latest album, which flirts with jazzy blues with surprising success.

The classical musician says, now that she's established herself as an accomplished performer, she no longer feels the need to prove herself. She got her start early; her mother made sure she practiced. At nineteen, after a nine-month hiatus from the violin, she finally decided she wanted to devote her life to the instrument.

Leroy Anderson was classical composer who often used popular forms in his orchestral music. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says a new collection of Anderson's Americana-infused work reveals his charm and wit.

Rock historian Ed Ward says that 1960s bands from Oregon and Washington are often overlooked. Their style was distinctive, featuring distorted guitars and raw, sneered vocals -- a sound that endures today.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the blues singer's reissued album of Bessie Smith songs is a winner. Recent attempts of contemporary pop singers to cover the work of classic artists can't compare to recordings of Baker's era.

Rock historian Ed Ward says the city has long celebrated the holiday with rock music, some of which incorporated Black Indian traditions and style.

Rock critic Ken Tucker once more looks at the best and worst songs currently hitting the airwaves. Represented artists include Matthew Sweet, Bunny Wailer, Violent Femmes, Tone Loc, and Emmylou Harris.

The group Marimolin comprises marimba player Nancy Zeltsman and violinist Sharan Leventhal. Their self-titled album features new compositions written especially for them. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says it's delightful, and hopes the duo finds success.

New York-based John Flansburgh and John Linnell write quirky rock songs on guitar and accordion. For the past four years, they've maintained their dial-a-song service, wherein fans can call a number to hear new music from the band. Their new album is called Lincoln.

Johnny Otis, who was born to Greek parents, claimed he became black by immersing himself in African American communities and culture. He later opened a blues club in Los Angeles, and helped promote new talent in the scene. Rock historian Ed Ward tells his story.

Kevin Whitehead says that some listeners place too much emphasis on Tom Harrell's schizophrenia, which often makes him appear withdrawn while performing. Whitehead thinks they should pay more attention to how the jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player can make fresh music out of familiar ideas.

The pop star has a new direct-to-video collection of short films featuring songs from throughout his career. Rock critic Ken Tucker says its artistic value is almost nil, but it's worth watching at least once to marvel at the spectacle of it all.

Rock critic Ken Tucker says that few comeback albums from aging rock stars in the 1980s have been good. The late Roy Orbison's Mystery Girl is an exception.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says he actively seeks out performances and recordings of the orchestra, which has been revitalized by conductor Christoph von Dohnányi. Schwartz reviews two new CDs Dohnányi helmed, featuring symphonies by Mendelssohn and Schumann.

Rock historian Ed Ward says the 1960s Mod movement started in working-class London, and was rooted more in fashion than rock music. But the amphetimine-fueled subculture was short-lived, and many Mods became hippies. The re-emergence of Mods in the 1970s didn't last long, either.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Carla Bley is an exceptional composer and piano player, but he's frustrated by how uneven her output has been throughout the 1980s. Her new album, Duets, with bassist Steve Swallow is a reminder of how good her music used to be. A reissue of an excellent, earlier record, Social Studies, is also available.

Rock critic Ken Tucker says Reed's new record, New York, doesn't live up to the artist's claim. But it may be his most sincere in its examination of contemporary, social issues.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz praises two volumes of the composer's chamber music, performed expertly and honestly by the Arditti Quartet.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers pub rock, a British style of music from the 1970s that resurrected the spirit of early rock and roll. He says the unpretentious approach paved the way for punk rock.