Music

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Simulated Progress, from the co-operative trio Fieldwork. The CD features Vijay Iyer on piano, Steve Lehman on alto and sopranino saxophones and Elliot Humberto Kavee on drums and percussion.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Triplicity, from tenor saxophone player Bob Feldman

Rock historian Ed Ward tells us about Philadelphia's Cameo and Parkway record labels. From the late 1950s to the late-'60s, their hits included "The Twist," "South Street" and "Bristol Stomp." ABKCO Records has just released a Cameo-Parkway four-CD retrospective.

A Memphis pimp with a midlife crisis tries to make it as a rapper in Hustle & Flow, a film featuring the prodigious acting talents of Terrence Howard. He spent nearly two years researching a role that he initially did not want to accept.

Rock critic Ken Tucker gives the band Dr. Dog a listen. The five-piece rock band from the suburbs of Philadelphia has cut three albums in a home studio. The latest is Easy Beat.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Magic Hollow, a new four-CD retrospective of the band The Beau Brummels, a '60s British Invasion-era pop group from California. Their biggest -- and only top 10 -- hit was "Laugh, Laugh."

Rock historian Ed Ward talks about the early days of the legendary Motown record label and salutes some of its first artists who never quite made it.

Iggy pop talks about his music and career

Rock critic Milo Miles reviews She Sang California, a new CD from singer songwriter Judy Henske. She was popular in the 1960s, but it's been 28 years since she released an album.

Billy Joe Shaver discusses his career and personal life

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Hope, Future and Destiny, the latest CD from flute player Nicole Mitchell.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks back on the beginnings of Motown's Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews country musician Dwight Yoakam's new release, Blame the Vain. It's his 18th album.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Backstabber's Ball, the new album from bassist Neal Caine.

Rock historian Ed Ward takes us back to the early days of Motown. The first volume of The Complete Motown Singles has just been released on Hip-O Select, with 11 volumes to come.

The '80s cult band from Australia has a new CD called Oceans Apart. After recording throughout the 80s, Grant McLennan and Robert Forster broke up to pursue solo careers. This is their third CD since they reunited in 2000. They're on an international tour.

Rock historian Ed Ward offers a retrospective on the Australian group The Go-Betweens. The band has a new album, Oceans Apart, and is currently on tour.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two new releases: Coldplay's X&Y and Dressy Bessy's Electrified.

Judas Priest has a new album out, Angel of Retribution, and is on tour this summer. Originally from Birmingham, England, Judas Priest pioneered the heavy metal sound in the 1970s and '80s. Lead singer Halford left the band in 1991, citing internal tension, and in 1998, he disclosed that he is gay during an interview on MTV. Nicknamed the "Metal God," Halford returned to Judas Priest in 2003.

The legendary jazzman turns 87 on July 31, 2005. He and his trio have just released a new CD, For My Father, and he joins John Patitucci and Jack De Johnette for the Great Jazz Trio's upcoming CD, S'Wonderful.