Music & Culture

Mosaic Records has released Classic Earl Hines Sessions 1928-1945, a seven-disc showcase for the jazz pianist and bandleader. Hines' right hand played lines in bright, clear octaves — and his left hand had a mind of its own.

The song was an instant hit all over the Internet, though not (perhaps) the way its creators intended.

With tracks like "Southern Comfort Zone" and "Accidental Racist," the superstar's new album performs a balancing act of cultural examinations. But there are still enough twangy guitar solos and all-purpose love songs to engage country-music tradition.

"Accidental Racist," the new collaboration between country singer Brad Paisley and rapper LL Cool J, has set off a firestorm. Paisley sings about the dilemma of balancing Southern pride without projecting a racist attitude. The artists have called the widely-panned tune a conversation-starter.

The musician, songwriter, composer and producer has made a name for himself by playing with the likes of Amanda Palmer. For his latest album, however, he found himself departing from a rock sound as he began writing his own orchestral arrangements.

As a child, the Welsh singer rocketed into success with classical and religious music, and performed for Nelson Mandela and the pope. Now she's back with a new album, One & Two, and a new sound.

From the radiant voices of a Latvian choir to a fresh young string quartet and a seasoned symphony, NPR's Tom Huizenga and host Jacki Lyden spin an eclectic mix of new classical releases.

These days, a hit show can run not just for years but for decades. So how do you keep it fresh for new audiences? Reporter Jeff Lunden talks to people who work on three of Broadway's biggest hits to find out.

On his new album, The North Borders, the British composer and DJ uses samples from the outside world, like the sound of a truck's air brakes, to push the idea of what can create melody and rhythm.

The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach produced the Tuareg guitar virtuoso's latest album and adds sonic heft rarely heard on African guitar recordings.

The talented young singer-songwriter has as much in common with John Prine as she does with Kenny Chesney. With any luck, Same Trailer, Different Park is the start of a long career that will make both Musgraves' core audience and other open-minded listeners sit up and take notice.

Ramone started out as a sound engineer for Lesley Gore, and went on to work with Simon and Garfunkel, Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra. He died Saturday at the age of 79. Fresh Air remembers him by listening back to a 1995 interview. He talks about losing old demos and being mistaken for a member of The Ramones.