Music & Culture

Harold Lopez-Nussa hopes increased exchange between Cuban and American musicians can continue. "I have a lot of hope about this approach," he says. "It will be better for all of us."

A Jazz Pianist Considers Fidel Castro's Music Education Legacy

6:31pm November 30, 2016

by Betto Arcos

Harold Lopez-Nussa was trained in the formidable classical music education system set up in Cuba after the revolution. He's among the first of his class to get a deal with a U.S. record label.

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Various Artists, Cuba Va!: Songs of the New Generation of Revolutionary Cuba

Music & Culture

The Sounds Of Cuba, In Exile And At Home

2:48pm November 30, 2016

by Felix Contreras

In the wake of Fidel Castro's death, Alt.Latino looks at the artists who remained in Cuba after the revolution and those who've left — and how their music reflects both realities.

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Tim Darcy's new album, Saturday Night, comes out Feb. 17, 2017.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Tim Darcy, 'Tall Glass Of Water'

11:47am November 30, 2016

by Doug Mosurock

The leader of Ought detours into soul-searching Americana on his first solo single. In a video full of mimics, he is free not only to pursue various directions, but to make peace with them all.

Whether you go for the throwback sounds of Lake Street Dive (left) or the high-tech electronica of Moby (right), 2016 had plenty to offer.

Music & Culture

Old-School, New-School: World Cafe's 2016 Jams

10:00am November 30, 2016

Ease into the season of "best-of" lists with a handful of standout tracks from 2016: five retro-sounding, five cutting-edge.

Country singer Margo Price shares stories and songs with NPR's Ann Powers on this episode of World Cafe.

Music & Culture

Nashville Sessions: Margo Price & Friends

8:00am November 30, 2016

by David Dye

Americana's Emerging Artist of the Year plays live onstage at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Watch the performance and a conversation with NPR Music's Ann Powers.

Aaron Lee Tasjan performs in the World Cafe studio.

Music & Culture

Aaron Lee Tasjan On World Cafe

4:55pm November 29, 2016

by Talia Schlanger

The Brooklyn-to-Nashville transplant combines humor and pizzazz with monster guitar chops on his new record, Silver Tears.

Burial's new single, Young Death / Nightmarket, is out now.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Burial, 'Nightmarket'

4:45pm November 29, 2016

by Joseph Ocón

The electronic-music producer quietly moves toward something new on "Nightmarket." The track builds only to recede, refusing at every point to emphasize the soaring quality of its elements.

Clockwise from upper left: Laura Marling, Sam Phillips, Bed., Peals

Music & Culture

New Mix: Laura Marling, Weyes Blood, Sam Phillips, More

1:38pm November 29, 2016

On this week's show: Songs about the indomitable human spirit. Plus, music plucked from a honey jar (seriously).

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Hillary Lindsey (center), with songwriting partners Lori McKenna (left) and Liz Rose (right). In February, their song "Girl Crush" received a Grammy award for Best Country Song.

Music & Culture

Meet The Nashville Songwriter Behind Lady Gaga's Country Sound

8:02am November 29, 2016

by Jewly Hight

Hillary Lindsey co-wrote two songs on Gaga's new album. With songwriting partners Lori McKenna and Liz Rose, she's also crafted hits for Little Big Town and Carrie Underwood.

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Andrew Norman's orchestral piece Play has won the Grawemeyer Award.

Music & Culture

Andrew Norman Wins The Grawemeyer Award For Music

10:01pm November 28, 2016

by Tom Huizenga

The young California composer's expansive, boisterous Play pushes the orchestra to its limits in music both chaotic and serene.