Music & Culture

Music & Culture

Guitar Phenom's New Album Pays Tribute To Jimi Hendrix

10:52am August 04, 2015

by Banning Eyre

You might not have heard of Solorazaf, but you've certainly heard him play guitar. He's been a sideman to everyone from Nina Simone to Dizzy Gilespie. His latest solo album is called Solodeguitar.

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Dolly Parton on stage at the Ryman Auditorium on July 31, one of two sold out shows that marked her first headlining gigs in Nashville in 12 years.

Music & Culture

Dolly In Nashville: Authenticity That Makes Room For Rhinestones

1:37pm August 03, 2015

by Ann Powers

At her first headlining shows in Nashville in a dozen years, Parton turned the Ryman Auditorium into the Church of Dolly.

The album Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 gave Mendes his first hit song, "Mas Que Nada," and his big break.

Music & Culture

Sergio Mendes On Jazz, Luck And 'The Magic Of The Encounter'

11:42pm August 02, 2015

by Tom Dreisbach

The Brazilian musician and composer says his life has been a succession of serendipitous moments. One of them led to the song that transformed his career — his first hit, "Mas Que Nada."

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At age 12, pianist Joey Alexander has made fans out of some very accomplished fellow jazz musicians. His debut album, My Favorite Things, was released in May.

Music & Culture

A (Very) Young Jazz Pianist Takes Giant Steps Towards Musical Mastery

8:28am August 02, 2015

by Heidi Chang

In the midst of releasing his debut album and playing the Newport Jazz Festival, 12-year-old piano prodigy Joey Alexander is staying centered.

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Luther Campbell Of 2 Live Crew On Fame, Obscenity And Community

8:28am August 02, 2015

by NPR Staff

Before joining the notoriously shocking rap crew, Campbell was a party-rocking DJ in Miami. Even then, he knew that being aggressively different could lead to success.

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Colombia's La Momposina Sings A Tangled Social History

8:28am August 02, 2015

On this week's Alt Latino, we spend time with an album from Colombian singer Totó la Momposina. NPR's Rachel Martin talks with NPR's Felix Contreras about Tambolero.

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Joss Stone's new album, Water For Your Soul, is out July 31.

Music & Culture

Through Doubt And Dark Times, Joss Stone Lets Her Voice Light The Way

12:21pm July 31, 2015

by NPR Staff

The British soul singer, whose new album Water for Your Soul is out July 31, is known for her big voice. But since she began performing at age 14, she's also learned a thing or two about perseverance.

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Music & Culture

In The Middle Of A Whirlwind, Miranda Lambert Shares The Spotlight

10:13am July 31, 2015

by Jewly Hight

Forget tomatogate. Put aside the still-fresh news of her divorce. When Miranda Lambert played the tiny stage at Nashville's 3rd & Lindsley last week, she put the focus on fellow female songwriters.

Buddy Emmons as a member of Ernest Tubb's Texas Troubadours, circa 1962.

Music & Culture

Buddy Emmons, The Pedal-Steel Guitarist Who 'Taught Everybody To Play,' Has Died

6:24pm July 30, 2015

by Blake Farmer

The legendary musician worked with everyone from Ray Price to Ray Charles while making a complicated instrument seem effortless. He died Wednesday at 78.

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Jason Isbell's new album, Something More Than Free, comes as he's preparing to be a father.

Music & Culture

Jason Isbell Has Conquered Fear, But He's Still Learning About Himself

6:24pm July 30, 2015

by NPR Staff

The country artist's chart-topping new album, Something More Than Free, comes at a turning point in his life.

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