David Finckel On The Emerson Quartet's Changing Of The Guard
The quartet's new album of Tchaikovsky and Schoenberg is the last to feature the cellist and longtime member of the group.
Music & Culture
Fame Studios And The Road To Nashville Songwriting Glory
One of America's great songwriters, Dan Penn has written dozens of soul classics, often with keyboardist Spooner Oldham. For a while, the two were on the staff of Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Ala. Ace Records has just released an entire CD of Penn's demos.
Boards Of Canada Tap A Devout Following To Push New Album
By leaking details of its new release through codes and numbers, the Scottish electronic duo worked the press game backwards.
A Loaded Bible Story, Tweaked For The Opera Stage
Composer Mark Adamo has made his mark turning classic books, including Little Women and the Greek drama Lysistrata, into operas. His latest, The Gospel of Mary Magdalene, covers more sensitive territory, examining the titular figure's relationship to Jesus — outside the canonical Bible.
Bob Dylan's Tribute To Medgar Evers Took On The Big Picture
Fifty years ago, Dylan's career was just taking off when he heard the news that the civil rights activist had been killed. "Only a Pawn in Their Game," his response to Evers' assassination, highlights the victimization of poor whites and blacks alike.
'20 Feet From' The Spotlight, There's Singing Worthy Of One
A new documentary directed by Morgan Neville profiles backup singers whose voices you know but whose names you probably don't: Lisa Fischer, Darlene Love, Judith Hill and Merry Clayton.
Spotlighting Background Singers In 'Twenty Feet From Stardom'
Filmmaker Morgan Neville's new documentary chronicles backup singers who have supported some of the biggest acts in music history, from Ike and Tina Turner to The Rolling Stones and sung some of pop music's catchiest hooks.
The Creole Choir Of Cuba: Reviving Caribbean History In 'Santiman'
The 10-person ensemble is one of the best-known choirs from the island nation. On its newest album, Santiman, the choir sings songs in tribute to its Haitian ancestors from West Africa, who were enslaved in the Caribbean region.
Arctic Records: Drafting A Blueprint For The Philly Sound
Ed Ward takes a look at Philadelphia's long and complex history of black pop music. Specifically, he looks at small labels like Arctic, where several famous artists got their start — and which has just released a set of CDs covering all 60 of its single releases.
Ukrainian Wins Top Prize At Van Cliburn Piano Competition
Vadym Kholodenko, 26, of Ukraine, takes home the $50,000 purse, plus three years of professional management. But, he says, the rankings don't mean that much. It's interesting for the audience, Kholodenko says, but in life it's "not so important."