Music & Culture

Music & Culture

Pianist Gerald Clayton's open-hearted dialog across genres

9:20am June 06, 2023

by Lara Downes

The thoughtful pianist with a jazz pedigree talks about blurring the boundaries between jazz and classical, the pitfalls of music education, and harmonious rides in elevators.

Reuben Wilson's Hammond B-3 grooves for Blue Note Records found a second life in samples, particular on Nas' "Memory Lane (Sittin' In Da Park)."

Music & Culture

Reuben Wilson, organist who helped usher in soul jazz, has died at 88

7:38pm June 05, 2023

by Matt Rogers

The funk-ridden grooves of Wilson's music could feel larger than life, particularly those he created for Blue Note Records in the late 1960s and early '70s.

Charlie Wilson performs a Tiny Desk concert.

Music & Culture

Charlie Wilson: Tiny Desk Concert

6:18am June 05, 2023

by Bobby Carter

The old-school funk and R&B artist tells a tale of "two Charlies" in his Tiny Desk performance.

Music & Culture

Jonathan Butler on his jazz album 'Ubuntu'

7:49am June 04, 2023

by Ayesha Rascoe

NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks to South African musician Jonathon Butler about his new jazz album "Ubuntu," which was inspired his upbringing during the Apartheid and a Zulu philosophy of unity.

Music & Culture

Will Gold of the band Lovejoy on their EP 'Wake Up & It's Over'

7:59am June 03, 2023

by Scott Simon

NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Will Gold of the band Lovejoy about their latest EP, "Wake Up & It's Over."

Annaleigh Ashford, left, and Josh Groban star in Broadway's current revival of Sweeney Todd. Ashford says it's rare for musicals to have this large of an orchestra.

After years of ever-shrinking orchestras, some Broadway musicals are going big

5:00am June 03, 2023

by Jeff Lunden

Producers have been saying for years that large Broadway orchestras are not financially feasible. In fact, the issue led to a strike 20 years ago. So why are some shows bringing them back?

Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho was always searching for new timbres of instrumental sound.

Music & Culture

Kaija Saariaho, the composer who explored color and light, has died at age 70

5:48pm June 02, 2023

by Tom Huizenga

Saariaho, who battled a male-dominated educational system in her native Finland, forged a strong and singular voice in contemporary music.

Harriet Tubman, Joan of Arc and Frida Kahlo in the animated series Clone High.

What's making us happy: A guide to your weekend reading, listening and viewing

5:01pm June 02, 2023

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Clone High, the "Thursday Murder Club" mystery series, Mel Mitchell on TikTok, and more.

The reporter's kids, Sasha and Noa, both love falling asleep to lullabies. This is a sleeping self-portrait by Sasha, age 4. With great attention to detail, she has drawn the unicorns on her comforter.

A lullaby really can work magic. Science tells us why and how

2:18pm June 02, 2023

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

Sometimes the right lullaby sends my kids off to dreamland so fast it makes me feel like I have a parenting superpower. Turns out the wonder of lullabies is confirmed by scientific research.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra perform a Tiny Desk concert.

Music & Culture

Unknown Mortal Orchestra: Tiny Desk Concert

10:52am June 02, 2023

by Bobby Carter

The band's Tiny Desk performance featured songs that leaned right into its incalculability.