Music

Music & Culture

BassDrumBone Marks 40 Years Of Playing Together With 'The Long Road'

1:30pm January 23, 2017

by Kevin Whitehead

Trombonist Ray Anderson, bassist Mark Helias and drummer Gerry Hemingway first played together as a trio in 1977. Critic Kevin Whitehead says their new double album proves they can still deliver.

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Tensnake's "Freundchen" is featured on this week's episode of Metropolis.

Music & Culture

Metropolis: 1/21/17

1:13pm January 23, 2017

Hear new tracks by Tensnake, Bonobo and The Black Madonna in this week's mix from KCRW's Jason Bentley.

Music & Culture

Wire Set To Release New Album; Hear 'Short Elevated Period'

12:48pm January 23, 2017

by Bob Boilen

The British band, which has made evolution and sonic adventurousness a part of its trademark since its iconic debut in 1977, will release its 15th album, Silver/Lead, on March 31.

Rapper Eric Biddines in a scene from his new video for the song, "Peeuurrnn."

Music & Culture

First Watch: Eric Biddines, 'Peeuurrnn'

12:42pm January 23, 2017

by Timmhotep Aku

The bouncy, Upgrayde-produced song takes its onomatopoeic title from the sound of a speeding bullet.

A still from Touché Amoré's "Benediction" video.

Music & Culture

In Touché Amoré's 'Benediction,' Jeremy Bolm Brings His Mother's Story Home

10:57am January 23, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

Stage Four deals with the death of the singer's mother with the kind of rage, questioning and wisdom that grief provides. Bolm visits his mother's Nebraska hometown in the somber "Benediction."

Charlie Worsham's new album, Beginning Of Things, comes out April 21.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Charlie Worsham, 'The Beginning Of Things'

10:15am January 23, 2017

by Ann Powers

The first single from the country singer's new album is a condemnation of one man's irresponsible habits — yet one that still retains compassion for him and the women who survive in his wake.

BADBADNOTGOOD performs a Tiny Desk Concert on Jan. 4, 2017. (Claire Harbage/NPR)

Music & Culture

BADBADNOTGOOD: Tiny Desk Concert

9:00am January 23, 2017

by Bobby Carter

The jazz band, known for its soulful interpretations of songs by Nas and Ol' Dirty Bastard, plays its own new material live in the NPR Music offices.

Music & Culture

The Kinks' Ray Davies Teams Up With The Jayhawks On 'Poetry'

8:26am January 23, 2017

by Bob Boilen

We have new music from The Kinks' Ray Davies. This British songwriter's fascination with U.S. culture culminates in a new album with The Jayhawks called Americana.

Gregory Beyer is the artistic director of the musical ensemble Arcomusical, whose new album, MeiaMeia, is dedicated to berimbau master Naná Vasconcelos.

Music & Culture

Unraveling The Berimbau, A Simple Instrument With A Trove Of Hidden Talents

8:32am January 22, 2017

by NPR Staff

The late Naná Vasconcelos helped put the berimbau on the world's musical map. Gregory Beyer of the group Arcomusical says Vasconcelos didn't just master the instrument, he reinvented it.

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Paul McCartney conducts a 40-piece orchestra during recording sessions for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Music & Culture

Weekend LISTening: Rock Goes To The Symphony

8:00am January 21, 2017

World Cafe revisits magical moments in music history when orchestras have starred in rock recordings.