Acclaimed Jazz Singer Diane Reeves Takes On A Soulful Sound
Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves has partnered with a younger generation of jazz musicians for a new album called Beautiful Life.
Music
Ambrose Akinmusire: 'Music Can Tell You What It Wants To Be'
One of the most talked-about names in jazz, the 32-year-old trumpeter is more auteur than star. In an extended interview, he explains why it's crucial to let his collaborators think for themselves.
A Fresh Vocalist From The Same School As Adele, Winehouse
Zara McFarlane is a young jazz singer from the U.K. who has been compared to Nina Simone. NPR's Jacki Lyden speaks with Zara about her unusual voice technique.
Rapper, Mother, Superstar: Ana Tijoux Finds Her Words
In her latest album, French-Chilean rapper Ana Tijoux finds inspiration in the birth of her child and the complexities of womanhood. She shares her thoughts on making music that's universal.
Box Set Illustrates Clifford Jordan's Impeccable Taste In Musicians
Starting in the late 1960s, the jazz saxophonist produced a series of recordings that came out on the musicians-owned Strata-East label. Those seven albums are now collected in a box set.
Angel Olsen: A Voice Of Confounding Power
Olsen has often been called a folk singer, but Ken Tucker says her new album — her first with a backing band — takes her music into an unclassifiable realm.
Album Review: 'English Oceans,' By Drive-By Truckers
Music critic Robert Christgau says it has been six years since Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers put out a great album. That wait ends this week with the release of the excellent English Oceans.
Pharrell Williams: Just Exhilaratingly Happy
To hear G I R L, you'd think Pharrell's world consisted of grooving on catchy beats and flirting with women. It's a lightweight image that draws gravitas from his prolific work ethic.
Album Review: 'Always With Us,' By Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Ladysmith Black Mambazo's Always With Us, remembers the life and voice of Nellie Shabalala, the late wife of the group's vocal leader.
Album Review: 'Morning Phase'
It's been six years since singer-songwriter Beck released his last album. Music critic Tom Moon says that Beck's new record, Morning Phase, is purposely out of step with the pop trends of the moment.