California Love: West Coast Musicians With International Sounds
World music DJ Betto Arcos joins host Arun Rath with a stack of records by his favorite new California musicians — all with global influences.
Music
'If It Swings': An Asian-American Jazzman's Pioneering Career
Saxophonist Gabe Baltazar is one of the last living links to an era when Asian-Americans began to make a name for themselves in jazz. Now, at the age of 83, he's sharing his story in an autobiography.
Record Label Picks Copyright Fight — With The Wrong Guy
Lawrence Lessig was not pleased when Liberation Music persuaded YouTube to take down one of his online lectures because of an alleged copyright violation. So Lessig, one of the most famous copyright attorneys in the world, decided to take a stand against broad, intimidating takedown notices.
Rokia Traoré On Taking Up Music, And Mali's 'Iron Women'
The Malian singer-songwriter finished her latest album, Beautiful Africa, just as war was breaking out in her home country. Traoré says that working as a musician has helped her make peace with a conflicted sense of cultural identity.
Bumpy, Bikers And The Story Behind 'Leader Of The Pack'
When record producer and songwriter George "Shadow" Morton died on Valentine's Day this year, he left behind a legacy as murky as his nickname, which he got from disappearing on long benders. A new compilation collects Morton's hits for The Shangri-Las, Iron Butterfly and Janis Ian.
'You Can Always Come Home': Alan Jackson On Family And Bluegrass
Jackson's newest release, The Bluegrass Album, is exactly what its title promises: a collection of bluegrass covers, as well as some originals written in the style. Here, the country superstar discusses the personal stories behind the record.
Lucy Schwartz Is In Love With Her Own Voice, And That's OK
Frequently on her new album Timekeeper, Schwartz sounds like a throwback to another era. Her singing sometimes possesses the spirit of a more lighthearted Laura Nyro, and she has a healthy fondness for The Beatles.
Kings Of Leon: Back With The 'Comeback Story Of A Lifetime'
Mechanical Bull is Kings of Leon's comeback record after a two-year hiatus brought about by a memorable onstage breakdown. The gritty Southern rock group is ready to pick up where its members left off.
A More Reflective Leap On Elton John's 'Diving Board'
The pop star has a flair for the extravagant, to say the least, but his new album is stripped down. He tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross about the "Elton John excess," his fear of sex as a young man, and how Liberace's example encouraged John to make the piano a star instrument.
?uestlove And Elvis Costello On Writing Together
Costello has teamed with hip-hop legends The Roots for one of the more unusual, invigorating musical partnerships of the year. NPR's Arun Rath speaks with Costello and Roots bandleader Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson about the new album Wise Up Ghost.