Music

Rock historian Ed Ward hares his opinions on some of the current crop of rock biographies and industry profiles, including Charles Shar Murray's look at Jimmy Hendrix's place in American culture, "Crosstown Traffic," which he says is brilliant.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a release of Artur Schnabel performing Mozart's piano concertos during a live concert. Schnabel had to stop the performance to consult the conductor's score. This was pause was edited out, but Schwartz wishes he could hear this moment of error and humanity, even just once.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the re-release of the exceptional Carla Bley and Paul Haines concept album. It features an eclectic mix of singers and musicians, including Linda Ronstadt, Jack Bruce, Don Cherry, and John McGlaughlin.

World Music commentator Milo Miles reviews the work of Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour. Aside from his excellent music, Miles praises N'Dour's political consciousness and respect for women.

Wyman is the quiet, low-profile member of the band who avoided drugs. Using his diaries for reference, he wrote a book about his time in the band through the 1960s, called Stone Alone.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Heartbeats Accelerating, the new album by Kate and Anna McGarrigle. He says it's an accessible, updated version of their austere, folk sound.

Rock historian Ed Ward takes a look at the early days of the folk revival, and profiles some of the singers that gained exposure through the politically-charged magazine, Broadside.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Rif, the new album by Dutch bassist Maarten Altena and his octet. Altena, who was a practitioner of free jazz, is also influenced by 20th century composers such as Stravinsky and Morton Feldman.

Rock critic Ken Tucker says The Traveling Wilburys' new, ironically titled second is filled with annoying jokes. But the band gives the members of the group a chance to relax and let loose -- which gives this album some charm.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz discusses the history of musicians adapting Bach's music for their own instruments -- regardless of what the piece was originally composed for. He says Sharon Isbin's new album of Bach's Four Lute Suites is in an excellent example -- it has a depth of emotion he doesn't normally associated with the guitar.

Fresh Air producer Amy Salit talks with Grateful Dead drummer, Mickey Hart. Hart's also long been involved with the drumming traditions of other cultures. Hart has a new book called "Drumming At the Edge," and a CD called "At the Edge."

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the influential musician, who had a string of hits in the early 1950s. An automobile accident scarred his face, and he stayed out of the public eye for several years. But Mayfield still made a living from music, with song for other artists -- like the Ray Charles hit, "Hit the Road, Jack."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews The World Is Falling Down, by one of his favorite contemporary jazz singers, Abbey Lincoln.

Lane wrote the scores for several Broadway shows, including Finian's Rainbow and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. He accompanies Michael Feinstein on piano on the new album, Michael Feinstein Sings the Burton Lane Songbook.

Rock critic Ken Tucker examines the new traditionalism trend in country music, exemplified in new albums by Garth Brooks and Rosanne Cash.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the new album from electronic composer Tod Mackover. He says it's an imaginative and haunting combination of minimalism, live electronics, and rock.

Rock historian Ed Ward talks about the Beach Boys's legendary concept album, which was never released. Many of the songs eventually appeared on their later, official releases, often in a watered-down form.

Village Voice rock critic Robert Christgau has a new guide to the best records of the 80s. He's also a fan of African music and rap, both of which he sees having a strong influence on new American music.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Furthermore, the new album from tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore. Whitehead says it's one of the year's best mainstream records. Unlike many jazz musicians who find fame in their early twenties, Moore didn't release is first album until he was 33.

World music critic Milo Miles says Paul Simon's earlier album Graceland featured excellent South African sounds, but was politically tone deaf. His new album takes its inspiration from Latin America, and while not as strong as Graceland, still has some poetic beauty.