A culture critic reflects on the limits of language -- and the magic of silence
Pulitzer Prize-winning New Yorker writer Hilton Als says we "don't actually have much silence left" in our world. His latest exhibition challenges the way we see art, identity and storytelling.
James Corden Hits Late-Night TV With His Own Skill Set And Mindset
The Late Late Show with James Corden fills the post-David Letterman time slot on CBS. TV critic David Bianculli says that based on first impressions, Corden will "settle in nicely."
In 'Redeployment,' Former Marine Explores The Challenges Of Coming Home
Phil Klay served in Iraq from January 2007 to February 2008. He recently won a National Book Critics Circle award for his collection of short stories. Originally broadcast Nov. 25, 2014.
'Seymour': A Loving Portrait Of An Acclaimed Classical Pianist
Seymour: An Introduction is an inspiring new documentary by the actor Ethan Hawke. It's about Seymour Bernstein, who quit a successful concert career at the age of 50 to become a piano teacher.
Fresh Air Remembers Blues And Jazz Historian Samuel Charters
Charters helped ignite the blues revival of the '50s and '60s. He made field recordings of forgotten and previously undiscovered performers. He also wrote two books. He died Wednesday; he was 85.
Bluegrass Musician Norman Blake Releases An Album Of Original Songs
Blake has performed for more than 60 years. He was in Johnny Cash's band and played on Bob Dylan's Nashville Skyline album. Now 77, his new album is called Wood, Wire and Words.
Saxophonist Tony Malaby's New Quartet Brings Out His Rowdy Side
Malaby has merged his two trios — with a cello and a tuba — into a quartet called Tubacello. Their new album is Scorpion Eater. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says he hopes to hear from them again.
Remastering 78s: A Company Brings Clarity To Pianist Artur Schnabel's Works
Many historic recordings have been transferred to CD, but not always as accurately as desirable. But a small record company in France has been remastering these recordings in a revolutionary way.
Forget Binge Watching: Great Television Happens When Networks Pace Shows
The perfect example, says critic David Bianculli, is HBO's The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst. Spread out over six weeks, the finale had the most chilling TV moment he's seen in years.