Radical Imagination: Jazz And Social Justice
The Transformations Suite is Samora Pinderhughes' ambitious new work combining music, words and visuals — inspired by African-American resistance and protest movements.
Music & Culture
The First Gorillaz Song In 5 Years Features Benjamin Clementine
Clementine sings the woozy "Hallelujah Money" in a golden elevator as images of old-school cartoons and end-times gloom flash behind him.
Latin Roots: Edna Vazquez
Banished from Mexico by her family, Vazquez fought long and hard to earn respect as a female mariachi musician.
Watch Hazel English Perform 'More Like You' Live For KCRW
In a live session, the Bay Area artist performs this jangly dream-pop song from her forthcoming release.
Songs We Love: Becca Stevens, 'Queen Mab'
With lyrics lifted from Mercutio's speech in Romeo And Juliet, Stevens tangles beauty with terror in a way that would give Shakespeare the shivers.
First Listen: Priests, 'Nothing Feels Natural'
Fully embracing the D.C. punk band's pop and experimental leanings, Priests' first album isn't a direct response to the state of the nation so much as a state of mind.
First Listen: Tift Merritt, 'Stitch Of The World'
Fifteen years after her debut, the Americana singer-songwriter teams up with Iron and Wine's Sam Beam to craft an album that's both gentle and gnarled.
First Listen: Japandroids, 'Near To The Wild Heart Of Life'
After Celebration Rock fixated on staying young and feeling raw, the Vancouver duo's new album re-envisions youth as a passageway to a new and better place.
First Listen: Allison Crutchfield, 'Tourist In This Town'
After more than a decade on the road, the prolific punk singer (of Swearin' and p.s. eliot fame) releases her solo debut in a bold attempt to unhitch love from nostalgia.
The Thistle & Shamrock: The Long View
Hear extended arrangements of traditional tunes, including classic recordings by Kevin Burke and Alan Stivell.