Music & Culture

Nadia Sirota wants contemporary classical music to feel approachable. "There's no chance it'll disappoint a new listener, but people do need a way in," she says.

Music & Culture

Nadia Sirota On Making Music Accessible (Even When It's Weird)

8:38am October 02, 2016

by NPR Staff

The violist wants more people to know and love contemporary classical music. She speaks with Rachel Martin about her Peabody Award-winning podcast and latest collaboration with composer Nico Muhly.

Members of the Treme Brass Band play a jazz funeral for their bass drummer, Lionel Batiste, in New Orleans.

Music & Culture

What Was 'A Blog Supreme'?

9:09am October 01, 2016

by Patrick Jarenwattananon

A history of NPR's jazz thing, and a goodbye, from its editor.

Music & Culture

Through Improvisation, Music Producer Creates Unconventional Mashups

8:50am October 01, 2016

Craig Hartley makes unexpected juxtapositions, including Bach with a Miles Davis overlay, and a John Lennon with a Bill Evans backdrop, on his new album, "Books on Tape Vol. II — Standard Edition."

Richard Trentlage, Oscar Mayer Weiner Song Writer, Dies At 87

8:44am October 01, 2016

In 1962, Richard Trentlage recorded an advertising jingle in his living room that began "I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner..." He was no one-slogan wonder.

Lee Musiker is featured in this episode of Piano Jazz.

Music & Culture

Lee Musiker On Piano Jazz

5:18pm September 30, 2016

The award-winning conductor, pianist and composer performs "Fascinating Rhythm" and other standards with Marian McPartland.

The electronic vibe of Bon Iver's new album has left some fans skeptical — but critic Will Hermes says it's the band's best work yet.

Music & Culture

Bon Iver's Latest Is A Soulful Mix Of Wood And Microchips

4:44pm September 30, 2016

by Will Hermes

22, A Million is a radical — but logical — departure from Justin Vernon's past work. Music critic Will Hermes thinks it's the most compelling record he's heard all year.

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Bob Boilen talks with John Paul White during AmericanaFest 2016.

Music & Culture

All Songs +1: John Paul White Sings The Song That Changed His Life

4:34pm September 30, 2016

by Bob Boilen

Hear Bob Boilen talk with John Paul White, formerly of The Civil Wars, about the songs that have transformed the songwriter's life.

People gather at bank of the Cauvery River in the state of Tamil Nadu.

MUSIC: Why A River's Sad But Beautiful Song Is Big On Social Media

3:18pm September 30, 2016

by Chhavi Sachdev

In times of drought — like now — two neighboring states argue over rights to the Cauvery River's water. A musician wrote a song about what the river thinks of all this.

Music & Culture

Across the Blue Ridge #40 - Old time, bluegrass, blues and gospel styles

3:00pm September 30, 2016

by Paul Brown

This week's Across the Blue Ridge takes us on a tour of some classic old time, bluegrass, blues and gospel music displaying remarkable similarities across styles and cultures. Listen and hear

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Opeth's new album, Sorceress, comes out Sept. 30.

Music & Culture

Songs We Love: Opeth, 'Strange Brew'

2:30pm September 30, 2016

by Adrien Begrand

The smartest thing Mikael Åkerfeldt ever did was to stop writing extreme metal and focus on progressive rock. This creepy, occult-themed number keeps you guessing, but never wavers.