Run River North Stays The Course — And Finds Success
The Korean-American band from California got a big boost from Honda after the musicians recorded a music video ... in their Hondas.
Music & Culture
Arturo Sandoval: Free To Blow His Trumpet The Way He Wants
NPR's Shereen Marisol Meraji spent time with Cuban trumpet virtuoso Arturo Sandoval, just days before he accepted his adopted country's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The Orchestral Recipe, From The Pilgrims To Today
NPR's Renee Montagne talks with music commentator Miles Hoffman about how the ingredients that make up a Thanksgiving dinner and those that make up an orchestra have changed over the centuries.
Feist On World Cafe
Leslie Feist has long attracted serious buzz: In the early 2000s, the Canadian singer-songwriter appeared to be on the verge of jumping from underground success to mainstream stardom. In 2007, she started to fulfill that promise. Hear an archived interview and studio performance.
'The Biggest Jazz Riff Ever Written:' Jeremy Denk's 'Goldberg Variations'
The celebrated pianist, and newly minted MacArthur fellow, describes the 'naughty, wicked and bittersweet' sides of Bach's iconic keyboard work. Denk's new recording includes a DVD with him discussing various aspects of the music.
Brandy Clark Tells The 'Stories' That Are Tough To Hear
Ken Tucker calls the country singer-songwriter's new 12 Stories a "modestly amazing album." Every song is striking, textured and finely detailed.
'Something That Is Very Real For Me': Ted Nash Completes His 'Chakra'
The jazz multi-instrumentalist and composer embarked on a spiritual journey that spanned years before he was able to complete his new record. In a discussion with NPR's Arun Rath, Nash talks about starting from square one in educating himself about Hindu philosophy.
The Soulful, Swinging Sounds Of Stax: A Look Back
Robert Gordon's new book explores the tragedy and triumphs of one of the most unlikely soul labels, an integrated business that produced hits such as Sam and Dave's "Hold On, I'm Coming" and Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness."
Two Sides Of Holiday Cheer From Kelly Clarkson, Nick Lowe
Whether glossy and heartfelt (Clarkson's Wrapped in Red) or earnest and playful (Lowe's Quality Street: A Seasonal Selection for All the Family), these albums can help conjure a holiday mood in the month before Christmas.
Omar Souleyman: America's Favorite Syrian Wedding Singer
Souleyman discusses the importance of musical experimentation in an unlikely setting. In conversation with NPR's Renee Montagne, the Syrian electronic musician also expresses his desire to perform in his homeland again.