One For The Ages
Joanna Newsom's new album, Divers, is novelistic, with recurring musical themes, memorable characters and a preoccupation with the change brought on by passing time.
Music Reviews
Music Review: 'St. Germain,' St. Germain
The DJ known as St. Germain has waited 15 years to release a following to his highly successful breakout record. Critic Tom Moon thinks it's a surprisingly creative return.
Revisiting The Soul-Stirring Sounds Of Decades-Old Gospel Music
Post-war black gospel music shaped soul sounds through the mid-1970s, but it's increasingly hard to find today. Rock historian Ed Ward discusses a few recent gospel reissues.
Music Review: 'Children Of The Light,' Children Of The Light
Children of the Light is two-thirds of the iconic Wayne Shorter Quartet. On their new self-titled album, Michelle Mercer says the trio's lively group improv is like a family dinner where everyone's talking at once yet somehow everyone's being heard.
An Under-The-Radar Musician Slips Into The Spotlight With 'Oh My Goodness'
Veteran songwriter Donnie Fritts has mixed blues, rock, soul and country throughout his long and winding career. Ken Tucker says Fritts' new solo album showcases the musician's "shrewd ruminations."
'Tomeka Reid Quartet' Offers A Tightly Synchronized Mix Of Cello And Guitar
Cellist Tomeka Reid was headed toward a career as a classical musician, but was drawn to jazz. Critic Kevin Whitehead says her band's new album, The Tomeka Reid Quartet, has good chemistry all around.
Album Review: 'III,' By Bixiga 70
Bixiga 70 is a 10-piece band from Sao Paulo, Brazil. The eclectic set of musicians seamlessly fuses cumbia, afrobeat and funk. NPR's Banning Eyre says their instrumental dance songs have earned them a global reputation.
First Listen: Neon Indian, 'VEGA INTL. Night School'
On the band's new album, old and new technologies come together in a sly but seemingly sincere way, with throwback results that keep the prospect of a party in mind.
Music From The Shadows: Ancient Armenian Hymns And Piano Jazz
Award-winning pianist Tigran Hamasyan merges ancient sacred hymns from his homeland with improvisation, and a little mystery.
'Gates Of Gold' Showcases Los Lobos' Musical Influences And Extends The Band's Sound
Now in its fourth decade of music-making, Los Lobos just released its first studio album since 2010. Rock critic Ken Tucker says Gates of Gold is "full of thick, mysterious music."