Alt.Latino's Favorites From SXSW 2021
The regular Alt.Latino chingonas talking about our 12 favorite acts from this year's virtual SXSW, including Vocal Vidas, Yasser Tejeda & Palotré, Ruido Rosa and more.
Music Reviews
The Lost Recordings Of Hasaan Ibn Ali Reveal A Legend Just Getting Started
Nearly half of the Philadelphia-based pianist's recorded work had gone unheard for decades, until now.
Carsie Blanton's Open-Hearted Protest Album Is Equal Parts 'Love & Rage'
Blanton describes many of the songs on her new album as "anti-fascist anthems." Critic Ken Tucker says Love & Rage doesn't sound like typical protest music — which makes it all the more effective.
The 2021 Oscars' Best Original Song Nominees, Cruelly Ranked
This year's choices include Diane Warren's 12th Oscar nomination, a show-stopper from Eurovision Song Contest and three entries in a subgenre we call "Glorycore."
Tribute Album 'Law Years' Captures Ornette Coleman's Happy Bounce
Coleman, who died in 2015, had a knack for writing catchy melodies in a distinctive voice. Saxophonist Miguel Zenón loves Coleman's music and put together a quartet to play some.
Newly Unearthed 1965 Album Represents Hasaan Ibn Ali's Posthumous Vindication
The jazz pianist only recorded two albums, the second of which was long believed to be lost. Now, the rediscovery of Metaphysics: The Lost Atlantic Session is cause for renewed celebration.
Erwin Helfer Helps 'Celebrate The Journey' With The Chicago Boogie Ensemble
For Helfer, vintage piano dialects are living traditions, not museum exhibits. The 85-year-old Chicago musician helps keep those traditions alive — and passes that knowledge on — with a new album.
Elizabeth King's Gospel Sound Transports Believers And Non-Believers Alike
King made some recordings in the 1970s, but then quit the music business to raise her children. Now in her late 70s, she's released her first full-length solo album: Living in the Last Days.
'Couch By Couchwest': Standouts Of SXSW's All-Digital Music Festival
The 2021 SXSW Music Festival was an all-digital affair — which left All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen with lots of streaming concerts to watch. He picks standouts from the 130 shows he saw.
From Norway With Horsepower: Soprano Lise Davidsen Is Conquering Opera
The young, late-comer to opera is turning heads in the classical world with a powerful voice that can rocket over huge orchestras or pare down to a silvery thread.