Music

Music & Culture

Celebrating 30 Years Of 'Fresh Air': Big Band Pianist Jay McShann

2:20pm August 31, 2017

A native of Oklahoma, McShann came to Kansas City, Mo., in 1937, when it was the capital for boogie-woogie, blues and swing. He spoke to Terry Gross in 1987, and also played a few songs in the studio.

Queue Listen Now

Music & Culture

Robyn Hitchcock On World Cafe

1:29pm August 31, 2017

by Talia Schlanger

The U.K. singer-songwriter performs songs from his slick, surrealist self-titled album.

Music & Culture

Ibeyi Is Infinite In 'Deathless,' Featuring Kamasi Washington

1:28pm August 31, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

Ibeyi makes music that is as exhilarating as it is meaningful. The twin sister duo's new album, Ash, comes out Sept. 29.

A still from St. Vincent's "New York" video.

Music & Culture

St. Vincent's 'New York' Is A Bright Lament

1:25pm August 31, 2017

by Lars Gotrich

Annie Clark channels the pain of her ballad into a corner flower store and a replica of the Astor Place Cube in a video directed by pop-artist Alex Da Corte.

The aftermath of the storm on August 29, 2017 in Houston, Texas.

Scooter Braun, Bun B Working On Televised Harvey Benefit Concert

11:45am August 31, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

Scooter Braun, organizer of the One Love Manchester concert, is working with rapper Bun B on a similar concert for those affected by Harvey. As well, Solange and Beyonce are lending their support.

Soprano Katharine Gunnink sings the aria "Ch'il Bel Sogno" by Puccini at Adobe Headquarters in San Jose, Calif. for Arias in the Office.

Music & Culture

New Pop-Up Series Treats Silicon Valley Workers To Opera At The Office

11:23am August 31, 2017

by Rachael Myrow

Rachael Myrow of KQED reports on Arias in the Office, Opera San José's initiative that aims to bring opera to a wider audience with free performances at tech companies.

Queue Listen Now

Here are 32 songs to enjoy on the beach at the end of the summer.

Music & Culture

The Other Side Of Summer Playlist

10:00am August 31, 2017

by Bruce Warren

As the season winds down, here are songs for summer's end. Our "Other Side Of Summer" playlist includes Death Cab For Cutie, Joni Mitchell and Elvis Costello, whose song inspired the playlist's name.

University student Miles Sutton plays jazz for his audition to busk on the London subway.

Music & Culture

London Underground Calling: Buskers Audition To Play On The Tube

7:56am August 31, 2017

by Frank Langfitt

Some famous British musicians — George Michael, Rod Stewart, Ed Sheeran — started as buskers. So it's no wonder hundreds of hopefuls are auditioning for a coveted license to play on London's tube.

Queue Listen Now

Chucho Valdés and Arturo O'Farrill pay tribute to their historic fathers on Familia: Tribute to Bebo and Chico.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Arturo O'Farrill & Chucho Valdés, 'Familia: Tribute To Bebo & Chico'

5:00am August 31, 2017

by Felix Contreras

The progeny of Bébo Valdes and Chico O'Farrill pay tribute on this family affair.

Julie & The Wrong Guys' self-titled debut album is out Sept. 8.

Music & Culture

First Listen: Julie & The Wrong Guys, 'Julie & The Wrong Guys'

5:00am August 31, 2017

by Stephen Thompson

After a prolific solo career, Julie Doiron heads up a new band, whose sound blends summery sweetness with grit and gristle.