Why The 2016 Jazz Critics Poll Belongs To The Avant Gentry
Jazz critic Francis Davis says veteran musicians — particularly Wadada Leo Smith and Henry Threadgill — are making some of the most adventurous music of their careers.
Music
Grouper Releases Winter Solstice Single, Hear 'Headache'
Liz Harris' new 7" is a muted meditation that sighs with stark melancholy, "My head hurts."
Hip For The Holidays: A World Cafe Playlist
Feeling a little jingle belled out? Here's your musical stocking stuffer — plus a holiday bedtime story.
David Dye's Top 10 Albums Of 2016
These are the albums that the longtime World Cafe host turned to the most this year. Some may surprise you.
Kadhja Bonet's Quarter-Life Crisis Led Her Home — To Music
Bonet grew up in a house full of musical instruments, but she didn't commit to becoming a songwriter and performer until her mid-20s. She joins NPR to talk about her journey back.
Remembering The Jazz Greats Who Died In 2016
Critic Kevin Whitehead remembers the jazz notables who died this year, including vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, singer/pianist Mose Allison, pianist Paul Bley and trumpeter Paul Smoker.
One More Time, With Consent: 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' Gets An Update
Musicians Lydia Liza and Josiah Lemanski have reimagined the holiday classic to emphasize consent — but at the time it was written, the song was actually something of a feminist anthem.
Doyle Bramhall II On World Cafe
The guitarist has played with Charlie Sexton, Roger Waters and Eric Clapton, but his latest music is influenced by trips through North Africa and India.
Tupac Shakur, Pearl Jam And Journey Entering Rock's Hall Of Fame
They'll be joined by Yes, Electric Light Orchestra and Joan Baez in the performer category. Chic maestro and David Bowie producer Nile Rodgers will receive an award for musical excellence.
Francis And The Lights, 'Friends (Feat. Bon Iver & Kanye West)'
This dance routine isn't perfectly synchronized or well-rehearsed, but that's the beauty of it.