Music

Library Of Congress Opens 'Jazz Singers' Exhibition

7:58am May 15, 2016

by Susan Stamberg

The new exhibition features the likes of Billie Holiday and other jazz greats, from the 1920s to today. Photos, papers, video and scores are on display and will travel to Los Angeles later this year.

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"There had never even been a Canadian DJ that made it to the finals, period," says Alan Macklovitch, aka A-Trak. "And I came in and I won."

Before Leaping Onto Kanye's Records, A-Trak Forged A Career From Scratch

8:09pm May 14, 2016

by NPR Staff

It was happenstance that brought the Canadian DJ and Kanye West together. But A-Trak — Alan Macklovitch — first made his name by winning an international scratching competition, when he was just 15.

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The Danish String Quartet's new release features British and Danish composers. Violinist Frederik Øland is second from the left; violist Asbjørn Nørgaard is second from the right.

Music & Culture

The Danish String Quartet's Manifold Vision For Classical Music

8:48am May 14, 2016

by NPR Staff

"Classical music is many things," says violist Asbjørn Nørgaard. "It can sound like Coldplay. It can sound like heavy metal." The quartet's new album, out now, is called Adès/Nørgard/Abrahamsen.

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"I've suffered a lot of scars to get where I am," says rapper Mr. Lif, a.k.a. Jeffrey Haynes. His new album, Don't Look Down, is his first in seven years.

Music & Culture

'What Doesn't Kill Us Makes Us Stronger:' Mr. Lif On Music And Healing

8:48am May 14, 2016

by NPR Staff

"I've suffered a lot of scars to get where I am," says the rapper, whose life was cracked in half when his tour bus crashed into a ravine. His new album, Don't Look Down, is his first in seven years.

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Music & Culture

Music Review: 'Monistic Theory,' Joe Driscoll And Sekou Kouyate

4:27pm May 13, 2016

When Joe Driscoll and Sekou Kouyate met at a music festival two years ago, they did not even speak a common language, but their musical connection was instant. Music reviewer Banning Eyre says their sophomore album, Monistic Theory is a refreshingly casual flow of rapping, singing, riffing and grooving.

Danilo Pérez performs with Berklee students at the Panama Jazz Festival.

Music & Culture

Danilo Pérez: A Man, A Plan, A Canal, Panama

3:47pm May 13, 2016

For the pianist and founder, the Panama Jazz Festival is much more than a bunch of concerts in his hometown. It's an exhibition of how music can change a neighborhood, a political climate or a life.

The Heavy's frontman, Kelvin Swaby, performing live for World Cafe.

Music & Culture

The Heavy On World Cafe

3:22pm May 13, 2016

The English band is more than its hit song "How You Like Me Now?"

Music & Culture

Tania Maria On Piano Jazz

2:58pm May 13, 2016

The Brazilian pianist and singer mixes frenetic originals with Antônio Carlos Jobim interpretations.

NPR Music listeners picked James Blake's "I Need A Forest Fire" as their favorite song this week.

Music & Culture

All Songs +1: This Week's Number One Song

2:35pm May 13, 2016

The results of our entirely unscientific and not at all comprehensive poll are in: James Blake's "I Need A Forest Fire" is the most popular song right now with NPR Music listeners.

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The Avett Brothers are joined by other passengers at an airport for a joyful singalong in a scene from a new video for the song "Ain't No Man."

Music & Culture

First Watch: The Avett Brothers, 'Ain't No Man'

10:40am May 13, 2016

by Robin Hilton

An airport terminal becomes the stage for a joyful singalong in a new video for The Avett Brothers' latest foot-stomper, "Ain't No Man."