Putting A Name And Face To A Famous Voice
Aloe Blacc sang two of the past year's most ubiquitous singles. So why haven't you heard of him?
Music
Reliving 'Dylan's Gospel': Bob's Songs Transformed
In 1969, music producer Lou Adler assembled LA's top background singers for a gospel reading of Bob Dylan songs. NPR's Eric Westervelt speaks with Adler and Merry Clayton about the album's re-release.
A Millionaire Saves The Silenced Symphonies Of Pakistan
Once upon a time, Lahore was home to a booming film industry and studio musicians to match. Now, the sounds of Lollywood have made a comeback, thanks to a jazz fan — who's also a philanthropist.
Valentina Lisitsa: Chasing Pianos And YouTube Fans
The Ukrainian-born pianist revived her stalled career by uploading videos of herself to YouTube. After millions clicked, she landed a record deal. Her new album features film music by Michael Nyman.
Want Perfect Pitch? You Might Be Able To Pop A Pill For That
A Harvard study says a drug normally used as a mood stabilizer might allow adults with no musical experience to learn perfect pitch.
For Jessica Lea Mayfield, Sometimes Sanity Is The Better Option
Make My Head Sing... is an album of contradictions. It's full of unreliable narrators who sometimes revel in jealousy, willful insanity and drugs, even as her voice and the music suggest otherwise.
Album Review: 'Abracaco'
Caetano Veloso has been making music for over 40 years, and he's among the best known singers in his native Brazil. Veloso's new album, Abracaco, is one of the most engaging in his epic career.
Honey, Blood And Harmony: Jordi Savall's Balkan Journey
Early music specialist Jordi Savall explores different periods and cultures, mashing them together for surprising results. His new project finds fruitful varieties all in one spot: the Balkans.
Album Review: 'Libation'
Years since two filmmakers discovered a group of musicians in a Guinea refugee camp, that group — Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars — continues to make new music.
Perennial Co-Writer Returns With An Album Of His Own
Dan Wilson is your favorite songwriter's favorite co-writer, lending a pen to artists from Nas to Adele. But he also writes music for himself — and he joins the program to talk more about it.