Chris Morris Writes the Book on a Great American Band
LOS LOBOS is a vitally important American band, and now it has a biography to suit its stature. MICHAEL SIGMAN gets the story behind CHRIS MORRIS's LOS LOBOS: DREAM IN BLUE.
August 2015
‘Tenor Hits From the Age of the Talkies’
Reigning tenor king JONAS KAUFFMAN assays a charming collection of songs from a special time in Germany's history, the era of Sally Bowles and the Kit Kat Club
Light In Shadow
An interview with SHULAMITT OTTOLENGHI about the 10-year journey that produced her powerful new CD, FOR YOU THE SUN WILL SHINE: SONGS OF WOMEN OF THE SHOAH
Newport Folk Festival Goes Roots-y (But Hasn’t It Always Been So?)
A surprise set by JAMES TAYLOR was the highlight of highlights at this year's NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL. Our man on the scene, IRA MAYER, a festival veteran, reflects on the lineup's not-so-folky flavor.
The Past Is Present (And Accounted For)
On COUNTRY GRASS, LORRAINE JORDAN & CAROLINA ROAD bluegrassify old country hits but add a unique twist along the way.
Indomitable
A Civil Rights Movement leader and powerful gospel singer, FANNIE LOU HAMER'S authenticity comes through most clearly on SONGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME.
Bob Marovich’s Gospel Picks
Picks include: J.B. SMITH, KAREN CLARK SHEARD, KIRK WHALUM (DVD), TASHA COBBS, FUNMILAYO NGOZI, LAURA KACZOR, DAMION MURRILL & SILOAM
The Bells of Saint Thomas Wept
Remembering JOHN SCOTT (1956-2015), Music Director of Saint Thomas Church in New York City, who died suddenly on August 12. 'The only glory John sought was the glory of God.'
Lyricist Yip Harburg’s Son Ernie: How My Dad Inspired Me to Become a Scientist (Part 1)
ERNIE HARBURG, son of the great lyricist YIP HARBURG, offers a two-part essay on life with father, and how father inspired son to become a scientist.
Art Songs, Folk Texts
In praise of POPULAIRES, a fascinating exploration of art songs with folk texts, by French Algerian soprano AMEL BRAHIM-DJELLOUL and pianist Nicolas Jouve, Reviewed by ROBERT HUGILL of Planet Hugill.