‘Coventry Carol’: The Darkest of All Christmas Songs

Lamenting the Slaughter of the Innocents in the 12th Century, “Coventry Carol” remains a somber standard.
by David McGee
 

 
 

In Heavy Rotation: Blues & Soul From Near and Far

The latest soul from DAVE PORTER's vault; blues from CRYSTAL SHAWANDA and TERESA JAMES (via the BEATLES), and blistering blues-rock from STEVE HILL.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Voicemail Transcriber Gives New Meaning to Pop Lyrics

As currently constituted, voicemail transcription, a promising but troubled technology, is giving new meaning to pop lyrics. Contributing editor MICHAEL SIGMAN files a first-person report on same.
by David McGee
 

 
 

But Beautiful

A pair of albums designed to spur reflection share ALBUM OF THE WEEK honors: NEARNESS, a classy batch of standards by TINA BRUHN and JOHNNY O'NEAL, and BEATLERIANAS by Carlos Barbosa-Lima & The Havant String Quartet
by David McGee