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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.
by David McGee
 

 
 
shulamit for you

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
by David McGee
 

 

 
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The Eternal Ache in Full, Glorious Flower

The timelessness of CARTER FAMILY songs is underscored in DON'T FORGET ME LITTLE DARLING, an homage by ANTIQUE PERSUASION, a trio of roots veterans that has made one of 2015's finest albums.
by David McGee
 

 
 
yip featured

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.
by David McGee
 

 

 
newport featured

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.
by David McGee
 

 
 
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ROCK, ROCK, ROCK! (1956)

ROCK, ROCK, ROCK! Yes, it has Cirino & the Bowties but it also has CHUCK BERRY, LAVERN BAKER, THE FLAMINGOS and other '50s greats, plus TEDDY RANDAZZO and, in her first film, 13-year-old TUESDAY WELD
by David McGee
 

 

 
fannie lou songs

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.
by David McGee
 

 
 
daniel smith jazz suite

The Bassoon, In Search of Love

DANIEL SMITH enlists a stellar supporting cast and again proves the bassoon's viability as a lead instrument of great expressiveness on his new album, JAZZ SUITE FOR BASSOON
by David McGee
 

 

 
 

Summer Song

An offbeat playlist for season's end featuring THE DAKOTAS, THE DEL VIKINGS, THE CRESTS, THE PHAROS and THE SPOTNIKS. Surf's Up!
by David McGee