avi art of the madolin

Being About an Instrument ‘At Once Familiar and Unknown’

In ART OF THE MANDOLIN, AVI AVITAL offers a perspective on 300 years of music composed specifically for his instrument of choice. A range of perspectives--via reviews, interviews and first-person observations-help explain the a...
by David McGee
 

 
 
beverly kenny come swing

‘The Cry of Anguished Protest, The First of Many Wrought From Me’

From The Bluegrass Special archives: an updated feature on the enigma that was the late BEVERLY KENNEY: Her voice was soft and cool, her eyes were clear and bright, but she's not there.
by David McGee
 

 

 
caleb smith featured

Spreading Hope & Happiness (with Bunnies)

Welcome to Peacebunny Island, where 16-year-old CALEB SMITH and friends are spreading hope and happiness with their comfort rabbits. Yes, comfort rabbits. DUNCAN STRAUSS finds out what's up, doc.
by David McGee
 

 
 
fantasie negre samantha ege cover

The (Continuing) Resurrection of Florence Price

Paying loving tribute to pioneering African American composer FLORENCE PRICE, acclaimed pianist SAMANTHA EGE offers FANTASIE NEGRE: THE PIANO MUSIC OF FLORENCE PRICE. Review by ROBERT HUGILL.
by David McGee
 

 

 
red nation rising cover

The Everyday Violence of Indian Country’s ‘Bordertowns’

Red Nation Rising is the first book to investigate and explain the violent dynamics of bordertowns and the long tradition of Native resistance. Review by KALEN GOODLUCK from Deep Roots media partner HIGH COUNTRY NEWS.
by David McGee
 

 
 
ninos cover featured 1

For the Lost Children of Chile

NIÑOS: POEMS FOR THE LOST CHILDREN OF CHILE offers 'a powerful reflection on political violence in the lives of children,' as JULES explains in this month's featured book for young readers.
by David McGee
 

 

 
ben aylon xalama

Realizing the ‘Dream’

On his new album, XALAM, Israel-born virtuoso drummer BEN AYLON teams with an all-star assemblage of West African musicians to cast the traditional music and instruments of Senegal and Mali in a fresh, contemporary setting.
by David McGee
 

 
 
ivy ford featured

‘It’s Time to Shine’: An Interview With Ivy Ford

IVY FORD, riding a wave of acclaim for her 2020 album Club 27 (a Deep Roots Album of the Year), sits down for an interview conducted by LINDA CAIN, founder/managing editor of the essential CHICAGO BLUES GUIDE.
by David McGee
 

 

 
cece winans believe for it 300x300

Worthy of It All

Twelve Grammy Awards and 23 GMA Awards into her towering career, CECE WINANS returns with her first non-holiday release in four years, and she does so in grand style on BELIEVE IT ALL. Gospel editor BOB MAROVICH calls it the be...
by David McGee