natalie macmaster donnell leahy canvas cover

Keep on Pushin’

On CANVAS, NATALIE MACMASTER and DONNELL LEAHY, a true musical power couple, continue stretching stylistic boundaries in surprising ways. O, Canada!
by David McGee
 

 
 
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A Search for Unity Within the Miraculous

Ireland's LOUTH CONTEMPORARY MUSIC SOCIETY has one of the year's most intriguing new releases in IN SEARCH OF THE MIRACULOUS, which mirrors George Gurdjieff's populist, pan-global approach to spiritual teaching.
by David McGee
 

 

 
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Sing to Me, Sing to Me…

Having made so many memorable statements in her career, 84-year-old ANNIE ROSS delivers one of her finest on TO LADY WITH LOVE, in memory of her mentor-friend BILLIE HOLIDAY, with Pizzarellis Bucky and John on guitars.
by David McGee
 

 
 
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The Many ‘Worlds’ of Mandolinist Extraordinaire Avi Avital

Israeli-born mandolinist AVI AVITAL is blurring the classical-folk lines anew with BETWEEN WORLDS, featuring the work of 'classical composers inspired by folk music.'
by David McGee
 

 

 
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The Throw of the Dice: Josquin’s ‘Missa Di Dadi’

With PETER PHILLIPS directing , THE TALLIS SCHOLARS return with their eleventh disc of JOSQUIN masses, a welcome release featuring two quirkly early masses, including 'Missa Di Dadi,' or 'The Dice Mass.'
by David McGee
 

 
 
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We Review Roger Ebert

Remembering ROGER EBERT, a three-part tribute, including his Great Movies: The First 100 list & a tribute to Beneath the Valley of the Dolls
by David McGee
 

 

 
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Tested In the Furnace of Affliction

SAM BUTLER, former lead guitarist with the Blind Boys of Alabama, makes his solo debut with a most unusual spiritual album--with songs by Springsteen, Waits, Curtis Mayfield, Johnny Cash, et al.
by David McGee
 

 
 
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Frans de Waal’s Case for Animal Emotions

In his new book, MAMA'S LAST HUG, Primatologist FRANS DE WAAL makes a credible case for animals experiencing emotions much as humans do. Suddenly, his ideas are gaining traction. DUNCAN STRAUSS, explores those ideas with de Waa...
by David McGee
 

 

 
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In Praise of the Torch Holder

In his second solo outing, JUNIOR SISK honors Polonius's advice: "To thine own self be true." In doing so, he creates a traditional bluegrass gem in LOAD THE WAGON.
by David McGee