Departments

Where Western Classical Meets Native American Musical Culture

A citizen of both the United States and of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, composer JEROD IMPICHCHAACHAHA' TATE's music reflects his dual heritage. ROBERT HUGILL offers an informed perspective on this intriguing composer's art.

Border Crossings

‘Almost Certainly Telepathic’

Do you believe in magic? South African guitar virtuoso GUY BUTTERY does, after an 'almost telepathic' session with MOHD. AMJAD KHAN and MUDASSIR KHAN, two master musicians from India, yielded the beautiful ONE MORNING IN GARGAON.

Classical Perspectives

A Composer Reclaims His Faith

Classical editor ROBERT HUGILL considers CALUM BUILDER's 'Messe (You Are Where You Want to Be), a work which deconstructs the Latin mass to explore the composer's own journey, deconstructing and reconstructing his relationship to faith.

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

This Very Tree, The Survivor Tree & A Hundred Thousand Welcomes

On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America, our acclaimed kids' lit blogger, JULES, finds fresh perspectives for young readers in three new books, two specifically addressing the World Trade Center attacks, another offering 'a love song to our shared humanity.'

Classical Perspectives

Randall Goosby: Style, Soul, Virtuosity

Young violinist RANDALL GOOSBY's debut album, ROOTS, is one of this year's most exciting classical music events. Herewith a sampling of the across-the-board plaudits album and artist alike are receiving for this most striking recording.

Here Comes Summer

Surf in Verse, 2021 Edition

Return to one of our most popular summer features, SURF IN VERSE, four evocative poems about the surf experience. This year's edition includes the oldest known surfing poem, THE SONG OF THE SURF, circa 1867, by ADAM LINDSAY GORDON

Border Crossings

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.

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

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.

Native American News

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.

Classical Perspectives

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.