classical perspectives spotlight 880x385 1379992265

‘It Seethes Rather Than Boils’

On his new album, OVER LIGHT EARTH, Icelandic composer DANIEL BJARNASON mirrors the current climate--it seethes rather than boils and speaks to the mood of its time
by David McGee
 

 
 
mama featured

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
 

 

 
7imp featured

American Tales

Two very American tales in JULES's spotlight: GITTEL'S JOURNEY: AN ELLIS ISLAND STORY, and HANDS UP, an affirmation of self-worth, an energizing, empowering celebration of family and community
by David McGee
 

 
 
christoper oriley classical spotlight 880x385 1371516086

Christopher O’Riley at the Top

CHRISTOPHER O'RILEY, host of NPR's popular 'From the Top,' offers his own bold takes on Liszt on his acclaimed new solo piano album, O'RILEY'S LISZT.
by David McGee
 

 

 
7 IMP Dadajis Paintbrush featured

Dadaji’s Paintbrush: A Thing of Beauty

In which JULES hails ‘Dadaji’s Paintbrush,’ an open-hearted and tender intergenerational story of a boy and his grandfather in India, as ‘a thing of beauty’
by David McGee
 

 
 
our man flint spotlight

Our Man Flint (1965)

Of all the spy spoofs cashing in on the James Bond craze in the '60s, OUR MAN FLINT, starring a winning JAMES COBURN, is arguably the best. Plus: 'Phony Pharmers' from THE DICK TRACY TV SHOW.
by David McGee
 

 

 
steffani danze classical spotlight 880x385 1384399329

Melody and Drama from a Baroque Master

As part of CECILIA BARTOLI's Steffani Project, I BAROCCHISTI, under the direction of DIEGO FASOLIS, has recorded 'a first-class collection of instrumental suites and movements from Agosto Steffani's operas, DANZE E OUVETURES. P...
by David McGee
 

 
 
dark corner spotlight lores1 880x385 1434046158

THE DARK CORNER

First-class film noir here starring LUCILLE BALLS, CLIFTON WEBB, MARK STEVENS and WILLIAM BENDIX, directed by HENRY HATHAWAY. Also: the debut of HECKLE AND JECKLE in THE TALKING MAGPIES.
by David McGee
 

 

 
Setzer Boogie Woogie

The Man With All the Toys

With four Christmas albums to his credit, BRIAN SETZER and his ORCHESTRA occupy rarified air in the holiday music realm.
by David McGee
 

 
 
saffron spotlight 880x385 1366125596

On Dawning, Saffron Engages East and West In Service to Rumi’s Impassioned Insights

On Dawning, its new album, Saffron engages East and West in service to the Persian Sufi poet Rumi's impassioned insights. World music at its most moving, this.
by David McGee
 

 

 
morgan kingston2

The Spiritual Side Of The Singer’s Art

An interview with opera singer MORGAN KINGSTON, circa 1917, in which he holds forth on 'The Spiritual Side of the Singer's Art'
by David McGee
 

 
 
beach girls spotlight1 880x385 1404828861

The Beach Girls and The Monster (1965)

A lost beach classic is headlining at Deep Roots Theater: THE BEACH GIRLS AND THE MONSTER, with music by Frank Sinatra Jr. Also: Felix the Cat in 'April Maze' (1930)
by David McGee