Search results for

The jazz trumpeter who made his first recordings 50 years ago this summer might be his instrument's least appreciated giant. Perhaps the trumpeter of the 1970s, Shaw was an icon for the generation that followed, as well as an innovator on his horn.

From the sweet melodies by Bach to the quiet sound world of Morton Feldman, sample three fascinating new albums by today's top fiddlers.

Many jazz standards are themselves about making lists. Here are five of them, including Louis Armstrong's take on "Let's Do It," Johnny Hartman's version of "These Foolish Things" and a classic reading of Jobim's "Waters of March."

See and hear examples of politically dogmatic — but extravagantly assembled — operas and ballets born during the Cultural Revolution. Glamorous photo stills by Zhang Yaxin of works like Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy were recently shown in Canada.

This summer has seen plenty of worthwhile jazz, including a pianist who's been around since the '50s, a Caribbean jazzman, a band of deliberate melody, and a cover from The Jungle Book. Sample recordings from Harold Mabern, Etienne Charles, the band Black Host and Lauren Desberg.

For saxophonist Dayna Stephens, serenity has been a key to dealing with a rare kidney disease. It's filtered into his playing and composing, which is on the upswing despite health challenges that drain hours from his days and thousands of dollars a week from his limited budget.

As a fledgling classical soprano in New York, Norman went to hear singers like Mabel Mercer perform. She tells WBGO's Rhonda Hamilton that her study of jazz vocalists influenced the way she interprets songs — including operatic arias.

Our public radio panelists share their favorite new tracks for October. Download music from the brilliant singer-songwriter Bill Callahan, songwriter to the stars Dev Hynes, Philadelphia rapper Freeway, jazz iconoclast John Zorn, Odd Future-affiliated soul outfit The Internet and more.

He was a soulful reedman, an amazing talent scout for decades and a bandleader of one of the country's most popular acts. Born in 1913, Herman led "Thundering Herds" that were both big draws and well-respected by the likes of Igor Stravinsky. Here are five recordings which still sound fresh today.

Academy Award-winning director Sam Mendes is set to direct four movies about the Fab Four with each film focusing on a band member's point of view, according to Deadline.