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Renee Klahr/Think of the best songs of 2021 as a playlist catering to the most basic human urges. Within it, booties were called, muffins were buttered and bloody revenge was contemplated. It was quite a year. -
Renee Klahr/Think of the best songs of 2021 as a playlist catering to the most basic human urges. Within it, booties were called, muffins were buttered and bloody revenge was contemplated. It was quite a year.
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At 60, New York City composer John Zorn is wiser, sure, but no less prolific, thoughtful and antagonistic than before. He tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross that, at his age, "there are no more doubts." -
In the '50s, Jamaican musicians combined Caribbean calypso and American jazz and R&B to create ska — the foundation of future developments like reggae. Now, jazz musicians are closing the circle of influence. For late summer, here are five songs inspired by the island's characteristic riddims.
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Dashiell's vocal delivery is so easy, you can barely hear her breathe. Rodriguez's control and dynamics make the piano sing, sweat and shake as he plays the music of Cuba.
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The late South African vocalist Sathima Bea Benjamin is remembered as her country's greatest jazz singer, who brought deliberation and questions of identity to her music. But she only launched her own career, from the shadow of her famous husband Abdullah Ibrahim, after several false starts.
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The pianist performs "Clouds" and pairs with host Marian McPartland for "How Deep Is The Ocean?" in 2003.
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For more than 30 years, the jazz pianist hosted one of public radio's most beloved shows. She died of natural causes on Tuesday at the age of 95. McPartland spoke with Fresh Air's Terry Gross in 1987.
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Marsalis' philosophy is that the music should evolve and be challenging, should center on the melody and convey emotions. Hear him bring his long-running quartet to the Napa Valley Opera House.
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The pianist and composer valued sophisticated harmonies, aching melodies and a tremendous emotional range. Here, we feature her original compositions and musical collaborations with Sarah Vaughan, Karrin Allison, Thad Jones, Elvis Costello and more.
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The drummer is 84 — he's been around the jazz scene for a while. He was the drummer on Miles Davis' late-'50s and early-'60s masterpieces. These days, he's still touring the world and leading bands.
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As the host of a weekly public radio program pairing conversation and duet performances, McPartland brought many jazz greats to an audience of millions. For more than 40 years, she offered an intimate perspective on the elusive topic of improvisation.
