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His song cycle Cross That River tells how African Americans helped shape the western frontier. The CD is part of a project that includes a novel, a musical and plans for an educational offering in Harlem schools.

At 65, Dr. John is best known for rhythm and blues and his voodoo charms. In a new album, Mercernary, he's taking Johnny Mercer's pop standards and mixing in his own brand of New Orleans funk.

To Guy Davis, the stories behind Southern blues are as important as the familiar music that defines the genre. His new CD, Skunkmello is full of legendary tales, old and new.

Sonya Kitchell is just 17, but her voice and lyrics are drawing comparisons to Joni Mitchell and Norah Jones. Rolling Stone says her music belies her age. Kitchell tells Howard Berkes how a young woman from Massachusetts "gets" the blues.

Tony Cox talks with members of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band. The New Orleans mainstay has a new CD that pays tribute to Hurricane Katrina victims.

In the right hands, remixes have tremendous power: Producers can transform mediocrities into masterpieces, and they can recontextualize music outside its original genre. Djinji Brown approaches Kahil El'Zabar's "Running in the Streets" with an appropriately light touch.

Jazz star Cassandra Wilson's latest album soars over a swirling array of musical influences. She tells Debbie Elliott about a work that pays tribute to the Native American spirit and the rich traditions of American music.

With a style that's part Miles Davis, part Chet Baker, jazzman Enrico Rava is a legend in his native Italy. The self-taught trumpet player shares his passion by becoming a mentor to aspiring musicians.

Singer Irma Thomas was among the New Orleans residents affected by Hurricane Katrina. She talks about the storm's impact and performs songs from her new album, After the Rain.

Gabriela Montero combines classical piano playing with improvisation. She stops by the NPR studios to share some of her music, including improvisations on Rachmaninoff's Moment Musicaux Op. 16, No. 4 and Bach's Toccata in D Minor.