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Bluesman Chris Whitley's career has flourished in the indie-label world of shoestring budgets and creative freedom, and he has an intensely devoted following on both sides of the Atlantic. Now, Whitley has a new album called Soft Dangerous Shores. It's a collaboration with renowned producer/engineer Malcolm Burn. Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers interviewed Whitley and has this profile.

Brazilian bossa nova music became a worldwide sensation in the 1960s. Since then, it's become a virtual cliche for soft, sensual romanticism. These days, a new generation of Brazilian singers is revisiting the genre. One of them is Celso Fonseca.

Cuban music, African folklore, jazz, and hip-hop all collide on a new recording by Cuban percussionist Miguel "Anga" Diaz. Diaz, commonly referred to as simply Anga, has played congas in many projects, Cuban and otherwise. His new CD, Echu Mingua, marks his debut as a bandleader. Reviewer Banning Eyre says it's a landmark recording.

Vocalist Cassandra Wilson draws her inspiration for song from some unusual sources. That didn't stop Time magazine from naming her the best singer in America. Ed Gordon talks to the powerhouse singer about what drives her creatively, and about her latest CD, Thunderbird.

NPR's Tavis Smiley talks with the great George Benson about his long career and new album, Irreplaceable, which is dedicated to the younger crowd.

Roger Lewis is one of the founding members of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. He talks with NPR's Tavis Smiley about the New Orleans tradition of the jazz funeral.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Expansion, the new CD by pianist Dave Burrell (High Two label).

The Susie Arioli band, out of Quebec, has just released its third jazz-swing album, That's for Me. NPR's Susan Stamberg speaks with vocalist Arioli and guitarist Jordan Officer about their music, inspiration and collaboration.

NPR's Tony Cox talks to legendary timbalero Pete Escovedo about his musical family, his career and his new live CD.

Jazz chanteuse Cassandra Wilson drops by the studio to discuss her new CD Glamoured.