WRTI Picks from NPR Music

Bassist Christian McBride says that making his own album at the storied jazz club was like becoming part of a family. He knew: "We'd better bring it harder than we've brought it anywhere else before."

Leon Klinghoffer was killed during the hijacking of the Achille Lauro — and later became a character in a controversial opera. His daughters want people to know him in a different way.

Seated at the piano in NPR's studios, Anthony de Mare explains why he commissioned composers from the classical, jazz and Broadway worlds to interpret some of Sondheim's finest songs.

The alto player, one of many to be inspired by Charlie Parker, enjoyed a six-decade career as a leading bandleader and first-call sideman. He was 83.

The young woman who founded Iraq's youth orchestra believes in the enduring spirit of her musicians. The group planned to bring its act overseas until it was forced into hiatus by ISIS.

Wolfe has just released the recording of Anthracite Fields, which won the 2015 Pulitzer for music. The piece is based on the knotty history of coal-mining families in her home state of Pennsylvania.

Jazz guitarist returns to the sound of his straight-ahead quartet with Joe Lovano, on tunes documenting his son's battle with cancer.

The master jazz pianist and renowned banjo player know they make an unlikely duo — but they embrace the unexpected on their new live album, Two.

Artist biographies on websites, in concert programs and press releases are often deadly dull and irrelevant. Why not use them as vehicles for insight and engagement?

Pop-rock balladeer, TV singing competition judge — those are just a few facets of Folds' diverse career. His latest album, made with a chamber ensemble, invites fans to open their ears a little wider.