Nov 28th, 2008 · Taj Mahal's new album, Maestro, celebrates an illustrious career, mingling original work with genre classics and songs written by some of the many artists he's influenced, including Ben Harper, Ziggy Marley and Los Lobos. Hear a session from WXPN.
Nov 26th, 2008 · One of the best years for kids' music in recent memory includes releases from artists with feet firmly in both kid-friendly and adult-oriented worlds. Old favorites went in new directions, while emerging artists gave a glimpse of the future of a genre as diverse and unpredictable as kids themselves.
Nov 24th, 2008 · Manouche Jazz, commonly known as "Gypsy Jazz," is a blend of traditional Roma music and swing jazz. Originating in Paris in the early 1930s, it was first popularized by guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Hear five songs from the genre's founders and modern jazz musicians.
Nov 17th, 2008 · Jazz is the only genre of music that uses the vibes as a lead or improvisational instrument. It's been a process in helping to save this beautiful-sounding and versatile instrument from extinction. Leading off with Lionel Hampton, here are five examples of that beauty and versatility.
Nov 17th, 2008 · Loveless has built a 20-year career by choosing great songs to complement her charming twang. On her fourth visit to Mountain Stage, she performs music from her latest release, for which she dipped into the classic country songbook and recorded some of the genre's most enduring and endearing songs.
Nov 13th, 2008 · By-the Numbers, the latest from Miami trio The Postmarks, is a collection of 12 cover songs originally by artists as diverse as David Bowie, Bob Marley and The Ventures. Despite the eclectic mix of genres in the originals, The Postmarks have transformed them all into innocent and lovely pop gems.
Nov 4th, 2008 · A chance meeting in California with Indian musician Ali Akbar Khan launched the endless musical education of banjo player Jayme Stone. He's taken inspiration from many musical styles, languages and cultures all over the world, and his genre-bending music recognizes no borders. Stone and kora player Mansa Sissoko recently visited Mountain Stage and performed music from their album, From Africa to Appalachia.
Nov 3rd, 2008 · The Dobro master has appeared on countless recordings and collaborated with the upper echelon of country and bluegrass musicians. But his taste and talent don't exist only in the realm of those genres, as Douglas has played and recorded with the likes of Ray Charles, Paul Simon and Elvis Costello and Eric Clapton.