Nov 27th, 2008 · In a concert recorded by Swiss Radio DRS2, the charismatic Richard Bona has a heavenly voice and plays a funky bass. His newest CD is Bona Makes You Sweat, and at the 2008 Basel Jazz Festival, he goes further than that. Bona makes you swoon, sing, stand up and boogie with his band from Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S.
Oct 12th, 2008 · Azam Ali and Loga Ramin Torkian, of the Persian-Indian music trio Niyaz, sit down to talk about their new album Nine Heavens. The disc blends modern electronica with old Persian folk songs and mystical Sufi poems. Ali talks about how her transcontinental journey from Iran to India, and then to the U.S., has shaped her music.
Sep 17th, 2008 · Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Hold Up The Sky, Andy Zwerling's first album in 27 years. Zwerling's previous album, a retrospective called Somewhere Near Pop Heaven, became a surprise hit in Croatia in 2003.
Aug 18th, 2008 · With fall rapidly approaching, we'll soon begin making a list of the year's best albums. Two bands from last year's top-20 are back in the running again for this year: Okkervil River and Of Montreal. We've got a sneak preview of new music from both bands. Also on the show: Steve Earle and Gillian Welch offer songs from their performances at this year's Newport Folk Festival; Jeff Hanson sings with an improbable, but stunning voice on his new album, Madam Owl; New York-based The Walkmen have a beautiful, airy new CD that's both timeless and modern; and The Broken West is about to release one of the year's standout albums — their sophomore release — called Now or Heaven.
Aug 11th, 2008 · Comedian and actor Bernie Mac died on August 9 due to complications from pneumonia. Mac was one of the original Kings of Comedy, and he starred in his own sitcom. In tribute, Mac's friend and co-star Don Cheadle says, "He will be missed but heaven just got funnier."
May 24th, 2008 · Hockey's Stanley Cup Finals get under way Saturday night. The Detroit Red Wings are hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins in what experts are calling a match-up made in "hockey heaven." Damien Cox, a columnist for the Toronto Star talks with Guy Raz about the series.
May 21st, 2008 · Lives, nations and world views intersect in Fatih Akin's complex drama, which boasts delicately shaded performances from a cast led by Turkish national treasure Tuncel Kurtiz and German film icon Hannah Schygulla.
Apr 15th, 2008 · Rogue Wave earned acclaim for its latest album, Asleep at Heaven's Gate. This summer the musicians open for Jack Johnson and Death Cab for Cutie, tonight they're on Letterman and now they're live in the BPP studio.