Nov 25th, 2008 · Southern California-based Faded Paper Figures wears its inspirations on its sleeve. On its MySpace page, bands such as The Postal Service and Stars are listed as major influences a fact that's easy to hear on the electro-pop trio's debut, Dynamo. It features intriguing lyrics, the occasional duet, and plenty of drum machines and programmed keyboards.
Nov 25th, 2008 · It's been a remarkable year for jazz, and narrowing down a Top 10 list for 2008 takes a bit of work. Once again, there's room for enthusiasm and optimism about the state of jazz and its ability to inspire musicians and listeners alike. Here's a look (and a listen) back at some of the year's highlights.
Nov 20th, 2008 · Former Dream Syndicate frontman Steve Wynn took a break from his current band, The Baseball Project, to record Crossing Dragon Bridge. Seeking inspiration, he traveled far from his New York City apartment to Ljubljana, Slovenia where he crafted an album that sounds unlike anything he's done before.
Nov 17th, 2008 · As Barack Obama prepares to become America's first African-American president, writer Mark Oppenheimer discusses his recent article in Slate Magazine about how other minority groups see the possibility of one of their own becoming president.
Nov 7th, 2008 · Saxophonist and bandleader Paul Winter has created his own unique style of environmentally conscious music. The natural world is not only an inspiration, but it has also been a collaborator in his music. Winter talks about playing with humpback whales, as well as his legendary recording expeditions to the Grand Canyon.
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 1st, 2008 · Lucinda Williams' ninth studio album, Little Honey, showcases her new perspective on the world. The album's mix of sad tunes and optimism leads to songs that demonstrate Williams' belief that "love is a mighty sword." Here, she discusses her career and the inspiration for Little Honey.
Oct 24th, 2008 · Sgt. Asa Rubman, a paralegal, set up a voting drive in the dining room at his military base in Baghdad. Over the course of five days, nearly 600 soldiers, airmen and contractors cast absentee ballots — many for the first time.