Dec 24th, 2009 · With a mission to "perpetuate and nurture" New Orleans jazz as an art form, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band travels the world doing just that. From Carnegie Hall to Lincoln Center, for British Royalty and the king of Thailand, this eclectic assortment of musicians has been spreading the jazz gospel.
Sep 24th, 2009 · The volatile and eclectic music scene of 1960s Los Angeles comes together in a new box set issued by Rhino Records. Critic Ed Ward gives it a listen.
Aug 11th, 2009 · All Songs Considered continues its celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Newport Folk Festival, now known as George Wein's Folk Festival 50. Wein was one of the original founders of the festival, which brought together an eclectic mix of folk, blues, gospel and pop artists. On this edition we look at Day 2 of this year's festival, with music from Josh Ritter, The Campbell Brothers, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Deer Tick, Guy Clark and Arlo Guthrie.
Jul 30th, 2009 · Half a century after it was founded, the Newport Folk Festival is celebrating its 50th birthday with an eclectic mix of artists, from towering figures like Pete Seeger and Joan Baez to Neko Case, The Decemberists and Mavis Staples. NPR Music will be there to webcast and broadcast the full slate of concerts, with dozens of live performances starting at noon ET on Saturday. All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen recently spoke with festival producer Jay Sweet about what's in store for the weekend celebration.
Jul 28th, 2009 · Throughout Hicks' 40-year career, his eclectic persona, wily wit and quirky combination of cowboy-folk and country-swing music have endeared him to many, including legends such as as Elvis Costello and Willie Nelson. Now, after an eight-year absence, Hicks has released a new album, Tangled Tales.
Jun 29th, 2009 · Icelandic singer Björk chats with All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen about some of her favorite artists and spins an eclectic mix of music, from Syrian musician Omar Souleyman to Russia's neo-folk group The Pokrovsky Ensemble and the wildly eccentric London-based rock group Micachu and the Shapes. Björk's latest album is Votaic, a collection of live, studio performances of songs from past albums, including Medulla, Post, and Vespertine.
Jun 14th, 2009 · The songwriter and pianist, daughter of a globetrotting preacher, grew up with church music on Sundays and classical records in the household. Her debut album draws on all that — not to mention a teenage imaginary friend.
Jun 4th, 2009 · Actor David Carradine was found dead Thursday in a Bangkok, Thailand, hotel room. The actor was best known for his leading role in the 1970s television series Kung Fu. Carradine was in Thailand shooting a movie, one of well over a 100 filmed during a long, eclectic career.