Aug 14th, 2008 · The Puppini Sisters' shtick is to take the style of The Andrews Sisters and add postmodern zing. In the group's outstanding original tune "Jilted," the result sounds like a confessional column from a Swing Era edition of Cosmo.
Jul 18th, 2008 · At a time of outright genocide in Darfur, and civil unrest throughout the Sudan, an unprecedented gathering of musicians from across the war-torn country presented a contrasting picture — one of harmony and unity — at the Sudanese Festival of Music and Dance in Chicago.
Jun 2nd, 2008 · The summer of 1958 was the season of bossa nova. Fifty years ago, a movement of melody, harmony, lyrics, and rhythm sent a fresh wave of sound throughout Brazil. In the years to follow, a small group of idealistic musicians would write some of the most enduring melodies in music history.
Apr 23rd, 2008 · The Licks are a rock trio with unusually defined roles. Frontman Matt Berger says he provides the songs while Grace McLean sings harmony and Marian Kelly offers "thoughts." "I work with Marian, and we talk about music a lot" says Berger. "She doesn't play any instruments, or sing, but I thought we could operate like the postpunk group Scritti Politti, wherein I would write the music under her guidance (and excellent musical taste) and then record it."
Mar 28th, 2008 · A lockdown following anti-government protests in Tibet spreads to China's provinces, where monks say they are confined to monasteries and forced to denounce the Dalai Lama. The unrest has undermined Beijing's ideal of ethnic harmony.
Oct 1st, 2007 · A Baltimore musician helping to revitalize and reinvent his city's music scene, Dan Deacon plays an all-out assault of Dadaist electronic cacophony and harmony, driven by steady pulses and looping beds of analog and early digital synthesizers.
Sep 19th, 2007 · He is best remembered as the composer of the standard "Misty." But he also remains one of the greatest improvisers ever, a self-taught pianist whose unique approaches to melody, harmony and rhythm made him a star.
Sep 7th, 2007 · The town of Jena, La., is coping with a case of racially motivated violence, even as court proceedings against those involved move forward. The case, centering on a tree at a high school campus that was a favorite meeting place for white students, has exposed racial tensions in the small town.