Sep 2nd, 2008 · Paul Motian, Bill Frisell and Joe Lovano are all towering figures of modern jazz. They also happen to have played together for more than a quarter-century. They convene once again at the club where they sell out weeklong engagements every year.
Aug 29th, 2008 · A pretty, plucky heroine, a mean massage-parlor proprietress, and a handsome-prince figure who's more perceptive than most — David Kaplan's modern fairy tale stays breezy, brisk and down to earth.
Aug 27th, 2008 · From Boston's New England Conservatory, eight musicians – none older than 13 – showcase their remarkable accomplishments. A 10-year-old violinist plays Bartok, a 13-year-old pianist tackles a diabolical piece by Prokofiev and a multi-talented 11-year-old cellist performs music by Kabalevsky. Also, a 13-year-old composer debuts a new work. This program originally aired on April 2, 2008.
Aug 26th, 2008 · The rock icon's early work was liberally infused with humor, but his new album is perhaps his darkest yet. He explains how he writes lyrics off the top of his head — and what that has to do with his jive-talking grandfather.
Aug 21st, 2008 · Rick Perlstein's book, Nixonland, combines an evocative trip through the 1960s and early 1970s with an assessment of the impact of Richard Nixon's political career. Perstein argues that many of the deep political divisions in modern American politics were defined by that period, and exploited effectively by Nixon.
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 17th, 2008 · In the journal Nature, scientists report the antibodies were able to protect mice infected with a variant of the 1918 flu virus. The discovery is helping scientists understand what it might take to battle a modern flu pandemic.
Aug 15th, 2008 · Hancock is one of the most influential players and composers on the modern jazz scene. A true innovator and ardent explorer, Hancock continues to push boundaries and transcend musical genres. In a program from 1987, Hancock solos on his own tune, "Dolphin Dance," and then joins Marian McPartland for "That Old Black Magic."