Jul 29th, 2008 · Extra Golden is a unique group: a true collaboration of American and Kenyan musicians who play an original blend of Kenyan benga and American rock. On its extensive world tour, the quintet played its music and a traditional benga tune in a session recorded by KEXP.
Jul 25th, 2008 · Fleet Foxes' members join host David Dye for the latest in World Cafe's Lillywhite Sessions series from Avatar Recording Studios in New York City. The quintet draws from the baroque psychedelic pop of the '60s, sacred harp singing, gospel, and folk music.
Jul 16th, 2008 · This week, historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Mass., hosts a16-year-old pianist playing lively etudes by John Harbison, plus, a 13-year-old violinist plays Brahms, and a young woodwind quintet performs Hindemith. This program originally aired on December 26, 2007.
Jul 8th, 2008 · While there's no shortage of protean young improvisers in New York, Shaw benefits from a real-world apprenticeship with a master musician: Roy Haynes. The alto saxophonist shares three original compositions for jazz quintet in a WBGO studio session.
Jun 26th, 2008 · The outfits worn in De Novo Dahl's band photos are ridiculous, cartoonish, and over-the-top, matching the group's music perfectly. The rock quintet plays powerful, energetic songs that are fun and catchy as well as quirky and tongue-in-cheek.
Jun 24th, 2008 · Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Like Before, Somewhat After, the new recording from drummer George Schuller and his quintet Circle Wide. The disc salutes the music of pianist Keith Jarrett's '70s-era quartet.
Jun 23rd, 2008 · Setting Sun is a quintet led by frontman and producer Gary Levitt. The band's third album, Children of the Wild, evokes the laid-back simple life of Levitt's Upstate New York home. Driven by simple acoustic guitar lines, Erica Quitzow's graceful string orchestrations, and Levitt's hushed vocals, Setting Sun's arrangements are dramatic and poignant.
Jun 16th, 2008 · The Austin-based instrumental quintet My Education composes wordless songs through vast, gorgeously orchestrated soundscapes. From squealing electric guitar wails to screeching viola yelps, the band's music has all the vocals it needs, drawing its narrative tension from ambient dischord.