The Satisfactions of St. Vincent The Satisfactions of St. Vincent
There’s a full band’s worth of talent in that name.
Nov 1, 2017 / David Hajdu
From Jazz Clubs to Classrooms From Jazz Clubs to Classrooms
Recent releases by two jazz-program graduates, Ryan Keberle and Tyshawn Sorey, make potent cases for whatever educational methods work.
Aug 31, 2017 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu
Wired Up and Let Loose Wired Up and Let Loose
Two new releases bring to light the remarkable prescience of Raymond Scott’s sonic experimentation.
Jul 31, 2017 / David Hajdu
The Spirit of Prog Rock The Spirit of Prog Rock
Its creative ambitions were engulfed by its pretensions.
Jul 13, 2017 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu
Adapting ‘Angels in America’ Adapting ‘Angels in America’
Sometimes, adaptation is a form of redundancy. This new opera, based on Tony Kushner’s 1992 play, is something stirring in its own way and unexpectedly timely.
Jun 16, 2017 / David Hajdu
Incremental and Slow In Coming Incremental and Slow In Coming
What needs to be said but shouldn’t be noteworthy: All three honorees for the Pulitzer Prize in Music were women.
May 31, 2017 / David Hajdu
Doesn’t Every Political Resistance Need a Soundtrack? Doesn’t Every Political Resistance Need a Soundtrack?
In their efforts to protest Trump’s ascension as soon as possible, more than one artist has recast an existing song with lyrics applicable to the current crisis.
May 16, 2017 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu
Ella Fitzgerald at 100 Ella Fitzgerald at 100
During her long lifetime, the First Lady of Swing was as engaged with the new as she was driven by classicism.
Apr 25, 2017 / David Hajdu
Who Needs the NEA and NEH? Who Needs the NEA and NEH?
What is really lost when we cut public funds for the arts and humanities.
Apr 7, 2017 / David Hajdu
Chuck Berry’s Poetry Endures Chuck Berry’s Poetry Endures
Berry was a highly original and influential guitarist and as great a songwriter as rock ’n’ roll has ever produced.
Mar 20, 2017 / David Hajdu