Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
Canadian soprano Sharon Azrieli overcomes sometimes weak material on a crossover album of songs by prolific Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn.
Read More »Music Review: Sharon Azrieli – ‘Frankly Sharon’ (The Music of Frank Wildhorn)
Music Genres
Music Reviews: Cameo-Parkway Reissues, Plus Steve Forbert, Jimmy LaFave
Three reissues feature AM radio hits and obscurities from the late '50s and early '60s. Plus, Steve Forbert revisits one of his best albums and a reissue from the late, great Jimmy LaFave.
Read More »Music Reviews: Renaissance Choral Music from Cupertinos – ‘Duarte Lobo: Masses’ and Tallis Scholars: ‘Josquin Masses’
New recordings of Renaissance choral music for the holiday season include Christmas Masses by Josquin and never-before-recorded works by Portuguese composer Duarte Lobo.
Read More »Classical Music Interview: Violinist/Violin Professor Dmitri Berlinsky on Dorothy DeLay Master Class Series
The noted artist-teacher talks about a violin master class series reimagined for the virtual world.
Read More »Music Reviews: A Deluxe Edition of the Doors’ ‘Morrison Hotel’ Plus Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche, Beth Lee, Sweet Lizzy Project
A 50th anniversary edition of the Doors' 'Morrison Hotel' includes a remaster of the original album and rough but interesting works in progress. Plus, releases from Suzzy Roche and Lucy Wainwright Roche, Beth Lee, and Sweet Lizzy Project.
Read More »Music Review: Golden Champagne Flavoured Sweatshirt – ‘Expectant’
'Expectant' by Golden Champagne Flavoured Sweatshirt is a perfect example of what electronic music is able to create to help expand our minds and awareness.
Read More »Music Reviews: A Deluxe Edition of U2’s ‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind’ Plus Elliott Murphy and a Ska Anthology
A deluxe edition of one of U2's best albums features an excellent concert recording. Plus, poetry from Elliott Murphy and a multi-artist ska collection.
Read More »Music Review: Pianist Hélène Grimaud – ‘The Messenger,’ Works by Mozart and Silvestrov
The French pianist pairs Mozart with classical-inspired music by contemporary Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov on her new album 'The Messenger'
Read More »Music Reviews: ‘The Harry Smith B-Sides’ and a Bee Gees Live Collection, Plus Johnny Nicholas and Flamin’ Groovies
An anthology of early American folk, country, blues, and gospel answers an obvious question that no one previously asked. Plus, Bee Gees, Johnny Nicholas, and the Flamin' Groovies.
Read More »Concert Review: China Philharmonic Orchestra – Beijing Music Festival Closing Concert, ‘We Were Born in 2000’ (20 October 2020)
The 2020 festival's impressive closing concert by the China Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Long Yu featured soloists all born in the year 2000.
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