New CDs offer a treasure trove from the influential family, noteworthy jazz-rock from Frank Zappa, and pre-fame material from Janis Joplin and Jorma Kaukonen.
Read More »Music
Concert Review (NYC): Clarion Choir – Rachmaninoff, ‘Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom’ (31 December 2022)
The Clarion Choir's performance of Rachmaninoff's liturgical setting brought out its revelatory fusion of old and new – or what was new in the early 20th century.
Read More »Music Reviews: Choral Music for Christmas from The Crossing and Cappella Romana
New albums of Christmas-related choral music from contemporary choir The Crossing and Eastern Orthodox music specialists Cappella Romana have brightened my holiday season.
Read More »Music Review: A Hot Concert Highlights the Beach Boys’ ‘Sail On Sailor – 1972’
The Beach Boys' 'Sail on Sailor - 1972' includes expanded versions of two albums recorded that year, plus a contemporaneous concert.
Read More »Concert Review (NYC): John Adams’ ‘El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered’ from American Modern Opera Company
A compelling performance of Julia Bullock's chamber version of John Adams' 'El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered' was an unusual way to usher in Christmas at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine.
Read More »Music and Film Reviews: Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Live at Royal Albert Hall,’ plus Dave Alvin’s ‘Eleven Eleven’ and Sam Platts’ ‘West Side’
A CD/Blu-ray box set features Creedence Clearwater Revival at Royal Albert Hall in 1970, plus reviews of Dave Alvin and Sam Platts.
Read More »Music Review: New Label from Curtis School of Music Debuts with Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Scheherazade’
The Curtis Symphony Orchestra issues the new Curtis Studio label's first release, a fine recording of 'Scheherazade' by Rimsky-Korsakov.
Read More »Music Review: Steven Mackey, ‘Beautiful Passing’
A violin concerto and an ambitious symphonic work by composer Steven Mackey are major additions to the contemporary music literature.
Read More »Music and Film Reviews: Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Alternate Collection,’ plus Willie Nelson and Cat Stevens
A review of Fleetwood Mac's "The Alternate Collection," plus a Willie Nelson concert CD/DVD set and a new edition of Cat Stevens's "Catch Bull at Four."
Read More »Music Reviews: Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Only the Strong Survive,’ plus Alex Chilton and Melissa Carper
Bruce Springsteen covers classic soul and R&B on 'Only the Strong Survive,' plus a live Alex Chilton reissue and a new album from Melissa Carper.
Read More »