Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Rif, the new album by Dutch bassist Maarten Altena and his octet. Altena, who was a practitioner of free jazz, is also influenced by 20th century composers such as Stravinsky and Morton Feldman.
We finally know who killed Laura Palmer. Or do we? Television critic David Bianculli has some thoughts on this week's episode of "Twin Peaks." He recommends sticking with the show over the new ABC mini-series, "It," based on the Stephen King novel.
When writer Natalie Kusz was six years old, her family moved from Los Angeles to the Alaskan wilderness. That first winter, a neighbor's sled dog attacked Kusz, and tore off part of her face. Kusz's memoir details that event and its effect on the family.
Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews "Possession" by A. S. Byatt. It's a throwback to the big Victorian novels of the 19th century, but with postmodern nods to contemporary literary theory.
Chinese student activist and organizer Shen Tong participated in protests that preceded the tragic incident. He's written a book about the experience called Almost a Revolution.
James Fogle was a drug addict who, along with others, robbed drugstores to feed his habit. The film Drugstore Cowboy is based on his autobiographical novel of the same name; the book wasn't yet published at the time of production. It's now in stores. Fogle is currently serving a prison sentence, and joins Fresh Air by telephone.
Newsweek magazine's religion writer Kenneth L. Woodward's new book examines the politics surrounding how the Roman Catholic Church decides who will become a saint. Woodward says it's the most democratic process in a profoundly undemocratic institution.
Biographer and journalist Anthony Holden took a year off from writing to play in poker circuits around the country. It turns out he was pretty good. He documents that experience in a his new book, Big Deal.
Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Dances With Wolves," starring and directed by Kevin Costner, about a soldier in the 1860s preserving the frontier and forging alliances with American Indians. Schiff says it's corny and overdone, but reminds him of the entertaining Westerns of the 1950s.
Rock critic Ken Tucker says The Traveling Wilburys' new, ironically titled second is filled with annoying jokes. But the band gives the members of the group a chance to relax and let loose -- which gives this album some charm.
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz discusses the history of musicians adapting Bach's music for their own instruments -- regardless of what the piece was originally composed for. He says Sharon Isbin's new album of Bach's Four Lute Suites is in an excellent example -- it has a depth of emotion he doesn't normally associated with the guitar.
Parks directed the early black action film, Shaft. His son, who died in 1979, was also a director. The elder Parks began his career as a photographer for Vogue and Life, and documented difficult aspects of the African American experience. He's just written his memoir, "Voices in the Mirror."
Television critic David Bianculli reviews the latest sequel to Hitchcock's thriller, made for the Showtime network. Anthony Perkins reprises his role as serial killer Norman Bates; this time, we get a glimpse of his childhood. Bianculli says it's surprisingly good, and leaves open the possibility for even more sequels.
Fresh Air producer Amy Salit talks with Grateful Dead drummer, Mickey Hart. Hart's also long been involved with the drumming traditions of other cultures. Hart has a new book called "Drumming At the Edge," and a CD called "At the Edge."
Book critic John Leonard reviews "Jurassic Park," the new novel by Michael Crichton. Leonard says it's a boy's adventure story that could sell forever.
Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the influential musician, who had a string of hits in the early 1950s. An automobile accident scarred his face, and he stayed out of the public eye for several years. But Mayfield still made a living from music, with song for other artists -- like the Ray Charles hit, "Hit the Road, Jack."
Amiel's new film is Tune In Tomorrow, starring Peter Falk and Barbara Hershey. It's an adaptation of Mario Vargas Llosa's novel Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter. Amiel also directed Dennis Potter's groundbreaking TV production, The Singing Detective.
Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Stephan Salisbury talks with Terry about the most recent news regarding the National Endowment for the Arts. The agency has been re-authorized by Congress, but some artists aren't satisfied by its revised provisions.
Lane wrote the scores for several Broadway shows, including Finian's Rainbow and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. He accompanies Michael Feinstein on piano on the new album, Michael Feinstein Sings the Burton Lane Songbook.
