Music

Before his death, Benny Goodman gave Yale University five truckloads of his recordings, which are now being released on compact disc. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the first volume, which he says blends the facile in Goodman's music with the raw.

The punk band X returns with a live album recorded at the legendary L.A. rock venue. Rock critic Ken Tucker says it's a fitting testament to the group's decade-long career -- which, rumor has it, may soon come to an end.

Brian Wilson suffered a nervous breakdown and spent years in seclusion. Now he's back with a new solo album. He tells Fresh Air's Terry Gross about how he approached songwriting early in his career, the influence of drugs on his music, and the role the controversial Dr. Eugene Landy plays in Wilson's personal and professional life.

The musician is considered part of a recent flute revival. Wincenc joins Fresh Air to discuss the nature of the instrument and how she achieves her rich tone. Wincenc plays classic and contemporary pieces, including works she commissions from new composers.

Classical musical critic Lloyd Schwartz says the new CD, The Bernstein Songbook, avoids the composer's orchestral flops, instead featuring excerpts from his exuberant operas and musicals.

Rock historian Ed Ward tells the story of how Ray Robinson--an obscure emerging R & B singer--broke away from his image as a Nat King Cole imitator, changed his name, his record label, and established his identity as Ray Charles.

The PBS series' latest episode is a documentary of the legendary soul singer. TV critic David Bianculli say the film gives viewers a chance to see rare interviews and concert footage, but glosses over much of Franklin's personal life.

Pianist Curtis Clark, who moved to Amsterdam from the United States, assembled a quintet of diverse musicians of to record his new album, Letter to South Africa. Clark, jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says, is unique in how he treats radical ideas as normal.

Folk singer Michael Cooney says that several classic songs from the early 20th century have verses that never made it onto recordings or sheet music. He joins Fresh Air to sing some of those forgotten words.

Cuban-born pianist Jorge Bolet was a mainstay of the concert circuit; only recently have his recording garnered much attention. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says that some of his performances of classic Chopin pieces have interpretive nuance, while others -- white pretty -- lack depth.

Jack Towers worked for the Department of Agriculture before pursuing his new career as an audio engineer. He finds and restores classic and little-know jazz albums and concerts, including an upcoming collection of Dean Benedetti's recordings of Charlie Parker. Towers hopes advances in digital technology will make his sometimes tedious methods obsolete.

Rock critic Ken Tucker says that the talented musician often subverts his often good music to make dumb, dirty jokes. Whether you think Zappa is a genius or a jerk will determine whether you'll invest in Rykodisc's new collections of his live performances.

The record label, led by producer Sam Phillips, launched the careers of legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Rock historian Ed Ward remembers several of the other, lesser-known acts Phillips signed during Sun's heyday.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a reissue of Duke Ellington's Far East Suite, which some listeners have criticized for its unconventional ways of linking musical ideas. While Whitehead admits the piece has some low moments, he says the piece deserves more credit.

Jazz guitarist Marty Grosz returns to Fresh Air to sing songs about cities where he's lived.

Cleveland-based rock band Pere Ubu captured the raucous sound of punk years before the rise of the Sex Pistols. Rock critic Ken Tucker says singer and songwriter David Thomas's warbling vocals capture emotions not often featured in the genre: distraction, confusion and pure bliss. Pere Ubu's newest album is called The Tenement Years.

The luthier got his start making acoustic guitars for country and folk musicians. He later built instruments for rockers more accustomed to the feel of an electric guitar. Ferrington's custom designs are often asymmetrical, and incorporate the wants and needs of his clients.

Composer Bela Bartok was also an accomplished pianist. A new CD features a 1940 recital he gave at the Library of Congress with his longtime friend and collaborator, violinist Joseph Szigeti. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says it's amazing the recording exists at all; it opens the door to all great performances of the past.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the 1950s singer and guitarist, who was best known for his hit "Summertime Blues." Cochran died of injuries sustained during a limo accident while touring in England.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Ornette Coleman's new album, Virgin Beauty, is the best and most accessible example yet of his harmolodic approach. The alto saxophonist is backed by his electric band Prime Time, which features the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia on several tracks.