Music

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new film based on the life of legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker. Schiff says it makes up for its lack of narrative drive with insight and an excellent soundtrack.

Waart specializes in 20th century classical music, and leads the Minnesota Orchestra. He first established himself in the Netherlands before moving to the United States. Wart joins Fresh Air to discuss the differences between American and European orchestra management, and the need for more adventurous programming.

Composer and clarinetist John Carter's music takes its cues from a variety of American traditions, including jazz, folk songs, and the works of fellow composers Charles Ives and Morton Feldman. Kevin Whitehead reviews Carter's new album, Fields.

In his latest album, Randy Newman breaks from his past work, mostly abandoning irony to explore autobiographical themes. Rock critic Ken Tucker says the effort is both refreshing and disappointing.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says Galway is both masterful and unusually modest when performing the concertos of Saverio Mercadante. But a new greatest hits collection, which features truncated and pop versions of orchestral works, is little more than crass commercialism.

Ed Ward profiles Chuck Willis, who helped lay the groundwork for soul music. Despite his success as a songwriter, performer and recording artist, Willis was a secret alcoholic. He died at 30.

The drummer's new album incorporates dueling saxophones and electronics. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says DeJohnette's band leaves behind their more minimal approach for a more contemporary, commercial sound.

Herb Alpert co-founded the label with Jerry Moss. In addition to his work as a record producer, he's an accomplished trumpet player, recording both with the Tijuana Brass Band and as a solo artist. Alpert's new album is called "Under a Spanish Moon."

Performer-in-residence Dick Hyman talks about the late musician's approach to jazz. Hyman briefly studied with Wilson, who had a light touch and clarinet-like phrasing.

In an age when musical distinctiveness is paramount, the band Was (Not Was) switches genres -- and lead vocalists -- from song to song. Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews their new album, What Up, Dog, which features guest singers Elvis Costello and Frank Sinatra Jr.

Rather than features songs from the 1970s in the recent Patty Hearst biopic, the filmmakers recruited composer Scott Johnson to write the soundtrack. His dense score combines synthesizers with heavy percussion, but retains the accessibility of pop music.

Tom Waits' music is changing, incorporating new styles like tango and Tin Pan Alley. He has a new performance film called Big Time, which features Waits singing different personas, and an album of the same name.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz never saw She Loves Me on Broadway, but recently discovered the reissued original cast recording. He says the musical has the feel of classic operetta, and succeeds at everything it sets out to do.

Rock historian Ed Ward considers the influence of early Mexican American rock bands. Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs were a goofy novelty act; the Question Marks incorporated the sounds of traditional Mexican music into their songs.

Jazz singer Sheila Jordan grew up in a Pennsylvania coal mining town. She says if she had never heard Charlie Parker, she would have become a country singer. She was recently laid off from her day job of 21 years; now she can perform full-time. Bassist Harvie Swartz joins her for an in-studio performance.

Bassist Milt Hinton pushed his instrument to new territories in jazz. He was also an avid photographer, who took pictures other noteworthy musicians during their tours across the country. His new memoir and photography collection is called Bass Lines. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the book brings Hinton out of the shadows.

Performer-in-residence Dick Hyman demonstrates the techniques that defined Fats Waller's sound.

Rock critic Ken Tucker says that the black rock band Fishbone takes African American stereotypes and stretches them until they break. The band deserves more attention for their insightful social commentary and screaming live shows.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says that a new album by soprano Arleen Auger is extremely lovely, but few of the tracks haunt his memory.

Don Glen Vilet is a painter who recorded experimental, blues-inflected music under under the name Captain Beefheart. Rock historian Ed Ward says that, while Beefheart was never a commercial success, his influence can be heard in everything from pop to heavy metal.