Music

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews two recordings of the Gershwin musicals "Of Thee I Sing" and "Let 'Em Eat Cake." They were both conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas earlier this year on the fiftieth anniversary of the composer's death.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new album, "Momentum", by soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy.

John McCutcheon performs two songs on his hammer dulcimer.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews "Rainbow," the new album by Dolly Parton.

Poet Richard Hell. He moved to New York City in the 70s, intending to concentrate on poetry. But he was drawn to the emerging punk rock scene and quickly became one of its best known acts with his band Richard Hell and the Voidoids. He later landed roles in the films "Smithereens" and "Desperately Seeking Susan." He is writing poetry again, editing the new poetry journal Cuz, and running the poetry programs at the St. Marks Poetry Project.

Martin Williams, producer of the new six-record set for the Smithsonian Jazz Collection featuring singers and soloists from the Swing era. The set includes performances by Coleman Hawkins, Fletcher Henderson, Ella Fitzgerald and Johnny Hodges.

Rock historian Ed Ward will discuss the making of Phil Spector's Christmas Album, one of the most successful records of its kind.

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the career of violinist Jascha Heifetz, who died last Friday. He was, by acclamation, the greatest violinist of this century.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Dances and Ballads," the new album by the World Saxophone Quartet.

J.J. Johnson, a pioneer of the modern jazz trombone. In 1970, he moved to Hollywood to work as a composer and arranger for television. He's toured the country recently, and a new CD of sessions he recorded in the 60s has just been reissued.

Guitarist Ry Cooder. His career consisted of one-night stands until he began writing the scores for films. His credits include "Paris, Texas" and "Crossroads." He's just come out with a solo album, his fist in six years. (INTERVIEW BY LIANE HANSEN)

Actor George Hearn, star of many Broadway hits, including "Follies," "Sweeney Todd" and "La Cage Aux Folles." He is now starring in a new theatrical production based on Chaim Potok's novel The Chosen. (INTERVIEW BY LIANE HANSEN)

Rock Critic Ken Tucker will review "A Very Special Christmas," the new charity record that features The Pretenders, U2, Bruce Springsteen and John Cougar Mellencamp.

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a recent recording of Alexander Zemlinsky's "The Mermaid," a work forgotten for almost 80 years. Zemlinksy's greatest influence was on the Viennese School of 20th century music.

Rock historian Ed Ward will profile The Standells. Their big hit was titled "Dirty Water." The group's name surfaced in the news recently when someone tried to impersonate Dick Dodd, the group's leader in an Austin, Texas nightclub.

Two novelty tunes from the 20s and 30s performed by singer and songwriter Michael Cooney.

Ken Tucker will review new home video releases, including the works of rock composer Frank Zappa.

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews of new CD featuring the Swedish tenor Jussi Bjorling who died in 1960.

Drummer and composer Bobby Previte. His music has been described as "... a blend of Charles Mingus' bluesy hoedowns and Steve Reich's trancelike minimalism." Previte began as a rock drummer and now composes in a wide variety of genres, from choral works and string quartets to film score and jazz. His new album is titled "Pushing the Envelope."

A live concert with jazz saxophonist Frank Morgan. Morgan has recently begun a new life after years of drug abuse and prison. He recently performed in a play about his life titled "Prison-Made Tuxedos."