Music
Like his idol, Todd Rundgren, John Powhida is a bit of a musical shape-shifter, evoking a broad range of styles but always with his unique and easily recognizable stamp.
During the pandemic months, Conrad Tao – who, in addition to being an exceptional pianist, is also an accomplished composer – has evidently been honing his skills as an improviser.
Two new Chicago-connected releases explore combinations of flute, cello, percussion and more to good effect.
The Crier’s program pairs three composers one doesn’t always find together. As is likewise the norm with this group and their selections, everything somehow connects – and on multiple levels.
There are three key words in the title: “music,” “change,” and “everything.” At its best, the series convincingly shows how they are linked. Other times, it embraces too much of one at the expense of the other two.
This disc highlights various, early-20th-century works inspired by the Kalevala, the Finnish creation epic. It is a fantastic demonstration of creative programming and invigorating orchestral performance.
At 80 years old, Bob Dylan sounds imperturbable and fierce.
Stephen Sondheim’s songs told stories about people just trying to be, sung by characters struggling to make sense of a confusing world, yearning to take the next step. But his intricately structured melodies soared and tiptoed and sauntered and sometimes wisely took the long way home.
Forget romance. Forget chemistry. Forget star-crossed lovers. At its heart, this Eurydice is concerned with the love between a father and a daughter.
As serious a musician as he is, and as virtuosic as he can be, the naturally extroverted Christian McBride knows how to entertain, a talent generously evident in this live performance.
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