Music
Americans is a winningly-programmed, strongly-realized effort.
Jaun Cirerol has been accused of idealizing desperation. He disagrees. “I am well-anchored,” he responds.
I consider composer Frederick Rzewski the most profound and persistent explorer of how to address injustice through the use of sophisticated compositional tools.
To my ears, veteran guitarist John McLaughlin is both a jazz and a rock player, and more besides.
Cellist Alessio Pianelli’s playing is songful and lovely. The Avos Chamber Orchestra — essentially a student orchestra — imbues their performances with a confidence and surety that is inspiring.
The most striking thing about violinist Augustin Hadelich’s approach to these Bach pieces is his emphasis on the music’s dancing line.
Davis solos less on Merci Miles than I wish he had, but he plays with precision, taste, and expression.
Long Tall Sunshine pulls off a delightful paradox: it combines in-your-face vigor with subtlety, probing free improvisations with appealing compositions.
Saxophonist Harold Land has been a major contributor to the rich tapestry of jazz. Check him out.
Opera Commentary: Labor Action at the Met — “Wear Your Union Colors!” — Update
Locked-Out MET Stagehands and Skilled Craftspeople ,Joined by Union Supporters, Launch First-of-Its-kind Interactive “Virtual Picket Line.”
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