Music

Book Review: Biographies of Lou Reed and Warren Zevon — Satisfying Lives of Singular Talents

November 15, 2019
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Two recent biographies take very different approaches as they revel in the wild lives and examine the distinctive songs of two of rock music’s most enigmatic figures: Lou Reed and Warren Zevon.

Jazz Album Review: Karl Berger and Jason Kao Hwang “Conjure” Freely

November 15, 2019
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These are two practiced masters at free improvisation. I am confident that many listeners will find them as intriguing and accomplished as I do.

Concert Review: Boston Symphony Orchestra plays Jolas, Ravel, and Shostakovich

November 14, 2019
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In the right hands, Shostakovich’s Twelfth can come off as nothing less than an intriguing, lively symphonic essay.

Jazz Albums Review: The ‘Season’ of Newvelle Muri — Adventurous, Sure-Footed, and Strikingly Lyrical

November 14, 2019
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The sound on these discs couldn’t be more clear or precise; the music is low-key, thoughtful, and resolutely melodious.

Opera Album Review: Muslims vs. Christians in 10th-Century Spain, Portrayed in an 1881 Gounod Opera (World-Premiere Recording)

November 13, 2019
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Gounod was no mere purveyor of gentle sentiments. This 1881 opera, superbly performed, shows plenty of drama and grit.

Music Commentary: The Black Crowes — Redux?

November 13, 2019
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When have the Robinsons ever done what was expected on them? And when have they ever really cared?

Concert Review: Puddles Pity Party — It’s His Party, and He Will Cry If He Wants To

November 12, 2019
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An exhilarating and entertaining evening with Puddles, a most personable and unique clown.

Concert Review: “The Last Waltz 40 Tour” — The Best Approximation Possible

November 12, 2019
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To hear a 13-piece ensemble of this caliber, doing justice to these great songs, was simply hard to beat.

Music Preview: “Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly: The Rock ’n’ Roll Dream Tour” — Virtual Presence

November 11, 2019
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Believe it or not, Buddy Holly is on tour with another deceased rock ’n’ roll pioneer — Roy Orbison.

Concert Review: Blue Note Records Celebrates its 80th at Shalin Liu — Almost Something for Everyone, and That’s Cool

November 10, 2019
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All three groups in this Blue Note anniversary concert were distinctly different. One was shaded with a hip hop influence, one proffered organ trio jazz-funk and one, all female, had singing as its focal point.

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