Music
Skylark performed an inventive and highly enjoyable program of music and tales from Norse Mythology and the land of the Vikings.
Hilary Hahn supplies a disc of immaculate Bach; conductor Sakari Oramo and the Vienna Philharmonic play music by Rued Langgaard to the hilt.
Andris Nelsons presided over an interpretation of Mahler’s Symphony #2 that was both tightly controlled and emotionally cathartic.
Don Byron’s repertoire doesn’t just focus on the bebop era — nor is it self-consciously hip.
These albums, featuring Woody Shaw and Dexter Gordon, are illuminating to listen to side by side.
What the box set makes adamantly, abundantly clear is how egalitarian Joe Strummer’s musical vision truly was. If you don’t already know his solo work, you should.
The latest big band album from Mark Masters beautifully displays his eclectic tastes and deep knowledge of jazz history.
Lorelei Ensemble’s latest recording is awe-inspiring.
Though Al Stewart can’t hit the high notes like he used to, his distinctive, crisp voice is still strong and melodic at 72.
Every performance of opera should leave an audience so exhilarated.
The Annual Francis Davis Jazz Critics Poll at Mid-Year: Warming Up a Riff — How It Happened, and Why It Matters