Popular Music
Musical theater giant Stephen Sondheim turned 90 on March 22, and Stevie Wonder—for my money, the greatest popular music composer of the last 60 years—turned 70 on May 13.
Darkness is pervasive in this Cowboy Junkies album, but it is not all-encompassing.
When I think of Bill Withers I think of just three handclaps. It’s my favorite example in his music, or just about anyone else’s, of the power of restraint — not slamming and flailing about to shift a groove into overdrive.
Adam Sherman, Cambridge-based musician, voice teacher, and vocal coach never went away.
Vinicius Cantuária and band offered a night of close-listening interaction between musicians with ears wide open.
At 70, Marcia Ball is a non-stop pro, particularly at pacing. Early barn burners gave way to the slow blues of “Just Kiss Me.”
In this disc, Marcus King takes a step back from the big, hard-charging sound he has been pursuing to great effect with his namesake band over the past few years.
It may sound oxymoronic, but the Bosstones scream, shout, and agitate for common decency.
Let the unimaginative people diddle around with their baseball cards and stamp collections. This is the kind of irrational, eccentric passion that you will be remembered for.
Arts Commentary: Endangered Species — Independent, Small Venues
What’s happening right now, this is a bloodbath. It is full on slaughter of small businesses. They lie in the streets gasping for breath.
Read More about Arts Commentary: Endangered Species — Independent, Small Venues