Popular Music

Concert Preview: Local Boys Make Cool Jazz — The Levin Brothers Reunite

March 24, 2017
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One of my favorite quotes from Gil Evans is, “Quit playing what you think I want you to play!”

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Music Preview: Drive-By Truckers — Triumphantly Defiant

February 6, 2017
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It’s almost as important to see the Drive-By Truckers show at the Royale as to join a march in the streets outside.

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Music Preview: Allan Harris — A Soulful One-Man Jazz Jukebox

January 10, 2017
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“Music is to be shared, no matter what genre it is.

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Music Interview: Morgan Heritage — Pushing Reggae Forward

December 10, 2016
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Surprise! The New England roots of reggae’s sibling act Morgan Heritage.

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CD Review: “Down Home Blues: Detroit” — A Matter of Gratitude

November 23, 2016
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Collectors and serious blues fans will want to own this invaluable set.

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CD Review: Leonard Cohen — Embracing the Darkness

October 30, 2016
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At 82, Cohen seems to feel that there isn’t a lot of time left and that he has nothing to prove to anyone.

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CD Review: Green Day’s “Revolution Radio” – Not Very Radical

October 15, 2016
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Green Day’s latest offering is a largely unoriginal, imitative hodgepodge.

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Music Interview: Digging into “Porcupine Meat” with Bobby Rush

October 10, 2016
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Singer Bobby Rush is not just a world-class entertainer, but also one of the last masters of traditional blues.

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Music Review: Rapper Vince Staples Longs for Escape in “Prima Donna”

September 4, 2016
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Prima Donna is a rare thing: a conceptual EP that works.

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Fuse Preview: The Lowell Folk Festival at 30 — A Family Affair

July 27, 2016
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Most of the can’t-miss acts on this year’s Lowell Folk Fest roster are artists who make preserving musical traditions a family business.

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