Valerie June

September Short Fuses – Materia Critica

Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.

Singer Valerie June lays down an impressive vocal marker with her new album.

Jeff Leach July 3, 2022 at 11:49 am on Theater Review: “Common Ground Revisited” – Revivifying HistoryAgreed, and I would extend Mr. Marx's criticism to high school arts departments, which too often turn to popular fare...
ReV July 3, 2022 at 11:42 am on Album Review: “Temptations 60” — A Joyful CelebrationHmm. Only thing to say: Evaluating a Temptations record - old or new - shouldn't talk about feminism or women's...
Domingo Warner July 3, 2022 at 4:28 am on Opera Album Review: Finally on CD — a Searing ’60s Opera from Russia about the Nazi EraIt's a gripping opera that doesn't let you go if you are an empathetic person. I thought that it is...
Scott McLennan July 2, 2022 at 2:22 pm on Dance Commentary: Contract Dispute Between Union Artists and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater — ‘Buked and Scorned?Thanks for this. Truly unjust treatment of these artists. I'm not sure I understand why it's disingenuous for the union...
Lillian Wexler July 1, 2022 at 6:48 pm on Dance Commentary: Contract Dispute Between Union Artists and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater — ‘Buked and Scorned?I have been in dance administrator for over 35 years with both large, leading ballet companies as well as smaller...