Music

Pianist Jimmy (or Jimmie) Rowles joins the show to discuss Sarah Vaughan, who recently died of lung cancer.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new reissue featuring Czech conductor Vaclav Talich (VATZ-lahf TAH-litch). Talich led the Czech Philharmonic off and on from the 20s to 1961. Lloyd says this recording shows Talich's national flavor, a trait that's lost in this modern world of globe-hopping star conductors. This recording features performances of Dvorak's 8th Symphony, and Smetana's "Moldau" and "From Bohemian Woods and Fields." (the recording is on Supraphon).

A cappella vocalist Bobby McFerrin. He's best known for his recording, "Don't Worry Be Happy," one of several records that's earned McFarrin Grammy awards. Another was for the title track from the film "Round Midnight," in which he used his voice to sound like a trumpet. McFerrin's newest project is "Voicestra," a 10 member vocal ensemble, with a background that ranges from classical music and jazz to theatre and dance. The group has its debut in Los Angeles, April 10-15.

Rock historian Ed Ward examines the second chapter in Liverpool's rock and roll history. After the Beatles, Liverpool became the focus of the emerging punk scene, with bands such as the Deaf School, Teardrop Explodes, and Echo and the Bunnymen.

World music commentator Milo Miles talks about compas (or kompa, or konpa), the popular music of Haiti. He shows how the roots of compas are in the eclectic musical influences Haiti has absorbed over the years.

Rock critic Ken Tucker compares two new solo albums by Dave Edmunds ("Closer to the Flame") and Nick Lowe ("Party of One").

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz examines some recordings in which the worlds of classical and popular music combine. The most recent example is "Anything Goes: Stephane Grappelli and Yo-Yo Ma play (mostly) Cole Porter." Schwartz looks at other recordings that bring together Jascha Heifetz and Bing Crosby; Paul McCartney and George Mason of the New Philharmonia Orchestra; and Frank Sinatra and the Hollywood String Quartet.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the Red Bird record label and its soul subsidiary Blue Cat. They were the creations of the 60s songwriting and producing team, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The labels' hits include "Going to the Chapel," and "Boy From New York City."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new album and a reissue of an old album by tenor saxophonist Sony Rollins. The new recording is "Falling in Love with Jazz" on the Milestone Label; the reissue is "The Freedom Suite," on Fantasy Records' Original Jazz Classics. It was first recorded in the late 50's and featured bassist Oscar Pettiford and drummer Max Roach.

Commentator Maureen Corrigan checks out "Sucker." It's a rock band made of four guys who grew up and got real jobs a long time ago, but still keep their rock and roll dreams alive. "Sucker" consists of: David McCormick (now an editor for the New Yorker) on drums, Wardell Sanders (now a law student) on guitar and bass, Ed Kaiser (who now works in the labor movement in Washington, D.C.) on guitar and bass, and Tim Frueh (now a writer in New York) on guitar, bass, and vocals.

A spring medley from stride pianist Dave McKenna. The tunes are: "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most," "Spring is Here," and "It Might as Well Be Spring."

Rock historian Ed Ward plays some of the lessor known, but more effecting, protest songs about the Vietnam War. Artists include: Charlie and Inez Foxx, Jimmy Cliff, Freda Payne, and Grand Funk Railroad.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Coltrane Live At Birdland," a reissued album by tenor and soprano saxophonist John Coltrane. Kevin says this is his favorite Coltrane album. (It's on Impulse).

World music commentator Milo Miles explores the continuing influence of punk rock on Japanese music in the second of his two-part examination of Japanese pop music. Milo looks at two Japanese groups -- The Plastics and The Frank Chickens.

Rock musician Ben Vaughn. Vaughn's been a cult staple for years in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area, where he's become known for his tongue-in-cheek lyrics and tunes that draw from rocks early influences. Vaughn's just put out his fourth album, titled "Dressed In Black." (It's on Enigma records).

Rock musician and producer Nick Lowe. Lowe was a main figure of the British pub-rock scene in the early 70s, then in the late 70s Lowe joined forces with Dave Edmunds to form "Rockpile." At the same time, Lowe was producing albums for artists such as Elvis Costello and Grahm Parker. Lowe went solo in 78, and had hits with "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass," and "Cruel to be Kind." His production credits during that period included The Pretenders, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and John Hiatt.

Rock critic Ken Tucker checks out singers Michael Bolton and Lisa Stansfield. Ken says Bolton's nothing to sing about, despite his recent Grammy for best pop male vocal. However, Ken says Stansfield's done a good job in mixing 70's disco-soul with 90's dance music.

Studio concert with guitarist Howard Alden, trombonist Dan Barrett and bassist Frank Tate. They are members of the ABQ (Alden Barrett Quintet) which records for Concord Records. They play music inspired by the small jazz groups of the 30's and 40's.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz presents the second in his two-part review of conductor Otto Klemperer. This time, Lloyd plays some of Klemperer's opera recordings and recordings of Mozart. (Angel Records has begun to reissue some of Klemperer's recordings on remastered compact discs.)

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews composer and pianist Michele Rosewoman's new album, "Contrast High." (It's on enja records).