Cassandra Wilson, Impromptu
For singer Cassandra Wilson, some of the best music is composed on the fly, and if the entire performance is last-minute, so much the better.
Music
A collection of 237 issues
Jazz Lessons With James "Blood" Ulmer
Growing up in a family that requires Saturday night recitals is a crash course in how to please a crowd. A conversation about a lifetime of commanding performances.
Remembering Pop
We should all hope to age gracefully—and go skydiving at 94, and jetboating at 95. Our man in Boise pays tribute to one who raged at the light.
The Top 10 Albums of 1982
MTV was shaking up the airwaves, but if it was happening during an episode of Diff'rent Strokes. Ten favorite albums from the year the '80s really began.
Cecil Taylor Explains It All
Pianist Cecil Taylor stormed onto the New York City club scene in the 1950s, shaking the foundations of modern music with what would become known as free jazz. A conversation with the master.
The Top 10 Albums of 1981
Because album lists shouldn't happen only once a year. In this installment: Iran's taking hostages, Pat Sajak’s still on the air, and all of a sudden 1981 doesn’t feel like so long ago.
SXSW 2007: The Very First Review
The South by Southwest Music Festival is a never-ending stream of bands, booze, and laminates that barrels through Austin, Texas, each spring. Just because you're not going doesn't mean you can't review it.
The Top 10 Albums of 1980
Because album lists shouldn't happen only once a year. In this installment: The dawn of a new decade saw punk rock fading away, or at least saving up to buy a synthesizer.
Moody's Mood for Bop
Jazz saxophone legend James Moody talks about how racism shaped his early career, what a "hot flute" can do for a repertoire, and encouraging budding musicians.
The Top 10 Albums of 1979
Because album lists shouldn't happen only once a year. In this installment, times were good: Every album came with a poster, disco was dying, and actors weren't Presidents.