In Search of Joni Mitchell In Search of Joni Mitchell
David Yaffe’s new biography doesn’t reach as far into the horizon as Mitchell’s music.
Oct 26, 2017 / Books & the Arts / Rachel Syme
From Jazz Clubs to Classrooms From Jazz Clubs to Classrooms
Recent releases by two jazz-program graduates, Ryan Keberle and Tyshawn Sorey, make potent cases for whatever educational methods work.
Aug 31, 2017 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu
Letters From the September 11-18, 2017, Issue Letters From the September 11-18, 2017, Issue
Hacking democracy… Make America democratic… Dems: remember the base… Action and words… In defense of prog rock…
Aug 24, 2017 / Our Readers
Lorde Grows Up Lorde Grows Up
In her new album, Lorde captures a generation struggling for independence.
Aug 23, 2017 / Books & the Arts / Stephanie Burt
Wired Up and Let Loose Wired Up and Let Loose
Two new releases bring to light the remarkable prescience of Raymond Scott’s sonic experimentation.
Jul 31, 2017 / David Hajdu
Mal Waldron’s Ecstatic Minimalism Mal Waldron’s Ecstatic Minimalism
The jazz pianist’s style was simple, but the themes that gave shape to his music were not.
Jul 26, 2017 / Books & the Arts / Adam Shatz
The Poetics of Jazz The Poetics of Jazz
A new book presents an alternative aesthetic history of jazz—and is also a challenge to all music critics.
Jul 20, 2017 / David B. Hobbs
The Spirit of Prog Rock The Spirit of Prog Rock
Its creative ambitions were engulfed by its pretensions.
Jul 13, 2017 / Books & the Arts / David Hajdu
The Summer of Love Is Far More Relevant Today Than You Think The Summer of Love Is Far More Relevant Today Than You Think
Fifty years later, the hippies’ rebellion against the national security state is more important than ever.
Jun 19, 2017 / Ira Chernus
Adapting ‘Angels in America’ Adapting ‘Angels in America’
Sometimes, adaptation is a form of redundancy. This new opera, based on Tony Kushner’s 1992 play, is something stirring in its own way and unexpectedly timely.
Jun 16, 2017 / David Hajdu