We celebrate Mardi Gras this week with Gal Costa and Bossa Nova and a sampling of others sure to please.

Gratitude, especially for those very most basic things. “Because all that can be taken away in a second.”

The promise and the progress of La Belle Epoch at the dawn of the 20th Century. And the evil that killed it.

Songs and a brief introduction to The Master and his music, Leonard Cohen on the anniversary of his passing, November 7.

From Simone Kermes to Patsy Cline, and the truth of an illusion.

The continuation of our survey of women’s voices from earliest times to the present day.

A brief review of the suppression of women’s voices from Western music since earliest times–where it succeeded and where it failed.

A look into September’s very own song and a tribute to Anna Netrebko on the occasion of her 50th birthday.

An sally into the ancient times of Babel, unity consciousness, the fall from grace, and the album Babel by French composer Hugh de Courson in which he cross pollinates time, distance and musical heritage.

From Ray Charles to Vivaldi, Christopher Marlowe, and Sting, a celebration in song of summer at its utmost.

Songs and stories of hot summer days, sultry nights; a river god gone mad with desire, and a huntress whose flight spanned continents.