Josephine Baker leading the way for black American musicians fleeing Jim Crow for Europe.

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

For the week of Valentine’s Day, a selection of songs that look at love from all different angles.

What’s Going On.

Music written for and about these deepest darkest days of winter in poetry, song and prayer.

Love is dropping off, hate is gaining ground in the pop charts. Misery too on the rise. Let Adagio be your antidote! 

Tangos of James Crabb and Susanna Moncayo. Also Alberto Iglesias, James Horner, and a tribute to the courage of Martin Luther King Jr.

Stories for the Long Winter Nights

We are seeking the simplest possible scheme of thought that will bind together the observed facts. –Albert Einstein

Music of the little known Etta Jones with a mix of Huston Person her co-creator, and the artistry of recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder.

Music of the holidays.

A few comments on the effectiveness of music on the brain, and then a lot of excellent brain soothing music.

An 18th Century Middle Eastern musician visits Leipzig; Emily Jane Brontë in the 19th, finishing with music of the present.

The grace and wisdom of Tecumseh in the face of certain defeat.

A brief sketch of the life and music of America’s great lyricist Johnny Mercer.

A brief sampling of the sound of eight cellos, as composed by Johann Johannsson, Bernat Vivancos, and Joep Beving, above.

Music of the Master, the Maestro, the Mystic from Montreal.

Maurice Chevalier, Antonio Vivaldi for openers on our way into a glimpse into Mexican folklore and song.

A look back at the genius of arranger and composer Gil Evans.

Music of a range of performers, songs of autumn that mimic the stillness of these autumn days.