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Soundcheck

Thursday, June 23, 2005
  • Hugh Maskela
    Hugh Maskela

    Jazz Ambassadors

    Hugh Masekela has been called the "father of African jazz," and South Africa's musical ambassador to the world. He has the credentials to back it up too: he has released over 30 albums in his lifetime, played with Paul Simon on his "Graceland" tour, and his 1987 hit "Bring Him Back Home" became the anthem for Nelson Mandela's world tour following his release from prison in 1992. Hugh joins us today to talk about music and his "instrument of resistance." Also, bassist-composer Ben Allison, named as one of "the 25 rising jazz stars of the future" by Downbeat magazine, stops by to chat about the myriads projects he’s involved with and his upcoming performance at the JVC Jazz festival.

Best Live Performances of 2008

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We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

The Year in Music and Branding

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Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Critics Week

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Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

Noteworthy New York

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We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.