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Orchestra Baobab Reunites

An icon in the world music scene reunites and releases the first new recording in over a decade. Senegal's Orchestra Baobab had been on a 15-year hiatus, and now they're making a splash with their first tour of the United States. Banning Eyre reports. Orchestra Baobob, Specialist in All Styles Nonesuch ASIN: B00006JIAP Orchestra Baobob, Pirates Choice Nonesuch ASIN: B00005UPF7

Orchestra Baobab Reunites

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Music Interviews

Mezzo-Soprano Reprises Songs of the Castrati

Opera latecomer Vivica Genaux builds a reputation by singing music originally performed by castrated men. The New York Times names her solo debut CD — composed of the "greatest hits" of famed 18th-century castrato Carlo Broschi — one the year's best vocal recordings. David D'Arcy profiles Genaux.

Mezzo-Soprano Reprises Songs of the Castrati

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Record Labels Say 2002 Another Lousy Year

The recording industry's trade association says 2002 amounts to a terrible year for the major labels. According to preliminary estimates, the number of records sold this year may have fallen by 10 percent. That follows a 10-percent decline in 2001 and a seven-percent drop the year before. NPR's Rick Karr reports.

Record Labels Say 2002 Another Lousy Year

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'The Rural Life'

NPR's Alex Chadwick talks to writer Verlyn Klinkenborg about his new book, The Rural Life, a collection of essays about life in the countryside in different parts of America. Klinkenborg lives part of the week in New York City, and part of the week on a farm in upstate New York.

'The Rural Life': Reflections on Rustic Living

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Jazzy 'Chicago' Dances to Big Screen

Zeta-Jones sings! Zellweger dances! It's the film version of the musical smash Chicago, with movie stars trying out some previously unexplored territory. Did we mention Richard Gere tap dances? NPR's Bob Mondello offers a review.

Jazzy 'Chicago' Dances to Big Screen

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Novelist Proulx's 'Ace in the Hole'

Annie Proulx (The Shipping News) writes about strange people in lonely places. Her latest novel, That Old Ace in the Hole, explores the vanishing Texas panhandle. Proulx, 67, says it may be her last novel, though she'll keep writing short stories. Tom Vitale reports.

Novelist Proulx's 'Ace in the Hole'

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'Sting' Director George Roy Hill Dies at 81

Film director George Roy Hill dies of complications from Parkinson's disease. Hill, who was 81, is best-remembered for two films in particular: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting. NPR's Neda Ulaby offers an appreciation.

'Sting' Director George Roy Hill Dies at 81

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'The Pianist,' a Holocaust Film from Survivor Polanski

The Pianist is a holocaust film from a holocaust survivor: director Roman Polanski. But while Polanski shares a special connection with the lead character -- an artist who endures many horrors -- the story is not Polanski's. NPR's Bob Mondello offers a review.

'The Pianist,' a Holocaust Film from Survivor Polanski

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Moore's Return to the '50s: 'Heaven' and 'Hours'

Actress Julianne Moore has major roles in two films evoking the 1950s that are currently in theaters: Far From Heaven and The Hours. Same era, very different characters, Moore says. She speaks with NPR's Michele Norris.

Moore's Return to the '50s: 'Heaven' and 'Hours'

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2002: The Year in Film

Film critics say 2002 was a roller coaster of a year for movies, with staggering hits and blockbuster bombs. NPR's Bob Edwards talks with Los Angeles Times critic Kenneth Turan about the 2002 booms and busts and the cinematic prospects for 2003.

2002: The Year in Film

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Music Interviews

B.B. King's Endless Blues Highways

Blues legend B.B. King is still on the road. It's no surprise, really. The 77-year-old guitarist been toured nearly non-stop for more than half a century and he's still playing more than 200 events a year. NPR's Tom Cole offers a profile.

B.B. King's Endless Blues Highways

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Review

Music Reviews

Joni Mitchell Releases 'Final' Recording

Singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell says Travelogue, just released, will be her last. It's a retrospective of Mitchell's long career, performed with a choir and orchestra. The Wall Street Journal's Jim Fusilli reviews Mitchell's ultimate release.

Joni Mitchell Releases 'Final' Recording

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The Life of a Troubled Neighborhood, Caught on Tape

Curtis Mozie, 37, has videotaped events in Washington, D.C.'s Shaw neighborhood for two decades. He's captured a narrative of good times and bad. He hopes the tapes will help people realize the full impact of gang violence. NPR's Shannon Rhoades reports.

The Life of a Troubled Neighborhood, Caught on Tape

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Check It Out: Spielberg's 'Catch Me If You Can'

Steven Spielberg's new caper movie, Catch Me If You Can, stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abagnale, Jr. who, at 17, became the youngest person ever to make the FBI's Most Wanted List. Tom Hanks plays the agent assigned to catch him. Bob Mondello has a review.

Check It Out: Spielberg's 'Catch Me If You Can'

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Christmas Carols from the 'Madrigal Singers'

The Madrigal Singers of the National Cathedral School for girls and St. Alban's School for boys perform at NPR. They sing three Christmas carols, including "Silent Night" in Japanese. The 22 performers were picked from a 90-member choir directed by Ben Hutto. NPR's Robert Siegel listens in.

Christmas Carols from the 'Madrigal Singers'

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