Articles Written By Patrick Ambrose
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Profiles
Jello Biafra and the Politics of Punk
Having spent a quarter-century pushing Americans to face the music, the former Dead Kennedys vocalist sits down to tell his thoughts on Obama, political parties, and participatory democracy.
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Profiles
Dianne Reeves
The jazz chanteuse talks about meeting a legend, experimenting with styles, and finding her own voice.
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Profiles
Cassandra Wilson, Impromptu
For singer Cassandra Wilson, some of the best music is composed on the fly, and if the entire performance is last-minute, so much the better.
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Profiles
Jazz Lessons With James “Blood” Ulmer
Growing up in a family that requires Saturday night recitals is a crash course in how to please a crowd. A conversation about a lifetime of commanding performances.
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Profiles
Cecil Taylor Explains It All
Pianist Cecil Taylor stormed onto the New York City club scene in the 1950s, shaking the foundations of modern music with what would become known as free jazz. A conversation with the master.
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Profiles
Moody’s Mood for Bop
Jazz saxophone legend James Moody talks about how racism shaped his early career, what a “hot flute” can do for a repertoire, and encouraging budding musicians.
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Profiles
Around the City With Eliane Elias
Experienced musicians sometimes find it tempting to stick with already-established styles in their later albums. Jazz pianist Eliane Elias talks about breaking the mold.
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Profiles
The New Boss of Bossa Nova
Bossa nova was developed more than 40 years ago in Brazil, but one of its most lively contributors is working today in Brooklyn. A chat with Vinicius Cantuária about his music, how it’s changed, and what inspires him.
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Profiles
Ahí Vamos: The Rock of Gustavo Cerati
Argentina’s Soda Stereo may have lost its pop about 10 years ago, but since then guitarist Gustavo Cerati has proved his skills as a soloist many times over, leaving an indelible mark on rock en español.
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Profiles
Divino, Maravilhoso: The Splendor of Gal Costa
After 40 years in music, how’s a singer keep things interesting? Talking with Brazil’s treasure, Gal Costa, about how things change, and how they stay the same.
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Interviews
Stephen Wright’s Literary Landscape
UFO freaks, plant-loving vets, and science-minded slave owners people Stephen Wright’s novels. Maybe a little off the wall? Maybe not. Patrick Ambrose talks with the writer about his books and their reflections of the human condition.
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Profiles
Andres Levin’s Musical Playground
When musician and producer Andres Levin plays with sound, he doesn’t only create music, he fuses cultures.