Folk & Bluegrass

Among his many roles in entertainment, Shearer is also one of the creators of and performers in the mock-rock group Spinal Tap. He also does several voices on "The Simpsons." Shearer has a new book of the columns he wrote for the Los Angeles Times Magazine. He'll also be appearing tomorrow at The Museum of Television & Radio in New York City, to talk about his work on "Saturday Night Live" and his syndicated radio program, "Le Show."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews new CDs by two women artists who go beyond their country-singer label: "Everytime You Say Goodbye," by Allison Krauss, and "Culture Swing," by Tish Hinojosa.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new release by singer/songwriter/poet Leonard Cohen.

World music critic Milo Miles tells us about Fellow Travellers, an English acoustic band who blends reggae with country music.

Wainwright is best known for his 1973 hit "Dead Skunk ." Considered by many to be a satirical and caustic folksinger, his latest album, History, is a highly personal album. He sings frankly about marriage, parenthood, and child abuse.

World music critic Milo Miles reviews "Mambo" by Remmy Ongala, which features polyrhythmic folk sounds and smart lyrics about the social issues affecting his home country of Tanzania.

In 1966, Young joined L.A. rock band Buffalo Springfield; they split up 3 albums later due to inter-band fighting and a lack of commercial success. He later joined Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, and pursued a solo career. After embracing a loud, grungy sound for years, he's recorded a new folk album, called "Harvest Moon."

A concert and interview with producer/performer/songwriter T. Bone Burnett. Rolling Stone once called him "the best songwriter in America." He's produced records for Elvis Costello, John Hiatt, Marshall Crenshaw, and others. His new album is called "The Criminal Under My Own Hat."

World music commentator Milo Miles reviews the new album by the Terem ("Ter-yem") Quartet from St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad). It's a group that couldn't have existed in the past. (Realworld Records)

World music commentator Milo Miles explores the eerie music of the master musicians of Jajouka, Morocco.

World music critic Milo Miles reviews some current books on African music. His big recommendation is "Sweet Mother: Modern African Music," by Wolfgang Bender (published by University of Chicago Press).

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward plays some of the many 1960s artists who tried to cash in on the Bob Dylan sound.

World music commentator Milo Miles tells us about the Brazilian music called forro, which is a ragtag, party style based around the accordion.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the "Bob Dylan: The Bootleg Series," a three-CD set which covers three decades of Dylan's career. Tucker says it's interesting, but doesn't match Dylan's official albums.

Terry talks with ethnomusicologist Steven Feld. His new record, "Voices of the Rainforest," captures the songs of the Kaluli people of Paupa New Guinea. Feld also works for preservation of the world's rain forests, since if the forests are eliminated, so will much indigenous music.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the singer-songwriter's "Night Ride Home," which he says is a return to the pop sound that marked her great, earlier albums.

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward surveys some of this year's best rock and roll CD re-issues, featuring higher-fidelity sound and more informative liner notes.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the singer's album, "Enlightenment." Tucker says it's a partial return to Morrison's more accessible, folk-rock roots.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Heartbeats Accelerating, the new album by Kate and Anna McGarrigle. He says it's an accessible, updated version of their austere, folk sound.

The singer performs for Fresh Air audiences with pianist Huw Warren. Tabor was a mainstay of the British folk scene, and has more recently branched out into other forms of music. Despite her accomplishments, she admits to not practicing and never learning to read music. Her latest album is called Freedom and Rain.