Music

Alisa Amador (Courtesy Jacqueline Marie Photo)

How her Tiny Desk Contest win returned Alisa Amador to a life in music

The Boston musician beat out thousands of entries with her song, "Milonga Accidental," which explores Amador's quest for a sense of belonging across cultural identities.

Arts & Culture

May 19, 2022

Ryan Lee Crosby (Courtesy Lisette Rooney)

Medford bluesman Ryan Lee Crosby captures the moody sounds of Bentonia, Mississippi on new album

The 42-year-old post-punk rocker’s new album “Winter Hill Blues” — named after Winter Hill in Somerville — channels the moody blues of Bentonia, Mississippi, the North Mississippi blues, and sees...

Arts & Culture

May 18, 2022

Musician Johan Lenox debuts symphonically inspired pop album 'WDYWTBWYGU'

The Winchester native fully embraces the ennui of adolescence on his debut album, his insecurities shamelessly on display and begging for analysis.

Arts & Culture

May 12, 2022

Rapper $ean Wire is stepping out of his comfort zone on 'Reflections'

Wire brings an authenticity and a forever growing world perspective to his new project. "This is the season of executing," he says. "This is the season of discipline."

Arts & Culture

May 2, 2022

The Duke Ellington Orchestra pose for a group shot in 1934 with Duke Ellington in centre, Sonny Greer kneeling left and Freddy Jenkins right then (left to right) (middle) Barney Bigard, Marshall Royal, Johnny Hodges, Harry Carney and Wellman Braud, (back) Cootie Williams, Juan Tizol, Lawrence Brown, Arthur Whetsol and Fred Guy. (Photo by JP Jazz Archive/Redferns via Getty)

Bob Oakes' playlist of tunes by jazz legend Harry Carney

Listen to the songs featured in our appreciation of Harry Carney's music and artistry on the baritone saxophone.

Arts & Culture

Apr 29, 2022

Saxophonist Harry Carney, who grew up in Boston's South End, performing on stage in England in 1963. (Photo by Express/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

From back door gigs to Duke Ellington's Orchestra, Boston's Harry Carney made the saxophone sing

Carney is revered by many, if not most, baritone saxophone players as the “godfather” of the instrument. He could blow and hold notes on his saxophone like few other players...

Arts & Culture

09:06Apr 29, 2022

Singer Miranda Rae is intent on emerging from her cocoon

The neo-soul artist is coming into her own. “I think sometimes I play it a little safe with my lyrics. But on my next project, I really just want to...

Arts & Culture

07:22Apr 28, 2022

Left to right: punk band Gogol Bordello (Courtesy Daniel Efram); musician Julian Kytasty (Courtesy)

For Ukrainian American artists, music made in the U.S. can benefit a country under attack

Punk band Gogol Bordello and musician Julian Kytasty play drastically different genres of music, but have a common goal: showing the world what is happening in Ukraine and providing aid...

Arts & Culture

Apr 27, 2022

Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe of the band Lucius. (Courtesy Max Wagner)

Pop band Lucius heads out on tour with new album 'Second Nature'

The band’s 52-date tour kicks off at MASS MoCA in North Adams on April 28 and Boston’s Roadrunner on April 29.

Arts & Culture

Apr 26, 2022

Soprano soloist Amanda Majeski with the Tanglewood Festival Chorus singing War Requiem. (Courtesy Hilary Scott/Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Following first unmasked concert, chorus members share cautionary tale

More than 30 members of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus and the Boston Symphony Orchestra tested positive for COVID-19 following a performance in Boston last weekend.

Arts & Culture

03:13Apr 15, 2022

Left to right: Drew McDonald, Brandon Hagen and Zack Abramo of Vundabar. (Courtesy Phobymo)

Boston band Vundabar travels surrealist highways on new album 'Devil for the Fire'

Following his father’s stroke, singer Brandon Hagen’s unhurried, yet emotive indie songs explore an abstract journey deep into the mind.

Arts & Culture

Apr 14, 2022

Nine Inch Nails will headline Boston Calling's first night of the 2022 festival on May 27. (Courtesy Boston Calling)

Nine Inch Nails replace Foo Fighters for Boston Calling's return in May

Nine Inch Nails, in their first tour since 2018, will replace Foo Fighters at Boston Calling after drummer Taylor Hawkins' death.

Arts & Culture

Apr 6, 2022

Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra on stage at Symphony Hall. (Courtesy Boston Symphony Orchestra)

10 classical concerts to enjoy this spring

This season offers a wealth of intriguing concerts by Boston’s extraordinary classical performers. Arts critic Lloyd Schwartz shares the ones he's most excited about.

Arts & Culture

Apr 6, 2022

A performance during the 2019 The Town and The City Festival. (Courtesy Coleman Rogers)

Jack Kerouac-inspired art and music festival returns in Lowell

Twice postponed due to COVID-19 driven shutdowns and regulations, the third installment of The Town and The City Festival will finally take place at multiple sites throughout the city April...

Arts & Culture

Apr 5, 2022

In the wake of Taylor Hawkins' death, the Foo Fighters have canceled their 2022 tour, including their appearance at Boston Calling. (AP/Invision/Amy Harris)

Foo Fighters cancel Boston Calling performance after death of drummer Taylor Hawkins

Foo Fighters have announced the cancelation of all upcoming shows in their global tour, which included a stop in Boston.

Arts & Culture

Mar 29, 2022

Musicians recording at Pink Noise Studios. (Courtesy Dan Thorn)

Somerville's Pink Noise Studios closes its doors

Established by audio engineer and musician Dan Thorn, the studio has recorded an estimated 50 bands and musicians, served as a practice space for around 15 bands and hosted approximately...

Arts & Culture

Mar 28, 2022

Members of Boston Children's Chorus. (Courtesy Boston Children's Chorus)

Boston Children's Chorus will honor Ukraine with independence hymn

Boston Children's Choir, a group of more than 250 young singers, will sing the patriotic hymn "A Prayer for Ukraine" at BCC's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert. It...

Arts & Culture

Mar 25, 2022

The founding members of Trash Rabbit. Left to right: Nic Adams, Mena Lemos and Gibran Mobarak. (Courtesy Caroline Daniels)

Trash Rabbit's unsettling new music video channels the paranoid mind

The Boston band's song, "Dead House," is delirious and circular, like the spinning thoughts of an insomniac.

Arts & Culture

Mar 25, 2022

On his new album, Bob Wolfman pays tribute to his friend Jimi Hendrix

On "Tribute To a Friend," Wolfman strives to demonstrate Hendrix's artistry with nine covers and two originals inspired by the legendary musician.

Arts & Culture

Mar 23, 2022

The crowd during the opening night of Roadrunner with Billy Strings onstage. (Courtesy Ben Stas/The Bowery Presents)

Roadrunner’s sound and sightlines make it an 'A grade' concert venue

WBUR music writer Jim Sullivan attended two concerts in the venue's opening week and shares his experience.

Arts & Culture

Mar 22, 2022

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How her Tiny Desk Contest win returned Alisa Amador to a life in music

Medford bluesman Ryan Lee Crosby captures the moody sounds of Bentonia, Mississippi on new album

Musician Johan Lenox debuts symphonically inspired pop album 'WDYWTBWYGU'

Rapper $ean Wire is stepping out of his comfort zone on 'Reflections'

Bob Oakes' playlist of tunes by jazz legend Harry Carney

From back door gigs to Duke Ellington's Orchestra, Boston's Harry Carney made the saxophone sing

Singer Miranda Rae is intent on emerging from her cocoon

For Ukrainian American artists, music made in the U.S. can benefit a country under attack

Pop band Lucius heads out on tour with new album 'Second Nature'

Following first unmasked concert, chorus members share cautionary tale

Boston band Vundabar travels surrealist highways on new album 'Devil for the Fire'

Nine Inch Nails replace Foo Fighters for Boston Calling's return in May

10 classical concerts to enjoy this spring

Jack Kerouac-inspired art and music festival returns in Lowell

Foo Fighters cancel Boston Calling performance after death of drummer Taylor Hawkins

Somerville's Pink Noise Studios closes its doors

Boston Children's Chorus will honor Ukraine with independence hymn

Trash Rabbit's unsettling new music video channels the paranoid mind

On his new album, Bob Wolfman pays tribute to his friend Jimi Hendrix

Roadrunner’s sound and sightlines make it an 'A grade' concert venue