Browsing: Music

A brief history of jazz piano techniques from one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time.

Remix culture is a frequent fixation around here and a central premise of my beliefs about combinatorial creativity. But while intellectual, academic, and legal debates about the role of remix in creative culture certainly have their place, the best way to appreciate the art of remix is through a brilliant manifestation. Case in point: Cookie Monster sings Tom Waits’ “God’s Away on Business” in the best mashup I’ve seen in ages.

Wishing Louis Armstrong a happy 110th birthday with his remarkable rendition of “What a Wonderful World.”

Remembering the great Alex Steinweiss, who designed the first illustrated album cover in 1940 and changed the way records were sold.

A fascinating 2000 documentary about the life and legacy of the great Louis Armstrong

Yoko Ono, Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, Debbie Harry and other cultural icons write retrospective letters of wisdom to their 16-year-old selves.

165 international musicians and composers visualize sheet music in a remarkable showcase of new-age notation.

Five ways to celebrate The First Lady of Song, from children’s illustration to rare concert footage.

A fascinating animated documentary about audio-visual synesthesia, the rare neurological condition that leads stimulation in one sensory pathway to trigger an experience in another.

A rare and revealing look at the iconic band through a series of intimate, never-before-seen photographs taken during The Beatles’ three U.S. tours.