This edition brings you the music of Debussy, from the Washington Saxophone Quartet; R. Crumb and his band, Les Primitis du Futur. You'll also hear Michael Masley's cymbalom; Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo'ole; extraordinary guitarist Michael Hedges; the Austrian group, Die Knodel; and the rock-and-roll sounds of The Sprague Brothers.
Download this show in the All Songs Considered podcast.
Sign up for the All Songs Considered newsletter and we'll tell you when new music features are available on the site.
Copyright 2024 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Debussy a la Washington Sax Quartet, Les Primitifs Du Futur
Golliwogg's Cake Walk
"Golliwogg's Cake Walk"
The Washington Saxophone Quartet offer unique interpretations on everything from Bach and Beethoven to Joplin and Gershwin.
The Fox Musette
"The Fox Musette"
Cartoonist R. Crumb plays the claw-hammered-style banjo and sings in this group from Paris. If you like music from the 1920s, you'll enjoy this unique sound.
Tip of the Icebird
"Tip of the Icebird"
Michael Masley plays an instrument you likely haven't heard of: a "cymbalom." Masley picks, bows, and strikes the strings of this dulcimer-like instrument to create a beautifully haunting sound.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World"
Nicknamed the "Gentle Giant," Israel Kamakawiwo'ole has a tender voice with a giant sound. He gained international fame with this featured selection: A medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What A Wonderful World."
Ritual Dance
"Ritual Dance"
Michael Hedges pioneered an inimitable playing style sowcased on this Grammy Award-winning album, Taproot.
Die Wurst (Die Noodle!)
"Die Wurst (Die Noodle!)"
The Austrian group, Die Knodel is sometimes comical with a cinematic sound.
Money Makes the Man
"Money Makes the Man"
The Sprague Brothers are reminiscent of the Beatles or the Everley Brothers, but with a sound that is very much their own.