JP Marat

French Actress and Singer Charlotte Gainesbourgh has just released one of my favorite albums of 2017. You've seen her films including Jane Eyre, Les Miserables, 21 Grams and Melancholia. Her latest collection of tracks, primarily in French, are lovely, innovative and artful. Is "Rest" the best album of the year ?

Sergei Prokofiev received a commission from the Moscow Children's Theatre in 1936 to write a symphony for children. The result was the globally renowned "Peter and the Wolf." This afternoon's show is narrated by David Bowie.

"Hunky Dory" is one of my favorite David Bowie Albums. It was released in 1971. The instrumentals are understated. The vocals are sublime.

SONGS from SOUTH AFRICA, NIGERIA AND THE CONGO Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Asa (Asha), Papa Wemba, Tracks from Graceland, Savuka

Today we proffer the first act of the English Language Opera "Nixon in China" written by John Adams (libretto by Alice Goodman). This opera tells the story of Richard Nixon's trip to China in 1972 which helped reverse decades of hostility between our two nations. Later in the show we present "The Red Detachment of Women." This was the Chinese ballet/symphony/opera presented to Richard and Patricia Nixon during their visit. It tells the story of Wu, an oppressed female peasant who is beaten by her landlord and left for dead. Wu revives, escapes to the mountains and joins the "Red Detachment of Women" who return to overthrow the landlord and liberate her village. As the situation on the Korean peninsula deteriorates, these works are presented in the hope that listeners will reflect upon the hardship caused by national antagonisms and promote relationships of mutual trust and benefit, particularly with those with whom we disagree.

This afternoon we offer a full hour of Puerto Rican Musicians including: Pirulo y la Tribu (New voice of PR Salsa), Daddy Yankee (Reggaeton Cool), Jennifer Lopez (PR Pop Princess), Vaya Con Dios (Big Ballads) and Tito Puente (Classic Salsa). Our thoughts are with the proud and undefeated people of Puerto Rico as they rebuild their island paradise in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria. Puerto Rico Rises !

Blues legend Willie Dixon presents his original tracks made famous by Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Gil Evans, Allman Brothers Band, The Doors and Cream. "Back Door Man" , BREAK ONE "The Seventh Son" , "I Ain’t Superstitious" , "You Shook Me" , BREAK TWO "I’m Your Hoochie Cooche Man" , "Little Red Rooster" , "The Same Thing" , BREAK THREE "Spoonful by Willie Dixon" , "Spoonful (Jazz Version by Gil Evans)" ,

Parisfal was the final (and some think the finest) Opera written by Richard Wagner. For many years it was only performed at the Bayreuth Festival Theatre in Bavaria. Both the opera and the composer are highly controversial. Check it out yourself and let me know what you think.

Seal (a.k.a. Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel) came onto the music scene in the 1980's. His first breakout album was released in 1991 and simply titled "Seal." Since then he's sold over 28 million records world wide. Tonight we offer many of his lesser known acoustic, live and soulful tracks. Some are rare versions of his most beloved songs. Others are artful covers of standard soul songs. Feel free to download copies of this podcast from WCRS or my personal website (www.BigBarkingDog.com). SEAL - RARE, LIVE AND SOULFUL “Crazy” BREAK ONE “Prayer for the Dying” “Deep Water” “Show Me” “It’s a Man’s World” “Fast Changes” BREAK TWO “Life on Mars” “I’m Still in Love with You” “Back Stabbers” “Let’s Stay Together” “Kiss from a Rose”

Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderly, Bill Evans and friends explore modal jazz in "Kind of Blue." This sublime composition from 1959 is widely recognized as one of the best selling, most respected Jazz albums of all time.