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This week marks the centennial of the birth of Coleman Hawkins, the jazz saxophonist who helped define his instrument. A new recording compiles some of Coleman Hawkins' best work, and critic Jim Fusilli says it's a must-have for any fan of American music.

The musical quartet Devotchka uses upright bass, glockenspiel, tuba, accordian, trumpet and theramin in an exotic mix of South American rhythms, Eastern European gypsy melodies and North American folk music. Mikel Jollett of Filter magazine reviews the CD How It Ends.

When he was a child, music critic Tom Manoff heard the music of Edvard Grieg, particularly his piano concerto in A-minor. This piece of music is known as a workhorse. In pop music, it would be referred to as a "greatest hit." Tom Manoff talks about the status of the warhorse in classical music and we hear Grieg's piano concerto performed here by Leif Ove Andsnes.

Bebe Winans' new CD Dream, inspired by the Rev. Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech, hits music stores on Tuesday. Ed Gordon talks to his friend about pursuing a movie career and writing inspirational music.

"Django" was The Modern Jazz Quartet's biggest hit. The album of the same name exemplifies the band's divergent style, incorporating elements of bop, classical music, and the cool jazz movement. Listen for John Lewis' use of baroque fugues in the album's eclectic tracks.

Matthew Ward grew up in a home filled with music. The singer and songwriter, who performs under the name M. Ward, remembers hearing a wide range of tunes including Louis Armstrong's version of "Hello Dolly," the Carter Family's spirituals and the Doors. Our reviewer says Ward's new album, Transistor Radio, attempts to capture that diversity.

The saxophonist James Carter has recorded tributes to Billie Holiday and the gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, among others. On a new record called Gold Sounds, he and a top-shelf trio pick a less obvious target: the work of the alternative rock band Pavement.

NPR reviewer Tom Moon shares his picks for the year's best CDs, from the lo-fi, indie folk of Iron and Wine to a newly discovered live recording by Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane.

An older style of acoustic music -- most deeply associated with guitarists John Fahey and Max Ochs -- is being revamped by younger musicians like Jack Rose and others featured on a new compilation, Imaginational Anthem.

All Songs Considered counts down the year’s best music. Host Bob Boilen talks with reviewers and listeners about their picks for the best CDs and songs of 2005. The show was originally webcast live on NPR.org