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Charles de Ledesma reviews the new CD from Trilok Gurtu, called African Fantasy. Gurtu is a composer and percussionist from Bombay, well known for incorporating the sounds of his native India with other music, like jazz and rock. This CD explores the common musical ground of India and Africa. The Label Is The Verve Music Group.

"Outside" sets the tone for Injury Reserve's deeply claustrophobic, delightfully warped experimental hip-hop album.

The singer-songwriter, renowned for his hushed work, looked to his surroundings for inspiration on his new album, Local Valley.

Philly has historically been home to generations of forward-thinking, boundlessly creative Black artists. This year, the Black Music City program celebrated that legacy with a series of projects.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Electric Waco Chair, the new recording by the Chicago based group The Waco Brothers. One of the band's leaders is Jon Langford, formerly of the British group the Mekons.

Banning Eyre reports on the legacy of Nigerian bandleader and activist Fela Kuti. Kuti came from a talented and educated family. He was educated in England and spent time in America. In the 1970's, his jazz and funk-influenced music challenged the political and military leadership of Nigeria. His lifestyle reflected his sharp rejection of Western ideas. Kuti eventually died of complications from AIDS. But his life is attracting new attention here in the US as his son Femi tours with a band, and a new biography by Michael Veal details his life. (12:30) Please note, Fela: The Life & Times of an African Musical Icon, by Michael E. Veal is published by Temple University Press; ISBN# 1566397650, June 2000.

NPR's Julie McCarthy reports from Prague on the opening of The World Bank and International Monetary Fund annual meetings. To counter the expected protests, the World Bank is trying emphasize that they are listening to pleas for social justice...and they're doing that with Bono...the lead singer of the Irish rock band, U2.

David Greenberger reviews a new CD by Dave Alvin, titled Public Domain: Songs from the Wild Land. The tracks are all traditional folk songs, like "Shenandoah,' and "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down."

NPR's Michele Kelemen reports from Moscow that an overwhelming majority of CDs purchased in Russia are illegal copies, sold openly and cheaply at stores and open-air markets. Pirating has taken a heavy toll on Russian musicians. Deprived of income from their recordings, they're almost always on the road, forced to keep to a grueling live performance schedules.

Singer-songwriter Teddy Thompson may only have one CD to his name, but the Thompson name has been a major force in folk music since the 1960s. Teddy's father, Richard, formed the seminal folk rock band Fairport Convention, then later paired with Teddy's mother, Linda, to record six acclaimed albums. The pair divorced shortly after recording their last record, which eerily previewed the breakup. Teddy Thompson was just 7 at the time; he talks with Frank about his debut CD, the inspiration behind the music, and the effects of growing up in the English folk tradition.