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In Anouar Brahem's native Tunisia, the oud is known today mainly in the context of loud and large ensembles that leave it all but buried in a dervish of sound. But Brahem highlights the stringed instrument in a delicate, often introspective context. On his new CD, Le pas du chat noir, the oud is part of an unlikely trio including piano and accordion. He talks with Liane Hansen on Weekend Edition Sunday.

In his special year-end installment of Director's Cuts, Ned Wharton, music director of Weekend Edition Sunday, offers musical gift suggestions, including albums by Tim Sparks, Joni Mitchell and Rachel Z.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer George Crumb remains best known for music he wrote in the 1960s and 70s. His work included Black Angels, a response to the Vietnam War. Now a Crumb revival is afoot, with two works premiering this fall, and a third scheduled for spring. Joel Rose of member station WHYY reports.

Duncan Sheik burst onto the music scene in 1997 with his hit single "Barely Breathing," and garnered rave reviews for his own brand of folk-tinged pop music. For his fourth record, Daylight, New York-based Sheik — singer, songwriter, composer, producer and guitarist — dares to rock out a little more than usual. He talks to NPR's Jacki Lyden.

On Morning Edition hear about the perfect accompaniment for preparing the holiday turkey. Music commentator Miles Hoffman joins the show to discuss pizzicato and the joys of plucking stringed instruments.

Like singing in close harmony, a pair of guitars intertwine, finishing each other's phrases with radiant transparency in Ravel's magic garden.

Ken Tucker reviews Original Pirate Material the debut collection by white British rapper Mike Skinner otherwise known as The Streets.

Music critic Steven Ivory gives Tavis Smiley a preview of this year's Grammy Award nominees.

NPR's Scott Simon speaks with musician Michael Feinstein and Ray Evans, half of the songwriting team Livingston and Evans, who wrote such classics as "Mona Lisa," "Que Sera Sera," and the theme to the television show "Mister Ed," about a new CD, The Livingston and Evans Songbook.

Mark O'Connor has spent quality time as a Nashville fiddler, a rocker with The Dixie Dregs, and as a classical violinist. His new CD, In Full Swing, jumps into jazz with the help of trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and vocalist Jane Monheit. NPR's Liane Hansen talks with O'Connor about his varied career and the Hot Swing Trio.