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The experimental rock band based in New York draws on early vocal music, modern soul and other sources, defying categorization in the process. According to critic Will Hermes, the band's new album, Bitte Orca, is a breakthrough.

Asleep In The Bread Aisle is the latest release from rapper Asher Roth, who grew up white in the suburbs. Roth says he hopes his work — as well as the person he happens to be — will challenge the hip-hop community.

Critic Tom Manoff reviews a new recording of Rachmaninov's preludes by pianist Steven Osborne, who opts for innocence over opulence, giving each of the 24 preludes its own distinct and compelling character.

Though the 25-year-old singer-songwriter has been writing songs for only six years, his songs exude wisdom. The 13 tracks on Build Me This weave together themes of spirituality, love and music. As on his debut album, he often turns to sparse and moody atmospherics to draw out the drama.

Parlato defies easy categorization as a vocalist. She has a gift for being just a member of the band, a role reserved for few singers. She has what it takes to live up to the expectation and level of performance of her contemporaries. In a session from WBGO, she performs songs from In a Dream.

The son of a church organist, Ade knew from a young age that music was his life's passion. He left grammar school in the 1960s, started a band and hasn't looked back since. He's been the member of multiple groups over the years, founded his own label and has been recording all the while. To date, he's put out more than 100 singles and LPs, and earned two Grammy nominations in the process.

At the core of The Jayhawks' alt-country music is the combined talent of Gary Louris and Mark Olson. These guys seem to have it all: impeccable guitar lines, smooth harmonies and songwriting capabilities that rival just about any musician (or group of musicians) around.

In tribute to Dave McKenna, Marian McPartland asked pianist and singer Daryl Sherman to guest host this remembrance that includes clips from the two programs McKenna did with McPartland in 1979 and 1994. Sherman also puts a delightful twist on "Rhode Island is Famous for You" and "Teddy Ballgame."

Long Island native Mindy Smith continues to move beyond the boundaries of mainstream country by pairing sugary vocals with surprisingly dark lyrics. On her new album, Stupid Love, Smith expands her musical palette with the addition of rich instrumental layers, all while exploring the turbulent nature of relationships. Hear her in a session on World Cafe.

What can eccentric young New York singer-songwriter Nellie McKay have in common with notoriously normal Hollywood icon Doris Day? The comparison only begins with McKay's new album, Normal as Blueberry Pie: A Tribute to Doris Day.