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In a mid-'50s jazz landscape increasingly dominated by bebop's aftermath, the largely forgotten band Les Jazz Modes stood apart. "Hoo-Tai" finds the group's chops integrating deftly with its orchestral experiments, and the sum is a finely sculpted, acutely appealing jazz tune.

Producer Derek Rath speaks with Hamilton Lee, drummer for the London-based musical collective Trans-Global Underground. The band blends hip-hop, trance, reggae, Indian classical and several other music forms in its new album, Impossible Broadcasting.

He is now hailed as one of America's greatest musical eminences. But Duke Ellington's early career is the story of how a bright yet unremarkable teenage boy became a musical pioneer, an accomplished composer and a leader of the world's most popular big band.

Five authors, librarians and book shop owners suggest turning to literature to help teach kids about Black history, culture and themes for this Black History Month.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new Silver Jews album, Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea. The band is fronted by singer, songwriter, poet and occasional cartoonist David Berman.

NPR's Fred Child interviews the trumpet soloist for the U.S. Army Band about the song "Taps." English performed the piece at this year's national memorial service for the late President Ronald Reagan.

David Greenberger has a review of Private Astronomy: A Vision of the Music of Beiderbecke, the latest CD from musician Geoff Muldaur and the band Futuristic Ensemble. They explore the music of Bix Beiderbecke, the legendary cornet player from the 1920s.

Classical pianist Christopher O'Riley is best known for his interpretations of music by such composers as Stravinksy and Ravel. But on his latest album, True Love Waits, he transforms the compositions of rock band Radiohead. NPR's Michele Norris talks with O'Riley.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Forever Hasn't Happened Yet the new CD by John Doe, formerly of the punk-rock band X.

Music critic Tom Moon has a review of the major-label debut from The Polyphonic Spree, Together We're Heavy. The band is a 26-member symphonic pop group from Dallas, Texas.