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In his short but brilliant career, he pioneered a new standard of rapid-fire virtuosity on the electric bass and helped bridge the jazz and pop music of his day. Close collaborators offer a retrospective on Jaco Pastorius.

A few years ago, Alan Alda was up for an Oscar, had won another Emmy, had a happy marriage, kids and grandkids. Then one night, out of the blue, he heard a little voice asking: Are you living a life of meaning? In a new book, the former M*A*S*H star attempts to answer that question.

Jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut and Elvis Presley aren't a likely pairing: Chestnut is one of the top pianists of a generation born many years after songs like "Love Me Tender" made Presley the king of rock 'n' roll. Hear an interview and performance from Studio 4A.

Rob Crow and Zach Smith, members of the band Pinback, play tunes from their new album, Autumn of the Seraphs. Autumn is the indie rock band's fourth full-length album. The duo also brings in a pair of drummers, Mario Rubalcaba and Chris Prescott, on several tracks.

Fresh Air's jazz critic reviews Quartet, a live performance from the McCoy Tyner Quartet, featuring pianist McCoy Tyner, saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts.

Iron and Wine's "Lovesong of the Buzzard" gets a wonderfully warm-blooded arrangement, as organs and steel guitars contribute to a sound that's downright springy. The arrangement may be a cool glass of lemonade, but singer Sam Beam spikes it with something potent and satisfying.

Matthew Dear's "Deserter" sounds like a gem plucked from a compilation of early-'80s European synth-pop. His emotionless voice serves Dear's chilly new-wave perfectly, just as the song serves as an ideal introduction to his new album's icy pop excellence.

Ann Hampton Callaway is a multi-talented artist who defies labels. She is equally at home on stage as she is in the worlds of jazz, pop and cabaret. Callaway's award-winning compositions are as impressive as her three-octave vocal range. Hear and interview and performance.

Bay Area disc jockey Jimmy Lyons got Brubeck to play piano for the Monterey City Council more than 50 years ago to convince it to put on a festival. The Monterey Jazz Festival is in its 50th year, and Brubeck returns for his 14th appearance. Hear his complete concert.

Following up on their platinum debut album, Into the Rush, the sister act Aly & AJ serves up Insomniatic, an album heavy on the teen-relationship tunes. Fresh Air's rock critic reviews the latest from the sisters Michalka.