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Nick Morrison, a DJ at Seattle's KPLU, selects 10 of the year's best jazz CDs from instrumental legends and up-and-coming vocalists.

Looking back on the year in jazz, much of the focus naturally falls on young talents such as Vijay Iyer. Still, some of 2009's key records also evoked bygone jazz eras with such creativity that they might signal a new wave of New Orleans and Brazilian jazz.

There are plenty of factors in life that contribute to happiness. But could keeping in touch with your loved ones be the most important?

From the lighthearted and fancy to the haunting and grotesque, NPR station WDUQ highlights some spooky Halloween music you can listen to all year long. Hear jazz vocalists conjure different ghosts out of classic tunes, while horn players coax the demons out of their instruments.

Poet Tracy K. Smith's three favorite poems of 2011 blur the private and public, the personal and political, and will refresh how you look at language and the world.

Shuai Wang thought he'd peaked before competing on Top Chef. But over a plate of food at King BBQ, the chef tells NPR's Debbie Elliott he now knows his career is just getting started.

Also: Paul Ryan is writing a book; more Craigslist poetry; Alexander McCall Smith on W.H. Auden.

Highlights from the 16th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition