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The Klezmatics' members are at the forefront of modern klezmer, always pushing the style in new directions. Playing at KEXP at the start of a weeklong tour of the Northwest, the Grammy-winning band performs a rousing set of songs that show off its diversity.

A concept album about fuel-efficient cars may not sounds like the most promising idea for lively music, but that's what Neil Young has done with his new collection of songs. Ken Tucker reviews Fork in the Road.

Two years after her sudden dismissal from Damien Rice's band, in which she sang backup for seven years, the Irish singer has crafted her first solo album. Literally, crafted: Not only did Hannigan write the music, but she also hand-stitched the liner notes.

Music may or may not make babies smarter. But for new parents who are passionate about music, picking the first song their children will hear upon entering the world remains of great importance. A DJ, a critic and a musician talk about what they played for their newborns.

Since leaving his post as guitarist of Drive-By Truckers, Isbell has pursued his own creative voice on two solo albums. The latest, a self-titled release with his new band The 400 Unit, lays down percussion-heavy Southern roots-rock with the perceptive, character-driven songwriting that distinguishes Isbell as one of the best lyricists around.

We're al fresco for New Orleans' Marlon Jordan Quartet, at the annual Summer of Jazz series in scenic Glenwood Springs, Colo. The group improvises with a Miles-and-Trane vibe while dogs, kids, baseball-tossers and Frisbee-throwers groove to the music.

Piano Jazz celebrates its 30th anniversary with a return visit from pianist, composer and arranger Dick Hyman, who appeared on the show during its first season in 1979. Always the fleet-fingered pianist and versatile musician, Hyman performs Gershwin, Jobim and a James P. Johnson rag before winding up the hour playing an improvised blues tune with host Marian McPartland.

The grainy, blurry portrait of Ran Blake on the cover of his album, Driftwoods, looks like spirit photography: the pianist as ghostly presence. His playing can be spooky, too. The CD radically transforms popular vocal standards from Billie Holiday, Hank Williams, Quincy Jones and more.

Ponderosa Stomp is a music festival dedicated to the unsung heroes of solid American roots music. The annual event is a rocking showcase of jazz, soul, funk, rockabilly and swamp-pop combined into two days of non-stop jamming. Hear exclusive performances from Ponderosa Stomp and a chat with the festival's founder: Ira Padnos, a.k.a. "Dr. Ike."

Music critic Milo Miles reviews two new albums: Booker T. Jones's Potato Hole, and Allen Toussaint's The Bright Mississippi.