Smooth Swedish jazz from Koop; Novelist, poet, songwriter Charles Trenet; Self-taught guitar wonder Johnny Smith; Murdering music with Spike Jones; The digital rebirth of Enrico Caruso; A bit of paradise from Ennio Morricone; A sneak preview of all-new Peter Gabriel
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Enrico Caruso, Ennio Morricone, Peter Gabriel
Waltz for Koop
Like smooth cocktail jazz, NPR music reviewer Michell Mercer calls Koop the "musical equivalent of anti-depressant light visors."
Hop Hop
When Charles Trenet died last year, he left behind several novels, poetry, and nearly a thousand original songs. Known as the "singing fool," Trenet's music was playful and always beautiful.
Moonlight in Vermont
Entirely self-taught, Johnny Smith was one of the most sought-after session guitarists of the '40s and '50s. He's alive and well, living in Colorado. But, remarkably, Smith has quit playing the guitar all together.
Holiday for Strings
Known for his first-class musical mayhem, Spike Jones made melodies from an odd assortment of noise-makers, from car horns to washboards and handguns.
O Sole Mio
Once considered the greatest tenor in the world, Enrico Caruso died more than 80 years ago. His voice returns now backed by an all-new orchestra on this digital miracle from RCA.
Cinema Paradiso
Ennio Morricone was first recognized nearly 40 years ago for the Spaghetti Western soundtracks he wrote for Sergio Leone. Today he's considered one of the most important and prolific composers of the 20th century. His soundtrack for the film Cinema Paradiso is one of his most popular.
Signal to Noise
On his first collection of new songs in ten years, Peter Gabriel explores death, depression, loneliness, loss and, ultimately, hope.