Nat King Cole

The five best jazz shows in Denver this month

We've got another great month of jazz on tap for January with a number of great shows, including saxophonist Joe Lovano and pianist Freddy Cole (Nat "King" Cole's brother), who will be at Dazzle for two-nights, as well as dates from the Uri Caine Trio, the Latin Jazz All Stars and Greg Garrison, who ... More >>

How Cleo Parker Robinson conquered her fear of skiing and other confessions

Cleo Parker Robinson is a Denver institution. Her dance company is now in its fifth decade, and tonight will perform the long-forgotten Southland, which Katherine Dunham had danced more than sixty years ago. This production should be a real revelation, but when we spoke with Cleo about the dance, ... More >>

A Perfect Pitch

Harry Tuft and Barry Fey officially inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame

Update (2/24/12): Barry Fey video montage added below. All is right with the universe this morning. We have a pair of Grammy winners in our midst, and as it should be, Harry Tuft and Barry Fey are now officially part of the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. While we didn't stick around until the very en ... More >>

The rap roundup: food metaphors, sneaker fiending and nostalgia abound this week

​This week in local hip-hop, we have a bunch of new tracks from a fresh new face, Kid Plat, as well as some others we're already familiar with, including a food-heavy cut from Turner Jackson, a nostalgia-tinged track from the Roadside Profits, and a very grown-up collaboration featuring Haven, ... More >>

Ten non-traditional Christmas records you should listen to this year

Stop! You don't have to!​So we're well into the Christmas season, and chances are good you're getting a bit tired of Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby and the Time-Life Christmas collection in general. What had been a charming return to familiar holiday standards -- and perhaps the only reason to ... More >>

Top 10 weirdest musical duets

A couple of nights ago, we had the absolute pleasure of seeing William Shatner and Lin Yu Chun do a rendition of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" on Lopez Tonight that made our hearts cream with loving ecstasy. We have no clue what to actually think of Lin Yu Chin (other than that the internet seems t ... More >>

A Perfect Pitch

Beyond Playlist presents Xmas-rated, part two: Reissues and Retreads

This year, we've wrapped our roundup of holiday albums a bit differently. Instead of delivering it to you in one big lump (like coal), we're parceling out the reviews online, with a blog each weekday through December 24 devoted to recordings in a different category. Part two features "Reissues and ... More >>

Q&A With Marco Benevento of the Benevento Russo Duo

Desperate Housewife

Moving Hedda Gabler ahead several generations gives the play new life.

Voices From the Past

Sheryl Renee recognizes her favorites.

Encore

The Stations Remain the Same

The hits just keep coming on radio.

Somewhat Forgettable

Nat King Cole & Me makes phat music but thin drama.

Sacred Art

Cleo Parker Robinson interprets Mary Lou's Mass

Xmas Marks the Spot

A guide to new holiday discs, from surprise presents to Tannen-bombs.

Consumed

Nuts!

Backwash

Mongolian throat singers bring very, very old-timey music to Denver.

Various artists

Eee-O 11: The Best of the Rat Pack / Live at the Sands (Capitol)

In the Mood for Mood

Wong Kar-Wai continues to create impressive depth without relying on...a plot!

The Doors

The Bright Midnight Sampler: 14 Songs/8 Concerts (Bright Midnight Records/Rhino Handmade), Various Artists Stoned Immaculate: The Music of the Doors (Elektra)

Various Artists

You're Sensational: Cole Porter in the '20s, '40s, & '50s/Cole Porter Centennial Collection, Volume 2 (Indiana Historical Society/Koch International Classics)

Lady Sang the Blues

Monica Janzen had a great voice, a solid band and a new record. She also had breast cancer.

Turkish Delight

Bandleader Sam Bivens brings six decades of jazz history to Turk's Supper Club.

Time of the Season

This year's holiday CDs alternately inspire joy, nausea and terror. Which would you prefer?

Taking Wing

The Subdudes may be grounded, but Magpie's flying high.

In His Life

Beatles producer George Martin tries to pass along the wisdom of the ages.

Year-End Close-Out

We've got 1998's best albums in stock, but they're going fast.

Christmas Packages

The best holiday discs, as well as others that will make you pity the yule.

Bring Back That Sunny Ade

The King of juju makes party music with a message.

Guilty Pleasures

A list of the lousiest songs a guy ever loved.

Loved to Death

Jim Garner wanted to murder his wife, Dana. Even from the grave, he may get his way.

Feedback

Quiz Show

Before you declare yourself a Grammy expert, let Backbeat test your skills.

Taking Cake

Giving Until It Hurts

Great musical moments in Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon history.

Thrills for the week

MUSIC BY FAMOUS PEOPLE

JUST SAY NOEL

THIS YEAR'S CHRISTMAS DISCS PROVIDE SOME ROUGH SLEDDING.

THE MOUSE THAT ROARS

WHY YOU SHOULD TRY TO CATCH REGGAE'S EEK-A-MOUSE.

IN LOVE WITH SANTA

THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS BAUBLES? ASK THE PEOPLE WHO SHOP FOR THEM.