The Buffalo News: Music

Music

Reunited New Kids find a happy vibe: By Kevin C. Johnston

McCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS

Updated: 11/20/08 6:13 AM; The New Kids are back on the Block. The popular ’80s group has a new CD — naturally titled “The Block”— and is touring.

Archuleta eager for fans to hear his album: By Alicia Rancilio

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Updated: 11/19/08 6:49 AM; NEW YORK — On last season’s “American Idol,” David Archuleta’s version of “Imagine” earned him the title of “the one to beat” early on. He never once placed in the bottom three. In the end, David ended up losing the crown to another David — David Cook — but he still got a chance to pursue his pop star dreams with a record deal on 19 Recordings/Jive Records.

Axl Rose emerges from cave with long-awaited release: By Ann Powers

LOS ANGELES TIMES

Updated: 11/19/08 10:45 AM; LOS ANGELES — No pop star has built a fortress as maze-filled and ironclad as one W. Axl Rose. Not Michael Jackson, whose retreat was forced by scandal as much as by artistic crisis and who seems ever more weakened by his reputation’s slide. Not Zack de la Rocha, who (like Rose) went down countless collaborative roads before revamping the Rage Against the Machine template with his new project, One Day As a Lion. Not Garth Brooks, who also turned hermit but craved the crowds too much to stay inside.

Punch Brothers hit the bluegrass mark: By Garaud MacTaggart

NEWS CONTRIBUTING REVIEWER

Updated: 11/18/08 11:25 AM; Change eventually comes to every style of music: Bach eventually begat Beethoven and Stockhausen; Louis Armstrong’s fiery chops gave way to Miles Davis’ cool jazz; Chuck Berry broke ground for AC/DC; and blues, rap and gospel all moved past their roots to some extent.

A fulfilling night from Lydian String Quartet: By Mary Kunz Goldman

NEWS CLASSICAL MUSIC CRITIC

Updated: 11/16/08 5:28 AM; The Lydian String Quartet is full of surprises. Friday, before the group’s concert began at Lippes Hall in Slee Hall, the lights dimmed. The good-sized crowd sat in hushed anticipation. From backstage, we heard the sounds of tuning, then a raucous laugh. We all looked at each other. What were we in for?

Eder can soar or croon with the best of them: By Garaud MacTaggart

NEWS CONTRIBUTING REVIEWER

Updated: 11/16/08 5:28 AM; Linda Eder has a powerhouse voice, but it floats from her mouth with a Broadway/ cabaret type of power.

Jackson brings good times to a sparse crowd: By Jeff Miers

News Pop Music Critic

Updated: 11/16/08 8:35 AM; Country music has always concentrated its lyrical themes on the trials, tribulations and triumphs of “average folks.” That’s a generalization, and generalizations are dangerous.

Valdes builds up volume in return to orchestra: By Herman Trotter

NEWS STAFF REPORTER

Updated: 11/16/08 5:28 AM; This weekend brings a most welcome return to Kleinhans Music Hall of former Philharmonic music director Maximiano Valdes as guest conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He is presenting a fascinating program that begins shrouded in mystery and concludes in a blaze of grandiloquent bombast.

On the Radio /Highlights of the week’s programs: Updated: 11/16/08 4:23 AM; AM Stations

Juanes wins big at Latin Grammys: By Monica Rhor

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Updated: 11/15/08 6:58 AM; HOUSTON — On a night when the theme of change and cultural fusion echoed in lyrics, performances and acceptance speeches, a Colombian rocker who’s become a voice for social issues walked away as king of the Latin Grammys.

Paul Anka still doing it his way: By Valerie Kellogg

NEWSDAY

Updated: 11/15/08 6:58 AM; If you want to make a request at Paul Anka’s show, whistle a tune in the lobby, especially if it’s from one of his latest swing CDs. Anka says he never takes his fans for granted.

A fulfilling night from string quartet: By Mary Kunz Goldman

NEWS CLASSICAL MUSIC CRITIC

Updated: 11/15/08 6:58 AM; The Lydian String Quartet is full of surprises. Friday, before the group’s concert began at Lippes Hall in Slee Hall, the lights dimmed. The good-sized crowd sat in hushed anticipation. From backstage, we heard the sounds of tuning, then a raucous laugh. We all looked at each other. What were we in for?

Eder can soar or croon with the best: By Garaud MacTaggart

Updated: 11/15/08 6:58 AM; Linda Eder has a powerhouse voice, but it floats from her mouth with a Broadway/ cabaret type of power.

BPO memories are now music to Max’s ears: By Mary Kunz Goldman

NEWS CLASSICAL MUSIC CRITIC

Updated: 11/15/08 7:48 AM; During the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s bleakest days, when money was short and skies were gray, Music Director Maximiano Valdes offered a welcome dose of glamor.

Max is back: Updated: 11/14/08 6:49 AM; Maximiano Valdes, JoAnn Falletta’s predecessor as Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra music director, tends to be identified with exotic music. Since 1994, the Chilean-born Valdes has been principal conductor and artistic director of the Symphony Orchestra of the Principality of Asturia in Spain. Earlier this fall, he took the helm of the Puerto Rico Symphony. He loves the works of Spanish and French composers, and fills them with a special flair. This weekend, Valdes returns to the podium of Kleinhans Music Hall to lead the BPO in French and American music. He will be conducting Saint-Saens’ bombastic, endlessly entertaining “Organ” Symphony. Charles Ives’ “The Unanswered Question” should provide an interesting change of pace. Rounding out the program is Gabriel Faure’s lovely Requiem, one of the most beloved choral pieces of all time. The performance features the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus as well as soprano Esther Heidman and baritone Timothy Mix. The concert takes place at 8 p. m. Saturday and 2:30 p. m. Sunday. Admission is $25 to $37. — Mary Kunz Goldman