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Tapping into a New Summer Audience

TV critic David Bianculli recommends two returning, unexpectedly popular PBS shows. Alive from Off Center showcases avant-garde performers and musicians, while American Masters features a diverse array of documentaries -- including, Bianculli says, some real masterpieces.

03:52
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Other segments from the episode on July 11, 1988

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, July 11, 1988: Interview with Milt Hinton; Review of Earl Hines's album "Live at the Vanguard"; Interview with Louis Rukeyser; Review of the television shows "Alive from…
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28:12

Capturing the History of Jazz

Milt Hinton isn't just an in-demand bass player -- he's also an accomplished photographer who has taken thousands of pictures of jazz musicians. He joins guest host Marty Moss-Coane to talk about growing up in the south and, later, in Chicago--where Al Capone had an unexpected impact on his youth. Hinton's collection of his photos, Bass Lines, has just been published.

Interview
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06:45

Looking Forward and Backward at the Same Time

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new album featuring live sets from the 1960s by late pianist Earl Hines. Whitehead says some may find Hines's older style corny, but the album is as enjoyable as any record made this year.

Review

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03:32

"American Masters" Returns for a Fifth Season

The first episode of the PBS documentary series' new season, about playwright Preston Sturges, has TV critic David Bianculli excited for forthcoming profiles of other cultural figures. He says the program isn't just engaging -- it inspires him to further explore the work of each American master.

Review
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03:51

An "Off Center" Review for an Unconventional Show

TV critic David Bianculli isn't sure how best to describe PBS's show Alive from Off Center, which features music, dance, and performance art--but little dialog. He recommends an upcoming episode about composer Meredith Monk called Ellis Island.

Review

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52:30

Daughter of Warhol star looks back on a bohemian childhood in the Chelsea Hotel

Alexandra Auder's mother, Viva, was one of Andy Warhol's muses. Growing up in Warhol's orbit meant Auder's childhood was an unusual one. For several years, Viva, Auder and Auder's younger half-sister, Gaby Hoffmann, lived in the Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan. It was was famous for having been home to Leonard Cohen, Dylan Thomas, Virgil Thomson, and Bob Dylan, among others.

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This fake 'Jury Duty' really put James Marsden's improv chops on trial

In the series Jury Duty, a solar contractor named Ronald Gladden has agreed to participate in what he believes is a documentary about the experience of being a juror--but what Ronald doesn't know is that the whole thing is fake.

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