Louder: Jazz Has Always Been Protest Music. Can It Meet This Moment?

Plus: 6ix9ine, SZA, Cabaret Returns and More

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story September 4, 2020 By Caryn Ganz Pop Music Editor Three very different, very compelling stories lead the way this week: Giovanni Russonello examines how jazz’s relocation into academic institutions over the past five decades has left musicians “torn between the music’s roots in Black organizing and its present-day life in the academy” at this moment of reckoning. Joe Coscarelli sat down with the rapper and internet troll 6ix9ine for the first interview since the musician was freed from prison after testifying against his former gang. And Amanda Hess writes about the glaring absence of audiences, which has spotlighted the mythical role they play in popular entertainment. Diana Ejaita   Critic’s Notebook Jazz Has Always Been Protest Music. Can It Meet This Moment? Over the past 50 years, the music has become entrenched in academic institutions. As a result, it’s often inaccessible to, and disconnected from, many of the very people who created it: young Black Americans. By Giovanni Russonello Daniel Arnold for The New York Times   6ix9ine, Rap’s Newly Freed, Chart-Topping Villain, Admits to Everything In his first interview since being released from prison, the polarizing rapper, who testified against his former gang, addresses his “snitching,” his horrible reputation and his record of abuse. By Joe Coscarelli Margeaux Walter for The New York Times; Photographs via Getty Images; ABC; Harpo Productions; NBC   Critic’s Notebook The Shows Must Go On. But They Aren’t the Same Without You. The sudden absence of live audiences has upended the worlds of sports, comedy and politics. What do we lose when the crowd doesn’t show? By Amanda Hess Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT PLAYLIST, POPCAST & A FILM REVIEW the playlist SZA’s Surprise Return, and 10 More New Songs Hear tracks by Ava Max, Tricky, Bill Callahan and others. By Jon Pareles, Lindsay Zoladz and Giovanni Russonello Remembering Riley Gale of Power Trip, a Thrash Titan The band’s 34-year-old frontman helped break down barriers between scenes, and was known for singularly wild live shows. ‘Chuck Berry’ Review: The Quest to B. Goode Jon Brewer’s documentary about the musical legend is far more traditional than its subject. By Jeannette Catsoulis Roberto Ricciuti/Getty Images   Determined to Salvage the Fall, Cabaret Plots Its (Outdoor, Online) Return Making performances more accessible to audiences is part of the mission. Presenting shows that reflect the moment is another. By Elysa Gardner MTV’S VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS MTV Video Music Awards: 6 Memorable Moments Lady Gaga transported viewers to “Chromatica” (in a mask) at an event that tried to make a virtual collection of performances and speeches appear like a communal celebration. By Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles, Ben Sisario and Lindsay Zoladz At the V.M.A.s, Lady Gaga’s Clothes Were Good, but Her Masks Were Better This is one way to use the red carpet and fashion to send a message. By Vanessa Friedman Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT OBITUARIES Salome Bey, Soulful Singer, Actress and Playwright, Dies at 86 Ms. Bey, known as “Canada’s first lady of the blues,” broke ground in her adopted country by creating opportunities for Black people in the theater. By Catherine Porter those we’ve lost Aldir Blanc, Lyricist Who Pushed Samba’s Boundaries, Dies at 73 His songs included “O Bêbado e a Equilibrista,” a popular call for the amnesty of political exiles during Brazil’s military dictatorship. He died of the coronavirus. By Stephen Kurczy NEWS the charts Taylor Swift’s Dominant ‘Folklore’ Notches a Fifth Week at No. 1 The last album to reign this many consecutive weeks was Drake’s “Scorpion” in 2018. By Ben Sisario Angie Wang   5 Minutes That Will Make You Love the Violin We asked Hilary Hahn, John Adams, André Rieu and others to pick the music that moves them. Listen to their choices. Make a friend’s day: Forward this email! Get this from a friend? Sign up here. Follow us on Twitter @nytimesmusic. Send your feedback on Louder at theplaylist@nytimes.com. Check out our full range of newsletters. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Louder from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018