Top Picks: 'MONK鈥檈stra, Vol. 1,' WBUR's 'Kind World' podcast, and more
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Quirky monk
Jazz legend Thelonious Monk was one of a kind 鈥� witty, offbeat, dissonant, totally unpredictable. Musicians and singers have been attempting to re-create the singular Monk magic for years to little avail. Enter the fearless and talented pianist/arranger John Beasley, who not only takes on Monk鈥檚 challenging but rewarding music by doubling up on the quirk, wit, and unpredictability, but orchestrates a 15-piece big band of Los Angeles鈥檚 finest jazz musicians to pull it off. is, as the man himself might say, a gas.
Upgraded compass
Looking to upgrade the compass on your Apple device? The not only tells you which direction you鈥檙e going but adds features such as a speedometer and altimeter for a little more information on your next hike or other outdoor adventure. The app is currently free for iOS devices.
Life-changing acts
The podcast from WBUR is sure to make your day a little brighter. The podcast tells stories about people who have been affected in a positive way by others, from an artist who has created portraits of soldiers who died in Afghanistan and Iraq to a man who left food for a homeless man every week and encouraged him to seek aid. Find the podcast at wbur.org/kindworld.
French western
The classic western movie 鈥淭he Searchers鈥� gets a French take with the film , which will be released on DVD and Blu-ray Oct. 11. Fran莽ois Damiens stars as Alain, whose daughter (Iliana Zabeth) runs away with her paramour, a possible jihadi. Monitor film critic Peter Rainer writes that the movie 鈥渟trikes a fresh chord.... [Director Thomas] Bidegain doesn鈥檛 underscore the story鈥檚 socially conscious aspects; he doesn鈥檛 need to.鈥澛犅�
Classic country
To mark the occasion of the 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards, the CMA filmed a video titled Forever Country, which features singers from Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton to Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton performing music including John Denver鈥檚 鈥淭ake Me Home, Country Roads.鈥� If you鈥檙e a country music fan, it鈥檚 a must. Check out the video at .听
