RNZ: New Horizons

William Dart casts a critical ear to opera soprano Renée Fleming's "urge to merge" in her various crossover releases, including the very recent Distant Light.

William Dart looks at new releases from local artists Tattletale Saints and Tweed.

The Doctor is in the house. The recording of a 2014 tribute concert to Dr John in New Orleans has just been released and William uses it as an excuse to sample some tracks from the man's back-catalogue.

William Dart looks at recent releases from two Kiwi acts with klezmer connections: The Kugels and The Jews Brothers Band.

William Dart takes a quick cruise around the Caribbean and samples some calypso, blue beat and reggae delights. Tracks from Harry Belafonte, Lord Christo, Jimmy Cliff, Prince Buster, and Toots & The Maytals.

William Dart goes to Morocco, spurred on by some fascinating field recordings made by writer and composer Paul Bowles in 1959. As usual he provides his customary eclectic mix with tracks from Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, Crosby Stills and Nash, and The Rolling Stones.

After viewing the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics, William Dart checks out the great Brazilian musicians featured there: Paulinho da Viola, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and Elza Soares.

It's 50 years since Bob Dylan released his seventh studio album Blonde On Blonde. MOJO Magazine celebrated the fact in its July issue with a tribute CD and William Dart looks at the plusses and minuses.

William Dart tastes a number of examples of the musical equivalent of sugar. Unlike the food though, there are no health downsides here.

William Dart returns to one of his favourite topics: songs about the Big Man in Red. In this edition, tracks by The Bird and The Bee, Joel Grey, Kay Martin, Wendyhouse and others.