Willard B. Shapira of Roseville:
1 "American Routes," KBEM (88.5 FM), 3 p.m. Saturdays. Each program traces the history of many genres of American music. The state of the nation, including its sociology of the period being examined, adds depth to this vital program.
2 "Radio Deluxe," KBEM, 5 p.m. Saturdays. Guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli and his wife, Broadway star Jessica Molaskey, talk about and play their favorite jazz recordings from then and now, including some of their own. They sometimes veer off-message to discuss which is better — football or baseball.
3 "Tempo," KBEM, 7 p.m. Saturdays. With jazz-wise KBEM staffer Genaro Vasquez, the emphasis is on modern jazz, filling the gap left by the death of Leigh Kamman.
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Jon Bream of the Star Tribune:
1 fDeluxe encore, the Dakota. Singers St. Paul Peterson and Susannah Melvoin were impassioned on "Nothing Compares 2 U," and guest organist Ricky Peterson put the funk in "Mutiny."
2 The Revolution, Paisley Park. Although there's still a void in the middle, Prince's old band has found its comfort zone.
3 New Power Generation, the Dakota. Terrific arrangements by the Horn Heads added a lot, as did a ringer, the non-Prince-connected young vocalist Mackenzie Green.
