Hem, the Brooklyn band whose sound is known as "countrypolitan" has released their second album, Eveningland, featuring not only the regular eight-piece unit, but also the Slovak Radio Orchestra. The combination added a more lush and complex element than the group had realized when they set themselves to recording an old fashioned album: no samples, no fancy protools edits. They'll join us to discuss their sound, and this record in advance of their Saturday night show at Southpaw. Also: jazz pianist Fred Hersch and vocalist Kate McGarry join us to perform music from their Walt Whitman tribute album, "Leaves of Grass." The CD is an orchestration of Whitman's 150-year-old masterpiece written for a 10-piece chamber jazz ensemble and vocalists. This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.
Walt Whitman in Song
Fred Hersch and Kate McGarry perform music set to the words of Walt Whitman.
» Walt Whitman: Song of Myself an hour-long special about Walt Whitman
» Walt Whitman: Song of Myself an hour-long special about Walt Whitman
Brooklyn Country
The Brooklyn band Hem will be performing at Lincoln Center's Allen Room early next month. They performed live in our studio in the spring of 2005.
» Hem's Website
» Hem's Website
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