-
(fabeblau/flickr)
Ghana was the first black African country to gain independence 50 years ago today. It was also the birthplace of “highlife music.” Today on Soundcheck: We look at the history and listen to the highlights of the original afro pop. Also: Avant-garde Jazz pioneer Cecil Taylor. And finally: Singer-songwriter Jorge Drexler plays live in our studio.
The Sounds of Freedom
Ghana was the first black African country to gain independence 50 years ago today. It was also the birthplace of “highlife music,” the original afro pop. Journalist, and scholar, John Collins joins us to look at the history, and listen to the highlights, of Ghana's biggest musical export.
The Uncompromising Cecil Taylor
Along with Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor is widely recognized as one of the father's of free jazz. Today, he visits the studio to talk about his lifetime as pianist, poet, and about the shape of jazz to come.
Cecil Taylor performs at the Rose Theater in Frederick P. Rose ...
Cecil Taylor performs at the Rose Theater in Frederick P. Rose ...
Jorge Drexler
Singer-songwriter Jorge Drexler won an Oscar for his song "Al Otro Lado Del Rio" from the movie The Motorcycle Diaries. His new album, 12 Segundos de Oscuridad, tells tales of long-time love affairs that end badly and trans-Atlantic sleepless nights of soul-searching. He plays live in studio.