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Doris Day
Even the most celebrated artists fall victim to self-doubt and insecurity. Today: how anxieties shaped the dazzling careers of Duke Ellington, Doris Day and others. Plus: jazz drummer Dan Weiss draws inspiration from Indian ragas, heavy metal and classical music. He joins us with his trio for a live performance. This is a repeat edition of Soundcheck.
When First-Rate Careers Are Second Guessed
A recent biography of Benny Goodman recounts how the jazz clarinetist was plagued by insecurity when he was invited to play at Carnegie Hall in 1938. Today: hear how similar feelings have shaped the careers of major artists like choreographer Jerome Robbins, pianist Martha Argerich, singer-songwriter Cat Power and actress-singer Doris Day.
Picks of the Week
This week’s picks include fresh takes on Southern rock, some old English folk, and an even older French composer. This is a repeat edition of Soundcheck.
In Studio: Dan Weiss Trio
New Jersey native Dan Weiss was recently named by The New York Times as one out of five drummers who are finding new ways to look at the drum set. He also has an eclectic music taste: As a jazz composer, he mixes metal, Indian ragas, and 20th-century classical music.
Gig Alert: Sabrina Lastman Quartet
Sabrina Lastman mixes jazz with an Afro-Uruguayan rhythm called candombe. Download her contemplative ballad "Color de Arena"
Gig Alert: Dinowalrus
The psychedelic synth-punk of Dinowalrus gets a dreamy, extraterrestrial makeover on its latest single, "Phone Home." Download it here.
Gig Alert: Sian Alice Group
Sian Ahern's elegant vocals more than compliment the minimalist touch on guitar, drums and piano played by Rupert Clervaux and Ben Crook in this song. Download Sian Alice Group's "White."