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Cover of "The Cello Suites: In Search of a Baroque Masterpiece" by Eric Siblin (Eric Siblin/Amazon.com)
A pop music critic falls in love with Bach's beloved cello suites, discovers a mysterious history - and joins us to share the story. Plus: Brooklyn band Les Chauds Lapins performs French swing from the 1920s, '30s and '40s live in our studio.
And: we ask Billboard Editorial Director Bill Werde to explain the dollars and cents of a viral YouTube video.
The Curious History of Bach's Cello Suites
Bach’s Cello Suites. They’re among the most celebrated solo works written for the instrument – but it wasn’t always that way. In The Cello Suites, author (and former pop music critic) Eric Siblin tackles the mysterious history behind this famous work. The book investigates everything from the composer himself to the Catalan cellist who rediscovered the music centuries after it was written.
Following Rebecca Black's Money Trail
Yesterday on the show we discussed Rebecca Black’s viral music video for the song, “Friday” – which, at last count, had more than 42 million views on YouTube. The conversation sparked a debate on our website among listeners about whether all those views translate into dollars and cents. Joining us to explain how YouTube hits can turn into cash is Bill Werde, Billboard’s Editorial Director.
In Studio: Les Chauds Lapins
The sounds of French swing from the 1920s, 30s and 40s have been resurrected in Brooklyn by the band Les Chauds Lapins – the hot rabbits. Using the instruments of traditional American music and an art rock sensibility, these lusty bunnies play some of their surprising arrangements live in the studio.
Playlist: The Cello Suites + Les Chauds Lapins
Click through to see today's Soundcheck playlist!
Gig Alert: James "Blood" Ulmer
Since his early days as a band leader in the '80s, James "Blood" Ulmer has shown audiences where the cerebral avant-garde meets the gut-bucket blues. Catch him Thursday night at the Jazz Standard, playing with a killer band including Living Colour's Vernon Reid. Download his "There's Power in the Blues" here.