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Soundcheck / February 25, 2005

Soundcheck

Friday, February 25, 2005
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  • Journalist Jeff Chang
    Journalist Jeff Chang

    From Concert Bands to Vintage Hip-Hop

    Think of bands and you might think halftime shows, parades, and military ceremonies. But in fact wind bands are a serious medium as well, commissioning and performing more new music than any other kind of ensemble in America. A growing number of high-profile composers are getting in on the act these days. Among them are David Del Tredici, who joins us today, along with Jerry Junkin, the director of bands at the University of Texas and artistic director of the Dallas Wind Symphony. They'll talk about the growth of the concert band around the country. Also: Journalist Jeff Chang has written a new book titled Can't Stop, Won't Stop, that explores the overlooked history of early hip-hop. Today on Soundcheck, he explains how rapping, break-dancing, and graffiti empowered inner-city youth.

Additional Information:
» More on Jeff Chang
» Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop at Amazon.com
Toumani Diabaté

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

Marvin Gaye

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Taylor Swift

Critics Week

Soundcheck

Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

cab

Noteworthy New York

Soundcheck

We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.