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Soundcheck / August 25, 2005

Soundcheck

Thursday, August 25, 2005
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  • Wynton Marsalis seated with trumpet - photo by Keith Major
    Wynton Marsalis (Keith Major)

    Just say Nomi

    Already a legend as a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, Wynton Marsalis has set the standard for success in the jazz world. For the past decade, he has presided over the opening of the new home for Jazz at Lincoln Center as its artistic director. Marsalis has come out with the new album "Live at the House of Tribes" that is "just about playing." He joins guest host Anthony DeCurtis studio today to talk about his career and music. Also: Born Klaus Sperber in Essen, Germany, Klaus Nomi dressed like an alien, sang like an angel, and electrified New Wave-era New York. The classically trained tenor moved to the US in the 1970s. Today, Richard Barone, the executive producer of Nomi's new DVD's special Remix Project comes to the studio to discuss the artist's life and works.

Wynton Marsalis

It's been nearly a year since trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis presided over the opening of a new home for Jazz at Lincoln Center. Today, he explains how the hall has changed New York's jazz community, and previews his new CD.
» Wynton Marsalis's Web site

Richard Barone on Klaus Nomi

Producer Richard Barone talks about The Nomi Song, Andrew Horn's documentary about the cult performance artist and singer Klaus Nomi.
» The Nomi Song Web site

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.

Quincy Jones

The Journey of Quincy Jones

Soundcheck

During his 50-year career, Quincy Jones has worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Puff Daddy, founded Vibe magazine, collected countless awards, and earned a reputation as a jazz giant. (Somewhere in there, he found time to make possible an album called "Thriller.") Jones joins us on the occasion of his new book, "The Complete Quincy Jones: My Journey & Passions."

Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on Quincy Jones, Henry Rollins and the term "Renaissance man"

death

Pop's Love Affair With Death

Soundcheck

Death may be an unpleasant topic for conversation, but it ranks up there with sex and love as a basic ingredient in song lyrics. Today, we look at how pop music copes (and even thrives) with death. We're joined by Graeme Thomson, author of the self-explanatory book, "I Shot a Man in Reno: A History of Death By Murder, Suicide, Fire, Flood, Drugs, Disease and General Misadventure, as Related in Popular Song."

Soundcheck blog: What's your favorite song about death?

John Lennon

Behind the public face of John Lennon

Soundcheck

Writing a book about the Beatles is to enter a crowded market. But Philip Norman’s new 851-page biography, “John Lennon: The Life” is getting much buzz this fall for the unprecedented access provided by Lennon’s friends and relatives, including Yoko Ono. We talk with Norman about why Lennon remains such a fascinating and troubled figure.

Dusty Springfield book jacket

The Soul of British Soul

Soundcheck

British soul divas like Amy Winehouse and Duffy owe a big debt to a '60s icon with a breathy voice and a beehive wig. Today: the story of singer Dusty Springfield. Later: folk-rock artist Ani DiFranco performs songs from her new album "Red Letter Year" live in our studio.