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Soundcheck

Monday, September 12, 2005
  • John Vanderslice - photo by Piper Ferguson
    John Vanderslice (Piper Ferguson)

    Thinking Person's Musicians

    San Francisco songwriter John Vanderslice has been called one of the finest songwriters working in under-the-radar rock music today. Noted as "not only a musician’s musician, but an Audiophile’s music lover and a thinking person’s bohemian artist," he visits Soundcheck to talk about his latest release, Pixel Revolt. The CD has been described as half break-up album, half political rant. Also on the show: pianist Wu Han, who is not only a recording artist, but also a music educator, arts administrator and cultural entrepreneur. She is the founder of Artistled, classical music’s first musician-directed and internet-based recording company. Wu Han will be joined by fellow Chamber Music Society member and violist, Paul Neubauer, who at 21 was the youngest principal string player in the New York Philharmonic’s history. Together, they'll perform live on the show.

John Vanderslice

John Vanderslice is a singer, songerwriter and producer of cutting edge alt-rock.
» John Vanderslice

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Pianist Wu Han and Violist Paul Neubauer perform live in the studio.
» Wu Han's Artist Led
» Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

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.

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"

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?

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.

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.