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Soundcheck

Wednesday, December 21, 2005
  • Anthony Tommasini - photo by David Corio
    Anthony Tommasini (David Corio)

    The Best of 2005 in Classical Music and Jazz

    Critics' Week, Soundcheck's look at the year 2005 in music, continues with Anthony Tommasini, chief classical music critic of the New York Times. Also, the best jazz CDs of 2005 were a mix of straight-ahead, smooth, Latin, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian jazz sounds. There were also a few historic discoveries for good measure. Joining us with his highlights of the year is Eugene Holley, Jr., jazz critic for Philadelphia Weekly and other publications.

Music Underground

We check in with how the transit strike is impacting another set of subway workers: subway musicians.
» Meccabodega's Website

Classical Music's Best of 2005

New York Times chief classical music critic Anthony Tommasini shares his favorites of 2005.
» The classical music critics of The New York Times select the year's most notable CD's.

Best of Jazz in 2005

Jazz journalist Eugene Holley, Jr. gives his list of the top releases of 2005.
Eugene Holley, Jr.'s Best of 2005
1. Thelonius Monk/John Coltrane - "Live at Carnegie Hall" (Blue Note)
2. Mozayik - "Haitian Creole Jazz" (Joho)
3. Meshell Ndegeocello - "Dance of the Infidel" (Shanachie)
4. Moacir Santos - "Choros & Alegria" (Adventure Music)
5. Herbie Hancock - "Possibilities" (Hear Music)

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.