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Soundcheck / July 31, 2002

Soundcheck

Wednesday, July 31, 2002
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  • Brubeck Revisited, Southern-Hemisphere Sounds, and a Maverick Composer

    Chris Brubeck, son of groundbreaking jazz musician Dave Brubeck, stops by to talk about the family’s artistic gifts and life on the road with brothers Dan, Darius, and Matthew. Pop chanteuse Angelique Kidjo speaks with us about her exotic blend of musical styles. Plus, a conversation with composer Joan Tower and performance by pianist Melvin Chen.

The Brubecks have produced some fine music over the decades, from father Dave’s chart-busting single, “Take Five,” to son Chris’s new-music and orchestral compositions. The younger Brubeck’s most recent work is “Interplay for 3 Violins and Orchestra,” which the Boston Pops commissioned Chris to write.
More about Chris Brubeck

Angelique Kidjo melds funk, salsa, jazz, rumba, souk, and makossa to create a tantalizing musical stew. On Black Ivory Soul, her seventh solo album, the Paris- and Brooklyn-based singer explores her mixed heritage (West African and Brazilian), specifically her Beninese homeland and the city of Bahia.
More about Angelique Kidjo
More about Downtown NYC River to River Festival

Sometimes commissioned, sometimes not, Joan Tower’s unconventional compositions have evolved into full-scale choreographed works and pieces that showcase the talents of such solo performers as percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Renaissance-man Melvin Chen completed a doctorate in chemistry from Harvard and a double master’s degree from Juilliard in piano and violin, and spent two years as a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. The two take Woodstock at the Maverick Concerts festival on August 10.
More about Joan Tower
More about Melvin Chen
More about Maverick Concerts

Arcade Fire

When I Missed the Boat

Soundcheck

How prejudice and second-guessing can cause you to miss some great music. Also, Juilliard-trained pianist Andy Russo joins us to share "Mix Tape," a collection of 14 classical arrangements of nuggets by Billy Joel, James Blunt, the B-52's, and others.

johnny flynn

Johnny Flynn

Soundcheck

Johnny Flynn, a London-based singer-songwriter, performs songs from his new album, "A Larum."

Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal

Soundcheck

Pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal was a major influence on Miles Davis in the 50s. Today rappers sample his music. He joins us to discuss his latest album.

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