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Soundcheck

Tuesday, August 27, 2002
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    Rio, Revisited

    Actor and former techno-pop band leader Ryuichi Sakamoto is best known as the Academy Award-winning composer of the score for The Last Emperor. On Tuesday’s program, he’ll provide a sneak preview of his latest album, a new collection of works by Brazilian bossa nova master Antonio Carlos Jobim. Joining him will be cellist Jaques Morelenbaum and his wife, vocalist Paula Morelenbaum, both collaborators of Jobim’s until the bossa nova artist’s death in 1994. Plus, Soundcheck contributor Anastasia Tsioulcas offers up her choice for top concert pick of the week.

Breaking musical ground is nothing new for actor, musician, conductor, and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. Along with Germany’s Kraftwerk, Sakamoto’s Yellow Magic Orchestra were among electronic music’s first stars. More about Ryuichi Sakamoto

Casa isn’t the first time that Morelenbaum2 (cellist Jaques and singer Paula) have explored Antonio Carlos Jobim’s work. The Morelenbaums and their grandson Daniel, plus Jobim’s son Paulo, had already been performing with the bossa nova legend across the globe for almost a decade.

More about the Morelenbaums

Noteworthy New York

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.