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Soundcheck / October 01, 2002

Soundcheck

Tuesday, October 01, 2002
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    Tunisian Melodies

    The compositions of Tunisian lute player Anouar Brahem have taken their inspiration from Syrian, Egyptian, and Indian schools of music, among others. But during a brief period when he ignored his lute, he sat down at his piano to write more jazz-inflected songs for his latest album, Le pas du chat noir. On Tuesday’s program, Brahem and his trio visit the studio for a live performance and a conversation about up-ending his usual creative process. Plus, Robert Johnson, the artistic director of the New York Philomusica, discusses the ensemble’s 31st anniversary season, which includes a never-heard rearrangement of a Duke Ellington piano concerto and premieres of works by composers Michael Berkeley and Jan Swafford.

Though his new CD has much more of a piano jazz sound than his previous recordings, this isn’t the first time oud player Anouar Brahem has used the piano to compose music. In fact, most of his film compositions are written on the piano.
More about Anouar Brahem

The New York Philomusica’s mission is to present the widest spectrum of contemporary chamber music possible by involving established performers and living composers in the programming process.
More about the New York Philomusica

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.