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Soundcheck / December 03, 2003

Soundcheck

Wednesday, December 03, 2003
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  • "Piano Rock" in Joshua Tree National Park
    "Piano Rock" in Joshua Tree National Park

    Sounds of the Season

    An unusual piano recital series gets underway in New York this week, curiously named the Rock Hotel Pianofest. Its aim is to bring the energy of rock music to the traditionally staid format of the classical piano recital. The festival is a tribute to the great performer and teacher, Russell Sherman, and it features five of his most successful former students along with a concert by the master himself. Today on Soundcheck, host John Schaefer welcomes the series founder, Chris Williamson, as well as one of its participants, pianist Christopher Taylor. We’re also joined by James Oestreich, classical music critic of the New York Times, who sheds light on the appeal of Christmas music. Perhaps despite sentimentality and wall-to-wall commercialization, there’s much to appreciate in those old holiday tunes.

Additional Resources:
  • More about Rock Hotel Pianofest
  • Read James Oestreich’s columns for the New York Times
    • 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.