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Soundcheck

Monday, March 22, 2004
  • Michael Tilson Thomas (San Francisco Symphony)
    Michael Tilson Thomas (San Francisco Symphony)

    San Francisco Treat

    With the orchestra scene in flux and major East Coast ensembles looking more and more like dinosaurs, the California maestro Michael Tilson Thomas is shaking things up at the San Francisco Symphony, with adventurous programs that stylishly mix high and low, new and old. As he tells us today, MTT's populist stance may have something to do with his grandfather, Boris Tomashevsky who had been a star of the Yiddish theater. Also on the show, we look at an upcoming concert by the Orchestra of St. Luke's titled "The Out-of-Towners," and which features works by composers who are hailing from, living, and working "Out of Town." These include Erica Muhl (of California), Joseph Schwantner (New Hampshire), Bright Sheng (Michigan) and Margaret Brouwer (Ohio). The latter joins us today along with St. Luke’s artistic director Elizabeth Ostrow.

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

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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

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.