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Soundcheck

Monday, November 01, 2004
  • Chick Corea - photograper unknown
    Chick Corea

    The Long and Winding Road

    The pioneering pianist and electric keyboardist Chick Corea is as much of an enigma now as he was when he first appeared on the jazz world's radar some four decades ago as a Massachusetts prodigy. Why is that? Few can point to any distinguishing characteristics of Corea’s style, and yet, he holds one of the most impressive resumes in the jazz world, having played with the likes of Stan Getz, Sarah Vaughan and Miles Davis, and having formed numerous ensembles of his own including the jazz-fusion group Return to Forever. He joins us to shed some light on where his always exciting, often unpredictable career will lead to next. Then, we’ll visit with Jazz saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa. He has a new album featuring compositions based on melodic transcriptions of Indian-Americans speaking in their native language.

Additional Resources:

» Chick Corea’s Web site

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.