On Demand
Soundcheck
-
The Bobs (www.bobs.com)The Art of the Song
The Bobs have been billed as "the only New Wave a cappella group in history." Their comicand slightly bizarrevocal arrangements have eroded the foundations of pop music for more than 20 years. The group was nominated for a Grammy in 1984 for their arrangement of "Helter Skelter," which remains one of the weirdest Beatles covers to date. Since then, the group has performed with dance troupes and arranged classics ranging from Duke Ellington’s "Caravan" to Jimi Hendrix’s "Purple Haze." They’ll perform live in the Soundcheck studio in advance of their appearance at Joe’s Pub on Saturday, April 22.
Also, New Orleans trumpeter Irvin Mayfield joins us today. Mayfield is a former child prodigy and the founder of Latin jazz group Los Hombres Calientes. His latest CD, Strange Fruit, chronicles an interracial love triangle in Louisiana during the 1920s. Mayfield is joined by the 17-piece New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and the 80-member Dillard University Choir. The narrative is read by actor Wendell Pierce of HBO’s The Wire. Strange Fruit will be performed at Lincoln Center April 14-16.
- About this program
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Latest Episode
- Internship
- Tapes and Transcripts
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
More
Soundcheck Blog
Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
More
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"
- Comments [9]
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?
- Comments [60]
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.
- Comments [1]
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.
