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Soundcheck / May 13, 2005

Soundcheck

Friday, May 13, 2005
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  • Composer and clarinetist Andy Biskin performing his "Goldberg's Variations" inspired by Rube Goldberg drawings
    Andy Biskin performing his "Goldberg's Variations" inspired by Rube Goldberg drawings

    Built to Last

    Recently, Composer and clarinetist Andy Biskin found inspiration in the absurd logic of Rube Goldberg's "invention cartoons," which depict the use of bizarre tools and strategies to accomplish simple tasks. He's taken those and created "Goldberg's Variations," a suite of 12 Rube Goldberg drawings brought to life with his own video animations and original music. He shares some of those with us today. And the Choro Ensemble celebrates the music of 19th century Rio de Janeiro blending European styles like fado, polka, waltz, and mazurka with the emerging Afro-Brazilian samba.

Drawings by Rube Goldberg

Rube Goldberg drawing - Self-Operating Napkin
Click to enlarge. Rube Goldberg is the ® and © of Rube Goldberg Inc.

Rube Goldberg drawing Simple Way to Light a Cigar in an Automobile Traveling Fifty Miles an Hour
Click to enlarge. Rube Goldberg is the ® and © of Rube Goldberg Inc.


Additional Resources:
» Andy Biskin's Web site
» Rube Goldberg Web site
» Choro Ensemble website
Arcade Fire

When I Missed the Boat

Soundcheck

How prejudice and second-guessing can cause you to miss some great music. Also, Juilliard-trained pianist Andy Russo joins us to share "Mix Tape," a collection of 14 classical arrangements of nuggets by Billy Joel, James Blunt, the B-52's, and others.

johnny flynn

Johnny Flynn

Soundcheck

Johnny Flynn, a London-based singer-songwriter, performs songs from his new album, "A Larum."

Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal

Soundcheck

Pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal was a major influence on Miles Davis in the 50s. Today rappers sample his music. He joins us to discuss his latest album.

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