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Soundcheck

Monday, July 04, 2005
  • Pianist and Composer Fred Hersch, soprano Renée Fleming and Soundcheck host John Schaefer in WNYC's Studio B - photo by Christine Butler
    Fred Hersch, Renée Fleming and host John Schaefer on Soundcheck (Christine Butler)

    The Heart of Song: Renée Fleming with Fred Hersch

    Opera soprano Renée Fleming is a familiar face on the world's greatest opera stages, but on her latest CD, "Haunted Heart," she leaps to the worlds of jazz, pop, and folk. On this encore edition of Soundcheck, Fleming joins pianist Fred Hersch to offer a live performance of jazz and pop standards in the studio. Included is music from Joni Mitchell’s classic 1971 "Blue" release, the standard "Love for Sale," and exclusive archival performances from Fleming’s earliest days as a young college student.
    » Slideshow: Renée Fleming & Fred Hersch perform live on Soundcheck

    » More about The Heart of Song

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

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.

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.