Soundcheck

Jon Brion | Ánde Somby of the Norwegian trio Vajas, singing a traditional Saami yoik – in the WNYC Soundcheck studio (Irene Trudel/WNYC)

Man Behind the Music

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

A man who does it all -- producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Jon Brion has been called "The producer's producer," having contributed to and overseen the creation of recent albums by such luminaries as Aimee Mann, Rufus Wainwright, Beck and current albums by Kayne West and Fiona Apple. He has also received Grammy nominations for his film scores for "I Heart Huckabees" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." He joins us in advance of his performances tonight at the Canal Room. Also: direct from Norway, the trio Vajas stops by to share their entrancing blend of electronica and traditional styles which is rooted in the vocal tradition of the joik. Joik, which is believed to be one of the oldest forms of music in Europe, is a traditional form of chanting that is practiced by the indigenous peoples of Lapland, which includes the northernmost areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.

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