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Tommy Dorsey: Livin' in a Great Big Way, A Biography by Peter Levinson (Da Capo Press)Big Bands and Minimal Musings
2005 marks the centennial of the birth of the legendary trombonist and bandleader Tommy Dorsey. Peter J. Levinson, author of the new biography Tommy Dorsey: Livin' in a Great Big Way, discusses the life of arguably one of the hardest-working men of the swing era. This year also marks the centennial of the birth of Italian composer Giacinto Scelsi, an eccentric whose attraction in the 1940s to minimalism, Eastern yoga and mysticism, and other ideas made him far ahead of his time. Today, George Steel, executive director of Miller Theater at Columbia University, discusses the composers' life and music, in advance of an all-Scelsi concert tomorrow night. Also, after video operas and sampling, Steve Reich is going back to his roots on his new CD. The master of minimalism joins us with a preview.
On the Life and Times of Tommy Dorsey
Peter J. Levinson, author of the new biography Tommy Dorsey: Livin' in a Great Big Way, sheds light on the trombonist/bandleader.
» Tommy Dorsey: Livin' in a Great Big Way, A Biography
Steve Reich
Composer Steve Reich discusses his new CD featuring the "You Are (Variations)" and "Cello Counterpoint."
» Steve Reich's Web site
An Intro to Giacinto Scelsi
George Steel, executive director of Miller Theater at Columbia University, introduces us to the life and music of Giacinto Scelsi.
» Miller Theater's Web site
» A Scelsi bio
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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.
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Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
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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.
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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"
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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?
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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.
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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.
