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Soundcheck

Thursday, December 15, 2005
  • Head Hunters : The Making of Jazz's First Platinum Album (Jazz Perspectives)  by Steven F. Pond
    Head Hunters : The Making of Jazz's First Platinum Album (Jazz Perspectives) (Steven F. Pond)

    The Making of Jazz's First Platinum Album

    Herbie Hancock's 1973 album "Headhunters" was was the first jazz album to go platinum, and the best-selling jazz record of all time to that point. It brought the sound of rock in the jazz world and in the process, angered many purists. Today, a look at the music - and controversies - of "Headhunters" with Steven Pond, author of the book Head Hunters: The Making of Jazz's First Platinum Album. Also: the '50s ultra-hipster Lord Buckley is portrayed in a new musical, "His Royal Hipness Lord Buckley in the Zam Zam Room," at 59E59 Theaters. We're joined by Jake Broder, who recreates His Royal Hipness. Finally, a look at why Milwaukee is the next musical hot spot. Yes, Milwaukee.

Herbie Hancock's "Headhunters"

A look at the musical and commercial innovations of Herbie Hancock's rock-and-funk album "Headhunters," with author Steven S. Pond.
» Head Hunters: The Making of Jazz's First Platinum Album

His Royal Hipness

Who was Lord Richard Buckley? A look at "His Royal Hipness Lord Buckley in the Zam Zam Room," a new show starring Jake Broder.
» His Royal Hipness Lord Buckley in The Zam Zam Room ticket info

Milwaukee: The Next Musical Hot Spot?

Toronto-based writer Edward Keenan talks about why Milwaukee is the next big thing in music cities.
» The New 'It' City

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.

Your "Democracy Song"

Soundcheck

As we march toward Election Day, Soundcheck wants you to identify a song that captures the spirit of democracy. It might be Woody Guthrie’s populist classic “This Land Is Your Land” or Sly and the Family Stone’s funky hit “Everyday People.” It might even be a current Top 40 hit with mass appeal. Put on your musical thinking cap, get creative, then post your song here.

Buying Music: A Smackdown Series

Soundcheck

Check out our ongoing series of Soundcheck Smackdown debates on the music marketplace -- and how we shop inside it. Part I: the pros and cons of MySpace. Part II: two documentarians throw down over music at Wal-Mart. Coming up: Part III: iTunes and Part IV: iPod vs. Zune

Atmosphere

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With minimalist beats and confessional rhymes, the hip-hop duo Atmosphere became the toast of the hip-hop underground after it formed 10 years ago. Now, the group has turned to classic funk and soul, and frontman Slug is still telling captivating stories. They perform in our studio.

Tin Pan Alley

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A two-block stretch of West 28th Street was once the home of American songwriters and music publishers. But buildings in area are now up for sale, and preservationists fear a major development is in the works. We look at the history and future of Tin Pan Alley.

I Am Azerrad ... No, I Am Azerrad!

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Nirvana biographer and indie-rock historian Michael Azerrad writes about musicians for a living. Now, the British band Tubelord (pictured) has written about him -- and the lyrics are a tad scary.

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

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Two major players from the worlds of classical and American roots music have joined forces for an album of new material. They perform in our studio.

Tina Dico

Soundcheck

Singer-songwriter Tina Dico tops the charts in her native Denmark. She joins us to share songs from her latest full-length album, "Count to Ten," as well as a trilogy of EPs.