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Soundcheck / March 01, 2006

Soundcheck

Wednesday, March 01, 2006
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  • "Out Classics" CD cover
    "Out Classics" CD cover

    How to Sound Gay

    Can a piece of music sound gay? Sony-BMG and AOL Music are just a few media outlets trying to cater to the gay audience through special marketing efforts. But some critics say they're making assumptions about taste that stumble into stereotype. Jim Farber, music critic of the New York Daily News joins us with his analysis. Also with us is Nadine Hubbs, a musicologist and cultural historian at the University of Michigan, whose latest book, "The Queer Composition of America's Sound" has generated fierce debate in music circles. Also: Jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut has a new CD that features unusual covers of songs by Roberta Flack, Fats Domino, and 70s soft-rock band Bread. He joins us with a live performance in the studio. And finally, an appreciation of the Greek composer and architect Iannis Xenakis.

Since When Did Music Become gay?

Jim Farber, music critic of the New York Daily News looks at recent efforts by media companies to target gay audiences.
» AOL strikes chord with 'gay music'

Unfamiliar Chestnut

Pianist Cyrus Chestnut joins us with a live performance.
» Cyrus Chestnut on Telarc

Don't Xenakis Until You've Tried It

An appreciation of the late Greek composer and architect.
» Iannis Xenakis's Web site

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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