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Soundcheck

Friday, May 26, 2006
  • The Drowsy Chaperone
    The Drowsy Chaperone (eqqman/flickr)

    The Death of the Broadway Musical

    Despite the recent hoopla over the Tony nominations, industry watchers say it’s been a long, grim season on Broadway. New York Times chief theater critic Ben Brantley tells us why he recently declared the Broadway musical all but dead. Then we’ll hear from two veteran composer-lyricists who have written a new book on how to write a musical of your very own. Plus, Indian-American saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa will be by to share his new trio project, which fuses jazz with the improvised music of South Asia.

The Death of the Broadway Musical

It seems there is a musical version of just about everything, from Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" to the life story of Johnny Cash. New York Times chief theater critic Ben Brantley tells us why he recently declared the Broadway musical all but dead.

How To Write Musical Theatre

Show biz veterans Steven L. Rosenhaus and Allen Cohen give tips on how to write a musical of your very own. They talk about their book, "How To Write Musical Theatre."

Rudresh Mahanthrappa

Indian-American saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa will be by to share his new trio project, which fuses jazz with the improvised music of South Asia.

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"

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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

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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.