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Soundcheck / June 02, 2006

Soundcheck

Friday, June 02, 2006
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  • Thomas Hampson - photo by Simon Fowler
    Baritone Thomas Hampson (Simon Fowler)

    A Tour of American Popular Song

    Soundcheck's portion of the WNYC American Music Festival concludes with the prominent American baritone Thomas Hampson. He has spent his career trying to get Americans to explore their song traditions and all this season he has been on a tour jointly organized with the Library of Congress. It features performances of great American songs and a traveling collection of music manuscripts by everyone from Aaron Copland to Steven Foster. Also: Wall Street Journal music writer Joe Goldberg tells us why he believes Frank Sinatra's 1955 album, "In the Wee Small Hours," is "the finest vocal album of American popular songs ever recorded." Finally, Salman Ahmad, former lead guitarist of the Junoon, the international Pakistani band (dubbed the U2 of Asia) performs live in the studio.

Thomas Hampson on American Song

Baritone Thomas Hampson has devoted much of his career working to get Americans better acquainted with their national song tradition. He joins us today to discuss his season-long "Song of America" tour.
» Thomas Hampson's Web site

Salman Ahmad

Salman Ahmad, former leader of the popular Pakistani group Junoon, performs live in the studio.

In the Wee Small Hours

Wall Street Journal music writer Joe Goldberg tells us why Frank Sinatra's 1955 album, "In the Wee Small Hours," is "the finest vocal album of American popular songs ever recorded."
» More about "In the Wee Small Hours"

cab

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.

vote

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.

walmart

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

Atmosphere

Soundcheck

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

Tin Pan Alley

Soundcheck

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.

Michael Azerrad

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

Soundcheck

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

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Soundcheck

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

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.

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