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Soundcheck

Friday, October 13, 2006
  • SUBR Jazz Ensemble at the 2004 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival © Douglas Mason
    SUBR Jazz Ensemble at the 2004 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (© Douglas Mason)

    Recovering Music and Traditions in New Orleans

    Music is both a way of life and an industry in New Orleans but the city's native traditions are seriously endangered as musicians have either fled the city or struggle with daily challenges of housing and loans. Jazz journalist Larry Blumenfeld has been reporting on the city's challenges as part of the Katrina Media Fellows program. He joins us to examine whether - and how - the Crescent City can preserve its culture. Also: Alice Donut, a post-punk band formed in the East Village in late 1980's, and which disbanded for a time in the late 90s, is back together with a new album called "Fuzz." Finally: Find out who's the winner of WNYC's contest to seek out New York's biggest Beethoven fan.

Can New Orleans Music Survive?

Jazz journalist Larry Blumenfeld has been reporting on the struggles facing New Orleans musicians as part of the Katrina Media Fellows program. He gives us an update.

Alice Donut

Alice Donut, a post-punk band formed in the East Village in late 1980's, shares their latest album, "Fuzz."
Alice Donut's Web site

NYC's Biggest Beethoven Fan

WNYC has chosen New York's Biggest Beethoven Fan. And the winner is... Josh Rabinowitz.
Read the Winning Essay here

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

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

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.

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

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

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.