Soundcheck Archive
November 2006
Fighting AIDS with Afrobeat
Thursday, November 30, 2006
On the eve of World AIDS Day, we review the music and life of Fela Kuti, the Nigerian musician who created Afrobeat, and who died of AIDS in 1997. And: Juilliard and Carnegie Hall have launched a new project designed to send musicians into New York’s public schools. We hear what it's about and whether it can have an impact. Also: the new Jewish music ensemble Brave Old World.
Cozy 1BR with Vu, Musicians Welcome?
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
In the New York real estate market, buyers and renters worry about space, light, or location. But for musicians, the question becomes, "where do I practice?" Today, a look at the history and price tags of famous musicians' homes with Steven Gaines, author of "The Sky's the Limit;" Jamie Bernstein Thomas, a writer, broadcaster and the daughter of the late Leonard Bernstein; and composer Lisa Bielawa, who moved into an apartment just for a piano that lived there. Also on the show: Singer-songwriter and composer Gabriel Kahane performs live songs that defy genre classification and he talks about his "Craigslistlieder," an eight-song cycle based on unedited posts from Craigslist.org.
All You Need is Love
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Music critic Anthony DeCurtis reviews "Love," the so-called mash-up album of Beatles songs, which is also the soundtrack to the new Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas. And: the newest release from jazz guitarist Rez Abbasi.
The iPod: Little, White, Perfect
Monday, November 27, 2006
Over 80 million iPods sold, and there’s probably still one on your holiday wish list. Today: a conversation about what makes the iPod the perfect thing. Also, a live performance by Canadian rocker Sam Roberts and his band. And: merengue in NYC.
Classical 101: the NPR Version
Friday, November 24, 2006
Everything you always wanted to know about classical music but were afraid to ask. Ted Libbey, author of the 1000-page "The NPR Listener's Encyclopedia of Classical Music" answers it all. Also: Cassandra Wilson is one of today's most-respected jazz vocalists but is known for blurring the lines between jazz, folk and blues. She joins us from Mississippi to talk about her new album, "Thunderbird," and about life in the south after Katrina.
Instant Fame and Fortune... Here I Come?
Thursday, November 23, 2006
For most bands overnight success is a dream come true, but what glitters is not always gold. Today, a look into the good, the bad and the ugly side of instant fame. Zach Condon, frontman of the indie sensation Beirut and record industry veteran Lyle Hysen discuss what happens when success comes... and you are not ready. Also: a conversation with Aaron Dworkin, a MacArthur "Genius" Award winner and who was elected to Newsweek's list of 15 People Who Make America Great. Finally: a live performance by Eldar Djangirov, a teenage jazz pianist and emigrant from Kyrgyzstan.
CD's for Shopping Season
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
As the holiday shopping season officially begins on Friday, we offer you some tips on music purchases: A trio of critics review hot new recordings – from the big rock box sets to classical, jazz and world music releases. Also on the show: Pianist George Winston.
A Ghost Singer Reveals Herself
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Soprano Marni Nixon provided the singing voice for such legendary actresses as Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady" Natalie Wood in "West Side Story," and Deborah Kerr in "The King and I." Today, the ghost singer, now 76, talks about her behind-the-scenes career in Hollywood and Broadway, as detailed in her new autobiography, "I Could Have Sung All Night." Also: New York's growing Colombian expat community is giving way to a vibrant local music scene. La Cumbiamba eNeYé is one of best-known examples, a group that specializes in Afro-Colombian folk music. The group performs live music from their first CD, Marioneta," due out in December.
Benefits and Big Bucks
Monday, November 20, 2006
At a time when seemingly every musician has a benefit concert or CD to promote, we ask: how useful are they? The opera star and spokesperson for The Partnership for the Homeless Jessye Norman will join industry experts for on a discussion about the merits and the success rate of do-good musical projects. Also: Brooklyn-based quintet Phonograph plays live their mix of stripped-down Americana and psychedelic sounds.
I Want My... Viral Videos
Friday, November 17, 2006
The Chicago power-pop band OK Go became a viral Internet sensation earlier this year when two homemade videos - including one of a choreographed treadmill dance routine - leaked onto the Internet. But before that, they were (beleive it or not) a Public Radio favorite. Today, the band talks about virtual fame and plays live in the studio. Also: the indie-rock duo Mates of State first came to public attention when they held a contest for fans to create their own video for the first track on their EP: "Goods (All In Your Head)." The winning entry became the official video for the song, and was aired on MTV. The wife-and-husband duo performs live in the studio. And finally: We find out why members of Procol Harum are in court this week over the authorship of their 1967 hit "A Whiter Shade of Pale."
Sir Paul, Composer
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Paul McCartney’s been a teen heart throb, a rock icon, and a classical music composer. Today, he discusses his most recent New York premiere at Carnegie Hall. Also: the history of folk music in the big city. And: a live performance by British pscyhedelic rocker Robyn Hitchcock.
Opera's "It" Couples
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Sexy opera couples can draw big crowds. Today, Opera News editor Brian Kellow, along with opera stars Juan Diego Florez and Diana Damrau, talk about everything from chemistry to casting choices to the all-important marketing. Also on the show: Los Lonely Boys play live in studio songs from their new album, "Sacred."
Bill Gates V. the iPod
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Microsoft released its much-anticipated MP3 player called Zune today. New York Times tech guru David Pogue shares his thoughts on gadgets that dare to challenge the iPod. And: Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin performs live in the studio. Also: Avantgarde and electronica music composer Daniel Figis.
Why Tweens Drive the Music Industry
Monday, November 13, 2006
The soundtrack for the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana" is topping the Billboard charts this week. Earlier this year, the soundtrack to "High School Musical" sold almost 3 million copies. Are 13-year-old girls the music industry's power consumers? Also: The band Edison Woods has been described as a beautiful cross between the sounds of Elysian Fields and sentiments of David Lynch. They play live in the studio. And finally, keyboardist and composer Idan Raichel has gone multi-platinum in Israel with music that mixes Ethiopian folk with the Israeli melting pot. He stops by while on his American tour.
New Grooves from Atlanta
Friday, November 10, 2006
Atlanta became known as "Hotlanta" in the '90s when it became associated with the "Dirty South," hip-hop movement. But lately the city is home to a growing indie rock scene. Today, Atlanta's Lauren Aparicio, A.K.A. DJ L, talks about the sound of Atlanta music and tells us who to look and listen for. Also: a live performance by singer/songwriter Shara Worden, who performs under the moniker My Brightest Diamond and who was recently signed to the Asthmatic Kitty label. Finally: the Harlem-born pianist Roy Eaton joins us to talk about championing the work of ragtime great Scott Joplin. This is a repeat edition of Soundcheck.
Life on the Road
Thursday, November 09, 2006
We learn about this year's top American touring acts and about the less glamorous side of life on the road. And: fiery vocals, driving percussion and complex harmonies – those are a few sounds you’ll hear from the Bulgarian singer Vlada Tomova. She performs live in the studio.
Declining Arts Funding: What's the Greater Good?
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
A new survey shows a 10 percent drop in the money arts organizations get through philanthropy. Social-service charities, by contrast, are getting 40 percent more money. Today, we ask, how do arts organizations justify their funding when potential donors can help stamp out malaria, stem global warming, or solve any of a number of humanitarian crises? Also: Conductor Anne Manson is making strides at a time when major orchestras may still frequently shy away from female conductors. The former music director of the Kansas City Symphony, she's an active guest conductor these days who conducts next week at Juilliard. She talks with us about balancing family and the podium.
The Menacing Music of Election '06
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Political attack ads don’t only rely on verbal slander to get their point across. Today, the menacing musical overtones of this year’s political campaigns. And, as Panama's voted into the security council, we look at its musical history and impact today. Also, a live performance by the Brazilian band, Forro in the Dark.
Sexism and Hip Hop: Taking the Rap?
Monday, November 06, 2006
Does hip hop hate women? Rap music is making it to the mainstream, but the genre is still marked by sexist lyrics, raunchy radio hosts, and allegations of domestic violence. We find out why. Also: composer Phil Kline is preparing a WNYC commission called "John the Revelator," based on concepts from the Bible's Book of Revelation and named after a song by blues legend Blind Willie Johnson. He gives us a preview.
The Most Sampled Record in History
Friday, November 03, 2006
"Bongo Rock," an obscure 1972 LP is one of the most sampled albums in history. We hear the story behind this nearly forgotten album and how it helped give birth to hip-hop. Also: indie-rock Renaissance man Joseph Arthur shares his new album. And finally: a live performance by composer-drummer John Hollenbeck.
Una Fiesta Grande en Nueva York
Thursday, November 02, 2006
The seventh annual Latin Grammy Awards makes its New York debut with mega-stars like Columbian singer Shakira and Mexican band R.D.B. Today, find out who else to watch for at the Awards. Also: During the late '50s and early '60s the Brill Building in midtown Manhattan produced some of the most popular songs of all time, including Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" and the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'." We hear today how that building came to be so influential. Finally: Earlier this year, singer-songwriter Edie Brickell reunited with some of the original members of her late '80s band the New Bohemians. She joins us to share their new album, "Stranger Things."
When Rock Stars Go Classical
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Paul McCartney has written a new oratorio. Sting is playing 16th century lute songs. Some say they can bring new fans to classical music but others argue they’re too conservative, too bland. We’ll dive into this debate. Also: Honeycut, a California-based rock-soul trio, plays live. And, multi-media artist painter Fred Tomaselli.
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