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Soundcheck / November 30, 2006

Soundcheck

Thursday, November 30, 2006
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  • Fela Kuti

    Fighting AIDS with Afrobeat

    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.

Fela Kuti

We look at the music and life of the man who created Afrobeat, became a living symbol of the rights of African people, and who died of AIDS in 1997. His records are being reissued by big labels, and his music can also be heard in NYC’s "Jump’n’Funk" dance parties.

Rich Medina's website

No Music Left Behind

Juilliard and Carnegie Hall have launched a new project designed to send musicians into New York’s public schools. Orchestra consultant and blogger Drew McManus and Dr. Thomas Wolf, author of the Magic Of Music final report from the Knight Foundation, offer their views.

Drew McManus at Artsjournal.com
Magic of Music Final Report by Thomas Wolfe

Brave Old World

Brave Old World has performed their contemporary take on klezmer music in the U.S., Europe and Israel. Their album Songs from the Lodz Ghetto features renditions of the music created by the Jewish community in Lodz, Poland during the Nazi occupation.

Brave Old World's website

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.

Quincy Jones

The Journey of Quincy Jones

Soundcheck

During his 50-year career, Quincy Jones has worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Puff Daddy, founded Vibe magazine, collected countless awards, and earned a reputation as a jazz giant. (Somewhere in there, he found time to make possible an album called "Thriller.") Jones joins us on the occasion of his new book, "The Complete Quincy Jones: My Journey & Passions."

Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on Quincy Jones, Henry Rollins and the term "Renaissance man"

death

Pop's Love Affair With Death

Soundcheck

Death may be an unpleasant topic for conversation, but it ranks up there with sex and love as a basic ingredient in song lyrics. Today, we look at how pop music copes (and even thrives) with death. We're joined by Graeme Thomson, author of the self-explanatory book, "I Shot a Man in Reno: A History of Death By Murder, Suicide, Fire, Flood, Drugs, Disease and General Misadventure, as Related in Popular Song."

Soundcheck blog: What's your favorite song about death?

John Lennon

Behind the public face of John Lennon

Soundcheck

Writing a book about the Beatles is to enter a crowded market. But Philip Norman’s new 851-page biography, “John Lennon: The Life” is getting much buzz this fall for the unprecedented access provided by Lennon’s friends and relatives, including Yoko Ono. We talk with Norman about why Lennon remains such a fascinating and troubled figure.

Dusty Springfield book jacket

The Soul of British Soul

Soundcheck

British soul divas like Amy Winehouse and Duffy owe a big debt to a '60s icon with a breathy voice and a beehive wig. Today: the story of singer Dusty Springfield. Later: folk-rock artist Ani DiFranco performs songs from her new album "Red Letter Year" live in our studio.