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Soundcheck

Friday, January 19, 2007
  • Jerry Garcia

    Life after Dead

    There's more to the Grateful Dead than tie-dyed shirts and drug-fueled improvisation. Today, a look why their music is more complex than you may think -- and how they inspire today's musicians. We speak with two performers in a Dead tribute concert this weekend: Jorma Kaukonen (Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane) and Andy Statman (who played with Jerry Garcia in the early '70s), about what a long strange trip it's been. Also: Chilean vocalist and composer Francesca Acarola performs music made in tribute to Victor Jara, a songwriter murdered by that country's dictatorship regime in the 1970s.

Bringing back the Dead

Two of the Grateful Dead's classic albums, "Workingman's Dead" and "American Beauty," are celebrated this weekend with free concerts at the World Financial Center Winter Garden. Today, hear about the Dead's legacy with two of the performers, Jorma Kaukonen (Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane) and Andy Statman (who played with Jerry Garcia in the early '70s).

Are You a True Deadhead?

Francesca Ancarola

Chilean singer Francesca Ancarola sings songs from her upcoming tribute album to Victor Jara.

Francesca Ancarola's Web site

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.

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"

Pop's Love Affair With Death

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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?

Behind the public face of John Lennon

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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.

The Soul of British Soul

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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.