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Soundcheck / April 04, 2007

Soundcheck

Wednesday, April 04, 2007
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  • American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar (Getty Images)
    American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar (Getty Images)

    Mocking American Idol

    Viewers of "American Idol" pretty much all agree that contestant Sanjaya Malakar may be the worst finalist ever. But thanks to Howard Stern fans, pre-teen girls, and the Web site Votefortheworst.com, the wildly coiffed warbler now has a shot at winning it all. Today, we go behind this unlikely "Idol" success story. Also: Jazz guitarist John Abercrombie has been playing for over 30 years as a solo artist and with drummers like Billy Cobham and Jack DeJohnette. He joins us to talk about his new album, "The Third Quartet." Finally, moody rock band Sophe Lux performs live in the studio.

Will Sanjaya Save or Destroy American Idol?

While America holds its breath to try and see if the woefully untalented singer Sanjaya Malakar is eliminated from American Idol tonight, Robert Thompson, the founding director of the Center for the Study of Popular Television at Syracuse University, looks at what this year's controversy is all about.

John Abercrombie

Jazz guitarist John Abercrombie shares his new album "The Third Quartet."

Sophe Lux

Portland, Oregon band Sophe Lux, fronted by Gwynneth Haynes, performs live in the studio music from their new album "Waking The Mystics."

Sophe Lux's Web site

Arcade Fire

When I Missed the Boat

Soundcheck

How prejudice and second-guessing can cause you to miss some great music. Also, Juilliard-trained pianist Andy Russo joins us to share "Mix Tape," a collection of 14 classical arrangements of nuggets by Billy Joel, James Blunt, the B-52's, and others.

johnny flynn

Johnny Flynn

Soundcheck

Johnny Flynn, a London-based singer-songwriter, performs songs from his new album, "A Larum."

Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal

Soundcheck

Pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal was a major influence on Miles Davis in the 50s. Today rappers sample his music. He joins us to discuss his latest album.

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