wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

On Demand

Program Schedule

Topics

Soundcheck / April 13, 2007

Soundcheck

Friday, April 13, 2007
Previous Episode | Next Episode
  • Jimmy Hendrix's album "Axis: Bold As Love"
    Jimmy Hendrix's album "Axis: Bold As Love"

    Rockers Who've Got Your Number

    John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix were obsessed with the number 9. Elvis was the king of the number 8. Today we mark Friday the 13th by exploring the strange connections between rockers and numbers. We speak with author Gary Patterson, author of Take a Walk on the Dark Side: Rock and Roll Myths, Legends, and Curses. Also: Portuguese singer Lura performs live from her new album "M'bem di Fora" (I Come from Far Away). And finally: Nearly five years after Jazz at Lincoln Center formed its resident Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, that very ensemble has announced it is breaking away from its parent institution. The group's music director, pianist and composer Arturo O'Farrill, explains why.

Rock by the Numbers

To many, Friday the 13th is a day to fear, or at least be wary of. But some pop musicians had obsessions of other numbers, whether it was John Lennon's connection to number nine or Elvis's interest in eight. We speak with author Gary Patterson, author of Take a Walk on the Dark Side: Rock and Roll Myths, Legends, and Curses.

Take a Walk on the Dark Side: Rock and Roll Myths, Legends, and Curses

Lura

Lisbon-born singer Lura is part of a new generation following the steps of Cesaria Evora and performing the rhythms of Cape Verde. She and her band share songs from her new album, "M'Bem di Fora," which blends European and West African influences.

Whither Latin Jazz in New York

Arturo O'Farrill, director of the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, talks about how his band is leaving the auspices of Jazz at Lincoln Center - the very organization that oversaw its formation.

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.