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June 2007

Leaders of the Old School

Friday, June 29, 2007

As hip-hop approaches its 30th year, an album and song canon is beginning to take shape. Today we talk with author Brian Coleman and Duke University professor Mark Anthony Neal about the creation of the hip-hop canon. Also: Andy Palacio and the Garifuna Collective perform live their unique and soulful music from the Caribbean coast of Central and South America.


Rocking the Video Console

Thursday, June 28, 2007

New advances in video game technology allow greater interactivity between gamers and on-screen action. On today's show, we look at how huge video game hits like the "Guitar Hero" franchise are helping users rock both inside, and outside the living room. Also: Classical pianist Jeremy Denk performs live in our studio. Finally, Bon Jovi's unlikely transformation from rock to country superstars.


Last, but Certainly Not Least

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Recently, HBO's "Sopranos" stunned viewers with its controversial blackout finale. But surprise endings have defined music and art for centuries. Today, Washington Post cultural critic Philip Kennicott talks about cases when composers and songwriters avoid the Hollywood ending. Also: Duluth, Minnesota trio Low explores the timely topic of war and violence on their new album, "Drums And Guns." They perform live in the studio. And finally, a look at Folkstreams.net, a national treasury of documentary films about folk art and culture.


Old Sensations

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

A growing number of British soul singers, from Amy Winehouse to Joss Stone, are taking over the album charts. On today's show, we look at how American culture is driving the trend. Also: indie-rock sensation Wilco and the rising young Dutch composer Michel van der Aa.


The Fat Lady Sings

Monday, June 25, 2007

Some full-figured singers are defying age-old expectations for skinny bodies while others still feel pressure to slim down. Today on Soundcheck, we learn how “ideal” body-types vary among musical styles and how some expectations are changing. Plus, Israeli pianist Anat Fort performs selections from her buzzworthy debut live in our studio.


Coney Island in Song

Friday, June 22, 2007

Real estate developers plan to clean up Coney Island but its seedy charm lives on in music. Today on Soundcheck, we look at how the Brooklyn beach front has worked its way into Calliope songs, doo-wop, and even a Lou Reed album. Plus NY-based folk-singer Linda Draper performs live.


Pop Queens on Different Paths

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Today on Soundcheck, a look at two women who left their mark on American music. First, Peggy Lee sang swinging party songs that lit up the 1950s and '60s and was an accomplished songwriter. A recent book details the personal struggles behind a giant of pop and jazz. And later: soul icon Mary Wilson talks about The Supremes and life after Motown.


The Dark Side of Rock Reunions

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Some rock reunions are wildly successful, while others are panned or never get off the ground. Today on Soundcheck, we ask the experts what it takes to make a successful rock reunion. Also: NY Phil trombonist Joseph Alessi tells us why his instrument is so hot among contemporary composers. And finally: digital music's damaging impact on the environment.


Orchestra in a Box

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Classical musicians have bitterly opposed the use of computers in the orchestra pit for years. Now, a small group is breaking ranks — and arguing that it's the best hope for revitalizing the art. Also, a look at two albums released on USB drives, the modern-day floppy disk. Plus: singer-songwriter Jose Conde plays danceable Afro-Cuban music with a funk edge. He and his band Ola Fresca ("Fresh Wave") perform live in studio.


Two American Arias

Monday, June 18, 2007

Opera star Sherrill Milnes went from an Illinois dairy farm to taking bows at the Met. Today on Soundcheck, he tells us how he became one of the world’s great baritones. And: Lee Konitz started cool jazz with Miles Davis in the 40s. He joins us on the eve of his 80th birthday concert at the JVC Jazz Festival. Paul McCartney's "Memory Almost Full" is his first album with Starbucks' Hear Music label. It's also getting a lot of play in the stores -- too much according to some patrons. We hear about the marketing strategy for the album which includes playing it on a continuous loop.


The Road to Roma

Friday, June 15, 2007

Call it the Buena Vista Social Club for gypsy music. Today on Soundcheck, we talk with the director of a new documentary that follows Romani musicians across Europe and India in a search for the roots of gypsy culture. And, music writer and musicologist Michael Church shares field recordings from Chechnya and the surrounding North Caucasus region. Plus, a preview of the JVC Jazz Festival.


Sweet "Sol" Music

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Hot weather means cool tunes - or at least catchy, infectious, stick-in-your head ones. With the official start of summer just a week away, today we look at what will be crowned this year's summer jam, and what makes for an effective summer hit.


Critics in Crisis

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Arts coverage might be the latest casualty of downsizing at newspapers and magazines around the country. Today on Soundcheck, find out if bloggers can step up to fill the void after longtime arts critics are shown the door. Plus, the psychedelic pop songs of Future Clouds and Radar are inspired by illness, recovery — and a ukulele. The Austin, Texas, band performs live in our studio.


Alt-Rock of Ages

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Sonic Youth recorded "Daydream Nation" nearly 20 years ago. But the album’s impact is still being felt in indie rock circles. Today on Soundcheck: we talk with band members, and critics, about how a collection of dissonant guitar noise became a seminal rock album. Also: Pink Martini reinterprets cosmopolitan cabaret for the modern age. We speak with the band's founding members.


A Punk Hero's Tale

Monday, June 11, 2007

He was born the son of a British diplomat. When he died, he was the man who fused politics with punk. Today on Soundcheck, a look at the turbulent life of Joe Strummer, leader of the legendary group The Clash. Also: Country singer and actress Mare Winningham talks about starring in the musical "10 Million Miles." Plus, a report card on the Tony Awards.


Finding Creativity in Mess

Friday, June 08, 2007

Many people suffer guilt over their messy desks and homes. Today, we look at how a little disorder can actually benefit creativity and art. Send us a photo of your mess and then tune in to see what it means. Also: Jazz-folk band Tin Hat play live in studio. This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.


The Passion of Piaf

Thursday, June 07, 2007

The life of Edith Piaf was filled with intense fame and tragedy. Today on Soundcheck, the director of the film "La Vie En Rose" tells why it took 40 years to bring Piaf’s remarkable story to the big screen. Plus: Calle 13, the hottest band in the Carribean hip-hop style known as reggaeton, share tracks from their new album. And, we’ll sample an opera that features names like Sting and Elvis Costello.


The Life of an Uncommon Blues Traveler

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

She inspired Elvis Presley and Keith Richards with her rock 'n' roll charisma, but Sister Rosetta Tharpe's music was gospel. Today, we look at the genre-defying pioneer with Gayle Wald, author of Shout Sister Shout! The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. We also hear about Tharpe's modern-day legacy with the leader singer of the UK indie rock band the Noisettes, whose latest album features the song "Sister Rosetta (Capture The Spirit)." Finally: Indie folk trio Great Lake Swimmers performs live.


B-Boys Gone Wild

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

When hip hop was still in the ghetto in 1982, the film "Wild Style" put the music and graffiti art on the map. Today on Soundcheck, the story behind a classic hip-hop movie that still matters. Plus, Broadway veteran Audra McDonald talks about her Tony-nominated role in the musical "110 in the Shade." And: The story of imaginary soul superstar Mingering Mike.


When All the City's a Stage

Monday, June 04, 2007

New York's outdoor summer festivals promise all-star musical line-ups but also plenty of hurdles -- from high-priced tickets to sold-out signs and sunburns. Today, a look at the risks and rewards of music in the great outdoors. Also: as the founder of Lollapalooza, alternative-rock pioneer Perry Farrell has seen it all when it comes to outdoor festivals. He shares his experiences, and his new band Satellite Party. Finally: Why amphitheaters are suffering a crisis similar to the drive-in movie theaters.


Six-String Sticker Shock

Friday, June 01, 2007

Electric guitars are like fine wine: the older, the better. Today on Soundcheck, two vintage guitar dealers talk about the booming market for classic instruments — and why it might be headed for a crash. Plus: Elana Arian, a singer-songwriter inspired by classical, jazz and folk traditions, performs songs from her new album, "How to Stand in the Rain." And, a (brief!) preview of this weekend’s 26-hour long Bang on a Can Marathon.