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Beth Ditto of the Gossip (Justin Poselenzny)The Fat Lady Sings
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.
Body of Work
Bucking cultural norms and music-industry trends, overweight singers find greater acceptance in certain musical styles. Sometimes, their body types are even considered essential. Today, we talk with Rachel Giese of CBC Arts Online; Anne Midgette, classical music critic of the New York Times; and opera singer Shana Blake Hill about singers who defy expectations, from Beth Ditto (of pop-punk group the Gossip) to soul diva Aretha Franklin.
Anat Fort
Rising young Israeli pianist Anat Fort plays a charming, meditative style of jazz that has earned comparisons to the late Bill Evans. She joins us today along with her trio to perform live selections from her ECM Records debut, "A Long Story."
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Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
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Soundcheck Blog
Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
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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"
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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?
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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.
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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.
