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Soundcheck

Wednesday, August 08, 2007
  • Nnenna Freelon
    Jazz singer Nnenna Freelon

    Why Jazz is Always in Style

    From flappers, to zuit suits, to Afros and beyond: Jazz, the quintessential American music, has reflected popular culture not only in its sound but also with its fashion sense. As the Newport Jazz Festival gets underway, we look at the history and the state of jazz fashion. Also: we talk to members of Budos Band, an 11-piece Afro-funk and soul ensemble, which comes all the way from...Staten Island.

The Look of Jazz

Jazz fashion is ever-changing and somehow always in style. Today, a look at the state of jazz style with Grammy-award-winning trumpeter Roy Hargrove, jazz singer Nnenna Freelon and photographer John Abbott, who has taken pictures of many jazz stars, from Miles Davis to Cassandra Wilson.

Slideshow: Jazz Fashion

The Budos Band

The Budos Band, a relatively young eleven-piece Afro-funk ensemble out of Staten Island, arrived on the scene in 2005 and have just released Budos Band II on Daptone Records. Joining us today are Baritone Sax player Jared Tankel, guitarist Tom Brenneck and drummer Brian Profilio.

The Budos Band on MySpace

Stormy Weather

Jody Kuh, the executive producer of the River to River Festival, talks about how outdoor concert presenters struggle with weather emergencies each summer. And we take listener calls on music and weather.

River to River Festival Web site

The Ill Effects of Urban Noise

Soundcheck

Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.