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Fear and Loathing on the Podium
Conductors used to be larger-than-life dictators who terrorized orchestras. But as recent conductor appointments by the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic demonstrate, maestros are getting younger and more accessible. Today, we examine why the days of the conductor-as-tyrant are over. Also: Jazz saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart was raised by a black Guadeloupean mother and a French Jewish father. He mixes African funk, jazz and Guadeloupe's gwoka rhythms on his new album, Soné Ka La.
Better Conduct?
Today's orchestra conductors can't be the dictators of the past. We find out why when we speak with Oliver Condy, editor of BBC Music Magazine; James Conlon, the music director of Los Angeles Opera who also teaches conducting at Juilliard; and Samuel Magad, the former concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
James Conlon bio
BBC Music Magazine's Web site
Samuel Magad bio
Jacques Schwarz-Bart
Jacques Schwarz-Bart, a New York-based saxophonist and composer, joins us to talk about Soné Ka-La, his unusual new album that fuses gwoka music from Guadeloupe with jazz.
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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
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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
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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.
