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Soundcheck

Monday, October 01, 2007
  • Early Music in New York

    The genre known as early music celebrates the sounds of the Renaissance and Middle Ages. Today on Soundcheck, we look at the New York's bid to become an early music mecca. Plus: the experimental indie group Animal Collective is inspired by Brian Wilson's sonic explorations with the Beach Boys. Members of the band join us to talk about "Strawberry Jam," their most accessible and acclaimed album to date.

Gettin' Medieval

When it comes to early music, New York has often stood in the wings while other cities basked in the spotlight. Gene Murrow, founder and executive director of Gotham Early Music Scene, explains his plan to change that. And, Murrow and and violinist Robert Mealy, director of the Boston Early Music Festival, debate their respective cities' early-music credentials.

More about Early Music/Early Season festival
Robert Mealy website

Asteria

Performing under the name Asteria, Sylvia Rhynne and Eric Redlinger aim to make music of the Middle Ages accessible for modern audiences. They perform live in our studio.

Asteria website

Animal Collective

The New York-based, Baltimore-raised quartet Animal Collective has everything a great art-rock ensemble needs: a hard-to-describe sound, strange stage names (see: “Panda Bear,” “Deakin”), and a tidal wave of critical acclaim. Members Noah Lennox and Josh Dibb join us to talk about their latest album, "Strawberry Jam."

Animal Collective on MySpace
Video: Watch "Peacebone" music video

The Swell Season in The Greene Space

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Joshua Bell in The Greene Space

Soundcheck