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Soundcheck / November 02, 2007

Soundcheck

Friday, November 02, 2007
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  • Ute Lemper takes on the Brooklyn Bridge
    Ute Lemper takes on the Brooklyn Bridge

    Evolution, Music and the Brain

    Enjoying a concert from the comfort of your seat is perfectly normal -- but your brain has other things in mind. Today, the neuroscientist Daniel Levitin explains why it’s only natural to dance when you hear music. Plus, on the eve of Soundcheck’s own special from Berlin, chanteuse Ute Lemper kicks off Carnegie Hall’s Berlin in Lights festival. She joins us for a preview. And later: a look at Plastic People of the Universe, the Czech rock band whose music is at the heart of a new Broadway play.

Music: It's Only Human

Record-producer-turned-neuroscientist Daniel Levitin went from working with Stevie Wonder and Blue Oyster Cult to researching human behavior and music. He joins Soundcheck to discuss whether music is an evolutionary accident -- or fundamental to our species.

More about Daniel Levitin, Ph.D.
Dr. Levitin's New York Times op-ed, "Dancing in the Seats"

Ute Lemper

Ute Lemper

Before she kicks off Carnegie Hall's "Berlin in Lights" festival tonight at the Neue Gallerie, Ute Lemper joins us to talk about a program that includes the dark gems of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill. And she gives us a sneak preview of her appearance all next week on WNYC's Evening Music, part of our "Berlin Without Walls" extravaganza.

More about Ute Lemper
WNYC's Berlin Without Walls, a 13-day multimedia festival
Berlin in Lights festival schedule
Ute Lemper hosts Evening Music
Soundcheck's Berlin Blog

Rock and Revolution

The Czech rock band Plastic People of the Universe formed in 1968 as Soviet tanks rolled into Prague. For the next two decades, the band would be a symbol of resistance and artistic freedom. New York Times pop music critic Jon Pareles talks about the Plastics, which are featured in playwright Tom Stoppard’s Broadway play, "Rock 'n' Roll."

Plastic People of the Universe official site
'Rock 'n' Roll' on Broadway

Arcade Fire

When I Missed the Boat

Soundcheck

How prejudice and second-guessing can cause you to miss some great music. Also, Juilliard-trained pianist Andy Russo joins us to share "Mix Tape," a collection of 14 classical arrangements of nuggets by Billy Joel, James Blunt, the B-52's, and others.

johnny flynn

Johnny Flynn

Soundcheck

Johnny Flynn, a London-based singer-songwriter, performs songs from his new album, "A Larum."

Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal

Soundcheck

Pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal was a major influence on Miles Davis in the 50s. Today rappers sample his music. He joins us to discuss his latest album.

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