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Soundcheck

Tuesday, December 04, 2007
  • Crosby, Stills and Nash
    Crosby, Stills and Nash (Henry Diltz)

    Every Picture Tells a Story

    Veteran photographer Henry Diltz is the ultimate rock 'n' roll insider, turning up at legendary jam sessions, parties, and festivals -- from Woodstock to Monterrey. Today, he talks about his new book of more than 500 photos: California Dreaming: Memories and Visions of LA, 1966-1975. Also: Brazilian-born brothers Sergio and Odair Assad are one of today's leading classical guitar duos. They join us to share their new album, "Jardim Abandonado," and perform live in the studio.

Photo-Synthesis

Henry Diltz trained his lens on the biggest names of rock - including David Crosby, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. He gained access to their Southern California homes and captured crucial shows, from Monterey Pop to Woodstock. Today he shares highlights from his new book, California Dreaming: Memories and Visions of LA, 1966-1975.

Slideshow: Photos from California Dreaming by Henry Diltz

California Dreaming: Memories and Visions of LA, 1966-1975

Sergio and Odair Assad Live

On their latest album, "Jardim Abandonado" (Abandoned Garden), the Brazilian guitar duo of Sergio and Odair Assad offer a collection of songs drawn from the duo's performance repertoire of the last decade, including Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," and selections by Debussy, Milhaud, Jobim and others. The duo performs in our studio.

Jardim abandonado on Amazon

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.

Your "Democracy Song"

Soundcheck

As we march toward Election Day, Soundcheck wants you to identify a song that captures the spirit of democracy. It might be Woody Guthrie’s populist classic “This Land Is Your Land” or Sly and the Family Stone’s funky hit “Everyday People.” It might even be a current Top 40 hit with mass appeal. Put on your musical thinking cap, get creative, then post your song here.

Buying Music: A Smackdown Series

Soundcheck

Check out our ongoing series of Soundcheck Smackdown debates on the music marketplace -- and how we shop inside it. Part I: the pros and cons of MySpace. Part II: two documentarians throw down over music at Wal-Mart. Coming up: Part III: iTunes and Part IV: iPod vs. Zune

Atmosphere

Soundcheck

With minimalist beats and confessional rhymes, the hip-hop duo Atmosphere became the toast of the hip-hop underground after it formed 10 years ago. Now, the group has turned to classic funk and soul, and frontman Slug is still telling captivating stories. They perform in our studio.

Tin Pan Alley

Soundcheck

A two-block stretch of West 28th Street was once the home of American songwriters and music publishers. But buildings in area are now up for sale, and preservationists fear a major development is in the works. We look at the history and future of Tin Pan Alley.

I Am Azerrad ... No, I Am Azerrad!

Soundcheck

Nirvana biographer and indie-rock historian Michael Azerrad writes about musicians for a living. Now, the British band Tubelord (pictured) has written about him -- and the lyrics are a tad scary.

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Soundcheck

Two major players from the worlds of classical and American roots music have joined forces for an album of new material. They perform in our studio.

Tina Dico

Soundcheck

Singer-songwriter Tina Dico tops the charts in her native Denmark. She joins us to share songs from her latest full-length album, "Count to Ten," as well as a trilogy of EPs.