On Demand
Soundcheck
-
I Got ThunderWhat You Didn't Know about Black Women in Music
The music industry has often pigeonholed black women as soul singers and "Divas." But a new book argues for their greater impact in the worlds of folk, blues and other genres, particularly when it comes to songwriting. Today, LaShonda Katrice Barnett, editor of the book I Got Thunder, explains. Also: Ari Roland is a New York-based bassist who has been recently named a State Department jazz ambassador. He joins us to talk about his six-month tour through countries like Russia, Turkmenistan, India and China and about his new album: "Ari Roland: And So I Lived in Old New York."
I Got Thunder
In her new book I Got Thunder scholar LaShonda Katrice Barnett examines the careers of the world's prominent black women singers and songwriters, from Dianne Reeves to Nina Simone to Tokunbo Akinro of the European band Tok Tok Tok. As we find out, there's more than just the media stereotype of soul singers and "Divas."
Also joining us is Brenda Russell, a singer-songwriter and co-writer of music and lyrics for “The Color Purple” on Broadway, among other productions.
I Got Thunder: Black Women Songwriters and Their Craft on Amazon
Grammy Nominations Announced (AP)
Brenda Russell's Web site
A New Spin on "A Christmas Carol"
The holiday season is underway and that means Christmas-themed entertainment. WNYC's Oliver Kramer usually says "Ba Humbug," but a new stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol," may have him changing his tune.
Ari Roland
This year, jazz bassist Ari Roland and his quartet received traveled abroad as part of American Music Abroad program, visiting countries like Russia, Turkmenistan, India and China. Meanwhile, in New York, he has has appeared hundreds of times at Smalls, more than any other musician in its history. Today he talks about his globe-trotting ways, and shares his new album "And So I Lived in Old New York..."
- About this program
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Latest Episode
- Internship
- Tapes and Transcripts
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
Watch Soundcheck Live!
Join us Tuesday, Nov. 10 at The Greene Space
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
More
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.
- Comments [93]
