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Soundcheck / December 14, 2007

Soundcheck

Friday, December 14, 2007
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  • A Charlie Brown Christmas

    From Holiday Melodies to Subtle Soundtracks

    Vince Guaraldi's soundtrack to the TV special "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is not only one of the best-loved Christmas albums of all time, it's also a jazz classic. Today, eMusic.com editor Michael Azerrad tells us the story behind Guaraldi's classic score. Also: This year's batch of Oscar-worthy films is notable for their relatively spare use of music. Film historian Jon Burlingame explains why directors want subtler music these days. Finally: Conductor David Zinman shares Christmas pieces that use 20th century sounds to evoke traditional moods.

    Weigh in: Soundcheck's 2007 music poll

The Music that Made "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

The jazz soundtrack to "A Charlie Brown Christmas", composed and performed by Vince Guaraldi, has become a cornerstone of American pop culture. Michael Azerrad, editor-in-chief of eMusic.com, explains how jazz, animation and Christmas came together - against the wishes of CBS executives.

Charlie Brown Christmas: The Story Behind the Classic

Directors to composers: Keep it down!

This year's batch of big-budget, high-profile films is notable for a relatively spare use of music. From "No Country for Old Men" to "The Bourne Ultimatum" and "Michael Clayton," understated wins out. Jon Burlingame, film music historian and Variety writer, explains.

Composers lower film score volume

Shaking up the Holiday Cocktail

On a new CD, conductor David Zinman presents a trio of Christmas pieces: Christopher Rouse's "Karolju," Polish carols from Witold Lutoslawski, and a Christmas suite by Joaquin Rodrigo. Most remarkably, they all sound Christmas-y but also entirely fresh. Zinman joins us today to talk about evoking familiar moods with new sounds.

David Zinman

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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