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A Closer Look at the Blues
Rock ‘n’ roll owes a huge debt to blues music from the Mississippi Delta, but a new book claims scholars and record collectors were the ones who created the Delta blues. Today on Soundcheck: contesting the history of black music. Plus: Tenor Anthony Dean Griffey takes us inside the title role of Benjamin Britten's dark opera "Peter Grimes."
Blues History, Rewritten
Blues music is forever associated with the Mississippi Delta and storied artists like Robert Johnson. But a new book details how our understanding of the Delta blues genre was shaped by white folklorists and record collectors. Writer Marybeth Hamilton, author of "In Search of the Blues," joins us to challenge the history of an influential form of black music.
A Journey to North Korea
When the New York Philharmonic performed an historic concert in North Korea, John Schaefer was part of the orchestra’s entourage. John shares a travel diary from his trip to Pyongyang. (Read more on the Soundcheck blog.)
Inside the Mind of Peter Grimes
Tenor Anthony Dean Griffey is earning raves for his performance in the title role of Benjamin Britten’s "Peter Grimes" at the Metropolitan Opera. He tells us how he developed his interpretation of a dark and challenging character.
More about 'Peter Grimes' at the Met
Anthony Dean Griffey website
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Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
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Soundcheck Blog
Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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