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(Cauê Rangel/flickr)What's in a Name? In Jazz, Plenty
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers were one of the few jazz ensembles with a cool name. But what about the Miles Davis Quintet? Or the John Coltrane Quartet? We find out why jazz groups seem resistant to flashy names. And later: With influences from France, India, Latin America, and Africa, you'd think Rupa and the April Fishes was formed in the food court of a suburban mall. In fact, it was born in the streets of San Francisco by singer and songwriter Rupa Marya. She and band join us with a live performance.
Great Music, Uninspired Name
Some of the greatest jazz groups have lousy names. No wonder all the “quartets” and “quintets” seem alike. Today, we examine how to fix jazz’s image problem with Will Layman, a jazz critic who writes for Pop Matters, NPR and other publications; and Anne Mette Iversen, a composer and bassist who leads the Anne Mette Iversen Quartet.
Backstage at "Satyagraha "
Today, a new production of Philip Glass’s work Satyagraha debuts at the Metropolitan Opera. It tells the story of Mahatma Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa, ones that helped define his philosophy of non-violent resistance. But Gandhi isn’t the only figure who casts a large shadow on stage—or, for that matter, in its wings. Lara Pellegrinelli reports from backstage on some of the opera’s other lofty characters — its puppets.
Rupa and The April Fishes
Rupa was born to Indian parents, was raised in the US, India and Southern France. Her music mixes French nouvelle vague, Latin alternative, Gypsy, Indian ragas… and medicine. Besides being a songwriter and bandleader to The April Fishes, Rupa is also a physician and often finds inspiration from her patients. Rupa and The April Fishes join us to talk about their music and to play live in the studio.
Rupa and the April Fishes perform tonight at Drom at 9pm.
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See Tori Amos Live!
Join us Tuesday, Dec. 9 at The Greene Space
Singer and pianist Tori Amos joins us to talk about reworking and reinventing seasonal carols on her new holiday album. And, she performs for a live audience in The Greene Space! Click the link for ticket info.
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