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Soundcheck

Friday, April 11, 2008
  • Coltrane
    (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.

Metropolitan Opera Web site
Lara Pellegrinelli's report

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.

Rupa and the April Fishes' Website

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

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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.