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Soundcheck

Friday, May 23, 2008
  • Girls Like Us

    Natural Women

    Before Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon were piped into every Starbucks across the land, they were inspiring women to reconsider their roles in society. We talk with author Sheila Weller, whose new book "Girls Like Us" explores the lives of Mitchell, Simon and singer-songwriter Carole King. Also: Bluegrass guitar wiz Michael Daves performs live in our studio.

Girls Like Us

In the '60s and '70s singer-songwriters Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon gave voice to a generation of women struggling to redefine their roles in society. In "Girls Like Us," bestselling author Sheila Weller tracks their lives against the backdrop of a revolutionary era. She joins us to talk about it.

Our blog: One producer’s thoughts on 70’s female folkies

Weigh in: Have you ever made sense of your life by listening to music?

"Girls Like Us" on Amazon.com

The Plaza's New Soundtrack

Three years after shutting its doors, the Plaza Hotel officially reopened to the public this month after a $400 million makeover. That means new multi-million-dollar condos, $1,000-a-night hotel rooms, and a spiffed-up ballroom and restaurant. The Plaza has unveiled another change: a new recorded music installation. Soundcheck producer Brian Wise spoke with the Plaza’s composer, Ariel Blumenthal.

Slideshow: View images from The Plaza and the installation.

The Plaza Hotel
Ariel Blumenthal's web site

Michael Daves

Atlanta-born guitarist and singer Michael Daves caught the ear of New York bluegrass fans as a performer with two virtuosos: banjoist Tony Trischka and mandolinist Chris Thile of Nickel Creek. Now, Daves is turning heads with fleet-fingered, fiery solo work. He joins us for a live performance in our studio.

Michael Davies web site

The Swell Season in The Greene Space

Soundcheck

Joshua Bell in The Greene Space

Soundcheck