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Soundcheck / May 28, 2008

Soundcheck

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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  • Sticky Fingers

    The Strange Appeal of Tribute Bands

    In the strange world of tribute bands, musicians seek fame by impersonating Keith or Mick, Paul or Ringo. Today, journalist Steven Kurutz dissects the phenomenon and talks about Sticky Fingers, a Rolling Stones tribute band. Also: Percussionist Cyro Baptista synthesizes the sounds of his native Brazil with elements of jazz, rock and avant-garde on his latest album, "Banquet of the Spirits." He joins us to perform live and talk about being one of New York's most in-demand session players.

On the Road with a Tribute Band

In an age when famous rock groups can charge $100 or more for a concert ticket, their tribute band imitators offer an accessible outlet for hardcore fans. In his aptly-titled book Like A Rolling Stone: The Strange Life of A Tribute Band, New York Times reporter Steven Kurutz chronicles one of the most-established acts, Sticky Fingers. He joins us to talk about the ongoing popularity of bands like Lez Zeppelin, Van Heineken, and Mini Kiss. Also joining us is Kevin Gleason, from the Stony Rollers, a Rolling Stones tribute band; and Lesley Wolf, a bassist with Slayer tribute group Slaywhore.

Weigh in: Do you attend tribute band concerts? Are you in a tribute band? Tell us why you do or don't like them.

Our blog: John Schaefer offers his ambivalent view of the tribute band phenomenon

Like a Rolling Stone: The Strange Life of a Tribute Band
Video: Lez Zeppelin, Dazed and Confused
Video: Blushing Brides, Gimme Shelter

Cyro Baptista

Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista is a regular fixture in the New York stages, playing with people like Paul Simon, Herbie Hancock and Yo Yo Ma. He joins us to talk about his new album, Banquet of the Spirits, which mixes the sounds of Brazil with avant-garde jazz and rock.

Cyro Baptista and The Banquet of the Spirits perform this Thursday at Joe's Pub at 7:30 and 9:30 pm, and Saturday for Music Works for Peace in Montclair, NJ, at 7:30 pm.

Cyro Baptista's Website

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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  5. The Leonard Lopate Show: The Price of Style (10/08/2008)
  6. The Leonard Lopate Show: Memory (10/03/2008)
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