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Soundcheck
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(kevinthoule/flickr)The Harmony of Amateur Hour
For adults, finding time to learn a musical instrument is tough enough. Finding a forgiving partner can be terrifying. Today: a reporter and a bestselling detective novelist reveal how they joined "piano parties" and something called The Really Terrible Orchestra. And later: we bite into "Golden Delicious," the latest solo album from former Soul Coughing frontman Mike Doughty. He performs in our studio.This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.
Musical Late Bloomers Shed Anxiety
For adults who set out to learn (or re-learn) a musical instrument, private lessons and excruciating recitals are simply not an option. Today, two writers share how they connected with groups of like-minded amateurs. Environmental policy reporter (and pianist) Perri Knize talks about the nationwide network of "piano parties." And bestselling detective novelist (and bassoonist) Alexander McCall Smith takes us inside a Scottish ensemble called The Really Terrible Orchestra.
Piano World's "piano forums" site
Perri Knize's "Grand Obsession" on Amazon
Alexander McCall Smith's "The Miracle at Speedy Motors"
The Really Terrible Orchestra site
Mike Doughty
Mike Doughty left the successful alternative act Soul Coughing in 2000 to launch a solo career. His second official album, "Golden Delicious," is filled with quirky candy pop, including '80s-culture exploration "27 Jennifers" and "Fort Hood." The latter laments loss of innocence for American soldiers ("See them coming back, motionless, in an airport lounge") while appropriating a joyous Fifth Dimension chorus ("Let the sunshine in"). Doughty performs in our studio.
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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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