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(Photo by FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images))Body Parts in Song: from ankles to eyes
The body parts most frequently sung about in music are the eyes, according to a new analysis of over 10,000 songs. Today: we look at how different musical genres emphasize specific parts of the body. Then, we turn our attention to the pianist Leon Fleisher, who has arguably the most famous right hand in the music business, due to a debilitating hand condition he suffered in the 1960s. He's regained the use of that hand , and joins us in advance of his two-hand recital at Carnegie Hall this week.
Finally: R&B singer Raphael Saadiq, whose music has one foot in '60s Motown, joins us to talk about his new album "The Way I See It."
Uncovering Parts of the Body in Song
Two IBM researchers have analyzed over 10,000 songs to find out which parts of the human body were mentioned the most and broke down the resulting data by genre. Across all of the categories, the eyes are most frequently mentioned body part -- with the exceptions of hip hop. Researcher and artist Martin Wattenberg joins us to explain his research.
Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on the "Fleshmap" project
Decades Later, Classic Fleisher Released
Pianist Leon Fleisher made a series of landmark recordings for CBS Records between 1954 and 1963, before a neurological affliction known as focal dystonia rendered two fingers of his right hand immobile in 1965. Now, in the year of his 80th birthday, Sony has released six of his classic recordings for the first time – including music by Schubert, Ravel, Liszt and Copland. Fleisher joins us to talk about these, and about his busy fall season.
Raphael Saadiq
A founder of the 1980s new-jack swing outfit Tony! Toni! Tone!, Raphael Saadiq has explored the roots of soul and R&B since launching a career as a producer and solo artist. On his latest album, "The Way I See It," Saadiq's original songs hark back to the Temptations and Smokey Robinson - without seeming dusty or worn-out.
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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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