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November 2009

Vintage Soul Gets a Second Wind

Thursday, November 12, 2009

A growing number of record labels are rescuing obscure soul sounds that have slipped through the cracks of history. Today, hear about recordings and artists found on "outsider soul" labels like Numero Group, Wax Poetics and Soul Jazz. Also: Portuguese singer Sara Tavares returns to our studio with a live performance.


Another Side of Iggy

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Stooges frontman Iggy Pop single-handedly embodied what it meant to be a singer in a punk rock band: the long hair, ripped jeans, bare chest, and the ability to risk life and limb more often than a Hollywood stuntman. Today, he talks about how a French novel inspired his new album. Also: Elizabeth and the Catapult perform in our studio.This is a repeat edition of Soundcheck.


Live From The Greene Space

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Love and heartbreak are two powerful weapons in a songwriter's arsenal. In a live broadcast from WNYC's Jerome L. Greene Space, we debate which is more potent: the love song or the breakup song. Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, stars of the film Once and the duo behind the group The Swell Season, each take a side. Later: Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell has played to crowds in major concert halls, a Washington D.C. metro station and even his own home. Today, he performs with the hot young Latin band Tiempo Libre and pianist Frankie Moreno for our live audience.


Ask The Record Doctor

Monday, November 09, 2009

Sometimes a piece of music can provide relief in a time of crisis – a layoff, a divorce, a disastrous day on Wall Street. Today, The Record Doctor returns to suggest recordings that can be used to cope with life’s big dilemmas. Also: Live music from the Bollywood singer (and Indian Idol host) Kailash Kher.


Gizmos for Music and Beyond

Friday, November 06, 2009

If you have a bright idea for a musical gadget, you’re not alone. Today: New York Times technology columnist David Pogue fields your ideas for gizmos that haven’t been invented yet. And, he shares ideas from his readers... like a waterproof smartphone. Also: Choreographer Bill T. Jones discusses two new works inspired by Abraham Lincoln and the Broadway arrival of his musical about African musician Fela Kuti.

Join Soundcheck at the Greene Space: Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova of the film "Once" and violinist Joshua Bell, live on Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. More info here.


Moving Props and Moving Audiences

Thursday, November 05, 2009

The best music jobs aren't on stage. Stagehands at Carnegie Hall can pull in more than $500,000 a year. Today, we look at the lucrative job of moving props. Also: New York City Opera opens its season after an off-season of drastic cuts in an effort to bring the beleaguered company back to financial stability. Later: Esau Mwamwaya of the Malawian-British trio The Very Best. And: Soundcheck's picks of the week.


Carly Goes Back to Basics

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Singer-songwriter Carly Simon joins us to talk about collaborating with her son on a new album and wrangling with Starbucks in a legal battle. Later: conductor Roger Nierenberg tells us how symphony orchestras can inspire teamwork and leadership in the business world.


Music as a Bully Pulpit

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

While music has often been used as a rallying cry by musicians and politicians alike, last year's presidential election saw the musical community organize in new and compelling ways around a variety of social, political, and religious issues. On this Election Day Smackdown, we debate the role and impact that politics plays in music. Also: Composer and pianist Vijay Iyer performs songs from his new album, Historicity, live in our studio.


Mysterious Ways

Monday, November 02, 2009

Music lovers are drawn to mysterious lives, from bluesman Robert Johnson to rock howler Jack White. Today: we ask musician Carrie Brownstein whether mystery can survive in an era of music blogs and tabloids. And: DJ/rupture unlocks the mysterious world of international DJs. Plus: singer and percussionist Alessandra Belloni shares the art of the tarantella.