On Soundcheck you'll find in-studio performances by everyone from indie rockers to string quartets to jazz ensembles. When artists visit our studios, they are in peak form and often present special tracks, fan favorites and brand-new songs. In case you missed them, here are highlights culled by the Soundcheck staff.
Recently in Live on Soundcheck
FELA! Live
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Tony winning musical FELA! brings the life of Nigerian composer, musician and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti to the Broadway stage – and now to WNYC’s Greene Space.
Dean & Britta Live
Thursday, July 22, 2010
In the mid-60s, Andy Warhol made nearly 500 short films of people who frequented his Factory studio in New York, including Lou Reed, Dennis Hopper and Nico. More than 40 years later, husband-and-wife duo Dean & Britta were commissioned to create music to accompany the films.
Gabriel Prokofiev and GéNIA
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Gabriel Prokofiev, the 35-year-old grandson of the great Russian composer, has been making waves as a composer of pieces like the hip-hop influenced Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra and as the director of Nonclassical, an English indie-classical label and affiliated concert series in an East London pub.
Rachel Grimes and On Fillmore: Live
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Rock became something else when pianist Rachel Grimes helped form the early post rock band called Rachel’s. Now she’s working with the duo On Fillmore, comprised of Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche and bassist Darin Gray. They’ll all play live in our studio.
Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes: In Studio
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Husband and wife pianists Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes have followed distinct career paths, with Charlap involved in a series of projects highlighting the Great American Songbook, and Rosnes gaining insider cred for her eclectic approach to the modern jazz repertoire.
Ted Leo
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Fear not, Ted Leo fans. Reports of the indie-rock hero's retirement were greatly exaggerated in the blogosphere. On his web site, Leo recently clarified statements he made about how he feels about making music. He's not quitting, but his outlook has changed. We ask him about it. And, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists play live in our studio.
Angela Meade: In Studio
Monday, July 12, 2010
American soprano Angela Meade made her professional stage debut unexpectedly at the Metropolitan Opera in 2008 when she was asked to sing Ernani's "Elvira" at a moment’s notice. But her career was already on the upswing with a series of awards including first place at the Met's National Council Auditions.
Brooklyn Rider Live
Friday, July 09, 2010
The young string quartet Brooklyn Rider takes on everything from Debussy and John Cage to works featuring the Japanese shakuhachi and electronics. With their high-energy performing style and occasional gigs in rock clubs, the group is helping to shake up the once staid image of the string quartet.
Delorean: In Studio
Thursday, July 08, 2010
The Barcelona-based outfit Delorean takes its name from the short-lived auto manufacturer that, in turn, inspired a time machine in the Back to the Future film franchise of the 1980s. Formed 10 years ago as an electronic side-project for Basque punk musicians, the group leaves little trace of its hardcore past on a new album of synth-pop and dance rock called Subiza. They join us to perform live in our studio.
Jazz Original: Paul Motian
Monday, July 05, 2010
In the late 1950s, Paul Motian became a regular in pianist Bill Evans' famous trio. Today, this influential drummer and composer is known for often performing sans piano.
Lang Lang Live
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Lang Lang has become a global brand name. This year, the piano superstar has hobnobbed in Davos, appeared at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in Oslo, organized a Haiti earthquake benefit at Carnegie Hall, and launched his own line of Steinway student pianos.
The Unthanks: In Studio
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Two years ago, Rachel Unthank & the Winterset nearly made off with Britain’s Mercury Prize with their album The Bairns.
Robert Randolph Live
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Robert Randolph grew up playing pedal steel guitar in church. Now, he puts his virtuosity to work in the funk, blues and soul outfit The Family Band.
Blitz the Ambassador: In Studio
Friday, June 18, 2010
Brooklyn rapper Blitz the Ambassador grew up in the Ghanaian city of Accra before heading to Brooklyn to pursue a life in music.
Villagers: In Studio
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Dublin-based singer-songwriter Conor O’Brien performs under the name Villagers. He joins us to play live in our studio.
Sean Bones and Norah Jones: In Studio
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
In the new indie movie Wah Do Dem, indie musician Sean Bones plays a young Brooklynite who gets dumped by his girlfriend, played by Grammy winner Norah Jones. Bones' character winds up wandering the Jamaican countryside -- and a luxurious cruise ship.
Pedrito Martínez
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Singer-percussionist Pedrito Martínez plays a high-octane form of Cuban salsa called timba. But he's also been known to tackle songs by the Police.
Joyce Moreno: In Studio
Monday, June 14, 2010
Brazilian singer Joyce Moreno started her recording career when she was 16, in the mid 60s when male artists dominated the field.
Fred Hersch: In Studio
Friday, June 11, 2010
Jazz pianist and composer Fred Hersch has earned three Grammy nominations and has released more than 30 albums, but in a way he feels he is just starting out.
Sarah McLachlan
Thursday, June 10, 2010
It’s been seven years since Sarah McLachlan released her last studio album and eleven years since Lilith Fair traversed the country, spreading good music, championing worthy causes, and celebrating women everywhere.