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The Next Big Thing
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Listening to the Stars
Music of the stars, as heard by two astronomers. Also, the music of bilingual rock band Cordero, of Irish memoirist Nuala O’Faolain, and of Barbara Cook’s accompanist Wally Harper, as remembered by Jesse Green. Another visit from Next Big Thing star Zero Boy. And finally, a visit to the studio of superstar painter Walton Ford.
Stump Zero Boy
"Vocal acrobat" Zero Boy is back, ready to defy, once again, the notion that cartoons are for the eyes only. Callers present him with comic scenarios, and he translates them into sound on the spot – using only his mouth. Produced by Julie Subrin.
» Visit Zero Boy’s website
Cordero at the Core
Ani Cordero and Chris Verene, two-fifths of Cordero, share music and conversation with host Dean Olsher. Cordero is a bilingual New York City-based rock band with roots in Puerto Rico and Atlanta, GA. Produced by Amanda Aronczyk.
» Hear Cordero’s cover of Grace Brown’s cover of Hank Cochran's "Make the World Go Away."
» Hear an original song, provisionally titled "Ojos Claros."
» You can find out more about Cordero by visiting their website
Farewell to Wally Harper
Though he was relatively invisible to the public, Wally Harper served as the backbone to legendary singer Barbara Cook’s performances. Jesse Green remembers the accompanist and music director, whom he first met when he interviewed Barbara Cook for this program, a year ago. Harper died last week. Produced by Emily Botein.
Nature with a Twist
Artist Walton Ford has gained notoriety for his painstakingly rendered watercolors and etchings of wildlife. His work is inspired by 19th century natural history artists like John J. Audubon, but takes the tradition of such artists and applies it in surprising and unsettling ways. Host Dean Olsher visits Ford at his studio in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, to look at works in progress. Produced by Matt Lieber.
One of Ford’s works portrays a Golden Eagle under duress – which brings to mind another Golden Eagle that, as you’ll hear, earned celebrity status on the Fred Allen Radio Show in 1940.
» View the book cover of Mr. Ramshaw My Eagle
Music of the Stars
Professor Don Kurtz from the Centre of Astrophysics at the University of Central Lancashire, and Dr. Andrew Collier Cameron from the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, learn about stars by listening to them. And like any two guys sharing their record collection, they have a lot of fun doing it. Producer Sherre DeLys eavesdrops on their exchanges, and adds more sounds of the universe to their playlist.
Why These Hymns
Next Big Thing contributor Nuala O’Faolain is in the business of looking back. She is finishing up her second historical novel and has published two memoirs. Her latest line of inquiry: Irish Catholic hymns, and the impulses that have led her and other Irish Catholics to sing them. Produced by Jill Krauss.