wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

It sure has been hot, and David Garland has the solution for making it feel cooler: music that's hotter still! Hear sweltering performances by Anna Calvi, and the trio of Devin, Gary, and Ross; fiery music by Dave Hertzberg's Hearts & Bones, and The Mast; and even the cool breeze of songs from Bob Dylan, Arborea, and Holland Hopson.

Elomar is a Brazilian singer and composer born in 1937. Elomar has created a unique approach to song, drawing on folk, classical, and ancient troubadour traditions. Host David Garland presents an introduction to Elomar's music.

Plastic Spoon plays songs about money. This newly-formed New York group features great, creative musicians who've played with everybody, pushed musical boundaries, and are now experimenting with being a somewhat normal rock band. Host David Garland welcomes Plastic Spoon to the WNYC Studio to perform and talk about their music. Lend an ear--but only one ear, because Plastic Spoon demands that their music be heard in mono!

Ed Askew's first album was recorded in 1968, and Ed is still in touch with his unique muse, creating music that’s disarmingly full of heart. He gives us the rare chance to hear him perform in the WNYC Studio (with Sam Amidon and Thomas Bartlett) and talk about his music with host David Garland. 

Van Dyke Parks has been shaping new possibilities of song since his 1960s collaborations with Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, and his landmark 1968  album "Song Cycle." Having worked with everyone from Grace Kelly to Joanna Newsom during his long career, Parks is now performing together with the band Clare and The Reasons, and host David Garland welcomes them all to the WNYC Studio to talk about their music, and perform songs old and new.

This show first aired October 10, 2010.

Clare and The Reasons played one more song than could fit in the broadcast, but you can listen to "Pluton/Pluto" here:

In the mid-20th Century, modernist influences on the fields of architecture, and furniture, graphic, and industrial design resulted in chairs, films, and homes that combined innovation, practicality, and beauty. What is the musical equivalent of mid-century modern design? David Garland finds some examples.

Composer John Zorn presents recordings of his Masada project, and talks with host David Garland about Masada and the upcoming Masada Marathon at New York City Opera, plus NYC Opera's staged performance of Zorn's monodrama "La Machine de l’être."

Songs are often more like questions than answers. They're starting points for consideration, introspection, and inspiration. Host David Garland presents some songs that wonder about time, secular songs about god, and joyful songs about the moment of now.

David Garland presents new recordings, mostly by previous guests on the show, from musicians ranging in age from 6 to 65.

Dark Dark Dark brings a love of surprise, emotional intensity, and an orchestral sensibility to their music. Songs lunge, blaze, and soothe, carried by the powerful voice of Nona Marie Invie. Dark Dark Dark convene in the WNYC Studio to play their music, and talk about it with host David Garland.

Van Dyke Parks has worked with everyone from Grace Kelly to The Beach Boys to Joanna Newsom during his long career. Parks performs and talks about some of his extraordinary songs together with the band Clare and The Reasons in the WNYC Studio.

Amplified dangling forks and spoons provide accompaniment to the songs of Avocet. Avocet is Meara O'Reilly, who performs in the WNYC Studio with her voice, guitar, and the extraordinary amplified silverware instrument she created.

 Tuli Kupferberg, who died Monday, July 12 at age 86, specialized in breaking taboos through tuneful, energetic songs, but he also brought a lyrical, poetic sensibility to his group The Fugs. Host David Garland presents some funny, provocative work by this indelible, quintessential New Yorker.

Peter Broderick writes both intimate songs and minimalist chamber music, and to each he brings his sensitive ears, creative mind, and skills as guitarist, pianist, violinist, and singer.

Holden, a French duo with an American-sounding name and a strong reputation in both France and Chile, perform their songs in the WNYC Studio.