With his innovative "In a Landscape" series, pianist Hunter Noack hauls a concert-quality Steinway to remote locations, inviting audiences to wander through nature while intimate piano sounds fill their wireless headphones. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On naturalist and classical pianist Hunter Noack. Redefining what a concert hall can be, Hunter…
In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, saxophonist Noah Preminger reflects on his 2017 album 'Meditations on Freedom,' which aimed to foster dialogue on civic freedoms. He emphasizes the emotional and creative spark that thematic prompts provide in his music-writing process. Listen to the full conversation on the latest…
In this excerpt from Spotlight On, saxophonist Noah Preminger discusses his journey in creating the album Ballads. He's enthusiastic about the new release, praising the engineer's ability to capture a present and lush ECM-like sound. Hear more from Noah Preminger on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/noah-preminger-a-veteran-saxophonist-tackles-the-ballad/…
Today, the Spotlight shines On drummer and composer Devin Gray. Like me, Devin is a born New Englander who made his way to Brooklyn, though unlike me, he splits his time between Brooklyn and Berlin. Devin has performed with Spotlight On alumni Angelica Sanchez and Satoko Fuji, as well as…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, saxophonist Noah Preminger discusses his challenging yet formative years studying with Dave Liebman. Liebman's emphasis on transcription and creating a unique musical vocabulary significantly influenced Preminger's development as an improviser, despite the emotional highs and lows. Check out the full…
Today, the Spotlight shines On JUNO Award-winning oud player and guitarist Gordon Grdina. Gordon’s work defies limitations, be they geographical, distance, time, or genre. He incorporates avant-garde jazz, free improvisation, indie rock, and Arabic tradition into his music. So much music, so many collaborators, and so much ground to cover…
Boston-based saxophonist Noah Preminger discusses his surprising compositional preferences, his challenging education under Dave Liebman, and why his latest album, ‘Ballads,' might be his most accessible work yet. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On renowned saxophonist Noah Preminger. Boston-based saxophonist Noah Preminger has spent years pushing jazz into new territories before…
Today, the Spotlight shines On trailblazing songwriter and now memoirist Steve Wynn. Steve first hit public consciousness in the early 1980s with his band The Dream Syndicate, frequently mentioned in the same breath as REM and The Replacements as the pioneers of American indie rock. The Dream Syndicate’s initial run…
In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, guitarist Mary Halvorson and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier discuss their unique musical approach as a duo, emphasizing rhythm, elasticity, and improvisation, and reflect on the importance of evolving and challenging each other to create fresh, in-the-moment music. Don't miss the full conversation on…
Today, the Spotlight shines On the acclaimed and intriguing composer, bandleader, and improviser Graham Reynolds. The Austin-based Reynolds has composed for countless film, television, dance, and theatrical productions, serving most notably as the sonic collaborator of director Richard Linklater. He is also Artistic Director of the new music-focused non-profit Golden…
Today, the Spotlight shines On pianist and composer Satoko Fujii, an incredibly unique and prolific artist. Satoko works at the intersection of jazz, contemporary classical, rock, and traditional Japanese music, composing for ensembles of many sizes and configurations. However, she is especially adept with the jazz orchestra format. For all…
In this except from the Spotlight On podcast, guitarist Mary Halvorson and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier discuss their collaborative process and the role of effects in their music. They talk about how certain pieces call for specific effects, their adaptability during live performances, and the importance of these choices in their…
Today, the Spotlight was meant to shine On drummer, percussionist, and composer Ches Smith, whose album Laugh Ash was released earlier this year on Pyroclastic Records (https://pyroclasticrecords.com/release/laugh-ash/) . As we arranged to get together, Ches suggested we include Shara Lunon, the transdisciplinary poet, vocalist, composer, and improviser featured on the…
Today’s episode is a recording of our recent live event, which took place at The Royal Room (https://theroyalroomseattle.com/) in Seattle, WA, on June 22, 2024. The event, Improvisation in Music and Life, featured me in conversation with and performances by James Falzone’s Division Ensemble. The Division Ensemble is a group…
Today, the Spotlight shines On Modena, Italy-based sound artist and percussionist Riccardo La Foresta. Riccardo has spent the last several years exploring the Drummophone—an array of bass drums that create sound by being confronted with compressed air and which, in turn, produce complex acoustic drones. By combining the Drummophone with…
Today, the Spotlight shines On Berlin-based drummer, composer, and producer Janek van Laak. Janek grew up in post-reunification Berlin which gave birth to a vibrant culture of music and art. He joined me earlier this year, around the Sonar Kollektiv (http://www.sonarkollektiv.com/janek-van-laak-circle-of-madness/) release of his debut solo album, Circle Of Madness,…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, guitarist Mary Halvorson and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier discuss what draws them back to work together repeatedly. The duo describe their creative process, highlighting how they approach writing and composition without strict rules while ensuring their albums remain cohesive and exploratory.…
Swiss pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and American guitarist Mary Halvorson discuss their third album 'Bone Bells,' reflecting on the value of risk-taking and the slow-burning development of a creative partnership that continues to yield fascinating results. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On two artists who've taken the piano-guitar duo to bold…
Today, the Spotlight shines On singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Paul Chastain. Paul is one half of the duo The Small Square, with drummer, percussionist, and vocalist John Louis Richardson. He is also a songwriter for and co-founder of the group Velvet Crush and has worked with Matthew Sweet, Roger McGuinn,…
In this excerpt from the Spotlight On podcast, pianist Phillip Golub reflects on his gradual incorporation of microtonality in his music and how he continues to explore it through various projects, including a microtonal jazz record. He also touches on the challenge and niche nature of modifying traditional instruments to…
Today, the Spotlight shines On bassist and vocalist Katie Ernst. In addition to many other things, Katie is one half of the duo Wayfaring with last week’s guest James Falzone. Katie is also co-leader of the Chicago-based jazz trio Twin Talk, and the indie rock band Edith Judith, and has…
Today, the Spotlight shines on clarinetist, penny whistle player, composer, improviser, and educator James Falzone. James and I have been collaborating on an upcoming live event, Improvisation in Music and Life, taking place on June 22 at the Royal Room in Seattle. This will be a unique program of performance…
Today, the Spotlight shines on jazz pianist, composer, and educator Francesco Crosara. Francesco was born and raised in Rome, Italy, where both jazz and classical music came into his life early on, particularly through his mother, the influential jazz singer, broadcaster, and educator Lilian Terry. Lilian presented many of the…
In this excerpt from the new episode of Spotlight On, pianist Phillip Golub shares his intuitive approach to composing music, emphasizing the importance of visceral reactions over strict parameters. He relates this to the creative process behind his latest work, 'Loop 7.' Don't miss the entire conversation with Phillip Golub…