In this excerpt from the latest episode of Spotlight On, author Cary Baker discusses the ancient origins of busking and his book Down on the Corner, covering performers from 1920s blues artists to doo wop groups. He includes an array of non-traditional performing spaces, even men's rooms. (!) Don't miss…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, Cary Baker, author of Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music, discusses how his view on street musicians evolved, recognizing their cultural value and legal acceptance in various cities. Don't miss the full conversation on the Spotlight…
Through a hundred interviews and decades of observation, Baker's busking chronicle, Down on the Corner, reveals how the distance between Grammy-winning stages and subway platforms may be shorter than we imagine, connected by an authenticity that can't be manufactured. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Cary Baker, author of Down…
In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, NY impresario Michael Dorf discusses the intimate rehearsal shows at City Winery for Carnegie Hall tribute events, where artists rehearse, make spontaneous collaborations, and test new interpretations of songs. Don't miss out on this conversation in the latest episode of Spotlight On:…
In this excerpt from the latest episode of Spotlight On, Michael Dorf discusses organizing a tribute show for Patti Smith at Carnegie Hall, highlighting her connections to other iconic musicians, her involvement in the event, and his efforts to make it something extra-special. Don't miss the entire conversation on the…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, Michael Dorf recounts founding the Knitting Factory, transforming an office into a music venue and living space. Facing financial struggles, and with the support of John Zorn and others, he held a fundraiser after a break-in to rebuild the venue.…
The founder of City Winery and Knitting Factory discusses his journey from Milwaukee to Manhattan and how his Carnegie Hall tribute series has raised millions for music education while celebrating icons like Patti Smith. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On New York live music and venue impresario Michael Dorf. In addition…
In this clip from Spotlight On, Greg Lisher (Camper Van Beethoven, Monks of Doom) details the challenges of creating instrumental music, merging traditional music elements with electronic sounds, and his inspiration from diverse genres like dub and prog rock. He also shares curiosity about fan reactions. Don't miss the full…
In this excerpt from the latest episode of Spotlight On, Greg Lisher (Camper Van Beethoven, Monks of Doom) discusses how piano lessons influenced his music production, transitioning from MIDI sequencers to live playing, adding a human touch to his solo electronic music recordings. Hear more from Greg on the Spotlight…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, Greg Lisher (Camper Van Beethoven, Monks of Doom) discusses how his solo work allows him to explore beyond his bands, focusing on instrumental music and new technologies. He details collaborations, learning new skills, and the impact of the pandemic on…
After decades of making alternative rock with Camper Van Beethoven and Monks of Doom, Greg Lisher took piano lessons, learned synthesis, and created 'Underwater Detection Method,’ an album that merges human performance with digital precision. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Greg Lisher, a guitarist best known for alternative rock…
In this clip from Spotlight On, cellist Dorothy Lawson (from the NYC-based string quartet ETHEL) discusses the economic restraints before the millennium, the shift towards accepting diverse voices in music afterwards, and the importance of blending multiple skills. Don't miss the entire conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, cellist Dorothy Lawson of ETHEL discusses the unique, inclusive creative atmosphere of New York, noting its diverse institutions and the shared experiences among New Yorkers. Don't miss the entire fascinating conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/dorothy-lawson-ethel-string-theory-for-string-quartet/ #Shorts #ETHEL #DorothyLawson…
As ETHEL prepares for their first Carnegie Hall performance, Dorothy Lawson reflects on decades of mixing classical precision with the spirit of popular music. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Dorothy Lawson, a cellist who's helped redefine what a string quartet can be. Dorothy and the group ETHEL have spent…
In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, jazz flutist Jamie Baum reflects on her relationship with the flute, expressing admiration for versatile musicians and sharing how she transitioned from piano lessons to playing the flute due to its versatility. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest episode of…
Today, the Spotlight shines On Mareike Wiening. Mareike is a drummer and composer who joined us on the occasion of the release of her third record as bandleader, Reveal, out on Greenleaf Music (https://greenleafmusic.com/) . Featuring her long-time group: tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, pianist Glenn Zaleski, guitarist Alex Goodman, and…
Today, the Spotlight shines On multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and performer Brendan Grey of the Canadian hip-hop group Super Duty Tough Work. In addition to his duties as MC, drummer, and band leader, Brendan has become a sought-after performance, session, and touring drummer. We spoke back in the autumn of 2023…
Today, the Spotlight shines On Grammy-winning pianist and composer Kris Davis. Kris joined us in the wake of the September 2023 release of her album Live at the Village Vanguard, out on her own Pyroclastic Records label. Live at the Village Vanguard is the second release from her band Diatom…
Today, the Spotlight shines On composer, improviser, and master percussionist Adam Rudolph. A global performer - and global citizen - Adam has been called "a pioneer in world music" by the New York Times. With dozens of recordings to his credit, he joined us upon the release of Timeless from…
Today, the Spotlight shines On pianist and composer Angelica Sanchez, who joined us late last year to discuss her latest record, Nighttime Creatures, out on Pyroclastic Records (https://pyroclasticrecords.com/) . Since moving to New York from Arizona in 1994, Angelica has collaborated with artists including Wadada Leo Smith, Paul Motian, Richard…
Today, the Spotlight shines On Roberto Di Gioia of the German Jazz supergroup Web Web and his group’s collaborator, the songwriter and producer Max Herre. WEB WEB’s fifth album is also their second with Max, appropriately titled, WEB MAX II, out now on Compost Records (https://compost.kudosrecords.co.uk/artist/72282/web-web-x-max-herre) . This is an…
Today, the Spotlight shines On James McKeown, the Bristol, UK-based artist who releases music under the name Hawksmoor. James first created Hawksmoor five years ago, inspired by the six 18th-century churches in London designed by architect Nicholas Hawksmoor. Described as ‘English Baroque’ in style, these buildings are large, foreboding, and…
Today, the Spotlight shines On downtempo electronic music godfather and Thievery Corporation co-founder Eric Hilton. Eric joined us a few weeks after the September release of Corazón Kintsugi, his album with longtime Thievery vocal collaborator Natalia Clavier. Eric produced, arranged, and played the majority of the instruments on the 9-track…
In this excerpt from the latest episode of Spotlight On, jazz flutist Jamie Baum describes her intuitive and alchemical writing process, preferring organic progression over structured planning, and utilizing tools like Digital Performer to aid in composition. Listen to the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/jamie-baum-a-jazz-flute-septet-sets-poetry-in-motion/ #Shorts #JamieBaum…