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…
Today, the Spotlight shines On award-winning vocalist, composer, ethnomusicology researcher, and educator Kavita Shah. Kavita’s work sits at the intersection of modern jazz, new creative music, and world traditions. The impetus for her visit today was her 2023 tribute to African legend Cesária Évora, Cape Verdean Blues (2023). We discuss…
Brooklyn pianist Phillip Golub splits the traditional octave into 22 notes for his innovative composition 'Loop 7,' demonstrating how microtonality can create mathematical precision on top of profound emotional resonance. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Phillip Golub, a Brooklyn pianist taking his music in bold new directions. Phillip's new…
Today, the Spotlight shines On saxophonist/composer Kevin Sun. Kevin joined us to discuss, among other things, his dramatic double album from 2023, The Depths of Memory, which was released in two halves: From All This Stillness in July of that year and The Depths in Slow Motion in October of…
In this clip from the latest episode of Spotlight On, electronic music producer TJ Dumser, known as Six Missing, discusses conveying emotion in instrumental music. He shares his personal connection to vintage synthesizers and emphasizes using equipment nuances to create a visceral, emotional impact in his ambient music. Don't miss…
Today, the Spotlight shines On Will Barnes, leader of the Will Barnes Quartet, who joins me to talk about his life in music and, specifically, his ongoing collaboration with landscape artist Erin Hughes. Their first album together, Source of the Severn, is a 21st-century take on classic bebop-era sounds. Erin’s…
Today, the Spotlight shines On in a much different way than usual, as I am turning the microphone over to guest host Miriam Boulos. Miriam has been a guest contributor to Bonus Tracks (https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/blog/) , the official blog of Spotlight On, since August 2023. Miriam publishes with us frequently, and…
In this excerpt from Spotlight On, TJ Dumser, known for his ambient music under the name Six Missing, recounts his love for movie soundtracks and a transformative experience listening to Tangerine Dream's Phaedra during a flu episode. This fevered state, combined with the ambient soundscapes, sparked his deeper exploration into…
Today, the Spotlight shines On Chinese-Malaysian Australian artist, musician and creative producer, Sui Zhen. This is the first of two episodes I recorded on-site at the SXSW Conference and Festival in Austin, Texas. This year’s edition of South By Southwest has been the subject of controversy related to event’s work…
Today, the Spotlight shines On the Belfast, Ireland, band Chalk. Chalk is Ross Cullen on vocals, Ben Goddard on guitar, and Luke Niblock on drums. They cook up a pretty stunning racket with a unique sound that is nonetheless recognizable in its post-punk, dance, and industrial lineages. If that makes…
Today, the Spotlight shines On musician and songwriter Nicholas Dembling, aka Nic North, aka Nic West, of seminal New York CIty New Wave Pop band, Comateens. The New York that birthed Comateens was in the midst of a particularly vibrant musical moment. There was new music everywhere. Jazz cats were…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, TJ Dumser, the electronic music producer behind Six Missing, opens up about how living in New York City shaped him and influenced his creative process. He discusses the pressure of the city and how moving to Austin brought newfound perspectives.…
Today, the Spotlight shines On drummer, composer, and improviser Phil Haynes. Phil published a unique memoir last November, which includes not only his reflections on a life in and of music but also stands as an important document of nearly 40 years of music in New York City and beyond.…
Austin-based ambient artist TJ Dumser shares how his decade of sobriety, move from New York, and love of vintage synthesizers shaped his meditative project Six Missing and its emotional new EP 'Gentle Breath.' ------------------ The Spotlight shines On Six Missing, the musical project of ambient artist TJ Dumser, who creates…
In this clip from Spotlight On, violinist and composer Jenny Scheinman details her use of three distinct guitarists—Julian Lage, Bill Frisell, and Nels Cline—each adding specific acoustic and electric sounds to her album 'All Species Parade.' Don't miss the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast featuring more of this…
In this excerpt from the latest Spotlight On, violinist Jenny Scheinman shares her process of creating the album 'All Species Parade', including initial ideas, struggles with sequencing, and how her pal Robbie Fulks helped finalize it. Don't miss the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/jenny-scheinman-a-violin-in-the-wild-all-species-parade/ #Shorts #JennyScheinman #Violin…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, violinist Jenny Scheinman discusses the challenge of articulating complex musical ideas due to skill constraints and emphasizes the role of improvisation in transforming simple compositions into magnificent performances. Check out the entire conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/jenny-scheinman-a-violin-in-the-wild-all-species-parade/ #Shorts…
Violinist Jenny Scheinman's double album 'All Species Parade' draws from her childhood on California's remote Lost Coast, crafting a musical celebration that honors the land, its people, and the wild diversity of nature. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On violinist and composer Jenny Scheinman. Jenny Scheinman grew up on California's remote…
In this clip from Spotlight On, Cary Baker, author of Down on the Corner, explores street music in North America and Europe. He discusses notable buskers like Billy Bragg, Mojo Nixon, and Madeline Peyroux, highlighting their unique experiences. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight…
Join Spotlight On host Lawrence Peryer in conversation with Howie Singer and Bill Rosenblatt, authors of "Key Changes: The Ten Times Technology Transformed the Music Industry", available now from Oxford University Press. "Key Changes" examines ten technological disruptions that reshaped the music industry across the past century, from phonograph records…
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…