Videos

June 30, 2025

Knox Chandler Discusses Guitar Experimentation and 'The Sound'

In this excerpt from the latest Spotlight On, guitarist Knox Chandler discusses his experimentation with guitar processing and sound manipulation, as well as his work with The Psychedelic Furs and Cyndi Lauper. Check out the entire conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/knox-chandler-exploring-the-sound-of-the-connecticut-shoreline-guitar/ #Shorts #KnoxChandler #Guitar #PsychedelicFurs #SiouxsieAndTheBanshees #Guitarist #Soundribbons…

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June 27, 2025

Knox Chandler: From Guitar Soundribbons to Visual Art in 'The Sound'

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, guitarist Knox Chandler explains his development of soundscapes through a unique technical process he's dubbed 'Soundribbons.' Chandler also describes his work with Peter Freeman and Bobby Previte, eventually leading to the decision to compile his artistic outputs into a book…

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June 26, 2025

Knox Chandler: Exploring the Sound of the Shoreline (Spotlight On : 259)

After four decades collaborating with acts like the Psychedelic Furs and Siouxsie and the Banshees, the veteran guitarist has created his first deeply personal project—a book and album documenting his return to the Connecticut coast. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On guitarist Knox Chandler. Knox's name might ring a bell…

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June 25, 2025

John Andrew Fredrick of The Black Watch on Songwriting: Between Joy and Sorrow

In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, John Andrew Fredrick of The Black Watch discusses writing during times of great happiness or deep sadness, and how reading can influence his lyrical mood. John also debates whether lyrics should be considered poetry. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest…

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June 23, 2025

John Andrew Fredrick of The Black Watch Reflects on Solitude and Creativity

In this excerpt from the latest Spotlight On, John Andrew Fredrick of The Black Watch opens up about his creative processes and the significant impact isolation has had on his life and work. He discusses the role of solitude in his creative endeavors, likening it to spelunking in a coal…

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June 20, 2025

John Andrew Fredrick of The Black Watch Takes Us Behind 'Led Zeppelin Five'

In this clip from the new episode of the Spotlight On podcast, musician John Andrew Fredrick from The Black Watch dives into the tongue-in-cheek inspiration behind the album 'Led Zeppelin Five' and its unexpected commercial success. Don't miss the entire conversation with John of The Black Watch on Spotlight On:…

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June 19, 2025

John Andrew Fredrick: The Black Watch Abides (Spotlight On : 258)

The prolific songwriter reflects on three decades of creative output with The Black Watch, what it’s like to release the band’s 25th album, For All the World, and why he just can’t stop stealing from The Beatles. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On John Andrew Fredrick of The Black Watch.…

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June 18, 2025

Saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock on Musical Conversations and Inspirations

In this clip from Spotlight On, saxophonist and composer Ingrid Laubrock discusses the influence of notable improvisers like Anthony Braxton, Muhal Richard Abrams, and William Parker. Don't miss the entire conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/ingrid-laubrock-composer-setting-poetry-to-music-purposing-the-air/ #Shorts #IngridLaubrock #PurposingTheAir #AnthonyBraxton #ContemporaryJazz #ExperimentalMusic #JazzComposition #EricaHunt #Poetry…

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June 16, 2025

Ingrid Laubrock and the Rhythmic Language of 'Purposing the Air'

In this excerpt from Spotlight On, saxophonist and composer Ingrid Laubrock discusses her new album, Purposing the Air, and shares how an encounter with poet Erica Hunt inspired her work. Tune in to the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/ingrid-laubrock-composer-setting-poetry-to-music-purposing-the-air/ #Shorts #IngridLaubrock #PurposingTheAir #ContemporaryJazz…

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June 13, 2025

Ingrid Laubrock Reflects on Lessons from Jean Toussaint and Dave Liebman

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, saxophonist and composer Ingrid Laubrock talks about the lessons she learned from her early teachers and mentors, Jean Toussaint and Dave Liebman, who significantly shaped her dedication to music. Tune in to the Spotlight On podcast for the full conversation:…

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June 12, 2025

Ingrid Laubrock: Purposing the Air with Music and Voices (Spotlight On: 257)

The innovative composer discusses her new album, Purposing the Air, and the three-year process of transforming Erica Hunt's sixty cryptic koans into musical miniatures for four distinctive vocal-instrumental duos. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On saxophonist and composer Ingrid Laubrock. Ingrid's just released Purposing The Air, a double album that…

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June 11, 2025

Embracing Collaboration: Inside Kinan Azmeh's New Album 'Live in Berlin'

In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, jazz clarinetist Kinan Azmeh reflects on his experiences working with various artists, including Yo-Yo Ma, and how these interactions shape his musical identity and philosophies. Don't miss the entire conversation on the latest episode of Spotlight On: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/kinan-azmeh-jazz-clarinet-live-in-berlin-rooted-in-damascus/ #Shorts #KinanAzmeh #JazzClarinet #SyrianMusic…

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June 10, 2025

Shawn Mativetsky: a tabla adventure through Temporal Waves

The renowned Canadian percussionist, tabla player, and educator discusses his lifelong embrace of Indian musical traditions and the fusion with synthesized textures that inspires his project Temporal Waves. Today, the Spotlight shines On composer and percussionist Shawn Mativetsky. A renowned tabla player, Shawn is a pioneer in bridging the worlds…

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June 9, 2025

Kinan Azmeh on Preserving Homeland Melodies with 'Live in Berlin'

In this excerpt from Spotlight On, jazz clarinetist Kinan Azmeh discusses his new album 'Live in Berlin,' featuring music conceived over the last decade and a half, beginning with the early days of the Syrian uprising. Listen to the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast:…

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June 6, 2025

Embracing Life's Melodies with Clarinetist Kinan Azmeh

In this clip from the new episode of the Spotlight On podcast, jazz clarinetist Kinan Azmeh argues against a single-minded focus on practice, believing that a well-rounded life enriches one's artistic output. He discusses how varied life experiences contribute to a musician’s ability to communicate and reflect the world in…

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June 5, 2025

Kinan Azmeh: Live in Berlin, Rooted in Damascus (Spotlight On : 256)

The celebrated clarinetist shares how compositions written during Syria's darkest years have taken on new meaning following recent political changes, and why he considers making art an essential act of freedom. ------------------ The Spotlight shines on clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh. Earlier this year, Kinan released Live in Berlin, his…

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June 4, 2025

Guitarist Tal Yahalom: Accompaniment and Duo Moments in 'Mirror Image'

In this clip from Spotlight On, guitarist Tal Yahalom discusses the vulnerability of the duo format and his mission to challenge traditional guitar-playing stereotypes while appreciating the delicate interplay of musical elements. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/tal-yahalom-israeli-jazz-guitar-mirror-image/ #shorts #TalYahalom #MirrorImage…

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June 2, 2025

Guitarist Tal Yahalom: Elevating Band Dynamics in 'Mirror Image'

In this excerpt from the latest episode of Spotlight On, guitarist Tal Yahalom discusses his deliberate efforts to avoid the 'shreddy' stereotype often associated with guitars, aiming to contribute creatively to the overall band dynamic rather than simply standing out as a soloist. Listen to the whole conversation on the…

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May 29, 2025

Tal Yahalom: A Guitarist's Mirror Image of Tradition (Spotlight On : 255)

The Israeli guitarist and composer discusses his album 'Mirror Image,' which pairs his instrument equally with strings, woodwinds, and percussion to create chamber jazz, challenging the traditional guitar hero stereotype. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On guitarist and composer Tal Yahalom. Tal has built a reputation in New York's creative music…

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May 29, 2025

Tal Yahalom: A Guitarist's Mirror Image of Tradition (Spotlight On : 255)

The Israeli guitarist and composer discusses his album 'Mirror Image,' which pairs his instrument equally with strings, woodwinds, and percussion to create chamber jazz, challenging the traditional guitar hero stereotype. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On guitarist and composer Tal Yahalom. Tal has built a reputation in New York's creative music…

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May 28, 2025

Claire Cope on Balancing Classical Roots with Jazz Exploration

In this clip from Spotlight On, composer Claire Cope reflects on her dual life as a classical and jazz musician, her admiration for Maria Schneider, and the lasting impact of Schneider's work. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/claire-cope-orchestrating-stories-of-brave-women/ #Shorts #ClaireCope #ContemporaryJazz…

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May 26, 2025

Claire Cope on Creativity: Improvisation as a Composer’s Tool

In this excerpt from the Spotlight On podcast, British composer Claire Cope shares insights into her compositional process, emphasizing the role of improvisation. She discusses how improvisation helps in finding new ideas and expresses the benefits of a more intuitive approach versus intellectual notation. Don't miss Claire Cope on the…

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May 22, 2025

Claire Cope: Orchestrating Stories of Brave Women (Spotlight On : 254)

The Manchester-based composer and pianist discusses her album 'Every Journey,' where she employs a newly expanded ensemble to present intricate musical narratives inspired by trailblazing women explorers. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Claire Cope. This British composer crafts music that combines the freedom of jazz with the precision of…

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May 21, 2025

The Waterboys' Mike Scott Talks 'Life, Death and Dennis Hopper' and Its Collaborators

In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, Mike Scott of The Waterboys talks about the guest vocalists featured on their new album 'Life, Death and Dennis Hopper,' and shares insights on his relationships with Steve Earle, Taylor Goldsmith, Bruce Springsteen, and Fiona Apple, explaining how these artists were chosen…

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