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Videos

Aug. 20, 2025

Sound Remains: Guitarist Rez Abbasi's Insight into Musical Mindfulness

Sound Remains: Guitarist Rez Abbasi's Insight into Musical Mindfulness

In this clip from Spotlight On, guitarist Rez Abbasi talks about how his new album 'Sound Remains' draws inspiration from his meditation practices. Abbasi shares how in moments of deep meditation, sound persists even as other sensations fade. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight…

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Aug. 18, 2025

Guitarist Rez Abbasi Explores Impermanence in 'Sound Remains'

Guitarist Rez Abbasi Explores Impermanence in 'Sound Remains'

In this excerpt from the Spotlight On podcast, guitarist Rez Abbasi reflects on the theme of impermanence that permeates his new album, Sound Remains. He describes the importance of not getting too attached to anything, including his music. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest episode of Spotlight On:…

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Aug. 15, 2025

Guitarist Rez Abbasi Explores Rhythmic Richness in Sound Remains

Guitarist Rez Abbasi Explores Rhythmic Richness in Sound Remains

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, guitarist Rez Abbasi discusses his new album 'Sound Remains,' highlighting his interest in Latin rhythms and contrasting it with his previous work with Indian music and percussion, noting the unique feel and sonority of Latin instruments. Listen to the full…

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Aug. 14, 2025

Rez Abbasi: When Everything Else Fades, Sound Remains (Spotlight On : 266)

Rez Abbasi: When Everything Else Fades, Sound Remains (Spotlight On : 266)

The Pakistani-American guitarist and composer opens up about expanding his long-running acoustic ensemble, the philosophy behind 'Sound Remains,' and finding musical magic through non-attachment. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On guitarist and composer Rez Abbasi. Rez's new album with his Acoustic Quintet, Sound Remains, puts steel-string acoustic guitar at the center…

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Aug. 13, 2025

Jeremy Sirota and Lawrence Peryer on Spotting Trends and Defining Luck

Jeremy Sirota and Lawrence Peryer on Spotting Trends and Defining Luck

In this clip from the latest Spotlight On, Jeremy Sirota and Lawrence Peryer discuss the concept of integration, emphasizing the importance of blending professional expertise and personal passion. Peryer also shares his journey from being a music fan to a professional in the industry. Don't miss the entire conversation on…

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Aug. 11, 2025

Jeremy Sirota and Lawrence Peryer: The Art of Integration in Creative Leadership

Jeremy Sirota and Lawrence Peryer: The Art of Integration in Creative Leadership

In this excerpt from the Spotlight On podcast, Jeremy Sirota talks with Lawrence Peryer about the concept of integration, emphasizing the importance of blending professional expertise and personal passion. Listen to the full conversation on the latest episode of Spotlight On: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/jeremy-sirota-merlin-grills-lawrence-peryer-on-creative-leadership/ #Shorts #CreativeLeadership #MusicIndustry #Innovation #ArtistServices #Creativity #Leadership #MusicBusiness…

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Aug. 8, 2025

Creative Leadership: Lawrence Peryer on Finding Creativity Beyond Performing

Creative Leadership: Lawrence Peryer on Finding Creativity Beyond Performing

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, Lawrence Peryer reflects on how he found joy in writing and creating music once free from the financial pressures of being an artist. He also shares his perspective on self-identifying as an artist, emphasizing that anyone who makes art has…

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Aug. 7, 2025

Jeremy Sirota Grills Lawrence Peryer on Creative Leadership (Spotlight On : 265)

Jeremy Sirota Grills Lawrence Peryer on Creative Leadership (Spotlight On : 265)

The Merlin CEO has our podcast host explain why he believes in everything and nothing, how to facilitate creative thinking in corporate environments, and what the future holds beyond streaming platforms. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On someone we have not spoken to in a while… Over the years, we…

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Aug. 6, 2025

Saxophonist Sean Imboden: Cultivating Community Through Music

Saxophonist Sean Imboden: Cultivating Community Through Music

In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden emphasizes the importance of individuality in jazz, drawing inspiration from legendary musicians like Charlie Parker and John Coltrane, and discusses how he encourages his students to find their unique musical voices. Don't miss Sean Imboden on the…

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Aug. 4, 2025

Saxophonist Sean Imboden on Technology and the Art of Musical Arrangement

Saxophonist Sean Imboden on Technology and the Art of Musical Arrangement

In this excerpt from Spotlight On, saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden weighs the benefits and limitations of using MIDI and digital composition tools, like Finale and Dorico, against composing directly at the piano. Listen to the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/sean-imboden-into-the-heart-of-big-band-jazz-indianapolis/ #Shorts #SeanImboden…

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Aug. 1, 2025

Saxophonist Sean Imboden on Leading 17 Musicians and Embracing Collaboration

Saxophonist Sean Imboden on Leading 17 Musicians and Embracing Collaboration

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden discusses the importance of stepping back to appreciate the collective efforts of highly skilled musicians, while also addressing the need for precise arrangement to prevent chaos. Check out the full conversation on the Spotlight On…

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July 31, 2025

Sean Imboden: Into the Heart of Big Band Jazz (Spotlight On : 264)

Sean Imboden: Into the Heart of Big Band Jazz (Spotlight On : 264)

The Indianapolis-based saxophonist opens up about his move from Broadway sideman to big band leader, the creative challenges of leading a seventeen-piece jazz ensemble, and the community spirit that shaped his debut album 'Communal Heart.' ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden. Sean spent years touring…

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July 30, 2025

Imposing Constraints: Musical Choices with Glenn Dickson and Bob Familiar

Imposing Constraints: Musical Choices with Glenn Dickson and Bob Familiar

In this clip from the latest Spotlight On, clarinetist Glenn Dickson + electronic musician Bob Familiar discuss the intentional constraints they place on their musical processes, aiming for a natural, unsynchronized interplay in their performances. Don't miss the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/glenn-dickson-bob-familiar-the-clarinet-in-the-machine/ #Shorts #GlennDickson #BobFamiliar #ElectronicMusic…

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July 28, 2025

Glenn Dickson and Bob Familiar: Storytelling With Electonic Music

Glenn Dickson and Bob Familiar: Storytelling With Electonic Music

In this excerpt from Spotlight On, clarinetist Glenn Dickson and electronic musician Bob Familiar discuss their creative processes for making improvised, story-based music, with Bob sharing his inspiration from classic science fiction. Listen to the entire chat on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/glenn-dickson-bob-familiar-the-clarinet-in-the-machine/ #Shorts #GlennDickson #BobFamiliar…

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July 25, 2025

Glenn Dickson and Bob Familiar: Harmonizing Electronic and Acoustic Sounds

Glenn Dickson and Bob Familiar: Harmonizing Electronic and Acoustic Sounds

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, Clarinetist Glenn Dickson and electronic musician Bob Familiar recount how their friendship began by realizing how similarly they both used loop processors in their music. Be sure to listen to the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/glenn-dickson-bob-familiar-the-clarinet-in-the-machine/ #Shorts…

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July 24, 2025

Glenn Dickson & Bob Familiar: The Clarinet in the Machine (Spotlight On : 263)

Glenn Dickson & Bob Familiar: The Clarinet in the Machine (Spotlight On : 263)

Clarinetist Glenn Dickson and synthesist Bob Familiar discuss their serendipitous meeting, patient creative process, and how they transform studio improvisations into the luminous compositions on 'All the Light of Our Sphere.' ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On clarinetist Glenn Dickson and electronic musician Bob Familiar. When a cutting-edge klezmer artist…

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July 23, 2025

Gustavo Cortiñas on the Art of Storytelling in Jazz

Gustavo Cortiñas on the Art of Storytelling in Jazz

In this Spotlight On clip, jazz drummer Gustavo Cortiñas explains how intellectual ideas and emotions enhance rather than limit his music composition, describing his process of using melodic ideas as foundational elements and building a world around them to tell a story. Listen to the full conversation on the latest…

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July 21, 2025

Jazz Drummer Gustavo Cortiñas on Musical Roots and Inspirations

Jazz Drummer Gustavo Cortiñas on Musical Roots and Inspirations

In this excerpt from the latest Spotlight On, jazz drummer Gustavo Cortiñas recalls the impact of Mexican folkloric music, Latin American singers like Chavela Vargas and Mercedes Sosa, and The Beatles, who helped him learn English. Check out the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/gustavo-cortias-a-jazz-drummers-call-to-climate-action/ #Shorts #GustavoCortiñas #ClimateJazz…

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July 18, 2025

Gustavo Cortiñas Discusses His Latest Album, 'The Crisis Knows No Borders'

Gustavo Cortiñas Discusses His Latest Album, 'The Crisis Knows No Borders'

In this clip from the latest episode of Spotlight On, jazz drummer Gustavo Cortiñas discusses the themes of his latest album, The Crisis Knows No Borders. He explains the project's goal to create a flexible and impactful sound, balancing delicate beauty with aggressive punch. Listen to the full conversation on…

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July 17, 2025

Gustavo Cortiñas: A Jazz Drummer's Call to Action (Spotlight On : 262)

Gustavo Cortiñas: A Jazz Drummer's Call to Action (Spotlight On : 262)

From his Mexican roots to Chicago's jazz scene, Cortiñas explains how he builds "bold, urgent conversations" on his album 'The Crisis Knows No Borders,’ addressing climate change through the language of improvised music. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On drummer and composer Gustavo Cortiñas Gustavo's latest album, The Crisis Knows No…

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July 14, 2025

Guitarist Kim Perlak: A Youthful Immersion in Jazz and Classical Music

Guitarist Kim Perlak: A Youthful Immersion in Jazz and Classical Music

In this excerpt from Spotlight On, guitarist Kim Perlak discusses her rich musical upbringing, shaped by a direct introduction to various musical styles and notable musicians like Pat Metheny and many other prominent artists, and learning invaluable lessons on gratitude and appreciation. Listen to the full conversation on the latest…

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July 11, 2025

Guitarist Kim Perlak Explores Musical Synergy with Percussionist Francisco Mela

Guitarist Kim Perlak Explores Musical Synergy with Percussionist Francisco Mela

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, guitarist Kim Perlak discusses her collaboration with percussionist Francisco Mela on their new album, Spaces, and how the duo finds focus in sound, texture, and form. Be sure to listen to the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/kim-perlak-berklee-guitar-percussion-and-the-space-between/…

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July 10, 2025

Kim Perlak: Guitar, Percussion, and the Space Between (Spotlight On : 261)

Kim Perlak: Guitar, Percussion, and the Space Between (Spotlight On : 261)

The Berklee guitar chair discusses her album 'Spaces' with percussionist Francisco Mela, how natural environments inspire her compositions, and the evolution from classical interpretation to improvisational freedom. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On guitarist and composer Kim Perlak. Kim chairs the guitar department at Berklee College of Music, where she's spent…

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July 9, 2025

Terence Hannum Reflects on Collaborating with Justin Bartlett on The Crystal World

Terence Hannum Reflects on Collaborating with Justin Bartlett on The Crystal World

In this clip from Spotlight On, Terence Hannum of the band Locrian reflects on working with late illustrator Justin Bartlett for the striking cover art of their landmark album 'The Crystal World.' Don't miss the full conversation with Terence Hannum on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/terence-hannum-revisiting-locrian-the-crystal-world-drone-metal/…

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