Episoder
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Today, the Spotlight shines On experimental music producers and label owners Taylor Deupree and Joseph Branciforte.
Back in 2002, Taylor Deupree released an electronic album called Stil. That release captivated listeners with its quiet, repeating patterns and stark digital sound. Twenty years later, Taylor and producer Joseph Branciforte linked up to reimagine the album as Sti.ll, rebuilding the entire work using only non-electronic instruments.
The new version takes all of the computer-generated sounds from the original and puts them in the hands of live musicians playing clarinets, strings, and percussion. It is an ambitious and adventurous project from two collaborators enmeshed in experimental music—Taylor runs 12k Music and has spent years blending electronic and natural sounds, while Joe’s built Greyfade into a label that keeps finding creative ways to present creative music.
They’re here to walk us through this one-of-a-kind project while covering several other topics related to creativity and the modern music business.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the albums Stil. and Stil.ll, played side-by-side.)
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Dig Deeper
Visit Taylor Deupree and 12k at 12k.comVisit Joseph Branciforte and greyfade at greyfade.comPurchase Stil. from 12k or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choicePurchase Sti.ll from greyfade, 12k, Qobuz, Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceA Voyage of Seeing: On Hiroshi Sugimoto’s SeascapesDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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Today, the Spotlight shines On legendary Danish organist Anders Koppel.
Great music often runs in the family, and as proof, we have our first father-son episodes of Spotlight On. Last November, we had Benjamin Koppel, son and collaborator of today’s guest.
But today’s story starts decades ago when Anders played Newport with his band Savage Rose. Fast forward to now, and Anders is back at the Hammond B3, making magic with Benjamin on alto sax and the incredible Brian Blade on drums.
This trio came together naturally. Benjamin and Brian have been close friends and collaborators since 2011. Something special clicked when they invited Anders to join them on the organ. Their latest album, Time Again, swings hard while aiming for the heart.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the album Time Again by Benjamin Koppel, Brian Blade, & Anders Koppel)
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Dig Deeper
Learn more about Anders Koppel at wisemusicclassical.comPurchase Time Again on Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceTime Again teaser videoCheck out Benjamin Koppel at benjaminkoppel.com and his check out his label Cowbell MusicBenjamin Koppel plays jazz with a novelist’s narrative (Spotlight On podcast)The Savage RoseBrian Blade | DrummerAll About Jazz Organ: Inside the Hammond B-3Kenny Werner | PianistNewport Jazz Festival - 1969–
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Manglende episoder?
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Today, the Spotlight shines On Christian McBride, a musician, recording artist, prolific composer, arranger, producer, cultural curator, dedicated educator, and mentor.
Christian has been called the hardest-working person in jazz, and based on what I just rattled off, that might be underselling it. From his early days in Philadelphia soaking up the sounds of Philly Soul to sharing stages with legends like Ray Brown and Chick Corea, Christian has become a bridge between jazz’s rich history and its vibrant future.
These days, you’ll find him leading his new band, Ursa Major, hosting NPR’s Jazz Night in America, mentoring the next generation of musicians, and somehow finding time to work on a new big band album featuring twelve different vocalists. He’s also preparing for an upcoming funk tribute show with none other than George Clinton and Savion Glover at NJPAC.
Whether laying down the groove with Inside Straight, his Big Band, or any other celebrated ensemble, Christian brings an irresistible combination of soul, swing, and storytelling to everything he touches. Today, we’ll explore his journey from Philly to the world stage, his passion for record collecting, and why he believes being uncomfortable might be the best way to grow as a musician.
Quick note: this conversation occurred when our baseball teams were still in contention. One had a better outcome than the other, and neither made it all the way…
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Dig Deeper
Visit Christian McBride at christianmcbride.comListen to Christian McBride on Qobuz, Bandcamp, or your streaming platform of choiceFollow Christian McBride on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeTribute to Funk!The curious mind—and hard work—of bassist Christian McBrideJazz House Kids | School For JazzDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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What can be scarier than Halloween ghouls? How about a trip through the LSD underground?
Today, the Spotlight shines On Erik Davis, and this trip is no bummer. Erik is an author, award-winning journalist, and teacher in San Francisco. He is the author, most recently, of Blotter: The Untold Story of an Acid Medium_, a study of LSD blotter art. And that’s what he’s joined us to talk about.
Erik also wrote one of my favorite books, High Weirdness: Drugs, Esoterica, and Visionary Experience in the Seventies. His scholarly and popular essays on music, technoculture, drugs, and spirituality have appeared in many books, magazines, and journals. He is also one of the founders of Alembic, a center in Berkeley, California, devoted to meditation, movement, and visionary arts and culture.
Enjoy our talk about the hysteria surrounding LSD, the cultural significance and risks of the LSD blotter art trade, as well as the intersection between that art and the illicit drug market.
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Dig Deeper
Visit Erik Davis at techgnosis.comSubscribe to Erik Davis’s newsletter Burning Shore at burningshore.comPurchase Blotter: The Untold Story of an Acid Medium and other books by Erik Davis from MIT Press, Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Powell’sEight LSD Blotters That Defined Psychedelic CultureInside the LSD Museum That the DEA Somehow Hasn’t Torn to the Ground‘I’m high as a Georgia pine’: Dock Ellis’s no-hitter on LSD, 50 years onDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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Today, the Spotlight shines On Josh Johnson, the Los Angeles-based saxophonist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and Grammy Award-winning producer.
Josh joined me earlier this year to talk about his second solo album, Unusual Object, which came out this past April on Northern Spy Records. Equal parts futuristic jazz and modern composition, Josh uses processed saxophone and subtle samples in his unique compositions.
In addition to examining Unusual Object, we discussed the relevance and impact of genre classifications in music, how Josh’s Grammy has led to more opportunities and connections in various music communities, the impact of Chicago’s artistic community on Josh’s development as a musician, courage in the pursuit of creative avenues, and of course, it would not be an episode of Spotlight On if we did not dig into process. So we did.
Josh will be at the Village Vanguard in New York from October 29 through November 3 with Vibraphonist Joel Ross’s Good Vibes ensemble. It should be a good one.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Josh Johnson’s Unusual Object)
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Dig Deeper
Visit Josh Johnson at joshjohnsonmusic.comFollow Josh Johnson on InstagramPurchase Unusual Object at Northern Spy Records, Qobuz, or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceMeshell Ndegeocello Wins Inaugural Best Alternative Jazz Album Award at 2024 GrammysThe lessons of Wayne Shorter, engine of imaginationJosh Johnson “Marvis” live performanceThe Conversations That Make a Voice // Josh JohnsonDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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Today, the Spotlight shines On composer and percussionist Shawn Mativetsky. A renowned tabla player, Shawn is a pioneer in bridging the worlds of Western and Indian classical music.
We discussed the intricacies of traditional Indian music, including the setup and tuning of the instruments, the guru-disciple relationship, and the reception of Western musicians in the Hindustani community. We also explored the importance of deep learning, consistent practice, and research in mastering a musical instrument, with Shawn sharing his personal journey and commitment to his craft.
Shawn and I spoke much earlier this year, around the April release of his album, Temporal Waves. Enjoy.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the album Temporal Waves)
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Visit Shawn Mativetsky at shawnmativetsky.comVisit Temporal Waves at temporalwaves.comPurchase Temporal Waves on Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Temporal Waves on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and YouTubeIntro to Tabla & North Indian Rhythm – Shawn MativetskyIntroduction to Classical TablaPandit Sharda SahaiCanadian Percussionists: Shawn MativetskyDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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Today, the Spotlight shines On Paul Stache, co-owner (with his wife and partner Molly Sparrow Johnson) of Smoke Jazz Club, one of New York City’s premier live music venues. Smoke is celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout 2024 and Paul joined us to talk about the storied venue’s past, present, and future.
In addition to the club’s 25th Anniversary Celebration plans, we hit on topics like how their business has navigated the transition to a digital world, insight into managing an independent venue, as well as many of the amazing artists who have graced their stage over the years. Enjoy.
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Visit Smoke Jazz Club online at smokejazz.comFollow Smoke Jazz Club on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeVisit Smoke Sessions Records at smokesessionsrecords.com or on BandcampSmoke Rises: A Jazz Room Returns on the Upper West SideSmoke Jazz & Supper Club reopens (video)Harold Mabern “The Iron Man: Live at Smoke” (video)Smoke Jazz Club NYC: Talking with Co-owner Paul Stache–
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Today, the Spotlight is going to shine a little differently. Instead of a single guest, we will have three segments dealing with the importance of local music scenes.
Our first guest is Shain Shapiro. Shain is a thought leader working at the intersection of music, culture, and urban policy. His book, This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better, came out last year on Repeater Books. Shain has defined a new way to think about the value of music and the creative economy in cities and places. He is the founder and chairman of Sound Diplomacy, a global research and strategy consultancy that demonstrates the impact of the creative industries on community development and economic growth. He is also the founder and executive director of the not-for-profit global Center for Music Ecosystems, where he collaborates with leaders and policymakers to foster policies that lead to social and economic development at local, national, and global levels.
Our second segment features trumpeter and composer Thomas Marriott, who takes us through the modern history of the Seattle jazz scene, with its current challenges and opportunities.
We end with Seattle House Mafia, a three-member DJ collective that tell tales of the evolution of Seattle’s dance music scene.
If you enjoy this episode, please let us know, and support live music wherever you are.
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Dig Deeper
Visit Shain Shapiro at shainshapiro.com and follow him on LinkedInVisit Thomas Marriot at thomasmarriott.net and follow him on Facebook and YouTubeVisit Seattle House Mafia at seattlehousemafia.com and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTubeDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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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 a who’s who of the creative music scene: David Liebman, Sylvie Couvoisier, Tim Berne, Nate Wooley, and many others.
Our conversation ranged from Devin’s earliest exposures to music, his self-taught approach to drumming, genre divisions in music, local and regional art scenes, the different approaches to arts funding he’s encountered in the US and Europe, the appeal of creating an artistic universe of work, sincerity and authenticity, more.
Devin will be performing in Seattle in the next few days and I hope to continue our conversation then. Enjoy.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Devin Gray’s album Most Definitely)
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Dig Deeper
Visit Devin Gray at devingraymusic.comPurchase Devin Gray’s Most Definitely on Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on SpotifyFollow Devin Gray on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter (X), and YouTube7 Questions for Devin GraySatoko Fujii: composing beyond the jazz spiritMelt All the Guns (feat. Ralph Alessi & Angelica Sanchez)Dig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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Today, the Spotlight shines On Brad Mindich, an entrepreneur who works directly with artists, athletes, and others in music, culture, and sports to expand their legacies and create powerful connections with their fans.
Brad currently does this work as the founder and CEO of Inveniem/Definitive Authentic, which helps its clients organize, catalog, present, and oftentimes monetize their archives directly to their audiences.
Brad has worked with Metallica, Def Leppard, Stephen Stills, basketball star Devin Booker, Monty Python co-founder Eric Idle, and many others.
Our conversation took some fascinating turns, exploring the concept of “pre-nostalgia”, the longing for a future that was imagined in the past. We discussed the powerful impact of nostalgia on individuals and communities and how it can evoke positive or negative emotions.
We also talked about the cultural influences and connections between various subcultures, particularly Rastafarianism, with its historical and social roots in and connection to Hinduism and Indian immigrants.
At its most basic, Brad’s work is about preserving cultural heritage, something his family has contributed to. Brad’s father owned the Boston rock station WFNX and was the longtime publisher of The Boston Phoenix, the fabled underground newspaper with roots stretching back to 1965.
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Dig Deeper
Visit Definitive Authentic at definitiveauthentic.com and Inveniem at inveniem.comFollow Definitive Authentic on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X)The Inveniem Company: Dedicated to Preserving and Expanding the Cultural Legacies of Bands, Artists, and OthersWhat Happened to the Boston Phoenix?WFNX | The Music Museum of New EnglandBehind The Metallica Black BoxDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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Today, the Spotlight shines On Andy McCluskey, the singer, songwriter, musician, and producer best known as the lead singer and bass guitarist of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (also known as OMD). Andy joined Spotlight On producer and guest host Michael Donaldson to discuss topics as varied as the political messages behind their latest work, post-modern society, Kraftwerk, and the Bauhaus art school.
OMD is not working the nostalgia circuit, though no one would blame them if they were. Instead, they continue to release new music that fans and critics rate as among the best of their classics and already have plans to spend a large portion of 2025 on the road.
Bauhaus Staircase, OMD’s latest album, and their recent EP, Kleptocracy, are out everywhere you get your music.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the OMD album Bauhaus Staircase)
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Dig Deeper
Visit Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark at omd.uk.comPurchase OMD’s Bauhaus Staircase from The OMD Store or Qobuz, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow OMD on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and Twitter (X)Kraftwerk changed my life: 20 artists pick their favourite Kraftwerk records of all timeThe Man in the Machine: How Oskar Schlemmer’s Triadic Ballet left its mark on David Bowie and New OrderDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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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 in our talk. We made the most of our time together, exploring projects, processes, the fusion of musical traditions, appropriation, authenticity, and more.
If you are open to the idea that music can be a tool for communication and understanding between people and peoples, Gordon Grdina will give you plenty to consider.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Gordon Grdina’s The Marrow with Fathieh Honari and the Grdina/Lillinger album Duo Work)
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Dig Deeper
Visit Gordon Grdina at gordongrdinamusic.comPurchase Grdina/Lillinger’s album Duo Work from Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choicePurchase Gordon Grdina’s The Marrow with Fathieh Honari from Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Gordon Grdina on Instagram and FacebookGordon Grdina - Free Form Improvisation on OudDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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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 did not outlast the decade that birthed them, but Steve’s career did, with over 30 years of solo albums and collaborations to his credit—including a relaunched Dream Syndicate in the early 2010s.
Steve’s latest projects are something of a pair—I Wouldn’t Say It If It Wasn’t True, a memoir recounting his early life through the initial run of The Dream Syndicate, and Make It Right, a new album of music inspired by the writing and reflections for the book.
Our conversation spanned Steve’s formative years, his musical relationships over time, his process, roads not taken, and a glimpse into his near-term future activities, which include a bunch of time on the road promoting the book and dates with the indie rock “supergroup” The Baseball Project.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Steve Wynn’s album Make It Right)
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Dig Deeper
Visit Steve Wynn at stevewynn.netPurchase Steve Wynn’s memoir I Wouldn’t Say It If It Wasn’t True from Bandcamp or AmazonPurchase Steve Wynn’s album Make It Right from Fire Records, Qobuz, or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Steve Wynn on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter (X)Dig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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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 Hornet.
Graham joined me on the occasion of his solo release from earlier this year, Music for Prophet (Parts 1–4), on Fire Records. We discussed the benefits of having a dedicated workspace at home and the importance of balancing practical tasks with creative ones. We explored the relationship between composition and improvisation in music, Graham’s feelings about live performance, our musical upbringings, the state of the arts and film, and, my favorite, the role of humor in music.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Graham Reynolds' latest release, Music For Prophet)
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Dig Deeper
Visit Graham Reynolds at grahamreynolds.comPurchase Graham Reynolds' Music For Prophet at Fire Records, Qobuz, or Bandcamp; and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Graham Reynolds on Facebook and InstagramGraham Reynolds | composer (IMDb)Golden Hornet | a composer laboratory for the 21st centuryAnother fearless collaboration: Graham Reynolds & Bill Burgess & Utah Hamrick at TEDxAustinDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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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 of her efforts, Satoko is widely decorated as an improviser, composer, arranger, and band leader.
Satoko has released over 100 albums as leader or co-leader, at a clip of several each year. Music seems to tumble out of her.
The discussion you are about to hear was recorded back in late March of this year. Satoko was a thoughtful and generous conversationalist and provided insight into her creative and production process and her evolution as an artist. She also shared a bit about the unique challenge of making a life as an artist in Japan.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the albums Jet Black by the Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio and Unwritten by the quartet Kaze, also featuring Satoko Fujii)
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Dig Deeper
Visit Satoko Fujii at satokofujii.comPurchase Unwritten by Kaze (featuring Satoko Fujii) on Qobuz and Bandcamp and listen on your streaming platform of choicePurchase the Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio’s Jet Black on Bandcamp and listen on Apple MusicFollow Satoko Fujii on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTubeSatoko Fujii, a Pianist Who Finds Music Hidden in the Details of LifeDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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Today, the Spotlight shines On the musician and producer David John Haskins, better known to the world as David J, bassist and co-founder of both post-punk goth band Bauhaus and, subsequently, Love and Rockets.
As if having such a luminary visiting our podcast isn’t enough, today’s talk is guest-hosted by Spotlight On producer Michael Donaldson, who filled in for me for this and another special episode we will tell you about soon.
David came by to talk about Tracks from the Attic (released on Independent Project Records), his career-spanning triple album made up of home demos recorded between 1984 and 2004, hand-selected for inclusion by the artist himself. He also discussed the Love and Rockets tour opening for Jane’s Addiction (which kicks off this week) and a lot of very, very interesting esoterica.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from David J’s album Tracks from the Attic)
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Dig Deeper
Visit David J at davidjhaskins.comPurchase David J’s Tracks from the Attic from Independent Project Records, Qobuz, or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow David J on Patreon, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X)Love and Rockets (Bandcamp)The ultimate beginner’s guide to BauhausShiva SavesDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon.
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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. As we arranged to get together, Ches suggested we include Shara Lunon, the transdisciplinary poet, vocalist, composer, and improviser featured on the album.
Laugh Ash is one of the most intriguing records I have encountered in quite some time, with its mix of form and improvisation, acoustic and synthetic, quiet and explosiveness.
In addition to Ches and Shara, the album includes an all-star cast from today’s creative music scene: flutist Anna Webber, clarinetist Oscar Noriega, tenor saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, trumpeter Nate Wooley, violinist Jennifer Choi, violist Kyle Armbrust, cellist Michael Nicolas, and bassist/keyboardist Shahzad Ismaily.
It is an exciting work and we had a great conversation. Enjoy.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Ches Smith’s album Laugh Ash)
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Dig Deeper
Purchase Ches Smith’s Laugh Ash on Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceVisit Ches Smith at chessmith.com and follow him on Instagram and FacebookVisit Shara Lunon at sharalunon.com and follow her on InstagramChes Smith’s ‘Laugh Ash’ Is Exhilarating MusicChes Smith About ImprovisationListN Up Playlist: Shara LunonDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
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Today’s episode is a recording of our recent live event, which took place at The Royal Room 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 of master improvisers that includes James Falzone on clarinet, Ray Larsen on trumpet, Wayne Horvitz on piano, Abbey Blackwell on bass, and Rocky Martin on drums.
During the live show, we explored the nature of improvisation in music and how its principles are relevant to all aspects of life. James and the band performed his compositions and a completely free, composed-in-the-moment piece.
The music in this episode:
G.F.O.P. (Falzone)There Is Often Another Way (Falzone)Brooklyn Lines (Falzone)Everything Is Now Equalized (an open improvisation) (Falzone/Larsen/Horvitz/Blackwell/Martin)Room 307 (Falzone)A Dream In Which Appeared Marc Chagall (Falzone)We are offering a poster, t-shirt, and mug based on the artwork from our live show, which is now available at spotlightonpodcast.com/store. Have a look.
Special thanks to James Falzone and the members of his Division Ensemble: Ray Larsen, Wayne Horvitz, Abbey Blackwood, and Rocky Martin. Thank you to Aleida, Sheridan, Simon, Ben, and the entire team at the Royal Room. Thank you to David Gorman for the wonderful poster art. Thank you to Alyssa Seng, JazzED, and Tim Carey at Jazz Night School. And thank you to everyone who attended the live show.
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Dig Deeper with the extensive show notes and links found at https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com
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• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
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• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon.
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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 other electro-acoustic devices and changes in the air pressure in the room where it is set up, a generative system results, one that can create endless possibilities in sound.
In this engaging conversation, we discussed Riccardo’s musical journey, his experimentation in percussion, and his exploration of new techniques and approaches to drumming. We also got into the evolution of drums and percussion instruments, the influence of acoustics on composition, and the potential for drumming education in conservatory settings.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Riccardo La Foresta & James Ginzburg’s album Six and Forty-Six)
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Dig Deeper
Visit Riccardo La Foresta at riccardolaforesta.comPurchase Riccardo La Foresta & James Ginzburg’s Six and Forty-Six on Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Riccardo La Foresta on Instagram and YouTubeRiccardo La Foresta: playing drums without playing (video)Drummophone’s ManifestoThe Experimental Underbelly of Italian Electronic MusicRiccardo La Foresta: ‘Curating has taught me how to share’Dig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.
• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon.
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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 release of his debut solo album, Circle Of Madness, a work that makes me glad I do not own a record store because I have no idea where I would file it. That said, it might not get filed at all because it would be playing all day.
Listeners will find jazz, improvisation, funk, some Berlin electronica, and more—sometimes all in the same song. Genre is not important when the music is this compelling.
Janek was as much fun to talk to as his record is to listen to. Please enjoy both.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Janek van Laak’s album Circle Of Madness)
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Dig Deeper
Purchase Janek van Laak’s Circle Of Madness on Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choice.Follow Janek van Laak on InstagramA Music Lover’s Guide to BerlinRhythm and Raga: Learn the basics of Indian musicWhat Makes John Bonham Such a Good Drummer?Liquid Brain Orchestra on SoundCloudThe 15 Loudest Bands in the WorldJanek van Laak: Fifteen Questions about DrummingDig into this episode’s complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–
• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.
• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon.
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