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Videos

Sept. 1, 2025

Saxophonist Rico Jones: Navigating Musical Heritage in BloodLines

In this excerpt from Spotlight On, saxophonist Rico Jones discusses his diverse cultural and musical influences and how his upbringing shaped his outlook on identity as a musician. Listen to the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/rico-jones-the-spiritual-jazz-saxophone-of-bloodlines/ #Shorts #RicoJones #Jazz #TenorSax #Bloodlines #GiantStepArts #LiveJazz…

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Aug. 29, 2025

Saxophonist Rico Jones on Creating 'BloodLines' and Its Film Score Influences

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, saxophonist Rico Jones shares how he structured his latest album, 'BloodLines,' as a cohesive suite, drawing inspiration from film composers like John Williams. Listen to the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/rico-jones-the-spiritual-jazz-saxophone-of-bloodlines/ #Shorts #RicoJones #Jazz #TenorSax #Bloodlines #GiantStepArts…

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Aug. 28, 2025

Rico Jones: The Spiritual Sax of BloodLines (Spotlight On : 268)

Tenor saxophonist Rico Jones explains his concept of creating a 'cinema of sound,' discusses navigating multiple cultural identities in jazz, and reveals how his Indigenous and Hispanic heritage inform his music without constraining it. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On tenor saxophonist Rico Jones. Rico's new album BloodLines captures something you…

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Aug. 27, 2025

Plug-In Designer Aqeel Aadam Talks Interface Simplicity

In this clip from Spotlight On, synthesist and plug-in designer Aqeel Aadam discusses his philosophy for audio plug-ins, emphasizing a streamlined interfaces with a minimal number of controls, like a guitar pedal. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/aqeel-aadam-code-creativity-modular-synthesis-plugins/ #Shorts #Podcast #AqeelAadam…

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Aug. 25, 2025

Synthesist Aqeel Aadam: Balancing Chaos and Creativity in Modular Music

In this excerpt from the latest Spotlight On, synthesist and plug-in designer Aqeel Aadam shares his views on modular synthsand their open-ended nature, which often leads to impracticality for those seeking specific results. Don't miss the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/aqeel-aadam-code-creativity-modular-synthesis-plugins/ #Shorts #Podcast #AqeelAadam #ModularSynthesis #PluginDevelopment #MusicTechnology…

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Aug. 22, 2025

Synthesist and Plug-In Designer Aqeel Aadam on Democratizing Sound Creation

In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, synthesist and audio plug-in designer Aqeel Aadam discusses the democratization of musical ideas and tools, making them accessible to those who can't afford expensive gear. Check out more of the conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/aqeel-aadam-code-creativity-modular-synthesis-plugins/ #Shorts #Podcast #AqeelAadam…

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Aug. 21, 2025

Aqeel Aadam: Code, Creativity, and Democratization of Sound (Spotlight On : 267)

The founder of Aqeel Aadam Sound discusses his flagship product 'Waymaker,' why he discourages people from buying modular synthesizers, and how his daily creative practice keeps him connected to the inspiration behind his innovative plugin designs. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On musician, software engineer, and plug-in developer Aqeel Aadam. Aqeel's…

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Aug. 20, 2025

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'

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

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)

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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)

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

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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