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…
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 (http://www.sonarkollektiv.com/janek-van-laak-circle-of-madness/) release of his debut solo album, Circle Of Madness,…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, guitarist Mary Halvorson and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier discuss what draws them back to work together repeatedly. The duo describe their creative process, highlighting how they approach writing and composition without strict rules while ensuring their albums remain cohesive and exploratory.…
Swiss pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and American guitarist Mary Halvorson discuss their third album 'Bone Bells,' reflecting on the value of risk-taking and the slow-burning development of a creative partnership that continues to yield fascinating results. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On two artists who've taken the piano-guitar duo to bold…
Today, the Spotlight shines On singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Paul Chastain. Paul is one half of the duo The Small Square, with drummer, percussionist, and vocalist John Louis Richardson. He is also a songwriter for and co-founder of the group Velvet Crush and has worked with Matthew Sweet, Roger McGuinn,…
In this excerpt from the Spotlight On podcast, pianist Phillip Golub reflects on his gradual incorporation of microtonality in his music and how he continues to explore it through various projects, including a microtonal jazz record. He also touches on the challenge and niche nature of modifying traditional instruments to…
Today, the Spotlight shines On bassist and vocalist Katie Ernst. In addition to many other things, Katie is one half of the duo Wayfaring with last week’s guest James Falzone. Katie is also co-leader of the Chicago-based jazz trio Twin Talk, and the indie rock band Edith Judith, and has…
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…