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…
In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, guitarist Mary Halvorson and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier discuss their unique musical approach as a duo, emphasizing rhythm, elasticity, and improvisation, and reflect on the importance of evolving and challenging each other to create fresh, in-the-moment music. Don't miss the full conversation on…
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…
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…
In this except from the Spotlight On podcast, guitarist Mary Halvorson and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier discuss their collaborative process and the role of effects in their music. They talk about how certain pieces call for specific effects, their adaptability during live performances, and the importance of these choices in their…
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 (https://pyroclasticrecords.com/release/laugh-ash/) . As we arranged to get together, Ches suggested we include Shara Lunon, the transdisciplinary poet, vocalist, composer, and improviser featured on the…
Today’s episode is a recording of our recent live event, which took place at The Royal Room (https://theroyalroomseattle.com/) 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…
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…