Spotlight On

Today, the Spotlight shines On Cary Baker, author of Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music.The music you hear on street corners and subway platforms has its untold history, and at age 16, Cary Baker followed a slide guitar's haunting melody through Chicago’s Maxwell Street Market to find himself face-to-face with bluesman Blind Arvella Gray. That chance encounter sparked a lifelong obsession.Cary's book, Down on the Corner, traces the heritage of street music across 100 years, from blues legends in the 1920s to modern-day buskers armed with QR codes. He's spoken with everyone from Lucinda Williams to Billy Bragg about their days playing for tips, revealing how many music careers began with nothing but an open guitar case.The streets have always been America's most democratic stage, where doo-wop harmonies, folk ballads, and raw blues first reached public ears. Cary's book captures this vital tradition in all its gritty, authentic glory.–Dig DeeperVisit Cary Baker at carybaker.comPurchase Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music from Jawbone Press, Bookshop, Powell’s, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.Dig into this episode's complete show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com–• Don’t miss our free livestream event with Howie Singer and Bill Rosenblatt, authors of the book Key Changes: The Ten Times Technology Transformed the Music Industry. It happens this Tuesday, March 11, at 3 PM ET. Register here: is.gd/keychanges• 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On New York live music and venue impresario Michael Dorf.In addition to founding The Knitting Factory and City Winery, Michael has brought legendary artists together at Carnegie Hall for over twenty years, raising millions for music education while creating unforgettable tribute nights. He launched his first tribute show in 2004 after seeing how school music programs were vanishing.Now, he’s put together what might be his most powerful lineup yet. Michael Stipe, Courtney Barnett, Chrissie Hynde, and others will perform on March 26th to celebrate the music of Patti Smith. The show will raise funds for over a dozen music education programs nationwide.–Dig DeeperVisit Michael Dorf at michaeldorf.comLearn more about People Have the Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith, happening March 26 at Carnegie Hall, at musicof.orgCity WineryIndulge Your Senses: Scaling Intimacy in a Digital World - a book by Michael DorfMichael Dorf Uncorked (email newsletter)Remembering the Original Knitting FactoryMichael Dorf and The Philosophy of IndulgenceShlomo Lipetz'Feedback Howled Every Night': Back to the Knitting Factory on East HoustonFounder Michael Dorf: How City Winery Survived the RecessionDig 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On Greg Lisher, a guitarist best known for alternative rock who has leaned hard into electronic music.Greg made his name playing with Camper Van Beethoven and Monks of Doom, but during the pandemic, he sat down at a keyboard and started exploring new sonic territory.The result is Underwater Detection Method, a collection of instrumental pieces that blend synthesizers with live strings and drums. It's an album that started as digital sketches and grew into something much more organic as Greg learned to play piano and brought other musicians into the mix.Greg's here to share how stepping outside his comfort zone led to some of his most adventurous music.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Greg Lisher’s album Underwater Detection Method)–Dig DeeperVisit Greg Lisher online at greglisher.comPurchase Greg Lisher’s Underwater Detection Method from Bandcamp or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Greg Lisher on Facebook and BlueskyCamper Van BeethovenMonks of Doom live at Moe's Alley - “Riverbed”Bruce Kaphan | pedal steel guitarGreg Lisher - “Zen and the Art of Long Distance Driving” (Official Video)Santa Cruz Guitarist Greg Lisher Changes KeysDig 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On Dorothy Lawson, a cellist who's helped redefine what a string quartet can be. Dorothy and the group ETHEL have spent years breaking down walls between classical, jazz, rock and world music.On March 13th at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Dorothy teams up with bass legend Ron Carter to reimagine his landmark Kronos Quartet recording from 40 years ago, featuring arrangements of music by Thelonious Monk.Dorothy shares how ETHEL has evolved through four generations of musicians, their unique residency at the Metropolitan Museum, and why making deeply human music matters now more than ever.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the album Vigil by ETHEL & Layale Chaker)–Dig DeeperVisit ETHEL at ethelcentral.orgPurchase ETHEL’s music from Bandcamp or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow ETHEL on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeETHEL Uses Chamber Music to Smash the Status QuoRon Carter & ETHEL: Reflections on Monk & Bach - Carnegie HallThe Met Museum – Balcony Bar Residency - ETHELETHEL, Thomas Dolby, and David Byrne - "(Nothing But) Flowers"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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On flutist Jamie Baum.When COVID hit, Jamie found inspiration and solace in poetry. What started as daily readings of women poets became something much bigger: an album blending jazz and spoken word.As leader of her long-running Septet+, Jamie has crafted wide-ranging music for over twenty years. She has played everywhere, from major jazz festivals to tiny clubs in 35 countries, bringing her distinctive sound to collaborations with artists like Paul Motian, Randy Brecker, and Kenny Barron.Now, she's channeling the power of poetry through her ensemble, creating music that speaks to this moment while honoring timeless artistic traditions. Jamie's here to share how verses and melodies came together to tell these stories.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the Jamie Baum Septet+’s album What Times Are These)–Dig DeeperVisit Jamie Baum at jamiebaum.comPurchase the Jamie Baum Septet+’s What Times Are These from Bandcamp or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Jamie Baum on Facebook and YouTubeFlutist Jamie Baum Works with Poetry and Dynamic VoiceBill Moyers’ A Poet a DayConcert: Jamie Baum Septet+–• 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On clarinetist Anat Cohen.Anat’s been bringing her joyful spirit to jazz venues worldwide for two decades, blending swing, Brazilian rhythms, and melodies from her native Israel. Her 2024 album Bloom pairs her musical warmth with that of her quartet Quartetinho - Portuguese for "little quartet" - creating intimate conversations between clarinet, piano, bass, and percussion.Anat will mark her 50th birthday this spring with four special nights at Lincoln Center's Appel Room, sharing the stage with her equally talented brothers, Avishai and Yuval Cohen.Today, we'll hear about Anat’s musical journey, from family jam sessions in Tel Aviv to becoming the first Israeli artist to headline the Village Vanguard and plenty of stories in between.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Anat Cohen’s album with Quartetinho, Bloom)–Dig DeeperVisit Anat Cohen at anatcohen.comPurchase Anat Cohen and Quartetinho’s Bloom from Bandcamp or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Anat Cohen on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeAnat Cohen: Journeys A 50th Birthday CelebrationAnat Cohen: 'Clarinetwork' At The VanguardAnat Cohen Quartetinho - Live from Jazz St. LouisDig 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On pianist and composer Marina Albero.From Barcelona’s vibrant music scene to the heart of New Orleans, Marina keeps finding new ways to push musical boundaries. Her latest album, A Nomad of Sound, brings together jazz, classical, and world music traditions in a blend all her own.Marina has journeyed across continents and cultures—from her early years studying classical piano in Cuba to recent acclaim in Seattle, where she’s twice been named Musician of the Year. Now she’s taken her keyboards to New Orleans, collaborating with some of the city’s finest players and even recording on Ellis Marsalis’s personal piano.She’s here to share stories from her musical travels and give us a glimpse into her adventurous new album, where traditional jazz meets Spanish flamenco, Cuban rhythms, and even some fiery keytar solos.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Marina Albero’s album A Nomad of Sound)–Dig DeeperVisit Marina Albero at marinaalbero.netPurchase Marina Albero’s A Nomad of Sound from Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Marina Albero on Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp, and YouTubeEllis Marsalis: Family Patriarch and a Hell of a PianistEllis Marsalis Center for Music“19 y 42” from A Nomad of Sound (Recording session video)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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On author Jonathon Grasse. His new book, Jazz Revolutionary, traces Eric Dolphy’s journey from the clubs of 1940s Los Angeles to his groundbreaking work in New York’s avant-garde jazz scene.Eric Dolphy’s revolutionary voice in jazz was silenced far too soon. He was an artist who pushed the boundaries of what was possible on alto sax, flute, and bass clarinet, collaborating with giants like John Coltrane and Charles Mingus before his tragic death in 1964 at the age of 36. Jonathan’s intimate portrait reveals the innovative musician and the gracious human being remembered by those who knew him.Enjoy the show.–Dig DeeperPurchase Jonathon Grasse’s Jazz Revolutionary: The Life & Music of Eric Dolphy from Jawbone Press, Bookshop, Powell’s, Barnes & Noble, or AmazonBest Eric Dolphy Tracks: 20 Free Jazz EssentialsRichard Brody on How Eric Dolphy Sparked My Love of JazzCharles Mingus and Eric Dolphy - Syncopated JusticeJohn Coltrane and Eric Dolphy Answer the Jazz CriticsJonathon Grasse on Eric Dolphy (The Music Book Podcast)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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On innovative percussionist and drummer Lisa Pegher.Lisa turns percussion into something you’ve never heard before. A pioneering artist who moves easily between classical concert halls and electronic music spaces, Lisa wields everything from traditional drums to cutting-edge AI technology.She’s performed with major orchestras worldwide and premiered works by today’s leading composers, but what sets Lisa apart is her drive to push percussion into new territory.Her project, A.I.RE, explores the evolution of rhythm—from pure acoustic sounds to an AI-generated musical landscape. With composers from New York’s ICEBERG collective, Lisa has crafted a show that asks big questions about music’s future while delivering an unforgettable live experience.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Paul Dooley: Masks and Machines and A.I.RE Concert 2024)–Dig DeeperVisit Lisa Pegher at www.lisapegher.comPurchase Paul Dooley: Masks and Machines (feat. Lisa Pegher) from Bandcamp or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Lisa Pegher on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.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, Bluesky, Facebook, and Mastodon.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On award-winning jazz critic and author Paul de Barros.Throughout his storied career, Paul was editor and critic at the Seattle Times and has written for Downbeat and Earshot Jazz, amongst other outlets. He is also the author of Jackson Street After Dark: The Roots of Jazz in Seattle but today, he joins us to talk about the updated edition of his book Shall We Play That One Together? The Life and Art of Jazz Piano Legend Marian McPartland, which contains a new preface detailing the challenges of writing a biography about an often headstrong, living subject. The preface alone is worth the price of admission.From 1978 to 2011 (33 years for those counting at home), Marian McPartland hosted the weekly national radio program Piano Jazz, wherein she helped popularize jazz and jazz musicians through interviews and in-studio performances. Pick a name, almost any name—they were on Piano Jazz.Marian passed away in 2013 at the age of 95. She lived a fascinating life as a complex, able woman in the difficult world of professional music.Paul’s book is a special document of a special person and her unique times.–Dig DeeperPurchase Shall We Play That One Together? The Life and Art of Jazz Piano Legend Marian McPartland from USC Press, Bookshop, Powell’s, Barnes & Noble, or AmazonMarian McPartland’s Piano JazzClint Eastwood On Piano JazzDig 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, Bluesky, Facebook, and Mastodon.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.