PRX Review: RADIO LAB: MORALITY

Radio Lab, Show 203: Morality

Producer: WNYC

Review by Chris Chambers for PRX (Jan 21, 2007)

“This is excellent radio. It’s thought-provoking, amusing and, most importantly, brilliantly produced. The use of music is perfect and the innovative way the two presenters interact within each feature has the effect of drawing you in futher to the discussion. This is a great example of how quite simple features can become transformed using imaginative production. There was superb editing work in there.
I give five stars as sparingly as Howard Hughes gave interviews but I have no hesitation in recommending this and no doubt all the other Radio Lab programmes too.”

Listen to the program here

PRX Review: ANDY STATMAN’S JOURNEY

Andy Statman’s Journey (27:47)

producer: Jonathan Groubert

Review by Jon Kalish for PRX (January 22, 2007)

“5 Stars if you’re a fan of Klezmer clarinet or bluegrass mandolin. Jon Kalish has produced an expertly knitted, rich, tersely woven and well presented journey into the heart of the virtuoso musician and Jewish mystic Andy Statman.

This is excellent radio that hits all the right beats in terms of pacing and uses the form to create a three dimensional person from his early success to his inexplicable contemporary obscurity.

Highly recommended to anyone. Excellent programming for the weekends or Jewish holidays or pairing with programs on Klezmer.”

Listen to the program here

Listen: Gulf Coast Blues: The Clarence Williams Story

from PRX

Producer: Riverwalk Jazz 

PRX Description: “Born in the Mississippi Delta in the late 1890s, pianist Clarence Williams was Creole and Choctaw Indian. As an adult, he produced and performed on thousands of recordings with artists who became legends ? Bessie Smith, Fats Waller, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong and more ? but he took credit for composing a long list of jazz standards.

Hosted by David Holt and starring The Jim Cullum Jazz Band and special guests Vernel Bagneris and Topsy Chapman, “Gulf Coast Blues: The Clarence Williams Story” chronicles Williams’ life with all of its contradictions. Was he a prolific composer or just a hustler and occasional song thief? “Gulf Coast Blues” reveals that, like the story of New Orleans itself, Clarence Williams is a study in opposites. “

Listen to the program here 

Listen: Buddy Guy: Can’t Quit The Blues

from PRX

producer: Joyride Media 

PRX Description: “One-hour music intensive radio special features legendary bluesman Buddy Guy in his own words and music. Buddy Guy’s own comments come from an exclusive interview session, and include many recollections and insights that will heard on your station for the first time. Hosted by journalist Anthony DeCurtis, this program also features 15 classic tracks from throughout Guy’s career. “

Listen to the full program here

Article: Music of The Hemispheres

Music of The Hemispheres

by Clive Thompson for NY Times Music (Dec. 31, 2006)

““Listen to this,” Daniel Levitin said. “What is it?” He hit a button on his computer keyboard and out came a half-second clip of music. It was just two notes blasted on a raspy electric guitar, but I could immediately identify it: the opening lick to the Rolling Stones’ “Brown Sugar.” “

Read full article here

Listen: The Beatles in America – 1964 Pt. 1 & 2

from PRX

producer: Paul Ingles

PRX Description: “When The Beatles arrived in the United States in February of 1964, no one could have anticipated the tremendous impact the band would have on the development of American popular music and pop culture.

Paul Ingles hosts The Beatles in America — 1964 and takes listeners back to when The Beatles and America first got to know one another. This lively two-hour montage features rarely heard archival audio, concert recordings, and new interviews with fans and reporters who were swept into The Beatles frenzy. “

Listen to Episode 1 of the program here

Listen to Episode 2 of the program here

Listen: Everything Was Right: The Beatles’ REVOLVER

from PRX

producer: Paul Ingles 

PRX Description: “One, two-hour program in which musicians, writers, and Beatle fans explore what made Revolver one of the top rock albums of all time.”

Listen to the full program here 

Note: A quick and easy sign-up is required to listen to all PRX programs for free. It’s worth it.

Listen: 3 James Brown Documentaries

from PRX

1. Blues & Beyond #26: James Brown, Bluesman

producer: Johnny Meister

2. In Search of James Brown: An Appreciation

producer: Paul Ingles

3. The Big Payback – A Tribute To James Brown

producer: Peter Bochan

Note: A quick and easy sign-up is required to listen to all PRX programs for free

Listen: Bob Dylan – No Direction Home

from PRX

producer:Paul Chuffo of Joyride Media 

PRX Description: The “official bootleg” radio companion to the PBS special “Bob Dylan: No Direction Home”

Listen to the whole program here 

(A quick and easy sign-up is required to listen to all PRX programs for free)

Article: Romus Studio

Romus Studio

by Mike Clark for MIX (Dec. 2006)

“Rome-born musician, composer, arranger, conductor and producer Romano Musumarra quickly showed his musical flair when, at the age of nine, he entered the Eternal City’s world-famous Santa Cecilia Conservatory.”

Read full article here