Spotlight On

Lawrence Peryer
  • 5.0 (26)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Spotlight On

The musicians, writers, innovators and ideas shaping media, entertainment, and culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Christoph Dallach: krautrock origins from schlager to synthesizers

    2 DAYS AGO

    Christoph Dallach: krautrock origins from schlager to synthesizers

    Today, the Spotlight shines On author Christoph Dallach, who joins me to discuss his book Neu Klang: The Definitive History of Krautrock. Christoph has spent years tracking down the pioneers who spent the late 1960s in West Germany’s basements and practice rooms, creating sounds unlike anything else in rock and roll. Through conversations with members of bands like Can, Kraftwerk, and Tangerine Dream, Christoph uncovers how these artists shaped a distinctly German sound in the shadow of World War II. It’s a story of cultural rebirth told by the musicians who lived it. A veteran music journalist who has interviewed everyone from Bob Dylan to Taylor Swift, Christoph brings fresh insight to this pivotal moment in music history. – Dig Deeper Purchase Neu Klang: The Definitive History of Krautrock from Faber & Faber, Bookshop, Powell’s, Barnes and Noble, or AmazonFollow Christoph Dallach on InstagramChristoph Dallach’s playlist for his book “Neu Klang: The Definitive History of Krautrock”Krautrock: The 1970s bands which helped post-war Germany overcome its dark historyWhen it comes to krautrock, it’s impossible not to mention the warDig 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.

    47 min
  2. Marwan Allam: a Tunisian gateway to modern jazz

    DEC 12

    Marwan Allam: a Tunisian gateway to modern jazz

    Today, the Spotlight shines On bassist and composer Marwan Allam. Marwan’s debut album, Bab Bhar, takes Arabic rhythms and Tunisian musical traditions and hands them to a jazz quartet, creating something that feels both ancient and brand new. Marwan tunes and plays his bass to echo the sound of the gimbri, a traditional three-string instrument from his native Tunisia. He’s here to walk us through this groundbreaking approach and share how growing up at the crossroads of North African music shaped his creative path. (The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Marwan Allam’s album Bab Bhar) – Dig Deeper Purchase Marwan Allam’s Bab Bhar on Bandcamp and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Marwan Allam on Instagram and YouTubeMusic in Tunisia: Exploring 10 Rich HarmoniesExperiencing Maqam: An Introduction to Arabic MusicDig 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.

    41 min
  3. Joe Brent: mandolin magic from Vivaldi to Vinegar Hill

    DEC 5

    Joe Brent: mandolin magic from Vivaldi to Vinegar Hill

    Today, the Spotlight shines On composer, mandolinist, multi-instrumentalist, teacher, and label founder Joe Brent. Joe has worked with artists ranging from Regina Spektor to the Philip Glass Ensemble, but his collaboration with Grammy-nominated violinist Sara Caswell and bassist Andrew Ryan in 9 Horses was the impetus for our time together. 9 Horses creates music between classical precision and folk intimacy with mandolins and violins. On their latest album, Strum, 25 musicians create what Joe calls “identifiably human-made music.” Joe shares the story behind 9 Horses and much more, including why making deeply human music matters now more than ever. (The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the 9 Horses album Strum) – Dig Deeper Visit Joe Brent at josephbrent.com and Adhyâropa Records at adhyaroparecords.comPurchase 9 Horses’s Strum on Bandcamp or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Joe Brent on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and YouTubeFollow Adhyâropa Records on Instagram, Threads, Facebook, and YouTubeMandolins: A Brief HistoryDig 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, 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.

    58 min
  4. Round Room Live: crafting family entertainment's next act

    NOV 28

    Round Room Live: crafting family entertainment's next act

    Today, the Spotlight shines On Stephen Shaw and Jonathan Linden of Round Room Live. Round Room Live has become a powerhouse in family entertainment, from Broadway blockbusters to kids' favorite TV characters coming to life on stage. Stephen Shaw and Jonathan Linden launched the company in 2016 with a bold idea—take their experience from massive rock tours and use it to create live shows that capture the magic of beloved brands, from Sesame Street to Formula One. They’ve built Round Room into one of the most dynamic forces in live entertainment, with hit tours and exhibitions playing to packed houses worldwide. Their latest ventures include the just-launched Blippi tour and an upcoming 20th-anniversary spectacular for Nitro Circus. Stephen and Jonathan are here to pull back the curtain on how they bring beloved characters and stories to the stage. – Dig Deeper Learn more about Round Room Live at roundroomlive.comFollow Round Room Live on YouTube, Instagram, and FacebookRound Room – PhishHow Success Happened for Round Room Live Co-Presidents Stephen Shaw and Jonathan Linden– • 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 and The Tonearm for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and our email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Mastodon, and Bluesky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  5. Taylor Deupree & Joseph Branciforte: reimagining Stil.

    NOV 21

    Taylor Deupree & Joseph Branciforte: reimagining Stil.

    Today, the Spotlight shines On experimental music producers and label owners Taylor Deupree and Joseph Branciforte. Back in 2002, Taylor Deupree released an electronic album called Stil. That release captivated listeners with its quiet, repeating patterns and stark digital sound. Twenty years later, Taylor and producer Joseph Branciforte linked up to reimagine the album as Sti.ll, rebuilding the entire work using only non-electronic instruments. The new version takes all of the computer-generated sounds from the original and puts them in the hands of live musicians playing clarinets, strings, and percussion. It is an ambitious and adventurous project from two collaborators enmeshed in experimental music—Taylor runs 12k Music and has spent years blending electronic and natural sounds, while Joe’s built Greyfade into a label that keeps finding creative ways to present creative music. They’re here to walk us through this one-of-a-kind project while covering several other topics related to creativity and the modern music business. (The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the albums Stil. and Stil.ll, played side-by-side.) – Dig Deeper Visit Taylor Deupree and 12k at 12k.comVisit Joseph Branciforte and greyfade at greyfade.comPurchase Stil. from 12k or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choicePurchase Sti.ll from greyfade, 12k, Qobuz, Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceA Voyage of Seeing: On Hiroshi Sugimoto’s SeascapesDig 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, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  6. Anders Koppel: the Hammond's Danish master

    NOV 14

    Anders Koppel: the Hammond's Danish master

    Today, the Spotlight shines On legendary Danish organist Anders Koppel. Great music often runs in the family, and as proof, we have our first father-son episodes of Spotlight On. Last November, we had Benjamin Koppel, son and collaborator of today’s guest. But today’s story starts decades ago when Anders played Newport with his band Savage Rose. Fast forward to now, and Anders is back at the Hammond B3, making magic with Benjamin on alto sax and the incredible Brian Blade on drums. This trio came together naturally. Benjamin and Brian have been close friends and collaborators since 2011. Something special clicked when they invited Anders to join them on the organ. Their latest album, Time Again, swings hard while aiming for the heart. (The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the album Time Again by Benjamin Koppel, Brian Blade, & Anders Koppel) – Dig Deeper Learn more about Anders Koppel at wisemusicclassical.comPurchase Time Again on Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceTime Again teaser videoCheck out Benjamin Koppel at benjaminkoppel.com and his check out his label Cowbell MusicBenjamin Koppel plays jazz with a novelist’s narrative (Spotlight On podcast)The Savage RoseBrian Blade | DrummerAll About Jazz Organ: Inside the Hammond B-3Kenny Werner | PianistNewport Jazz Festival - 1969– • 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, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  7. Christian McBride: jazz notes from the engine room

    NOV 7

    Christian McBride: jazz notes from the engine room

    Today, the Spotlight shines On Christian McBride, a musician, recording artist, prolific composer, arranger, producer, cultural curator, dedicated educator, and mentor. Christian has been called the hardest-working person in jazz, and based on what I just rattled off, that might be underselling it. From his early days in Philadelphia soaking up the sounds of Philly Soul to sharing stages with legends like Ray Brown and Chick Corea, Christian has become a bridge between jazz’s rich history and its vibrant future. These days, you’ll find him leading his new band, Ursa Major, hosting NPR’s Jazz Night in America, mentoring the next generation of musicians, and somehow finding time to work on a new big band album featuring twelve different vocalists. He’s also preparing for an upcoming funk tribute show with none other than George Clinton and Savion Glover at NJPAC. Whether laying down the groove with Inside Straight, his Big Band, or any other celebrated ensemble, Christian brings an irresistible combination of soul, swing, and storytelling to everything he touches. Today, we’ll explore his journey from Philly to the world stage, his passion for record collecting, and why he believes being uncomfortable might be the best way to grow as a musician. Quick note: this conversation occurred when our baseball teams were still in contention. One had a better outcome than the other, and neither made it all the way… – Dig Deeper Visit Christian McBride at christianmcbride.comListen to Christian McBride on Qobuz, Bandcamp, or your streaming platform of choiceFollow Christian McBride on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeTribute to Funk!The curious mind—and hard work—of bassist Christian McBrideJazz House Kids | School For 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, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  8. Erik Davis: the beatification of blotter art

    OCT 31

    Erik Davis: the beatification of blotter art

    What can be scarier than Halloween ghouls? How about a trip through the LSD underground? Today, the Spotlight shines On Erik Davis, and this trip is no bummer. Erik is an author, award-winning journalist, and teacher in San Francisco. He is the author, most recently, of Blotter: The Untold Story of an Acid Medium_, a study of LSD blotter art. And that’s what he’s joined us to talk about. Erik also wrote one of my favorite books, High Weirdness: Drugs, Esoterica, and Visionary Experience in the Seventies. His scholarly and popular essays on music, technoculture, drugs, and spirituality have appeared in many books, magazines, and journals. He is also one of the founders of Alembic, a center in Berkeley, California, devoted to meditation, movement, and visionary arts and culture. Enjoy our talk about the hysteria surrounding LSD, the cultural significance and risks of the LSD blotter art trade, as well as the intersection between that art and the illicit drug market. – Dig Deeper Visit Erik Davis at techgnosis.comSubscribe to Erik Davis’s newsletter Burning Shore at burningshore.comPurchase Blotter: The Untold Story of an Acid Medium and other books by Erik Davis from MIT Press, Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Powell’sEight LSD Blotters That Defined Psychedelic CultureInside the LSD Museum That the DEA Somehow Hasn’t Torn to the Ground‘I’m high as a Georgia pine’: Dock Ellis’s no-hitter on LSD, 50 years onDig 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, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
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5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

The musicians, writers, innovators and ideas shaping media, entertainment, and culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Lawrence Peryer
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    232
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 23 Media Ventures LLC
  • Show Website
    Spotlight On

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