Spotlight On

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. As we arranged to get together, Ches suggested we include Shara Lunon, the transdisciplinary poet, vocalist, composer, and improviser featured on the album.Laugh Ash is one of the most intriguing records I have encountered in quite some time, with its mix of form and improvisation, acoustic and synthetic, quiet and explosiveness.In addition to Ches and Shara, the album includes an all-star cast from today’s creative music scene: flutist Anna Webber, clarinetist Oscar Noriega, tenor saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, trumpeter Nate Wooley, violinist Jennifer Choi, violist Kyle Armbrust, cellist Michael Nicolas, and bassist/keyboardist Shahzad Ismaily.It is an exciting work and we had a great conversation. Enjoy.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Ches Smith’s album Laugh Ash)–Dig DeeperPurchase Ches Smith’s Laugh Ash on Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceVisit Ches Smith at chessmith.com and follow him on Instagram and FacebookVisit Shara Lunon at sharalunon.com and follow her on InstagramChes Smith’s ‘Laugh Ash’ Is Exhilarating MusicChes Smith About ImprovisationListN Up Playlist: Shara LunonDig 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.

Today’s episode is a recording of our recent live event, which took place at The Royal Room 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 of master improvisers that includes James Falzone on clarinet, Ray Larsen on trumpet, Wayne Horvitz on piano, Abbey Blackwell on bass, and Rocky Martin on drums.During the live show, we explored the nature of improvisation in music and how its principles are relevant to all aspects of life. James and the band performed his compositions and a completely free, composed-in-the-moment piece.The music in this episode:G.F.O.P. (Falzone)There Is Often Another Way (Falzone)Brooklyn Lines (Falzone)Everything Is Now Equalized (an open improvisation) (Falzone/Larsen/Horvitz/Blackwell/Martin)Room 307 (Falzone)A Dream In Which Appeared Marc Chagall (Falzone)We are offering a poster, t-shirt, and mug based on the artwork from our live show, which is now available at spotlightonpodcast.com/store. Have a look.Special thanks to James Falzone and the members of his Division Ensemble: Ray Larsen, Wayne Horvitz, Abbey Blackwood, and Rocky Martin. Thank you to Aleida, Sheridan, Simon, Ben, and the entire team at the Royal Room. Thank you to David Gorman for the wonderful poster art. Thank you to Alyssa Seng, JazzED, and Tim Carey at Jazz Night School. And thank you to everyone who attended the live show.–Dig Deeper with the extensive show notes and links found at https://www.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.

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 other electro-acoustic devices and changes in the air pressure in the room where it is set up, a generative system results, one that can create endless possibilities in sound.In this engaging conversation, we discussed Riccardo’s musical journey, his experimentation in percussion, and his exploration of new techniques and approaches to drumming. We also got into the evolution of drums and percussion instruments, the influence of acoustics on composition, and the potential for drumming education in conservatory settings.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Riccardo La Foresta & James Ginzburg’s album Six and Forty​-​Six)–Dig DeeperVisit Riccardo La Foresta at riccardolaforesta.comPurchase Riccardo La Foresta & James Ginzburg’s Six and Forty​-​Six on Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Riccardo La Foresta on Instagram and YouTubeRiccardo La Foresta: playing drums without playing (video)Drummophone’s ManifestoThe Experimental Underbelly of Italian Electronic MusicRiccardo La Foresta: ‘Curating has taught me how to share’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, Facebook, and Mastodon.

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 release of his debut solo album, Circle Of Madness, a work that makes me glad I do not own a record store because I have no idea where I would file it. That said, it might not get filed at all because it would be playing all day.Listeners will find jazz, improvisation, funk, some Berlin electronica, and more—sometimes all in the same song. Genre is not important when the music is this compelling.Janek was as much fun to talk to as his record is to listen to. Please enjoy both.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Janek van Laak’s album Circle Of Madness)–Dig DeeperPurchase Janek van Laak’s Circle Of Madness on Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choice.Follow Janek van Laak on InstagramA Music Lover’s Guide to BerlinRhythm and Raga: Learn the basics of Indian musicWhat Makes John Bonham Such a Good Drummer?Liquid Brain Orchestra on SoundCloudThe 15 Loudest Bands in the WorldJanek van Laak: Fifteen Questions about DrummingDig 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.

Today, the Spotlight shines On Seattle pianist and composer Bill Anschell.We’ve had award winners of all types on the podcast, but as far as I can remember, Bill is the first to have won an award for humor: in 2014, Bill was the winner of the inaugural Paul Desmond Award, the website All About Jazz’s celebration of the funniest jazz artists. We get to that and his satirical essay, “Careers in Jazz,” which is the all-time most-read piece on All About Jazz.As a much younger man, Bill left Seattle to study at Oberlin College and Wesleyan University. At Wesleyan, he worked with saxophone great Bill Barron and South Indian mridangam master T Ranganathan, developing an affinity for diverse and interesting rhythms that can be heard throughout his work.In Atlanta, Bill served as Jazz Coordinator for the Southern Arts Federation, the South’s regional arts agency. While building their jazz program, Bill made time to publish a book on grant writing and created JazzSouth, a syndicated radio show heard on more than 200 stations around the world. And he worked as a sideman around town and led his own trio. Bill is a celebrated composer and his tunes have been heard in shows like The West Wing, NCIS: LA, The Wire, and Yellowstone.Our talk touched on the evolution of jazz, the impact and legacy of fusion music, the integration of electronic music into jazz, Bill’s time in Atlanta, his potential upcoming projects, and more.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Bill Anschell’s album Improbable Solutions)–Dig DeeperVisit Bill Anschell at billanschell.comPurchase Bill Anschell’s Improbable Solutions from billanschell.com or Qobuz, and listen to it on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Bill Anschell on Instagram and FacebookTop Five Funniest People In JazzCareers In Jazz - Bill AnschellDig 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.

Today, the Spotlight shines On vocalist, composer, and improviser 王睿琪 Ruiqi Wang (pronounced as “Ray-Chee Wong”).Ruiqi Wang creates stunning experimental music, combining influences from jazz, contemporary Euro-classical music, and traditional Chinese music.Ruiqi Wang joined me earlier this year on the heels of the release of her debut album, Subduing the Silence, out through Orchard of Pomegranates. This profound, 36-minute album boasts an all-female cast of collaborators and expresses a musical vision seldom articulated in a debut work.In addition to composing, performing, and recording in a variety of contexts and projects, Ruiqi Wang is pursuing a Masters degree in Music Composition - Contemporary Jazz at the Bern Academy of the Arts in Switzerland.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Ruiqi Wang’s album Subduing the Silence)–Dig DeeperVisit Ruiqi Wang at ruiqiwangsings.comPurchase Ruiqi Wang’s Subduing the Silence on Qobuz or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Ruiqi Wang on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeCraft EnsembleAyelet Rose GottliebImprove Your Musical Concentration — John HollenbeckThe Center For Deep ListeningFifteen Questions: Ruiqi Wang Talks SoundBe sure to peruse this episode’s extensive 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.

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, Susanna Hoffs, the late Tommy Keene, and many others.Paul and John released the second record from The Small Square, Ours & Others, on Farm to Label Records in October 2023. While separated by a continent and ocean (Paul lives in Japan, John in Wisconsin), they co-produced the record and created a modern sound using modern techniques rooted in classic songwriting and musicianship in the Beatles, Beach Boys, and Big Star tradition.Enjoy!(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from The Small Square’s album Ours & Others)–Dig DeeperPurchase The Small Square’s Ours & Others from Qobuz, Bandcamp, or directly from Farm to Label Records. You can also listen to the album on your streaming platform of choiceFollow The Small Square on Facebook and InstagramVelvet Crush | Trouser PressA beginners' guide to the heyday of power-pop, 1972–1986Paul Chastain Talks Synthesizers, Songwriting, and The Small Square’s ‘Ours & Others’Be sure to peruse this episode’s extensive 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. • Check out Spotlight On’s next live event at The Royal Room in Seattle on Saturday, June 22! More info here.

Today, the Spotlight shines On musician, songwriter, journalist, and returning guest, Jeff Slate.Jeff joined us about two years ago and while that discussion was more focused on his work as a writer and cultural observer, this talk focuses on his music career.Based in New York City, Jeff has traveled quite an interesting road from his roots in the mid-80s post-punk world to rubbing shoulders and working with luminaries like Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, Pete Townshend, Roger McGuinn, Jeff Tweedy, Willie Nile, Margo Price, and Sheryl Crow.Jeff has a new record out, The Last Day of Summer, featuring Dave Stewart, Duff McKagan, Earl Slick, as well as members of Paul Weller’s band and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The album even boasts photos shot by famed rock photographer Bob Gruen.It was a real blast getting to know this side of Jeff’s life and work. He’s fun to spend time with and is someone who speaks his mind and who clearly cares. Check out Jeff’s music (links are in the show notes) and enjoy our talk.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Jeff Slate’s album The Last Day of Summer)–Dig DeeperVisit Jeff Slate at jeffslatehq.comPurchase Jeff Slate’s album The Last Day of Summer on Qobuz or listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Jeff Slate on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTubeJeff Slate visits Spotlight On in 2022James Honeyman-Scott: The Complete 1981 Pretenders InterviewBe sure to peruse this episode’s extensive 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. • Check out Spotlight On’s next live event at The Royal Room in Seattle on Saturday, June 22! More info here.

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 garnered much acclaim for her Dorothy Parker poetry song cycle Little Words, which premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.Katie is a working musician, performing as part of many jazz and improvised music ensembles in the Chicago area. She is also a committed educator, working with young musicians in her work as a teaching artist for the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Jazz Masters Residency Program in Chicago Public Schools, and by serving on the faculty at Birch Creek Music Academy summer program.I was very fortunate to see Katie perform as part of Wayfaring earlier this year and even more fortunate to have this conversation. Enjoy.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Twin Talk’s 2019 album Weaver and Wayfaring’s recent Intermezzo)–Dig DeeperVisit Katie Ernst at katieernst.comListen to music from Katie Ernst’s projects: Wayfaring, Twin Talk, and Edith JudithFollow Katie Ernst on Instagram, Facebook, and BandcampTwin Talk (website)Edith Judith – Bones And StructureKatie Ernst joins Iron & Wine on tourBe sure to peruse this episode’s extensive 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. • Check out Spotlight On’s next live event at The Royal Room in Seattle on Saturday, June 22! More info here.