Spotlight On

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 DeeperPurchase 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

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 DeeperPurchase 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

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 DeeperVisit 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

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 DeeperVisit 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.

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 DeeperLearn 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.

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 DeeperVisit 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.

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 DeeperVisit 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.

Today, the Spotlight shines On Josh Johnson, the Los Angeles-based saxophonist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and Grammy Award-winning producer.Josh joined me earlier this year to talk about his second solo album, Unusual Object, which came out this past April on Northern Spy Records. Equal parts futuristic jazz and modern composition, Josh uses processed saxophone and subtle samples in his unique compositions.In addition to examining Unusual Object, we discussed the relevance and impact of genre classifications in music, how Josh’s Grammy has led to more opportunities and connections in various music communities, the impact of Chicago’s artistic community on Josh’s development as a musician, courage in the pursuit of creative avenues, and of course, it would not be an episode of Spotlight On if we did not dig into process. So we did.Josh will be at the Village Vanguard in New York from October 29 through November 3 with Vibraphonist Joel Ross’s Good Vibes ensemble. It should be a good one.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Josh Johnson’s Unusual Object)–Dig DeeperVisit Josh Johnson at joshjohnsonmusic.comFollow Josh Johnson on InstagramPurchase Unusual Object at Northern Spy Records, Qobuz, or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceMeshell Ndegeocello Wins Inaugural Best Alternative Jazz Album Award at 2024 GrammysThe lessons of Wayne Shorter, engine of imaginationJosh Johnson “Marvis” live performanceThe Conversations That Make a Voice // Josh JohnsonDig 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.