Spotlight On

Today, the Spotlight shines On the acclaimed and intriguing composer, bandleader, and improviser Graham Reynolds.The Austin-based Reynolds has composed for countless film, television, dance, and theatrical productions, serving most notably as the sonic collaborator of director Richard Linklater. He is also Artistic Director of the new music-focused non-profit Golden Hornet.Graham joined me on the occasion of his solo release from earlier this year, Music for Prophet (Parts 1–4), on Fire Records. We discussed the benefits of having a dedicated workspace at home and the importance of balancing practical tasks with creative ones. We explored the relationship between composition and improvisation in music, Graham’s feelings about live performance, our musical upbringings, the state of the arts and film, and, my favorite, the role of humor in music.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Graham Reynolds' latest release, Music For Prophet)–Dig DeeperVisit Graham Reynolds at grahamreynolds.comPurchase Graham Reynolds' Music For Prophet at Fire Records, Qobuz, or Bandcamp; and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Graham Reynolds on Facebook and InstagramGraham Reynolds | composer (IMDb)Golden Hornet | a composer laboratory for the 21st centuryAnother fearless collaboration: Graham Reynolds & Bill Burgess & Utah Hamrick at TEDxAustinDig 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 pianist and composer Satoko Fujii, an incredibly unique and prolific artist.Satoko works at the intersection of jazz, contemporary classical, rock, and traditional Japanese music, composing for ensembles of many sizes and configurations. However, she is especially adept with the jazz orchestra format. For all of her efforts, Satoko is widely decorated as an improviser, composer, arranger, and band leader.Satoko has released over 100 albums as leader or co-leader, at a clip of several each year. Music seems to tumble out of her.The discussion you are about to hear was recorded back in late March of this year. Satoko was a thoughtful and generous conversationalist and provided insight into her creative and production process and her evolution as an artist. She also shared a bit about the unique challenge of making a life as an artist in Japan.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from the albums Jet Black by the Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio and Unwritten by the quartet Kaze, also featuring Satoko Fujii)–Dig DeeperVisit Satoko Fujii at satokofujii.comPurchase Unwritten by Kaze (featuring Satoko Fujii) on Qobuz and Bandcamp and listen on your streaming platform of choicePurchase the Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio’s Jet Black on Bandcamp and listen on Apple MusicFollow Satoko Fujii on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTubeSatoko Fujii, a Pianist Who Finds Music Hidden in the Details of LifeDig 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 the musician and producer David John Haskins, better known to the world as David J, bassist and co-founder of both post-punk goth band Bauhaus and, subsequently, Love and Rockets.As if having such a luminary visiting our podcast isn’t enough, today’s talk is guest-hosted by Spotlight On producer Michael Donaldson, who filled in for me for this and another special episode we will tell you about soon.David came by to talk about Tracks from the Attic (released on Independent Project Records), his career-spanning triple album made up of home demos recorded between 1984 and 2004, hand-selected for inclusion by the artist himself. He also discussed the Love and Rockets tour opening for Jane’s Addiction (which kicks off this week) and a lot of very, very interesting esoterica.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from David J’s album Tracks from the Attic)–Dig DeeperVisit David J at davidjhaskins.comPurchase David J’s Tracks from the Attic from Independent Project Records, Qobuz, or Bandcamp, and listen on your streaming platform of choiceFollow David J on Patreon, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X)Love and Rockets (Bandcamp)The ultimate beginner’s guide to BauhausShiva SavesDig 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 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.