Past Programs
Audio
Sunday 30 November 2008
Listen Now - 30112008 |
As the name suggests, radio.string.quartet.vienna embraces the present and future. Its second album, RADIOTREE, is a quintet affair with an eclectically inclined compatriot. Accordion and bandoneón virtuoso Klaus Paier is its primary composer, writing with all five players specifically in mind. All value and honour their classical roots, but are not constrained by them. Paier's compositional ingenuity is matched by his improvisatory abilities. The CD's four not altogether new pieces were penned by two late, great Austrians— three of them by Joe Zawinul.
Saturday 29 November 2008
Listen Now - 29112008 |
Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile is a singular instrumental duo's debut CD. Each man is a phenomenon of his instrument and is astonishingly flexible—mentally as well as physically. Edgar Meyer was five years old when he took up double bass, 42 years ago. A wizard with the bow, Edgar enjoys iconic status in both classical and bluegrass circles. He has had his eye on mandolinist Chris Thile for 22 years, since Chris was five. As one critic recently opined, Chris 'may well be the most virtuosic American ever to play the mandolin.' Their particular passion is to mix formal music and improvisation in a way that is natural, retaining the best elements of both.
Sunday 23 November 2008
Listen Now - 23112008 |
Double-bassist Jonathan Zwartz has for decades been one of Australia’s ‘most valued/most flexible’ musicians, especially {but not only} in jazz. The Sea is one of the lovelier - and longer-awaited - Australian debut recordings as leader. Its composed notes are all Jonathan’s. The superb players are a ‘dream band’ of longtime mutual admirers. This is intimate, very lyrical, keenly focused music - never self-indulgent, but conversational, with some inspired improvisation. Sound quality is remarkable. As tonight’s show will divulge, behind The Sea there is quite a story.
Saturday 22 November 2008
Listen Now - 22112008 |
After his John Coltrane and Miles Davis Latin side of... projects, trombonist Conrad Herwig offers a brilliant take on the music of another jazz genius. One critic says of Herwig's The Latin Side of Wayne Shorter, 'if you know a person who thinks jazz is difficult to get, lacks melody, or you can't dance to it, this CD will change their mind.' It was recorded 'live' at the Blue Note in New York. Herwig is technically phenomenal, but 'technique' is definitely not his obsession—expression is. Herwig has said, repeatedly, 'all of us need to listen to vocalists' Here, you really need to listen to the incredible playing of his special guests , trumpeter Brian Lynch and pianist Eddie Palmieri.
Sunday 16 November 2008
Listen Now - 16112008 |
Douga Mansa is a feast of absolutely solo, West African instrumental virtuosity and improvisatory flair. ‘Live’ in the studio, Mamadou Diabate plays kora - a 21-string harp/lute. As a griot/jeli, music and oral history have been his family’s calling for centuries. Mamadou was born in 1975 in Kita, Mali. His hometown is a major cultural centre. So is his adoptive one: New York. Mamadou is at once conservative and innovative, true to a tradition which ‘has always put a premium on holding on the old way, whilst constantly innovating and developing the art.’ He tours Australia late December to mid-January.
Saturday 15 November 2008
Listen Now - 15112008 |
On Shake Away Lila Downs is all over the place - mostly, in interesting, unpredictable ways. The daughter of a Mexican, Mixtec mother and a Scottish-American father, Lila Downs grew up in Mexico, then Minnesota. Now, she mostly lives in New York. Even if you already love her work, expect to be surprised by an album that is ‘bigger than Ben Hur’, but much more culturally diverse and much more likely to move you to dance!
Sunday 09 November 2008
Listen Now - 09112008 |
Dem Trio has a name with multiple meanings and an exquisite new CD. The Fountain is a multi-faceted expression/exploration of Turkish musical traditions. This is beautiful, refined, virtuosic, intricate music. It is also direct and surprising, a ‘chamber music’ which does not merely permit improvisation: it’s integral. The trio’s members are primarily players of various Turkish lutes, although human voice and a Turkish flute are also deployed. By choice of instruments and their attitude, Okan Murat Özturk, Murat Salim Tokaç and Cenk Güray show how ‘classical/courtly’ and ‘demotic/folk’ elements can be embraced simultaneously, without diluting either.
Saturday 08 November 2008
Listen Now - 08112008 |
Share this Life is the second album from Jim Conway’s Big Wheel. The leader is Australia’s most celebrated harmonica player. His colleagues comprise a ‘dream band’ of top-shelf singers and players. All know more than a bit about the blues, other musics, too... and each other. Everyone co-operates, not competes. Each is a master of what NOT to play. Pianist Don Hopkins and guitarist Arne Hanna are the primary singer-songwriters. Moods and grooves are nicely varied, but the ‘feel’ is always just-right. Recorded superbly, the Big Wheelers sound wonderfully relaxed... and highly alert.
