The Tap Love Tour Podcast Episode 136: D'Angelo - Finish The Job
Dec 23, 2025
Michela Marino-Lerman, an international tap dancer and educator, Jumaane Taylor, an accomplished tap performer, and Jason Samuels Smith, a renowned choreographer, join a heartfelt discussion honoring D'Angelo's artistry. They reflect on his music’s profound emotional depth and the importance of finishing creative work, especially in light of his passing. Personal stories and favorite tracks intertwine with insights on the intersection of tap and music. The conversation emphasizes legacy, the urgency of creativity, and the call to honor artistic integrity.
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Music As A Mirror
- Travis Knights says D'Angelo's music became a mirror revealing more about listeners than the artist.
- The conversation shows how talking about D'Angelo surfaces the speakers' own values and creative priorities.
Car Listening Session Revelation
- Michael Shand recalls an excited car listening session where musicians discovered D'Angelo and felt starved for that palette of colors.
- He connects D'Angelo's blend of jazz, funk, gospel and melody to a deep musical hunger among his peers.
Voodoo As Transformative Album
- Michela Marino-Lerman describes Voodoo as transformative and spiritually affecting like Marvin Gaye for her.
- She emphasizes the album's full-album experience, not song-by-song consumption.