The Tonearm

Today, the Spotlight shines On composer and pianist Robin Holcomb and cellist Peggy Lee.These two musicians have been creating music together for the better part of two decades. Their new album, Reno, out September 12, captures something rare: the kind of musical conversation that happens when two artists know each other's musical language inside and out. Robin's songs draw from American folk traditions while her piano work moves into territories that feel both classical and completely free. Peggy brings a cello sound that's equally at home with composed melodies and total improvisation.Their collaboration encompasses everything from Robin's early song cycles about utopian communities in the Pacific Northwest to pieces that came from her work on the Donner Party saga. It's music that's hard to categorize, which makes it all the more worth your time.This conversation in the Fall of 2024, off-hours and in person at Seattle music venue The Royal Room.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Robin Holcomb and Peggy Lee’s album Reno)–Dig DeeperVisit Robin Holcomb at robinholcomb.com and follow her on Instagram and FacebookVisit cellist Peggy Lee onlinePurchase Robin Holcomb and Peggy Lee’s Reno from Songlines or Qobuz, and listen on your streaming platform of choice.Wayne Horvitz - Robin's partner, frequent collaborator, and producer of RenoDig 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On bestselling author and journalist Larry Tye.Larry's latest book, The Jazzmen, tells the story of how Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie transformed America. But this isn't just another music biography. Larry explores nearly every aspect of the lives and music of these men and demonstrates how their artistry helped lay the groundwork for the civil rights movement.This is Larry's ninth book, following acclaimed biographies of figures like Bobby Kennedy, Joe McCarthy, and Satchel Paige. As a former Boston Globe reporter who now runs Harvard's Health Coverage Fellowship, he's spent decades making complex stories accessible to all of us.Larry's here to share how three jazz masters changed more than music—they changed America itself.–Dig DeeperAuthor and Book:Visit Larry Tye at larrytye.comPurchase Larry Tye's The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America from Bookshopor other online retailersLarry Tye author page at HarperCollinsFeatured Musicians:Duke Ellington - Official website and musical legacyLouis Armstrong - Louis Armstrong House MuseumCount Basie - Count Basie Theatre and legacy resources–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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On tenor saxophonist Rico Jones.Rico's new album BloodLines captures something you don't hear much anymore—a live recording that feels like a complete story. Recorded at Brooklyn's Ornithology, it's five original compositions that explore his multicultural heritage, from his Indigenous and Latino roots to his deep connection with Black American musical traditions.Based in Harlem, Rico's already performed with Esperanza Spalding at the Blue Note and co-led the first all-Indigenous big band. His approach to jazz honors the past while pushing forward, whether he's working with veterans like Joe Martin and Nasheet Waits or mentoring students in Jersey City.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Rico Jones’s album BloodLines)–Dig DeeperVisit Rico Jones at ricojonesmusician.com and follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeRico Jones's Bloodlines album is out now on Giant Step Arts and can be purchased from Bandcamp or Qobuz, and you can listen on your streaming platform of choiceJoe Martin, bassist - One of NYC's most sought-after bassistsNasheet Waits, drummer - Veteran drummer and Giant Step Arts co-curatorMax Light, guitarist - Rising star in contemporary jazz guitarDig 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On musician, software engineer, and plug-in developer Aqeel Aadam.Aqeel's got deep roots in Philadelphia's music scene—his grandfather was a jazz musician who gifted him his first guitar. That foundation led him from Princeton's computer science and music programs to a five-year stint at Google, and eventually to creating his own company, Aqeel Aadam Sound.His plug-ins aim to bring the magic of hardware synthesizers and modular workflows into the digital realm. His latest release, Waymaker, ties together his entire ecosystem of products in what he calls "an expansive, inspirational environment to get lost in." Aqeel's here to walk us through this unique approach to music technology and share how he's democratizing complex modular synthesis for producers everywhere.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Aqeel Aadam album Swim, Simian)–Dig DeeperVisit Aqeel Aadam Sound at aqeelaadamsound.comFollow Aqeel on Instagram and Aqeel Aadam Sound InstagramListen to Aqeel's music on Bandcamp and visit his personal site at aqeelaadam.comWatch Aqeel's videos on YouTubeWaymaker - MIDI sequencer plugin on KVR AudioWeeping Wall - Microlooper effect discussion on KVRRidgewalk - Granular looper (part of AAS ecosystem)Mystery Circles - Record label that released Aqeel's albumsDig 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On guitarist and composer Rez Abbasi.Rez's new album with his Acoustic Quintet, Sound Remains, puts steel-string acoustic guitar at the center of a deeply personal meditation on presence and impermanence. The album adds master percussionist Hasan Bakr to Rez's long-standing quartet with Bill Ware, Stephan Crump, and Eric McPherson, creating what Rez calls music where "often the only thing that remains is sound."The 2021 Guggenheim Fellow has spent decades finding his voice in jazz, blending his Pakistani roots with American musical traditions. Sound Remains, dedicated to his late mother, finds Rez returning to acoustic intimacy while furthering his exploration of mindfulness through music.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Sound Remains by the Rez Abbasi Acoustic Quintet)–Dig DeeperVisit Rez Abbasi at reztone.com and follow him on Instagram and YouTubePurchase Rez Abbasi's Sound Remains from Whirlwind Recordings, Bandcamp, or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceRez Abbasi: Top 5 Must-Hear PicksDig 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On someone we have not spoken to in a while…Over the years, we have periodically turned the tables by having friends and colleagues interview me, most notably in episode 100, or by airing talks and interviews I have done in other forums.Today is a little different. My longtime friend and colleague Jeremy Sirota is hosting a livestream series on LinkedIn called Creative Leadership. There, he interviews figures from the worlds of music, sports, business, and more to discuss their work in applying creativity to realms that are not often thought of as creative fields. I liked the idea and asked him to run his format on me. What follows is that talk.–Dig DeeperVisit Jeremy Sirota at jeremysirota.com and connect with him on LinkedInVisit Lawrence Peryer at lawrenceperyer.com and connect with him on LinkedInMerlin - Digital rights music licensing partner for independent record labelsJazz Journalist Association - Professional organization for jazz writers and criticsLateral Thinking - Edward de Bono's problem-solving methodologyBrian Eno Against Interpretation - The source of the quote that Jeremy referencesDig 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On saxophonist and composer Sean Imboden.Sean spent years touring with Broadway shows and working as a sideman, but something was missing. He stepped away from a lucrative career path and took a leap, returning to Indianapolis, where he ultimately formed his 17-piece orchestra. Now that ensemble releases Communal Heart, an album that captures the community spirit Sean has built around his music, as well as his transformation from comfortable sideman to big band leader.Sean joined me to discuss this ambitious project and share how he has created what he calls "identifiably human-made music" in an increasingly digital world.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Sean Imboden Large Ensemble’s album Communal Heart)–Dig DeeperArtist and Album:Visit Sean Imboden at seanimboden.com and follow him on Instagram and YouTubePurchase Communal Heart by Sean Imboden Large Ensemble from Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceSean Imboden’s ‘Communal Heart’: A Quiet Subversion of the Big Band CanonCollaborators and Producers:Steve Allee - producer and Indianapolis jazz veteranRich Dole - producer and bass trombonistTucker Brothers - Indianapolis quartet featuring SeanJohn Raymond - trumpeter featured on the albumDig 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On clarinetist Glenn Dickson and electronic musician Bob Familiar.When a cutting-edge klezmer artist meets a former rock synthesist, you might expect creative tension. Instead, Glenn and Bob found something else entirely—a shared language that turns clarinet and electronics into the most unlikely yet inspired pairings.Their new album All the Light of Our Sphere layers acoustic clarinet with synthesizers and loop devices to create what they describe as orchestral ambient music. The tracks were recorded live with no overdubs, no click tracks, just two musicians finding their way through inspired improvisations.Glenn brings decades of experience from klezmer to microtonal jazz, while Bob's electronic landscapes draw from science fiction and years in Boston's rock scene. Together, they're creating something that sits between Brian Eno and Eastern European folk traditions.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Dickson and Familiar’s album All the Light of Our Sphere)–Dig DeeperVisit Glenn Dickson at GlennDicksonMusic.com and follow him on Bandcamp, Instagram, and FacebookFollow Bob Familiar on Bandcamp, Instagram, and FacebookPurchase All the Light of Our Sphere from Bandcamp or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceDig 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On drummer and composer Gustavo CortiñasGustavo's latest album, The Crisis Knows No Borders, tackles climate change head-on through music that's both urgent and beautiful. Working with guitarist Dave Miller, saxophonist Jon Irabagon, and violinist Mark Feldman, he's created compositions that explore how global warming sparks conflicts, drives migration, and connects us all, whether we like it or not.The Chicago-based artist has built a career using jazz as a medium for social commentary, and this new project feels especially timely as we face a world where environmental challenges refuse to respect any boundaries.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Gustavo Cortiñas’s album The Crisis Knows No Borders)–Dig DeeperArtist and Album:Visit Gustavo Cortiñas at gustavocortinasmusic.com and follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubePurchase The Crisis Knows No Borders from Bandcamp or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choiceGustavo Cortiñas discography and bioClimate and Environmental Context:Climate change and migration - UN perspective on crisis themesEnvironmental justice movement - Social context for album's messageDig 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On guitarist and composer Kim Perlak.Kim chairs the guitar department at Berklee College of Music, where she's spent over a decade expanding from classical performance into composition and improvisation. Her new album, Spaces, is a collaboration with percussionist Francisco Mela. The record captures four nature-inspired suites that obliterate the lines between written music and spontaneous creation.The project shows how Kim moved from performing exclusively new classical works to embracing improvisation and collaborative music-making. Recorded live in a single afternoon at a studio overlooking New Hampshire's Squam Lake, Spaces reveals Kim’s deep connection to the natural world and her belief in creating musical environments where artists can truly listen to each other.Kim is here to share the story behind this unique project and discuss how creating space—both musical and personal—has shaped her approach to teaching and performing.(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Kim Perlak & Francisco Mela’s album Spaces)–Dig DeeperVisit Kim Perlak at kimperlak.com and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubePurchase Kim Perlak & Francisco Mela's Spaces from Sacred Black Records or Qobuz and listen on your streaming platform of choice.Meet Dr. Kim Perlak, Chair of Guitar at Berklee College of 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 Bluesky, Mastodon, YouTube, and LinkedIn.• Be sure to bookmark our new online magazine, The Tonearm! → thetonearm.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.