Best Lawrence Peryer Podcasts (2024)

1
Ruiqi Wang: subduing the silence with vocal improvisation 39:33

1d ago39:33

39:33

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, Sub…

1
Paul Chastain: The Small Square's big sounds 48:47

8d ago48:47

48:47

Today, the Spotlight shines On singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Paul Chastain. Paul is one half of the duo The Small Square, with drummer, percussionist, and vocalist John Louis Richardson. He is also a songwriter for and co-founder of the group Velvet Crush and has worked with Matthew Sweet, Roger McGuinn, Susanna Hoffs, the late Tomm…

1
Jeff Slate: tales from a rock 'n' roll troubadour 57:24

15d ago57:24

57:24

Today, the Spotlight shines On musician, songwriter, journalist, and returning guest, Jeff Slate. Jeff joined us about two years ago and while that discussion was more focused on his work as a writer and cultural observer, this talk focuses on his music career. Based in New York City, Jeff has traveled quite an interesting road from his roots in th…

1
Katie Ernst: bass notes and murder ballads 48:08

22d ago48:08

48:08

Today, the Spotlight shines On bassist and vocalist Katie Ernst. In addition to many other things, Katie is one half of the duo Wayfaring with last week’s guest James Falzone. Katie is also co-leader of the Chicago-based jazz trio Twin Talk, and the indie rock band Edith Judith, and has garnered much acclaim for her Dorothy Parker poetry song cycle…

1
James Falzone: joyful noise from the pain stick 1:33:29

29d ago1:33:29

1:33:29

Today, the Spotlight shines on clarinetist, penny whistle player, composer, improviser, and educator James Falzone. James and I have been collaborating on an upcoming live event, Improvisation in Music and Life, taking place on June 22 at the Royal Room in Seattle. This will be a unique program of performance and conversation between me and the fiv…

1
Francesco Crosara: jazz journeys from Rome to Seattle 1:06:20

1M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Today, the Spotlight shines on jazz pianist, composer, and educator Francesco Crosara. Francesco was born and raised in Rome, Italy, where both jazz and classical music came into his life early on, particularly through his mother, the influential jazz singer, broadcaster, and educator Lilian Terry. Lilian presented many of the most important names …

1
Kavita Shah: embracing the saudade of Cape Verde 52:28

1M ago52:28

52:28

Today, the Spotlight shines On award-winning vocalist, composer, ethnomusicology researcher, and educator Kavita Shah. Kavita’s work sits at the intersection of modern jazz, new creative music, and world traditions. The impetus for her visit today was her 2023 tribute to African legend Cesária Évora, Cape Verdean Blues (2023). We discuss that music…

1
R.U. Sirius: inside the mind of a cyberdelic shaman 1:00:27

2M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Today, the Spotlight shines On legendary writer, vocalist and digital culture commentator, Ken Goffman, better known as R.U. Sirius. Most will know R.U. from his time as co-publisher and editor-in-chief of the 1990s cyberpunk magazine MONDO 2000. MONDO covered topics like transhumanism, virtual reality and smart drugs at a time when these things of…

1
Markus Reuter: recording music across space and time 55:11

2M ago55:11

55:11

Today, the Spotlight shines On returning guest, the innovative musician and composer Markus Reuter. Markus originally joined us for Episode 130 back in November 2022. He joins us now to discuss his project Sea of Hopeless Angels (Unsung Records), which began as several unedited studio solo improvisations by Markus on his electric touch guitar. Thos…

1
Hainbach: crafting soundscapes from forgotten relics 1:00:56

2M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Today, the Spotlight shines On Berlin-based electronic music composer and performer Hainbach. I have come to view Hainbach as much an archeologist or audio specimen collector as he is a musician. While he makes beautiful music and soundscapes, they are often showcase pieces for the devices he works on, which include not only vintage and rare modula…

1
Kevin Sun: emotion, technique, and the language of jazz 48:13

2M ago48:13

48:13

Today, the Spotlight shines On saxophonist/composer Kevin Sun. Kevin joined us to discuss, among other things, his dramatic double album from 2023, The Depths of Memory, which was released in two halves: From All This Stillness in July of that year and The Depths in Slow Motion in October of that year. Kevin’s an intense yet accessible player and c…

1
Will Barnes: jazz impressions of the Welsh landscape 40:23

3M ago40:23

40:23

Today, the Spotlight shines On Will Barnes, leader of the Will Barnes Quartet, who joins me to talk about his life in music and, specifically, his ongoing collaboration with landscape artist Erin Hughes. Their first album together, Source of the Severn, is a 21st-century take on classic bebop-era sounds. Erin’s nine original works of art respond to…

1
Lucky Lo: Swedish pop music with a twist 31:09

3M ago31:09

31:09

Today, the Spotlight shines On in a much different way than usual, as I am turning the microphone over to guest host Miriam Boulos. Miriam has been a guest contributor to Bonus Tracks, the official blog of Spotlight On, since August 2023. Miriam publishes with us frequently, and her work has included interviews with and essays about a diverse array…

1
Chalk: a relentless and genre-busting band from Belfast 53:49

3M ago53:49

53:49

Today, the Spotlight shines On the Belfast, Ireland, band Chalk. Chalk is Ross Cullen on vocals, Ben Goddard on guitar, and Luke Niblock on drums. They cook up a pretty stunning racket with a unique sound that is nonetheless recognizable in its post-punk, dance, and industrial lineages. If that makes sense to you, you will love Chalk. If it does no…

1
Sui Zhen: Sleepless at SXSW 53:42

3M ago53:42

53:42

Today, the Spotlight shines On Chinese-Malaysian Australian artist, musician and creative producer, Sui Zhen. This is the first of two episodes I recorded on-site at the SXSW Conference and Festival in Austin, Texas. This year’s edition of South By Southwest has been the subject of controversy related to event’s work with the US Army and several we…

1
Nic Dembling: recalling new wave New York with Comateens 35:20

4M ago35:20

35:20

Today, the Spotlight shines On musician and songwriter Nicholas Dembling, aka Nic North, aka Nic West, of seminal New York CIty New Wave Pop band, Comateens. The New York that birthed Comateens was in the midst of a particularly vibrant musical moment. There was new music everywhere. Jazz cats were staging loft concerts in pre-glitz SOHO. The punks…

1
Gene chats to Lawrence Peryer - Host of Spotlight On podcast 11:13

4M ago11:13

11:13

I another exclusive interview for Podcast Radio, Gene 'Bean' Baxter talks to Lawrence Peryer, host of Spotlight On, about the podcast's revealing conversations with the people shaping the past, present & future of culture, media & entertainment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Gene chats to the hosts of Women & Crime podcast 11:55

4M ago11:55

11:55

In another exclusive iterview, Gene 'Bea' Baxter chats to the hosts of 'Women & Crime', exclusively for Podcast Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Podcast Radio Original (PRO-Show)

1
Phil Haynes: a renowned jazz drummer chases the masters 55:38

4M ago55:38

55:38

Today, the Spotlight shines On drummer, composer, and improviser Phil Haynes. Phil published a unique memoir last November, which includes not only his reflections on a life in and of music but also stands as an important document of nearly 40 years of music in New York City and beyond. Phil delivers plenty of inside observations of his work with f…

1
Dave Wish (Music Will): The Kids Are Alright … With Music Education 1:02:19

4M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Today, the Spotlight shines On Dave Wish, founder and Chief Vision Officer for Music Will. This nonprofit organization funds and runs one of the largest instrumental and vocal music programs in US public schools. Dave, a former Palo Alto, California school teacher, launched Music Will due to frustration with the lack of music programming in his sch…

1
Daniel Ögren: Nordic Psychedelia & Global Beats 36:02

4M ago36:02

36:02

Today, the Spotlight shines On musician and producer Daniel Ögren. Daniel is one of the artists propelling Sweden’s contemporary new music scene. He has an extensive body of work as a solo artist and as a member of Sven Wunder, The Greys, and, most notably, Dina Ögon. He also works as a producer and musician for other artists. Daniel joined us upon…

1
Mareike Wiening: 'Reveal' Offers Jazz Rhythms of Hope 35:35

4M ago35:35

35:35

Today, the Spotlight shines On Mareike Wiening. Mareike is a drummer and composer who joined us on the occasion of the release of her third record as bandleader, Reveal, out on Greenleaf Music. Featuring her long-time group: tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, pianist Glenn Zaleski, guitarist Alex Goodman, and bassist Johannes Felscher, the band is joine…

1
Gene chats to Michael Harrison for World Radio Day 2024 12:21

5M ago12:21

12:21

Michael Harrison For World Radio Day 2024 Summary Radio's history, impact, and future. Michael Harrison discusses World Radio Day, an official UN International Day, which is celebrated on February 13th to honor the iconic ship of radio and its century-long history of informing, educating, and entertaining. Michael Harrison was contacted by UNESCO, …

1
Jonathan Shank of Terrapin Station Ent.: from Mickey Hart to Peppa Pig 48:19

5M ago48:19

48:19

Today, the Spotlight shines On music impresario Jonathan Shank, the CEO and Founder of Terrapin Station Entertainment. Jonathan is known for his instincts and successes in sniffing out unique opportunities in under-served spaces in the live entertainment industry, creating business successes in categories and markets often overlooked by the large c…

1
Brendan Grey (Super Duty Tough Work): hip-hop's liberation through hedonism 48:53

5M ago48:53

48:53

Today, the Spotlight shines On multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and performer Brendan Grey of the Canadian hip-hop group Super Duty Tough Work. In addition to his duties as MC, drummer, and band leader, Brendan has become a sought-after performance, session, and touring drummer. We spoke back in the autumn of 2023 for a conversation that …

1
Susan Alcorn: Nueva Canción on Pedal Steel 40:59

5M ago40:59

40:59

Today, the Spotlight shines On the innovative pedal steel guitar player Susan Alcorn. While Susan got her start playing in country & western bands in Texas, she has taken the pedal steel into new and uncharted territories, exploring 20th-century classical music, improvisational jazz, and various world musics. On her latest project, CANTO, Susan exp…

1
Kris Davis: defining jazz's vanguard 47:52

5M ago47:52

47:52

Today, the Spotlight shines On Grammy-winning pianist and composer Kris Davis. Kris joined us in the wake of the September 2023 release of her album Live at the Village Vanguard, out on her own Pyroclastic Records label. Live at the Village Vanguard is the second release from her band Diatom Ribbons, an adventurous quintet featuring drummer Terri L…

1
Angelica Sanchez: jazz keys and nighttime creatures 45:02

6M ago45:02

45:02

Today, the Spotlight shines On pianist and composer Angelica Sanchez, who joined us late last year to discuss her latest record, Nighttime Creatures, out on Pyroclastic Records. Since moving to New York from Arizona in 1994, Angelica has collaborated with artists including Wadada Leo Smith, Paul Motian, Richard Davis, Tim Berne, Ben Monder, and man…

1
Adam Rudolph: conjuring music’s global essence 1:11:47

6M ago1:11:47

1:11:47

Today, the Spotlight shines On composer, improviser, and master percussionist Adam Rudolph. A global performer - and global citizen - Adam has been called "a pioneer in world music" by the New York Times. With dozens of recordings to his credit, he joined us upon the release of Timeless from his percussion group, Hu: Vibrational, on his own Meta Re…

1
Ibrahim Maalouf: a conversation on harmony, heritage, and hope 53:45

6M ago53:45

53:45

Today, the Spotlight shines On trumpet virtuoso and international superstar Ibrahim Maalouf. Ibrahim is exactly the type of artist we love hosting - sensitive, open and unwilling to be limited by genre or expectations. His work mixes jazz, pop, classical, electronic, Middle Eastern, and African influences into a cosmopolitan sound all his own. Ibra…

1
Roberto Di Gioia + Max Herre: Web Web’s experiments in electronic jazz 48:02

6M ago48:02

48:02

Today, the Spotlight shines On Roberto Di Gioia of the German Jazz supergroup Web Web and his group’s collaborator, the songwriter and producer Max Herre. WEB WEB’s fifth album is also their second with Max, appropriately titled, WEB MAX II, out now on Compost Records. This is an exciting, genre-bending album that includes appearances from Los Ange…

1
James McKeown: Hawksmoor’s kosimiche hauntology 50:07

7M ago50:07

50:07

Today, the Spotlight shines On James McKeown, the Bristol, UK-based artist who releases music under the name Hawksmoor. James first created Hawksmoor five years ago, inspired by the six 18th-century churches in London designed by architect Nicholas Hawksmoor. Described as ‘English Baroque’ in style, these buildings are large, foreboding, and even G…

1
Gene goes on a 'Cold War Conversations' Journey with Ian Sanders 12:12

7M ago12:12

12:12

Unveiling the Shadows: A Cold War Conversations Journey with Ian Sanders In the intricate world of Cold War history, Ian Sanders is not just a name; he's the curator of untold stories, the maestro orchestrating narratives from the shadows of espionage, military maneuvers, and everyday life during a tumultuous era. Since 2018, Ian has been the host …

1
Diana Pasulka: a religious study of UFOs and nonhuman intelligences 52:19

7M ago52:19

52:19

Today, the Spotlight shines On Diana Pasulka, religious studies professor and the author of two books I have really enjoyed in the last few years: 2019’s American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion, Technology and Encounters: Experiences with Non-Human Intelligences, released in November 2023. As Diana points out in her work and in our discussion, religious st…

1
Eric Hilton: from Thievery Corporation to Corazón Kintsugi 36:38

7M ago36:38

36:38

Today, the Spotlight shines On downtempo electronic music godfather and Thievery Corporation co-founder Eric Hilton. Eric joined us a few weeks after the September release of Corazón Kintsugi, his album with longtime Thievery vocal collaborator Natalia Clavier. Eric produced, arranged, and played the majority of the instruments on the 9-track album…

1
Javon Jackson gives Peter Bradley's art a swinging soundtrack 58:29

7M ago58:29

58:29

Today, the Spotlight shines On saxophonist and composer Javon Jackson. Javon sat with us in early October to talk about his film score for the art-world documentary With Peter Bradley, music which came out back in June 2023 on the saxophonist's Solid Jackson Records. Peter Bradley has had a 50-year career as an abstract artist, but one that saw him…

1
Tea Krulos explores hidden subcultures in American society 46:24

8M ago46:24

46:24

Today, the Spotlight shines On freelance journalist and author Tea Krulos. Tea wrote two books that I enjoyed this year: Heroes in the Night: Inside the Real Life Superhero Movement from 2013 and 2020’s American Madness: The Story of the Phantom Patriot and How Conspiracy Theories Hijacked American Consciousness. Both of those works take the reader…

1
Benjamin Koppel plays jazz with a novelist's narrative 54:11

8M ago54:11

54:11

Today, the Spotlight shines On Danish saxophonist, composer, and best-selling author Benjamin Koppel. Benjamin joined us to discuss his July 2023 release Perspective, the latest work from KCB Collective, a trio that, in addition to Koppel, includes Scott Colley on bass and Brian Blade on drums. It looks great on paper and sounds even better. Benjam…

1
On Minimalism: Kerry O'Brien and William Robin in conversation 48:37

8M ago48:37

48:37

Today, the Spotlight shines On Kerry O’Brien and William Robin, co-authors of the book On Minimalism: Documenting a Musical Movement from University of California Press. Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Terry Riley and LaMonte Young are stereotypically described as the “Big Four” of minimalism in music. While On Minimalism does nothing to undermine or be…

1
Simon Berz creates art with drums, sound, and trash 54:07

8M ago54:07

54:07

Today, the Spotlight shines On drummer and sound artist Simon Berz. The impetus for our conversation was the release of Simon’s collaboration with American bassist and sonic wizard Bill Laswell and the Japanese avant garde trumpeter Toshinori Kondo. While Kondo passed away in October of 2020, this work, Breath versus Beats, was not released until A…

1
Seth Godin and The Song of Significance 39:41

8M ago39:41

39:41

Today, the Spotlight shines On author, entrepreneur, and teacher Seth Godin. I recently watched an interview with Seth wherein he was describing a discussion he had with someone asking him for career advice and he remarked, “I was not always Seth Godin”. For some of us, that is hard to believe. While his thinking and teachings have, of course, grow…

1
Dengue Fever’s Ting Mong might be our album of the year 32:52

9M ago32:52

32:52

Today, the Spotlight shines On Chhom Nimol and Ethan Holtzman, vocalist and keyboardist, respectively, of the band Dengue Fever. This episode is a little bit different. Dengue Fever was in the midst of a run of shows up the West Coast of the US in support of their new record Ting Mong, which is on my shortlist for Album of the Year. Their team sugg…

1
Gabriel Kennedy leads us into the Chapel Perilous 1:08:23

9M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

Today, the Spotlight shines On Gabriel Kennedy, the author of the forthcoming biography Chapel Perilous: The Life and Thought Crimes of Robert Anton Wilson, which hits shelves in February 2024 from Strange Attractor/ MIT Press. The subject of that book, Robert Anton Wilson, wrote 35 books and over 1,500 published articles. His more well-known works…

1
Aline Homzy plays violin in the cosmos with étoile magique 50:29

9M ago50:29

50:29

Today, the Spotlight shines On award-winning violinist and composer Aline Homzy. Aline joins us on the occasion of the release of her first solo record, Éclipse, which is also the debut album with her group ‘Aline’s étoile magique’. Aline is known as one of Canada’s finest jazz violinists. Her music has been performed by the Toronto Symphony Orches…

1
Cat Henry of Live Music Society champions small venues 49:47

9M ago49:47

49:47

Today, the Spotlight shines On Cat Henry, the Brooklyn, NY-based Executive Director for Live Music Society, a philanthropic foundation whose mission is to recognize and protect small music venues and listening rooms across the U.S. so that live music remains accessible to all. Before LMS, Cat served as Vice President, Concerts & Touring, for Jazz a…

1
Joe Mills (Aver) of Move 78 decodes jazz from the algorithms 54:27

10M ago54:27

54:27

Today, the Spotlight shines On Joe Mills, a musician and producer who performs under the name ‘Aver’ in the Berlin-based band Move 78. Move 78’s music sits at the intersection of improvised jazz and programmed hip-hop. Their music is crafted from hours of studio improvisations that have been chopped-up, rearranged, and layered with live instrumenta…

1
Steven Milne of The Little Kicks writes songs from the heart 50:42

10M ago50:42

50:42

Today, the Spotlight shines On Steven Milne, singer, songwriter, keyboardist and vocalist in the Aberdeen, Scotland-based band The Little Kicks. The Little Kicks make sophisticated pop music, with three of the members providing vocal harmonies, over songs with enticing guitar hooks, and featuring the seductive sound of analogue synthesizers. The ba…

1
EMBER are a jazz trio with a collective mindset 44:51

10M ago44:51

44:51

Today, the Spotlight shines On EMBER, a trio featuring saxophonist and trumpeter Caleb Wheeler Curtis, bassist Noah Garabedian and drummer Vincent Sperrazza. Their latest album, August in March, came out August 11, 2023 on Imani Records and is “a vivid representation of the musical, interpersonal and community-oriented ideas that the three forward-…

1
Pete Josef has a modern take on classic soul 1:06:10

10M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Today, the Spotlight is On singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Pete Josef. The impetus for Pete’s visit was a series of tracks that he has been dropping throughout the Spring and Summer of 2023 - one of which, “Utopia”, you can listen to at the end of this episode. Before we got to his new music, we discussed Pete’s musical upbringing, hi…

1
Kirsten Agresta Copely creates New Age harp soundscapes 47:08

11M ago47:08

47:08

Today, the Spotlight is On international award-winning harpist and composer, Kirsten Agresta Copely. Kirsten, who is known for her charismatic, telegenic presence on stage, is also the go-to harpist for pop artists including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Enya, The Roots, Lady Gaga, and many others. Kirsten joins Spotlight On to talk about her rece…

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Lawrence Peryer Podcasts

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