Spotlight On

Jan 30 2025 238 ep. 51 mins
Spotlight On Podcast artwork

The musicians, writers, innovators and ideas shaping media, entertainment, and culture.
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Anat Cohen: Clarinet in Full Bloom

Jan 30 2025 44 mins  
Today, the Spotlight shines On clarinetist Anat Cohen.Anat’s been bringing her joyful spirit to jazz venues worldwide for two decades, blending swing, Brazilian rhythms, and melodies from her native Israel. Her 2024 album Bloom pairs her musical warmth with that of her quartet Quartetinho - Portuguese for "little quartet" - creating intimate conversations

Marina Albero: from pianist to nomad of sound

Jan 23 2025 47 mins  
Today, the Spotlight shines On pianist and composer Marina Albero.From Barcelona’s vibrant music scene to the heart of New Orleans, Marina keeps finding new ways to push musical boundaries. Her latest album, A Nomad of Sound, brings together jazz, classical, and world music traditions in a blend all her own.Marina has journeyed across continents and cultures—from her

Jonathon Grasse: the life & music of Eric Dolphy

Jan 16 2025 49 mins  
Today, the Spotlight shines On author Jonathon Grasse. His new book, Jazz Revolutionary, traces Eric Dolphy’s journey from the clubs of 1940s Los Angeles to his groundbreaking work in New York’s avant-garde jazz scene.Eric Dolphy’s revolutionary voice in jazz was silenced far too soon. He was an artist who pushed the boundaries of what was possible on alto sax, flute, an

Lisa Pegher: Rhythms, Circuits, & Artificial Intelligence

Jan 09 2025 51 mins  
Today, the Spotlight shines On innovative percussionist and drummer Lisa Pegher.Lisa turns percussion into something you’ve never heard before. A pioneering artist who moves easily between classical concert halls and electronic music spaces, Lisa wields everything from traditional drums to cutting-edge AI technology.She’s performed with major orchestras worldwide and premi

Paul de Barros: chronicling Marian McPartland's life in jazz

Jan 02 2025 51 mins  
Today, the Spotlight shines On award-winning jazz critic and author Paul de Barros.Throughout his storied career, Paul was editor and critic at the Seattle Times and has written for Downbeat and Earshot Jazz, amongst other outlets. He is also the author of Jackson Street After Dark: The Roots of Jazz in Seattle but today, he joins us to talk about the updated edition

Küf Knotz & Christine Elise: when hip-hop meets harp

Dec 26 2024 42 mins  
Today, the Spotlight shines On the duo of songwriter, producer, and MC Küf Knotz and harpist, vocalist, and music therapist Christine Elise.Küf and Christine have turned the unlikely harp and hip-hop track combo into pure magic with their 2024 album Hypnagogia. The album explores the space between awake and dreaming, with surreal soundscapes and vivid imagery

Christoph Dallach: krautrock origins from schlager to synthesizers

Dec 19 2024 47 mins  
Today, the Spotlight shines On author Christoph Dallach, who joins me to discuss his book Neu Klang: The Definitive History of Krautrock.Christoph has spent years tracking down the pioneers who spent the late 1960s in West Germany’s basements and practice rooms, creating sounds unlike anything else in rock and roll.Through conversations with members of bands like Can, K

Marwan Allam: a Tunisian gateway to modern jazz

Dec 12 2024 41 mins  
Today, the Spotlight shines On bassist and composer Marwan Allam.Marwan’s debut album, Bab Bhar, takes Arabic rhythms and Tunisian musical traditions and hands them to a jazz quartet, creating something that feels both ancient and brand new.Marwan tunes and plays his bass to echo the sound of the gimbri, a traditional three-string instrument from his native Tunisia. He�

Joe Brent: mandolin magic from Vivaldi to Vinegar Hill

Dec 05 2024 58 mins  
Today, the Spotlight shines On composer, mandolinist, multi-instrumentalist, teacher, and label founder Joe Brent.Joe has worked with artists ranging from Regina Spektor to the Philip Glass Ensemble, but his collaboration with Grammy-nominated violinist Sara Caswell and bassist Andrew Ryan in 9 Horses was the impetus for our time together. 9 Horses creates music between classi

Round Room Live: crafting family entertainment's next act

Nov 28 2024 45 mins  
Today, the Spotlight shines On Stephen Shaw and Jonathan Linden of Round Room Live.Round Room Live has become a powerhouse in family entertainment, from Broadway blockbusters to kids' favorite TV characters coming to life on stage.Stephen Shaw and Jonathan Linden launched the company in 2016 with a bold idea—take their experience from massive rock tours a