Monday, June 10:
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses his love of blues and the connection between science and music. I’m crazy about astrophysics, so this conversation was loads of fun for me. And showing what a lovely guy Neil is, after he listened to the show, he took the time to send me this note:
Judy,
”I finally got around to hearing our entire interview on Jazz and Astrophysics. I think it is one of my best ever - magnified and strengthened by our on-air chemistry. Thank you again for your interest and your enthusiasm for what I do” -Neil
Tuesday, June 11:
Vocalist/composer John Boutte, like many of his fellow New Orleaneans, grew up surrounded by music in the streets and in his home, but unlike most of his fellow natives, he went on to a career in the military after graduating with a degree in business. With influences ranging from Stevie Wonder to Nat Cole, John’s vocal style is swinging and unique. John wrote and sang the theme for the HBO series Treme but sees the fame he’s gained from this as giving him freedom to make the music he wants, rather than a road to stardom.
Wednesday, June 12:
Brazilian composer/pianist Antonio Adolfo honors the great Antonio Carlos Jobim on his latest CD, Jobim Forever. Jobim’s music launched the international bossa nova craze and won multiple Grammys in 1965 with the release of Getz/Gilberto, one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time. Antonio Aldolfo’s own compositions have been recorded by Sergio Mendes, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick and many others, so focusing this CD on another composer, and one of his favorites, was a labor of love.
Thursday, June 13:
Comedian Paula Poundstone talks about her book The Totally Unscientific Study of The Search for Human Happiness, her passion for 1920s and '30s jazz, and her forays into jazz drumming, swing dancing and tae kwon do!
Friday, June 14:
Singer/songwriter Roberta Donnay has a wide variety of musical influences and a broad focus with the music she performs, from sharing the stage with Elvis Costello or Leon Russell, to her ongoing shows of 1920s and ‘30’s music with her group The Prohibition Mob Band, to her most recent CD, Blossom-ing, a collection of songs celebrating the music of vocalist/pianist, Blossom Dearie.
Listen each morning on WBGO from 6 to 8 am ET.
For an archive of episodes on WBGO, visit the show’s page here.
