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No new episode this week, but here's one from the catalog that we think you should get into.Originally released in 2024, on this episode we talked about Mr. Big Stuff, The Heavster, The Overweight Lover, out of Moneyearnin' Mount Vernon, the diddly, diddly, diddly, diddly, diddly D. One of a small number of people who have done a song with both Michael and Janet Jackson. The man who is pretty much responsible for kicking off Uptown Records, since he was the first act signed to the label, and as an executive at Uptown he's was instrumental in bringing Jodeci, Monifah, Soul For Real and others to the company.Along with DJ Eddie F, Trouble T-Roy and G-Wiz aka The Boyz, he brought us hit after hit. He could do new jack swing, boom bap, reggae, pop...he could do it all. There have been very few hip hop artists who could seamlessly maneuver through so many styles and genres at such a high level, all while never compromising his authenticity. Since his untimely passing in 2011, he's been sorely missed, and that's why we're talking about none other than Heavy D.If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Check out all things TROY at troypodcast.com.Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goodpods or Podchaser. Feedback boosts our visibility in algorithms, helps attract new listeners!Check out our store Nuthin' But A Tee Thang at teethang.com. You can cop tees, hoodies, hats, mugs and more.Spread the word to your family, friends and coworkers. A simple share on social media or a casual mention to a friend grows our audience faster than anything else.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.No matter how you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated.
Jazz pianists Adam Maness and Peter Martin unpack Radiohead's 2007 masterpiece 'In Rainbows', track-by-track. Hear about the harmonies, odd time signatures, Thom Yorke's singing technique and the production choices that give this album its sound. And learn why many of the musical choices made for 'In Rainbows' are strange for an album that hit #1 on the US and UK charts, and sold three million copies.If you're hearing 'In Rainbows' for the first time, you're not alone. So is Peter! And if you're a Radiohead fan (like Adam), watch for Peter's reaction to, and verdict on, your favorite tracks.-------------------------------Learn to play "Weird Fishes", even if you've never played a note. Led by You'll Hear It co-host Adam Maness, this special lesson is simple enough to follow, even for absolute beginners.You've spent an hour listening to Adam and Peter take the album apart. Now, you can sit down and play it. Join the Players Club: https://yhi.link/weird-fishes-------------------------------Learn to talk like a jazz musician. Download the Liner Notes today:https://yhi.link/linerNotes-2-------------------------------
Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life is all killer, no filler. Every track is a masterpiece. It's almost TOO easy for two jazz pianists in the business of reviewing history's greatest albums. So we're upping the stakes ... with a draft. Adam and Peter each present their top tracks from Songs in the Key of Life, compare and contrast, and see who comes out on top with the best lineup.Along the way, they reveal why Stevie Wonder is the master of harmony, how he (and only he) can get away with flourishes that would sound "corny" anywhere else, and the production details you'll never unhear.----------------Learn to play "Isn't She Lovely", even if you've never played a note. Led by You'll Hear It co-host Adam Maness, this special lesson is simple enough to follow, even for absolute beginners. You've spent an hour listening to Adam and Peter take the album apart. Now, you can sit down and play it in the Players Club: https://yhi.link/stevie-sitkol----------------Learn to talk like a jazz musician. Download the Liner Notes today: https://yhi.link/linerNotes-1 ----------------Open Studio plays Stevie Wonder's "If It's Magic": https://youtu.be/hY21yVJhOck----------------00:00 Songs in the Key of Life - Stevie Wonder01:24 New rules: we're drafting the album02:57 Love's in Need of Love Today05:55 If It's Magic06:57 As10:00 Summer Soft11:15 I Wish12:30 Knocks Me Off My Feet14:08 Isn't She Lovely16:48 Pastime Paradise18:30 Sir Duke20:55 Ebony Eyes22:09 Have a Talk with God24:09 Contusion26:05 Village Ghetto Land27:18 Ordinary Pain28:47 Joy Inside My Tears30:50 Another Star31:55 Black Man33:30 Ngiculela - Es Una Historia - I Am Singing35:05 All Day Sucker36:23 Saturn39:55 Easy Goin' Evening41:35 The final lineups - Who won the draft
My guest today is the singular trumpeter, composer, and master of musical alchemy, Steven Bernstein. On June 5th, Steven dropped a massive double release on Royal Potato Family that looks both forward and backward, capturing a brilliant moment in time and then completely turning it inside out. The first half of this equation is the Steven Bernstein ResoNation Trio, featuring the incredible rhythm section of bassist Scott Colley and drummer Nasheet Waits. Recorded in 2023, it captures the raw acoustic energy of three masters in a room. But the story doesn't stop there. Bernstein handed those session tapes over to legendary producer and sonic architect Scotty Hard, who took the material and completely reimagined it. The result is Ultra Resonance—a masterclass in studio manipulation, groove, and sonic expansion. It's a fascinating look at how the same seed of improvisation can grow into two completely different musical ecosystems. We talk about the genesis of the session, the art of letting go in the studio, and what happens when live chemistry meets production genius.
On this episode, we're getting into the hip hop classic, House Party. The 1990 Reginald Hudlin directed comedy that turned Kid 'N Play into superstars. During this conversation, we discuss our favorite supporting characters, get into our favorite scenes, and talk about our favorite songs from the soundtrack. Get into it! "Peanut, fix me some of that Dick Gregory."If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Check out all things TROY at troypodcast.com.Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goodpods or Podchaser. Feedback boosts our visibility in algorithms, helps attract new listeners!Check out our store Nuthin' But A Tee Thang at teethang.com. You can cop tees, hoodies, hats, mugs and more.Spread the word to your family, friends and coworkers. A simple share on social media or a casual mention to a friend grows our audience faster than anything else.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.No matter how you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated.
Black music has always been more than entertainment. It's been an expression of love, resistance, survival, and collective power. But somewhere along the way, our music also became a weapon used against our culture—and, ultimately, a threat to our very existence.In Episode 801 of Real Talk with the Spiritual Bestie, we bridge tarot, astrology, psychology, and cultural history to explore the spiritual and financial connections between music, energy, and systemic control. From this week's Jupiter–Pluto opposition to the FBI's documented historical targeting of Black voices, we examine how modern mainstream messaging may influence the subconscious mind, reinforce survival-based thinking, and shape collective consciousness.Join me as we explore the power of vibration, the messages we consume, and how to become more intentional about what we feed our spirits. What frequency are you vibrating on?It's deeper than rap!Support Black Creators
Paul Peterson joined Vineeta to discuss the two night run by veteran musicians who have played with some of the biggest acts of the Classic Rock Era. Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, Peter Frampton, Steve Miller Band and more.... Check out St. Paul Peterson talking with Vineeta about why we love this genre of music so much.
Paul Peterson joined Vineeta to discuss the two night run by veteran musicians who have played with some of the biggest acts of the Classic Rock Era. Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan, Peter Frampton, Steve Miller Band and more.... Check out St. Paul Peterson talking with Vineeta about why we love this genre of music so much.
Send us Fan MailJim's guy Swa joins us on this one. Opinions abound. Buckle up.Avid listenerHouse showsAn album a dayListening processBeatles controversyMetallica--OneBohemian Rhapsody / Wayne's WorldLife before the internet Liner notes / Album artSong of the Week:Industrial Disease--Dire StraitsLove Song--My New Band BelieveCreeque Alley--The Mamas and The PapasGod Only Knows controversyJoe's GarageSwa gets mystical#SwaMediaProductions#NewtsAppleValleyMN#MarkWasntHavingItTheAscertainers@gmail.comDire Straits - Industrial Disease (1982) HD - YouTubeMy New Band Believe - Love Story (Official Video)The Mamas & The Papas "Creeque Alley" on The Ed Sullivan Show
On this episode we're discussing the legacy of Aaliyah. With today marking 25 years since her self-titled album dropped in 2001, we're taking a dive into her discography and talking about why her music still holds up today.We run through our favorite songs from each era, some deep cuts and get into whether the albums have aged well. We also talk about how once Missy Elliott and Timbaland came into the picture, they helped Aaliyah to shape a sound that still feels ahead of its time, and how it still inspires today. Also, tap in to find out why Christina has beef with Toni Braxton.First Spin 1:00Age Ain't Nothing but a Number (1994) 1:54How would you describe this album to someone who only knows her later work? 5:00Did this album age well? 6:22Pick 2 or 3 songs from the album that you love. 9:08One In a Million (1996) 14:52How did Missy & Timbaland change the energy of Aaliyah's sound? 15:49Was this album a reinvention, or did Missy & Timbaland bring out something in Aaliyah that was already there? 18:14Which song captures the essence of the album? 21:46Pick 2 or 3 songs from the album that you love. 23:38Aaliyah (2001) 26:35Were Missy & Timbaland missed on this album, or did Static Major, Rapture Stewart & Eric Seats manage to keep the same vibe? 27:05What song(s) best show the shift in production? 29:12Is this her most complete album? 33:33Pick one song that captures the essence of the album. 34:02Pick 2 or 3 songs from the album that you love. 34:47Then and Now 38:54How do you feel about the Aaliyah album today? 39:21Does anything stand out more now, than it did back then? 42:07Has Aaliyah's discography aged well? How would you rank the albums? 42:46Head vs. Heart 44:28Favorite big hit 44:57Favorite deep cut 46:12Big hit or deep cut? 47:29If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Check out all things TROY at troypodcast.com.Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goodpods or Podchaser. Feedback boosts our visibility in algorithms, helps attract new listeners!Check out our store Nuthin' But A Tee Thang at teethang.com. You can cop tees, hoodies, hats, mugs and more.Spread the word to your family, friends and coworkers. A simple share on social media or a casual mention to a friend grows our audience faster than anything else.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.No matter how you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated.
Today marks a massive milestone for LINER NOTES as this episode officially kicks off Year 9 of the podcast. For the past 8 years, this show has been about pulling back the curtain on the creative process, and I couldn't think of a better artist to help us launch this anniversary season than keyboard wizard Larry Goldings. Larry has been a definitive voice on the Hammond B3 for over three decades, shaping the sound of modern jazz organ. He joins me today to break down his incredible new organ trio record, Rhombus on Smoke Sessions Records with his bandmates Peter Bernstein and Bill Stewart—delving into the unique chemistry of the trio and how he continues to find fresh terrain in a classic format.
On this episode we're discussing one of the greatest albums in hip hop history, JAY-Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt, on its 30th anniversary. Before the album dropped in 1996, Jay was building his name through early collabs with Jaz-O (“Hawaiian Sophie,” “The Originators”) Big Daddy Kane (“Show & Prove”) and Original Flavor (“Can I Get Open?”) as well as his own singles (“In My Lifetime,” “In My Lifetime” Remix, “I Can't Get Wid Dat” and “Dead Presidents”). We get into how these songs helped to shape his sound, talk about our favorite songs from Reasonable Doubt, discuss how the production helped to set the tone of the album, touch on who JAY-Z was at the time, and how it differs from the JAY-Z we would come to know in later years.Pre-Reasonable Doubt 1:25What these early tracks tell us 3:40Early guest verses 4:26Thoughts on early songs 6:19Which of the early tracks feel closest to Reasonable Doubt? 7:28Would you have predicted this guy to be a GOAT contender in the future? 8:05Reasonable Doubt 9:31Who is the JAY-Z that we hear on this album? 9:49Do you hear ambition or caution in his stories? 14:10Would you cut any songs from the album? 16:15Does anything feel dated or does it hold up in 2026? 18:38Favorite tracks from the album 20:17First impression of JAY-Z 24:48What stands out when listening today? 25:42How did the production shape the storytelling and atmosphere? 29:08Which song best captures the identity of Reasonable Doubt? 30:55How does Reasonable Doubt compare to JAY-Z's later works? 32:12Describe Reasonable Doubt in one sentence 34:29Which moment makes you feel the most like you're inside Jay's world? 35:12What does Reasonable Doubt mean to JAY-Z's story? 36:28If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Check out all things TROY at troypodcast.com.Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goodpods or Podchaser. Feedback boosts our visibility in algorithms, helps attract new listeners!Check out our store Nuthin' But A Tee Thang at teethang.com. You can cop tees, hoodies, hats, mugs and more.Spread the word to your family, friends and coworkers. A simple share on social media or a casual mention to a friend grows our audience faster than anything else.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.No matter how you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated.
On this episode, we're revisiting a couple of classic albums we somehow never listened to in full, whether by choice or just because we never around to them. So this week, we finally pressed play on a few and we're here to present our findings, discuss what we learned and figure out if these albums live up to the hype. We each chose two, and here are the albums that we listened to:Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott - Miss E...So Addictive (2000) 0:57Sade - Love Deluxe (1992) 8:16Clipse - Lord Willin' (2001) 15:30Mobb Deep - Hell on Earth (1996) 23:52If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Check out all things TROY at troypodcast.com.Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goodpods or Podchaser. Feedback boosts our visibility in algorithms, helps attract new listeners!Check out our store Nuthin' But A Tee Thang at teethang.com. You can cop tees, hoodies, hats, mugs and more.Spread the word to your family, friends and coworkers. A simple share on social media or a casual mention to a friend grows our audience faster than anything else.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.No matter how you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated.
In this episode of LINER NOTES we are diving into a monumental new release from saxophonist and composer Jeff Lederer called There's A Yearnin', out on Little "i" Music. This record is a boundary-blurring project for winds and voice that features the Wildebeest Wind Quintet and vocalist Mary LaRose. Together, they tackle unissued and rare archival scores by Eric Dolphy and Ornette Coleman, alongside several of Jeff's brilliant arrangements of the music of Oliver Nelson. In our conversation today, Jeff speaks about the incredible discovery of these scores—including a completely unperformed woodwind sextet manuscript by Eric Dolphy that was kept hidden away in the Library of Congress. It is a fascinating look into how these masterworks were pulled from the archives and brought to life.
Okay, Robbe is back and we're done talking about circle pits. But it's controversy season so we cover the Enhanced Games and everything that did or didn't go down with that. Plus, the Baltimore race that almost was (should we bring it back?) and a water conservation question that we need to be answered. Oh, also the Asics Novablast 6 is a pretty great shoe.JOIN US FOR SUMMER GRITRegistration for Summer GRIT is right around the corner. If you want to join the challenge, improve your base fitness, and see what you're made of, you can join here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Baltimore/GritSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!LMNT Summer hydration has never been better, because Lemonade Ice Tea is finally here! Crisp and refreshing, it delivers 1000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, and 60 mg magnesium, plus– 50 mg of caffeine, just enough for that extra boost. And if you're an insider, you can get the limited-edition Pink Lemonade. Get your free 8-count LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase: https://drinklmnt.com/thedrop PILLARRecently, we've been taking PILLAR Triple Magnesium, and it's been a game-changer for our sleep and recovery. WE take it about 30 minutes before bed each night which gives us great sleep and helps us recover better so we're ready to train again tomorrow.If you want to try PILLAR, you can head to pillarperformance.shop or TheFeed.com/pillar and enter code BITR for 15% off first-time purchases.
On this episode we're discussing someone who is probably one of the most important people in hip hop history, Warren G. Without this man, a lot of important moments in hip hop probably don't happen. So, we're gonna take a look at his debut album, Regulate...G Funk Era, that moved him from the background at Death Row and into the spotlight at Def Jam. We'll also be getting into some of our favorite Warren G tracks from his other albums as well.Intro 0:38First impressions after hearing "Indo Smoke" and "Ain't No Fun." 3:20When you heard Regulate... G Funk Era for the fist time. 4:42What is it about Warren G's style that separates him from other west coast artists? 9:28Describe the first spin of this album to someone who wasn't there. 11:44Is this a no-skip album? 12:58Pick 3, 4 of your favorite albums cuts. 20:12Put together a 5 song deep cut playlist from his discography. 21:00Album cuts that capture the G-Funk vibe more than the singles. 22:26Do you this of Warren G as a rapper or producer first? 23:25Compare your first listen of Regulate... G-Funk Era to now. 27:20Where does Regulate... G-Funk Era rank on your all-time list? 29:53If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Check out all things TROY at troypodcast.com.Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goodpods or Podchaser. Feedback boosts our visibility in algorithms, helps attract new listeners!Check out our store Nuthin' But A Tee Thang at teethang.com. You can cop tees, hoodies, hats, mugs and more.Spread the word to your family, friends and coworkers. A simple share on social media or a casual mention to a friend grows our audience faster than anything else.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.No matter how you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated.
The 90s were a golden era for female rap, and on this episode we're celebrating the women who made it unforgettable. We're talking Latifah, Lyte, Yo-Yo, Kim, Foxy…and on and on and on. The game changers who proved that women could run hip hop on their own terms.Transition from the late 80s to the early 90s 0:53Favorite songs from 1990-93 6:33The mid 90s 9:22Foxy Brown meets JFK Jr. 10:21Favorite songs from 1994-96 18:29The late 90s 23:52Favorite songs from 1997-99 30:23Favorite collabs from 1990-99 35:30If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Check out all things TROY at troypodcast.com.Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goodpods or Podchaser. Feedback boosts our visibility in algorithms, helps attract new listeners!Check out our store Nuthin' But A Tee Thang at teethang.com. You can cop tees, hoodies, hats, mugs and more.Spread the word to your family, friends and coworkers. A simple share on social media or a casual mention to a friend grows our audience faster than anything else.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.No matter how you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated.
Since the mid-2000s, pianist Adam Birnbaum has been one of the most in-demand sidemen in jazz—anchoring ensembles for Cécile McLorin Salvant, Wynton Marsalis, and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. But as a leader, he's charting a different course. His latest project, Preludes, takes on the monumental task of re-imagining J.S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier alongside bassist Matt Clohesy and percussionist Keita Ogawa. Today, join us as Adam breaks down the careful choices made in handling this historic body of work.
In this episode of They Reminisce Over You, we're having a conversation about Love Jones, Theodore Witcher's iconic 1997 Black rom-com that became a cultural classic. We'll be diving into the film's most memorable moments, standout supporting characters and dig into whether Nina and Darius were ever really Mr./Mrs. Right or Mr./Mrs. Right Now. We also get into our favorite scenes, our favorite songs from the soundtrack, discuss how our feelings on the movie have/haven't changed over the years, and answer the biggest question that we had: would Nina and Darius still be together today?Intro 0:00Plot Summary 0:50First Watch 3:08How would you describe Nina? 8:00How would you describe Darius? 11:08Are they Mr./Mrs Right or Mr./Mrs. Right Now? 13:39What was the biggest obstacle between Nina and Darius? 15:18Why everything was really Josie's fault 16:11Who had the harder time being vulnerable, Nina or Darius? 19:22Favorite scenes 21:34Supporting characters 32:54Who gives the best/worst advice? 34:44Soundtrack 40:12Then & Now 43:23Are Nina and Darius still together? 46:29If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Check out all things TROY at troypodcast.com.Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goodpods or Podchaser. Feedback boosts our visibility in algorithms, helps attract new listeners!Check out our store Nuthin' But A Tee Thang at teethang.com. You can cop tees, hoodies, hats, mugs and more.Spread the word to your family, friends and coworkers. A simple share on social media or a casual mention to a friend grows our audience faster than anything else.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.No matter how you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated.
In this episode, we're getting into Maxwell's full discography, spotlighting Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite on it's 30th anniversary (April 2, 1996,) while also discussing his MTV Unplugged, Embrya, Now, BLACKsummers'night & blackSUMMERS'night albums.We walk through his full run, from hits like “Sumthin' Sumthin',” “Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder),” “Matrimony: Maybe You,” and “Pretty Wings” to deeper album cuts, sharing our favorites along the way.Miguel also finds a way to link Embrya and OutKast's ATLiens.Plus, we're dropping TWO playlists (one curated by Christina and the other curated by Miguel) for this episode. Even though there is some overlap, his discography spans so many styles that we love different sides of his catalog.The First Spin - Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite 0:37Break - 15:10MTV Unplugged 15:30Embrya 20:23Now 23:43BLACKsummers'night & blackSUMMERS'night 25:22Break 28:51Head vs. Heart - Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite 29:41Break 41:31Then and Now - Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite 42:08If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Check out all things TROY at troypodcast.com.Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Goodpods or Podchaser. Feedback boosts our visibility in algorithms, helps attract new listeners!Check out our store Nuthin' But A Tee Thang at teethang.com. You can cop tees, hoodies, hats, mugs and more.Spread the word to your family, friends and coworkers. A simple share on social media or a casual mention to a friend grows our audience faster than anything else.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.No matter how you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated.
Drummer Greg Hutchinson has been the heartbeat of the New York City jazz scene for over three decades, bringing a signature fire to the bands of legends like Betty Carter, Roy Hargrove, and Joshua Redman. Known as one of the most soulful and technically gifted drummers of his generation, 'Hutch' is now stepping further into the spotlight as a leader. Today, we're discussing his evolution from the ultimate sideman to a visionary frontman with his second recording with Warner Music, Kind of Now-The Pulse of Miles Davis out April 3.
In this episode, we're getting into someone whose career spans across hip-hop, R&B and pop music. He helped to bring Atlanta and southern culture to the forefront at a time when people weren't really checking for it. *Jermaine voice* “Y'all know what this is!”For more episodes, including some about the people we mention in this one, head over to our website, troypodcast.com to check them out.If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Please leave us a 5 star rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser or Goodpods.If it's merch that you're looking for, check out our store, Nuthin' But A Tee Thang, at teethang.comSpreading the word about the show to your friends and family helps too.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.However you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated as always.
Daft Punk was famous for the robot masks that concealed the identities of the French musical duo. But behind the gimmick was a sound that revolutionized popular dance music in the early 2000s. Today marks the 25th anniversary of Daft Punk releasing Discovery, featuring hits like "One More Time" and "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger." Music writer Ben Cardew, author of the book, Daft Punk's Discovery: The Future Unfurled, reflects on the anniversary and listeners share their memories of listening to Discovery. Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images
What happens when you go off the grid to find your sound? For saxophonist Caroline Davis, the answer is Fallows, her first solo release which was conceived during a month-long residency at Ucross, Wyoming. During this time Davis stripped away the 'self' to make room for pure creation: the album is the result of a deliberate 'un-becoming'—a period where Davis set aside the expectations of daily life to let the landscape speak through her horn.
In a world that is increasingly anchored by AI and social media, pianist and composer Emilio Solla champions the human connection on his new recording Handmade, with his nonet, La Inestable de Brooklyn. Swimming in his imagination are jazz, tango, classical, and other Argentinian folkloric music which all cohesively co-exist in this exciting musical offering.
New album audio liner notes! "I Am John Mayer" is available to stream and buy (vinyl, CD, digital download) at https://www.thehereafterishere.com/iamjohnmayer.
What does it mean to embrace a new beginning? For Chicago alto saxophonist Lenard Simpson, it means answering the call of faith. Inspired by the prophet Isaiah's famous directive to "forget the former things; do not dwell on the past," Simpson's 2024 release, New Beginnings, is a stirring, soulful journey. With pianist Julius Tucker, bassist Runere Brooks, and drummer Samuel Jewell, this quartet masterfully blends the spiritual depth of the Black Church experience with the soaring improvisation of modern jazz. Join us as we explore Lenard Simpson's musical testament.
This week we're talking about some of our favorite movie soundtracks. The ones we liked, the ones we loved and the ones that were better than the movies that they were made for. Soundtracks used to be a real companion piece to new movie releases. New artists were launched, established artists dropped some of their best songs, and big name producers gave us their best work, not just a bunch of leftover tracks. The best soundtracks could stand on their own, they lived on much longer than the movie that it was attached to did. Especially if it was BETTER than the movie.For more episodes, including some about the people we mention in this one, head over to our website, troypodcast.com to check them out.If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Please leave us a 5 star rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser or Goodpods.If it's merch that you're looking for, check out our store, Nuthin' But A Tee Thang, at teethang.comSpreading the word about the show to your friends and family helps too.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.However you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated as always.
25 years ago this month, the Coen brothers' Americana Odyssey "O Brother, Where Art Thou" was released in theaters. While the movie saw a paucity of award recognition, its soundtrack managed to land a Grammy for Album of the Year, giving rise to a major revival of American roots and bluegrass music in the mainstream. Music writer Allison Hussey discusses the soundtrack and its legacy as part of our Silver Liner Notes series, and listeners share their feelings about the film, and the soundtrack.
I interviewed Albert Johnson about A Ü T O / M Ö T O R on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at IDFA DocLab in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This is a listener-supported podcast through the Voices of VR Patreon. Music: Fatality
This week we are discussing the dirty macks of R&B and Hip Hop. We get into the songs that we all know and love, "All The Things Your Man Won't Do" by Joe, "Hey Lover" by LL Cool J, "I Can You Love You" by Mary J. Blige, “You're The One” by SWV and there were some shocking ones that made the cut as well, we see you, Gladys Knight. We also debate who the second best worst dirty mack of all time is, LL Cool J or Joe. For more episodes, including some about the people we mention in this one, head over to our website, troypodcast.com to check them out.If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Please leave us a 5 star rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser or Goodpods.If it's merch that you're looking for, check out our store, Nuthin' But A Tee Thang, at teethang.comSpreading the word about the show to your friends and family helps too.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.However you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated as always.
In the early 1900s, James Weldon Johnson explored the complex life of a bi-racial man who chose to disappear into white society in The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man. Now, saxophonist Mark Turner uses this powerful novel as the foundation for his latest project. Join us as we listen to and discuss Turner's powerful compositions—a musical meditation on race, anonymity, and heritage—performed by his stellar quintet featuring Jason Palmer, David Virelles, Matt Brewer, and Nasheet Waits. Discover how this music forces the listener to confront the novel's enduring questions about identity and the American experience.
Lucy Pearl came in fast and hot like a comet, and kinda burned out like one too. But in that brief moment in time, Raphael Saadiq from Tony, Toni, Toné, Dawn Robinson from En Vogue and Ali Shaheed Muhammad from A Tribe Called Quest came together to give us one of the greatest R&B albums ever, and that's what we're digging into in this episode. Quick note: This episode was recorded prior to the passing of D'Angelo, so you'll hear us mention him in the present tense a few times. RIP to one of the greatest to ever do it.For more episodes, including some about A Tribe Called Quest, En Vogue & Tony, Toni, Toné, head over to our website, troypodcast.com.If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Please leave us a 5 star rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser or Goodpods.If it's merch that you're looking for, check out our store, Nuthin' But A Tee Thang, at teethang.comSpreading the word about the show to your friends and family helps too.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.However you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated as always.
25 years ago this week, at the turn of the millennium, Eyrkah Badu released her second album, Mama's Gun. The album went certified platinum, and is considered to be one of the best in Badu's career. James Poyser is a keyboardist for The Roots, and one of Badu's closest collaborators who was in the studio with Erykah to make Mama's Gun. Poyser shares his memories of the album, and listeners share their memories of the music, in this installment of our Silver Liner Notes album anniversary series.
In this episode, we explore the brief career of Nick Drake and connect to how sometimes our ideas don't always resonate when we want them to do so. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if the patterns you see in the night sky weren't just constellations, but a musical score? Vibraphonist Patricia Brennan, an avid astronomer, has looked to the stars as the blueprint for her ambitious new record, Of The Near And Far, out October 24th on Pyroclastic Records. To bring this cosmic vision down to earth, Brennan enlisted a ten-piece ensemble featuring pianist Sylvie Courvoisier, guitarist Miles Okazaki, and a full string quartet. In this episode of LINER NOTES, we explore how one of the most innovative composers in creative music is turning celestial geometry into sound.
Radiohead's fourth studio album Kid A (released October 2, 2000) departed from the group's earlier releases, featuring more slippery, ambient electronic sounds. Rolling Stone called it the "weirdest hit album of that year, by a band poised to be the modern-rock Beatles, following the breakthrough of OK Computer." The magazine also named it the best album of 2000. It was Radiohead's first album to hit number one on Billboard. Steven Hyden, Uproxx cultural critic and author of the book, This Isn't Happening: Radiohead's "Kid A" and the Beginning of the 21st Century, discusses the album's legacy, and listeners call in to share what Kid A means to them.
Can your community become a creative collaborator without turning your art into committee-designed mediocrity? In this solo episode, I explore proven frameworks for involving your audience in the creative process while maintaining complete artistic control. You'll discover how Amanda Palmer uses early-stage feedback on Patreon to gather emotional responses (not technical critiques), how British singer-songwriter Lynz Crichton turned her entire EP creation into a 90-day collaborative project with her email and social media communities, and how Imogen Heap invited fans to contribute raw materials—sound samples and personal stories—that she transformed into finished songs. I break down practical approaches you can test: the Preview-and-Pivot Framework (used by Luke Combs for “Forever After All”), constraint-based collaboration methods, and systems for turning fan-generated content into strategic assets rather than distractions. This episode also covers the critical boundaries every artist needs: establishing what's open for feedback versus what's locked, retaining veto power over all input, and knowing when to ignore community resistance entirely as you evolve artistically. Whether you're considering a model like Patreon, building an email list, or just wondering how to get useful feedback without compromising your vision, this episode provides actionable frameworks for sustainable creative collaboration. Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I've spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes. Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You'll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives. Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It's free and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Mentioned in this Episode Songwriting with a Deadline–Lynz Crichton (Episode 49) What a Tease: Why Song Previews Became Crucial In Modern Music How Imogen Heap invited fans to contribute raw materials for her album Sparks 333 How to Build, Name, and Nurture Your Creative Community Palmer Patreon Subscriber Guide Signup for Liner Notes Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process. More Resources for musicians Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support! Stay in touch! @RobonzoDrummer on Instagram @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
35 years ago, on October 7, 1990, LL Cool J took to the streets of New York to find his “Around The Way Girl.” On this episode, we're having a quick conversation about the video, and discuss who our favorite “Around The Way Girl” is, past and present.We're also dropping a new shirt to go along with this episode. You can get it and more at our shop, Nuthin' But A Tee Thang, at teethang.com.For more episodes, head to our website, troypodcast.com.If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Please leave us a 5 star rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser or Goodpods.If it's merch that you're looking for, check out our store, Nuthin' But A Tee Thang, at teethang.comSpreading the word about the show to your friends and family helps too.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.However you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated as always.
It's been 25 years since Coldplay released their debut album Parachutes, launching what would become one of the best-selling bands of the 21st century. Debs Wild was a scout for Universal Records in the late 90s and discover the fledgling band led by Chris Martin. She's also the co-author of the book, Life In Technicolor: A Celebration of Coldplay. She reflects on the band's debut album as part of our series Silver Liner Notes.
Créole Renaissance is the latest offering from pianist Aruán Ortiz on Intakt Records. This solo piano record draws its inspiration from the Négritude movement that originated in Paris in the early part of the 20th century that was established to counteract the anti-colonialism attitudes that many black artists in Paris faced as they worked in their various disciplines. In this episode of LINER NOTES, Aruán describes the inspiration that he was able to draw from this movement and reflects on the parallels he encounters as a Cuban-American living in New York City in 2025.
Music revenue diversification is essential for independent artists, but how do you actually monetize your community of superfans? This follow-up to episode 333's community-building strategies explores the practical side of turning deep fan relationships into sustainable income that goes beyond streaming pennies. Emerging direct-to-fan platforms like MySeat (highlighted by Dave Cool, formerly of Bandzoogle) allow artists to create branded mobile apps with multiple revenue streams - subscriptions, merchandise, live events, auctions, and exclusive content. Real case studies break down the revenue psychology of membership-based fan relationships and run realistic math on converting followers into paying subscribers. But this isn't just another "build it and they will come" episode. Kevin Kelly's sobering follow-up research to his famous "1000 True Fans" theory reveals uncomfortable truths, including ambient musician Robert Rich's brutally honest financial breakdown of three decades pursuing direct fan support. The reality check considers platform risks, time costs, creative constraints, and why most successful direct-to-fan artists still need traditional exposure first to build music revenue. Balancing optimism with realism, this episode explores genuine opportunities while setting appropriate expectations for what "success" in direct fan monetization actually looks like. Whether you're considering app platforms, subscription models, or other community revenue strategies, you'll discover how to approach these opportunities as part of a diversified career strategy rather than a complete solution. Recommended for independent artists looking to reduce streaming dependence while exploring new music revenue opportunities and understanding the real challenges of direct fan monetization. Key Topics: Direct-to-fan mobile app platforms and business models Revenue psychology: consumption vs. membership Real financial case studies and conversion math Platform ownership vs. algorithm dependence Kevin Kelly's "1000 True Fans" follow-up research Robert Rich's 30-year direct fan experience Implementation strategies and cautionary considerations Diversified income approaches for sustainable careers Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I've spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes. Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You'll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives. Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It's free and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process. More Resources for musicians Mentioned in this Episode MySeat Media 1,000 True Fans The Case Against 1,000 True Fans The Reality of Depending on True Fans How to Build, Name, and Nurture Your Creative Community (Unstarving Musician episode 333) Eli Lev – Spiritual Growth: From 250 Shows to Finding Sacred Space in Music (Unstarving Musician episode 332) JR Richards – Dishwalla, His Tenth Album Forthcoming, Email Marketing, List Building, E-Commerce, Touring (Unstarving Musician episode 284) Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support! Stay in touch! @RobonzoDrummer on Instagram @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
Originally released in December 2021, here's another episode that we think hasn't gotten enough attention. It's another one of our "One Hit Wonder?" episodes, and this time we're digging into the career of Montell Jordan. A lot of people have written him off as a one hit wonder because of "This Is How We Do It," but around these parts, we know better. Join us as we get into some of our favorite Montell jams and discuss the insanity of the "Get It On Tonite" video.For more episodes, head to our website, troypodcast.com.If you're enjoying the content that we're making and you're looking for ways to support our independent podcast, here's a little something that you can do:Please leave us a 5 star rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podchaser or Goodpods.If it's merch that you're looking for, check out our store, Nuthin' But A Tee Thang, at teethang.comSpreading the word about the show to your friends and family helps too.Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Liner Notes.However you choose to support, know that it is greatly appreciated as always.
As a musician podcaster who has built multiple successful shows over the past decade, Bree Noble represents what's possible when artists embrace podcasting as both a creative outlet and business tool. In this conversation, she shares her evolution from recording in her kitchen to becoming a recognized industry authority featured in Forbes. Bree reveals the technical and logistical challenges she faced transitioning from Women of Substance streaming radio to becoming the speaking host of a podcast. She discusses why she wishes she'd front-loaded more episodes before launching and shares practical strategies such as having set interview questions ready and using scheduling tools like Acuity. Our discussion covers her journey through multiple iterations of her shows, from Women of Substance to Female Entrepreneur Musician to the current Profitable Musician Show rebrand in 2020. Bree explains how AI tools have transformed her workflow and why episode swaps and collaboration episodes are particularly effective strategies for musician podcasts. For musicians considering podcasting, Bree offers frameworks for determining whether podcasting suits your situation while warning against underestimating the consistency required to build an audience. She shares how podcasting deepened her relationships with listeners and created networking opportunities that traditional music marketing approaches never provided. Whether you're exploring podcasting as a new creative outlet or looking to establish authority in your field, this episode provides actionable insights from someone who has successfully navigated every stage of podcast development while maintaining her identity as a musician and entrepreneur. No one finds starting a podcast easy without a comprehensive roadmap. As fate would have it, I've created a complete roadmap in a course called Podcast Startup. The course covers everything from equipment selection to testing video with gear you already have. Find details at UnstarvingMusician.com/PodcastStartup. Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I've spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes. Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You'll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives. Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It's free and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Mentioned in this Episode Female Entrepreneur Musician Podcast Startup Bree Noble on Women of Substance Radio, Going Pro and Making Money A Profitable Musician Summit–Bree Noble Profitable Musician Summit 2019–Bree Noble (Ep 98) Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process. More Resources for musicians Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support! Stay in touch! @RobonzoDrummer on Instagram @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
For nearly forty years, trumpeter Joe Magnarelli has been a fixture on the New York City jazz scene, gracing the bandstands of icons like Brother Jack McDuff, Lionel Hampton, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Harry Connick Jr. While playing with these legends, he continued to hone his skills in a variety of small groups, both as a sideman and a leader. His latest work, Concord, is a testament to that unyielding drive. The title, a word defined as "agreement or harmony between people or groups," is a fitting reflection of the music on this album. This new recording, his third for the SteepleChase label, finds Magnarelli in a quartet setting, featuring pianist Victor Gould, bassist Paul Sikivie, and drummer Rodney Green.
On this episode of the podcast we talk to Claude Deuce about his FINAL album "Merrimac Ave" take a walk down memory lane and much more, get ready for Liner Notes!!!!
Most independent artists focus on building an audience, but the real power lies in developing a creative community. In this episode, I delve into the psychology behind transforming casual followers into passionate community members who view themselves as part of something larger. Drawing insights from my recent interview with singer-songwriter Eli Lev and his "Levitators" community, I break down the key differences between audience building and creative community development. You'll discover why community names matter more than you think, how to move beyond social media performance theater, and practical strategies for creating authentic engagement that serves both you and your supporters. I examine successful creative community examples from Trekkies to Swifties, revealing what makes certain community names stick while others fall flat. The episode also covers three core engagement strategies: collaborative content creation, meaningful interaction over metrics, and service orientation that benefits everyone involved. This episode provides a four-step action plan for building a creative community. Because in today's music industry, success isn't measured by how many people know your name, but by how many people are better off because they found your work. Recommended for independent musicians, content creators, and artists looking to create meaningful connections around their creative work. Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support at UnstarvingMusician.com/CrowdSponsor This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I've spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes. Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You'll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives. Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com/LinerNotes. It's free and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process. More Resources for musicians Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support! Mentioned in this Episode Robonzo.com "1,000 True Fans" by Kevin Kelly 332 Eli Lev – Spiritual Growth: From 250 Shows to Finding Sacred Space in Music Stay in touch! @RobonzoDrummer on Instagram @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook and YouTube
In 2000, Philadelphia poet Jill Scott burst onto the R&B and neo-soul scene with her debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, which included hits like "A Long Walk" and "Gettin' in the Way." For another installment of our Silver Liner Notes series, John Morrison, writer, DJ, and World Cafe correspondent, reflects on the album's 25th anniversary this summer and listeners share their favorite tracks and memories of listening to Who Is Jill Scott?
On this episode of Liner Notes we talk to professional background singer Danielle Rene Clark. And we take a trip down memory lane, get her origin story & talk about her tour experiences that have included Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, J.Lo and many more!!! Check her out!!!
Aimee Mann released her third album, Bachelor No. 2 or, the Last Remains of the Dodo, on May 2, 2000. It featured some songs from her soundtrack for Paul Thomas Anderson's "Magnolia" alongside newer tracks and became one of the best reviewed albums of the decade. For our series Silver Liner Notes, writer Carrie Courogen joins us to talk about the album's legacy and take listeners' calls.