Videos

Drummer Ches Smith and vocalist Shara Lunon join the podcast to discuss improvisation vs. jamming, punk's connection to jazz, and the process behind the extraordinary album Laugh Ash. ------------------ The Spotlight was meant to shine On drummer, percussionist, and composer Ches Smith, whose album Laugh Ash was released earlier this…

This is a recording of Spotlight On's recent live event, which took place at the Royal Room in Seattle, WA on June 22, 2024. The event, Improvisation in Music and Life, featured me, @LawrencePeryer, in conversation with and performances by James Falzone’s Division Ensemble. The Division Ensemble is a group…

Lawrence Peryer joins James Falzone and his Division Ensemble for conversations and performances that shed light on the art of improvisation. ------------------ Today’s episode is a recording of our recent live event, which took place at the Royal Room in Seattle, WA, on June 22, 2024. The event, Improvisation in…

The Italian sound artist & percussionist details the origin and methodology of the Drummophone and the process behind his sonic collaboration with emptyset's James Ginzburg. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Modena, Italy-based sound artist and percussionist Riccardo La Foresta. Riccardo has spent the last several years exploring the Drummophone—an…

The prolific Berlin-based drummer and producer talks about the magic of John Bonham, why humor is essential, the rhythms of India, and the process of recording his debut album, Circle of Madness. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Berlin-based drummer, composer, and producer Janek van Laak. Janek grew up in…

'The hardest working piano man in Seattle' talks about the state of jazz music, his prog-rock influences, and the tasteful fusion of electronics on his latest album. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On Seattle pianist and composer Bill Anschell. We’ve had award winners of all types on the podcast. Still, as…

Evocative vocals, string-laced arrangements, and sublime jazz instrumentation form the experimental fabric of Ruiqi Wang's stunning album, Subduing The Silence. ------------------ 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,…

The famed musician and songwriter discusses the definition of power pop, his days with Velvet Crush, and his exciting transcontinental band, The Small Square. ------------------ 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…

The storied musician, songwriter, and music journalist talks about recording his album The Last Day of Summer during the pandemic, his approach to interviewing artists, and his friendships with some of his musical heroes. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On musician, songwriter, journalist, and returning guest Jeff Slate. Jeff joined…

The prolific Chicago-based bass player and improvisor discusses her many projects—including Twin Talk, Wayfaring, and Edith Judith—and her role in inspiring the next generation of musicians. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On bassist and vocalist Katie Ernst. In addition to many other things, Katie is one half of the duo Wayfaring…

The acclaimed clarinetist, improviser, and educator discusses his influences, music education, the nature of sound, and deconstructing the murder ballad in the duo Wayfaring. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On clarinetist, penny whistle player, composer, improviser, and educator James Falzone. Observant listeners will recognize that name, as James and I have…

The acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and educator discusses his formative years in Italy, the vibrant jazz scene in the Pacific Northwest, and the rotating combos found on his excellent album, Circular Motion. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines on jazz pianist, composer, and educator Francesco Crosara. Francesco was born and raised…

The award-winning vocalist, composer, ethnomusicology researcher, and educator discusses the musical journey that landed her in Cape Verde. ------------------ 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…

In our special 200th episode, the former editor of the seminal magazine Mondo 2000 opens up about his musical activities, how his view of technology has changed, and his enduring curiosity about the chaos all around us. ------------------ Today, on this fun, round-number milestone, the Spotlight shines On legendary writer,…

A fascinating discussion with the acclaimed German multi-instrumentalist about wrangling technology through constraints, how process differs from experimentation, and his time-jumping collaboration with Stefano Castagna, Sea of Hopeless Angels. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On returning guest, the innovative musician and composer Markus Reuter. Markus originally joined us for Episode 130…

Experimental musician, YouTube personality, and excavator of rare, electronic sound-making artifacts — Hainbach delivers a fascinating look into his prolific musical activities. ------------------ 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…

The ever-active Brooklyn-based saxophonist joins us to discuss improvisation, honing compositions from the small stage, and his ambitious album project, The Depths of Memory. ------------------ 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,…

On the album Source of the Severn, an accomplished guitarist from Wales conveys the beauty of the British countryside with his jazz quartet and visual artist Erin Hughes. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Will Barnes, leader of the Will Barnes Quartet, who joins me to talk about his life…

The renowned alt-pop singer, songwriter, and producer explores the lush, heartfelt sound of her brilliant new album The Big Feel. ------------------ 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…

The Irish electronic/rock hybrid trio talk about their quick rise, how film school informs their DIY ethos, and their explosive new EP, Conditions II. ------------------ 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.…

The innovative Chinese-Malaysian-Australian artist discusses her role in confronting SXSW's controversies, tackling motherhood on tour, and her ambitious new song, "Sleepless." ------------------ 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, in my hotel room/recording studio,…

The Comateens member — AKA Nic North and Nic West — chats about founding the '70s new wave/punk band with Ramona Jan and the artistic merits of a challenging time for New York City. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On musician and songwriter Nicholas Dembling, aka Nic North, aka Nic West,…

The 'modernist drumming artist' chats about his experiences in the New York jazz scene, the responsibilities of a sideman, and his enlightening new memoir, Chasing The Masters. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On drummer, composer, and improviser Phil Haynes. Phil published a unique memoir last November, which includes not only his…

The celebrated music education innovator discusses the origin and motivations behind Music Will and how the organization teaches thousands to love playing instruments. ------------------ 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…