Videos

The Los Angeles-based saxophonist, composer, and Grammy-winning producer discusses the creative philosophies and inspirations that led to his unique album, Unusual Object. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Josh Johnson, the Los Angeles-based saxophonist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and Grammy Award-winning producer. Josh joined me earlier this year to talk about his…

The renowned Canadian percussionist, tabla player, and educator discusses his lifelong embrace of Indian musical traditions and the fusion with synthesized textures that inspires his project Temporal Waves. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On composer and percussionist Shawn Mativetsky. A renowned tabla player, Shawn is a pioneer in bridging the worlds…

With Smoke Jazz Club celebrating its twenty-fifth year, co-owner Paul Stache joins us to discuss the challenges and rewards of maintaining an essential venue for Manhattan's jazz community. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On Paul Stache, co-owner (with his wife and partner Molly Sparrow Johnson) of Smoke Jazz Club, one of…

Author Shain Shapiro, trumpeter Thomas Marriot, and DJ collective Seattle House Mafia join the podcast to shed light on the past, present, and future states of local music scenes. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight is going to shine a little differently. Instead of a single guest, we will have three segments…

The innovative jazz drummer discusses the beautiful islands of Maine, approaching music with sincerity, his connection to Berlin, and experiments with solo percussion on the album Most Definitely. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On drummer and composer Devin Gray. Like me, Devin is a born New Englander who made his…

The founder and CEO of Inveniem and Definitive Authentic talks about the importance of an artist's archive, the notion of pre-nostalgia, unexpected discoveries in lost boxes, and curating virtual museums for music's biggest stars. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On Brad Mindich, an entrepreneur who works directly with artists, athletes, and…

The Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark frontman chats about art movements, political treachery, Kraftwerk's impact, and the brilliant album Bauhaus Staircase. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On Andy McCluskey, the singer, songwriter, musician, and producer best known as the lead singer and bass guitarist of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (also…

The JUNO Award-winning oud player and guitarist discusses the joy of partaking in a musical melting pot, the avant-garde scene in Vancouver, and his many projects, including recent albums with his ensemble The Marrow and drummer Christian Lillinger. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On JUNO Award-winning oud player and guitarist Gordon…

The indie rock pioneer, known for his work with The Dream Syndicate and The Baseball Project, joins the podcast for a freewheeling conversation centered around his 'redemptive' new memoir, I Wouldn't Say It If It Wasn't True. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On trailblazing songwriter and now memoirist Steve Wynn.…

The Austin-based composer talks about scoring films for the likes of Richard Linklater, his process for juggling music projects, and bringing his latest release, Music For Prophet, to the concert stage. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On the acclaimed and intriguing composer, bandleader, and improviser Graham Reynolds. The Austin-based Reynolds…

The acclaimed Japanese pianist, composer, and improviser discusses her incredibly prolific output, redefining jazz as a spirit rather than a style, and her recent recordings with the quartet Kaze and the Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On pianist and composer Satoko Fujii, an incredibly unique and…

The Bauhaus and Love and Rockets bassist chats with guest host Michael Donaldson about lighting candles, the magic(k) muse, touring with Jane's Addiction, and the album collecting his early demos, Tracks From The Attic. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On the musician and producer David John Haskins, better known to…

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…