The exploratory pedal steel guitarist revisits a world of protest music on CANTO, her brilliant album with the ensemble Septeto del Sur.
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The Spotlight shines On the innovative pedal steel guitar player Susan Alcorn.
While Susan got her start playing in country & western bands in Texas, she has taken the pedal steel into new and uncharted territories, exploring 20th-century classical music, improvisational jazz, and various world musics.
On her latest project, CANTO, Susan explored Chilean folk music and nueva canción, which translates as “new song” and refers to an intertwined musical and leftist social movement so important to the pro-democracy organizations throughout Latin America over the last 50 years or more.
Released back in November 2023 on Relative Pitch Records, CANTO features Alcorn’s Septeto del Sur, a new ensemble featuring a cross-generational group of musicians versed in folk and improvisational traditions.
(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from the album CANTO by Susan Alcorn and Septeto del Sur)
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00:08 Introduction to Spotlight On and Today's Guest
00:34 Susan Alcorn's Musical Journey and Influences
01:38 Exploring Susan's Musical Evolution and Diverse Inspirations
02:51 Deep Dive into Susan's Musical Background and Personal Experiences
06:30 Susan's Transition into Country Music and Pedal Steel Guitar
14:27 Discussion on the Influence of Politics on Susan's Music
18:31 Behind the Scenes of Susan's Album 'CANTO'
21:54 Exploring the Challenges and Rewards of Assembling a Diverse Musical Ensemble
28:01 Susan's Unique Approach to Composing Music
33:03 The Future of Susan's Musical Journey
39:42 Closing Remarks and Farewell
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Listen to CANTO by Susan Alcorn and Septeto del Sur on Bandcamp → https://susanalcorn1.bandcamp.com/album/canto
or your streaming platform of choice → https://songwhip.com/susanalcornseptetodelsur/canto)
Visit Susan Alcorn at https://www.susanalcorn.net/
and on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/susanalcornpsg
and Bandcamp → https://susanalcorn1.bandcamp.com/music
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