Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'soul'

Boz Scaggs 'Speaks Low' With Jazz Standards

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST

For Speak Low, blue-eyed-soul legend Boz Scaggs had a sound in mind long before recording his interpretation of jazz standards. But the concept was blurry until he pinpointed the instrumentation: a combination of strings, horns and vibes.

Eric Hutchinson: Self-Made Acoustic Soul

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:15:00 EST

When his contract to a major record label went down with the ship, acoustic soul singer Eric Hutchinson hit the road to generate his own exposure, and in the end, self-released his debut as well. Hutchinson plays his material in a session from WXPN.

Concha Buika's African-Inspired Flamenco

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST

Concha Buika's sultry voice and varied musical influences have earned her worldwide acclaim. Her latest album, La Nina de Fuego, fuses the musical traditions of Africa and Spain with jazz, soul and dance and has been nominated for the Latin Grammy Album of the Year.

Where Does The Republican Party Go From Here...

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST

After George Bush's unpopular presidency and John McCain's decisive defeat, there is a battle underway for the soul of the Republican Party. Michael Gerson, former speech writer to President Bush and now a columnist for the Washington Post, discusses how to reinvigorate the GOP.

Medical Advances Complicate Definition Of Death

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:48:00 EST

A Washington, D.C. hospital is suing to remove a 12-year-old boy from life support. Motl Brody was pronounced dead — with no brain function — after a battle with cancer. Motl's parents, who are Orthodox Jews, believe that he, and his soul, are still alive.

What's Better, 'Soul Men' Or 'Role Models'...

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST

Writer Mark Jorgan Legan takes us through the reviews for the comedy Soul Men, about two singing legends who agree to an on-stage reunion, the animated sequel Madagascar: Return 2 Africa and the Paul Rudd comedy Role Models about two screw-up friends sentenced to mentor kids.

Celebrating Souls On Day Of The Dead

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Saturday is the Day of the Dead in Mexico and many Spanish-speaking cultures. It is a day to celebrate and remember those who have died. Andrea Seabrook visits the Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington D.C., to see the construction of a traditional Day of the Dead altar.

A Soul Food Journey From Africa To America

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:33:00 EDT

At many African-American family gatherings, one is likely to find the staples of soul food: cornbread, collard greens and fried chicken. In his new book, Frederick Douglass Opie delves into the history books to find true soul in Southern food, including its place in the politics of black America.

Howard Tate Resurrects His Soul Roots

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 06:17:00 EDT

Vocalist Howard Tate found success in the '60s and '70s, thanks to a voice Elvis Costello called "the missing link between Jackie Wilson and Al Green." After overcoming addiction and homelessness, Tate is back to spread a message of hope and second chances.

Koushik: Fluent In Multiple Genres

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:07:00 EDT

Canadian producer, singer and songwriter Koushik Ghosh is 100 percent do-it-yourself. Koushik's genre-bending sound stretches across psychedelia, pop, soul, and hip hop. He talks about his new album Out My Window, being a math nerd, and how he keeps his head clear.

The Soul Of James Brown

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:47:00 EDT

It should come as no surprise that James Brown has inspired countless tributes and covers, both good and bad. Explore five of the most unusual and exceptional examples, from inspired tributes to psychedelic reinventions.

Fall Soups For Body And Soul

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:22:00 EDT

As the cost of fuel rises and the mercury drops, when the world seems full of dry leaves and cold shoulders, hold out your bowl for fall's abundance. It's almost impossible to feel impoverished or hopeless when you have a warm bellyful of soup.

Amos Lee: Stories Behind 'The Lodge'

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:26:00 EDT

With just a guitar and his voice at WFUV's Studio-A, Amos Lee shows off a new approach to the songs from his latest album, Last Days at the Lodge. Lee injects his love of soul music into his singer-songwriter fare and shares the stories behind the music.

Mutlu Is 'Livin' It'

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:32:00 EDT

In recent months, Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Mutlu has begun to attract a national audience for his marketable blend of soul, reggae, hip-hop and Brazilian jazz. Hear a session recorded by WXPN.

Manic Pixie Dream Girls: A Cinematic Scourge...

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:17:00 EDT

They're bright, they're perky — and they've got no inner life. In fact, they exist only to soothe the tortured souls of the male lead. A lighthearted look at MPDGs throughout movie history.

Antony And The Johnsons, Old School Soul, Cuban Jazz, And More

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:32:00 EDT

It's been three years since Antony and the Johnsons released a CD. The band is back with a new EP featuring the strangely haunting voice of frontman Antony Hegarty. Hear "Shake the Devil" from Another World. Also on the show: a live recording of the Buena Vista Social Club performing at Carnegie Hall; old school soul from singer Raphael Saadiq; the vivid imagery of singer David Eugene Edwards and Woven Hand; songwriter Scott Jared, a music therapist by day and Super XX Man by night; and a wrecking ball of an album from the Athens, GA band Dead Confederate.

Dan Dyer: 'Love Chain'

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:13:00 EDT

For his follow-up to 2004's Of What Lies Beneath, Austin, TX resident Dan Dyer draws from gospel, Bossa Nova and even ragtime for a contemporary homage of pulsating grooves. His selt-titled sophomore release, which dropped in late August, begins with the soulful "Love Chain," featuring members of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Choir backing Dyer's own Stevie Wonder-inspired tenor. It's a passionate and stunning opener, showcasing much of the musical styles Dyer grew up on.

How To Be The Ultimate Taskmaster

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Modern life has left some of us suffering from a fear of idleness. For these souls, even a few seconds without some activity is a source of dread and anxiety. What ever will I do while wait for that Web site to load or the customer service person to answer? Jennifer Sharpe has found a way to fill those tiny vacuums.

Guest DJ: Will Sheff of Okkervil River

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:17:00 EDT

Okkervil River frontman Will Sheff shares some of his favorite (and fairly obscure) music with All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen. The two talk about Okkervil River's latest album, The Stand-Ins and listen to some of the songs Sheff has loved and been inspired by over the years. Hear music from soul singer Lorraine Ellison, the 1960s Jamaican group Carlton and the Shoes, former teen idol-turned introspective singer Dion, and The Penetrators — a 1970s band some would call punk, others would call garage rock.

Amos Lee On Mountain Stage

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:05:00 EDT

Amos Lee's soulful folk-pop music, clear voice and grounded lyrical observations bring to mind artists such as Otis Redding and Bill Withers. Lee performed highlights from all three of his albums during a recent appearance on Mountain Stage.

Angst Lurks Behind The Lawn Mower

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EDT

Desperate housewives get all the press, but what about the bumbling, emotionally stunted men of the house? Three books offer a peek inside the elusive minds — and conflicted souls — of forlorn suburban men.

Parting Words: On Autumn

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:54:00 EDT

Host Andrea Seabrook offers parting words from novelist George Eliot: "Delicious autumn. My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the Earth seeking successive autumns"

Ruthie Foster On Mountain Stage

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:14:00 EDT

On Ruthie Foster's latest CD, The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster, the Texas-based singer and guitarist finds a home where deep soul meets classic blues and modern roots music. In her Mountain Stage performance, Foster pours out her heart on songs written by Lucinda Williams and others.

Jaymay: 'Blue Skies'

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Jaymay has been called a folk artist and she cites Bob Dylan among her influences. But her music is richer and more unpredictable than traditional folk singers. Jaymay's debut album, Autumn Fallin', is a collection of charmingly heartbroken songs that mix bluesy-folk and pop. She's got a soulful voice that compliments heartfelt lyrics with a complex and layered mix of instrumentation.

Adele: A Soul Sensation At '19'

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:50:00 EDT

With enthusiastic critical reception, Adele has been rewarded with "soul sensation" status in the U.K. on the strength of her powerful voice and winning personality. Hear her perform on World Cafe with host David Dye.