radio barz

Where do you find new music?

This week, my son Jonathan asked, "Dad, where do you find new music?" Well, son, here are the top 3 places I go to discover new tunes:

1. Daytrotter. Just launched its paid membership -- $2 a month for a priceless collection of exclusive sessions, hot streams and ultra cool illustrations and editorial. What are you waiting for? Pay the man and start listening. Latest Daytrotter find -- Lateef the Truthspeaker's smooth, groovy, jazz rap. 
2. NPR's All Songs Considered podcast, blog and 24/7 music channel. In Bob Boilen, the godfather of All Songs, I trust. Same said for his All Song's compatriot Robin Hilton. They routinely turn me on to music I might have missed. All Song's intimate Tiny Desk Concerts are addictive. Special editions showcase electronic, metal and latin music. All Song's also presents great theme shows (when did you "break up" with your favorite band?), guest DJ sets and extensive SXSW coverage, including bleary-eyed, conversational SXSW recaps -- often recorded way past the midnight hour.
3. KCRW. Just about any place you turn your ear on this station, you’ll find new, engaging and intriguing music. Many of my discovers have come from listening to shows hosted by Anne Litt, Garth Trinidad and Aaron Byrd. Also love the station's Eclectic 24 music stream.

Other places I turn to hear new tunes:

• RCRD LBL - Fun remixes and wild variety. Where else can you find The Antlers cover The xx song "VCR" and Rev. Lonnie Farris' soulful "Peace in the Valley." 
• No Depression 
• KEXP Song of the Day
• WWOZ - Bringing New Orleans music to the world.
• For fans of Turntable, Blip may seem a little underwhelming, but it's fast, accessible and a great way to connect with DJs around the world and discover what's in their ear.
• RIP (and hopefully rise again) WOXY. 
• If I was only in town, Everybody's Records in Cincinnati.
• When I'm downtown Chicago, Reckless Records. Pick your location.
• When I'm at SXSW, Waterloo Records. 

I’m also experiencing an emerging obsession this week with Tom Sharpling’s newly launched musician interview podcast, Low Times. The first ep featured Wild Flag drummer Janet Weiss, Owen Ashworth of Advance Base, and bassist Catherine Popper, who's played with Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson and -- don't take my word for it, listen yourself -- Chevy Chase. Low Times is freaking awesome. Thanks, Tom, Maggie and Daniel. I eagerly await episode 2. 

Jonathan, I hope I answered your question. 

Where do you go to find new music? Let me know and I'll post the resources you share.

 

Jazz discovery: Don Shirley, "Waterboy"

I love to discover great music in unexpected places. Sometimes it's a song overheard on the radio or over the speakers at a store or restaurant. But the best introductions come from family, friends and new acquaintances. 

This brings me to Bud. I met Bud last night at a holiday dinner party. At first, it would seem we have little in common. Bud is 72, retired Air Force. I'm 49 and tired marketing director. But here's what Bud and I have in common, a love of good music. And Bud's world travels have opened him up to more music than I could hope to hear, particularly jazz. Bud's collection is housed on eight-tracks, four-tracks (remember four track?), reel-to-reel and vinyl. Bud has a particular passion for piano jazz, played by smart trios and quartets. The kind of music Don Shirley played so well. 

Bud may well be a Don Shirley fanatic. And with good reason. Shirley is the real deal. As if I needed proof, Bud broke out his iPod and offered me the opportunity to listen to one of his favorite Don Shirley tracks, "Waterboy." Sweet, soulful bass and persistent rhythm driven by Shirley's clear, crisp piano. Wow! Thanks Bud for the introduction. I'll soon host "Waterboy" and many other Shirley classics on my iPod.

Music to shop by: Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall

I'm not a fan of Christmas shopping, especially on December 19, when shoppers roam the stores in hordes like retail zombies. Their hunger for that last good bargain knows few limits. Dashing through the snow from store to store, I was bored, appalled and depressed by the blather of sports talk, bland FM music and political gasbags on the radio.

Thankfully, I was riding with the CD Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall. Popped it in and within minutes cut #1, "Monk's Mood," began to smooth the wrinkles in the wrapping paper of my mind. Jazz salvation and musical inspiration to finish my shopping journey. 

Song of the Day: Louis Armstrong Performs "Hello Dolly"

NPR: Louis Armstrong in his own words; new bio focuses on music legend

Check out the new NPR feature on Louis Armstrong including an interview with Terry Teachout author of the new biography, Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong. And check out Terry Teachout's five favorite Armstrong records.

Read an excerpt from Pops. 

Buy the book and get music by Louis Armstrong: