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Around the block and back Dec 29, 2019

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Today we visit John Newcott, composer and singer. Goes by the stage name NewK. Like many, I first knew him as a Marketing guy for Universal and Verve Forecast back in the 90s, but as happens with all first impressions I later had to seriously expand the slot I’d originally allocated to him in my mind. The guy has a long history as a musician and composer as well as a deep love of the art which now, at long last, takes center stage in his life. NewK has been around the block and back, and in this episode of Play It Like It’s Music we get to hear some of his stories as well as some great music.

Say hi to NewK: NewKisms.com

Say hi to Me: trevorexter.com

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"Laughing And Laughing" Dec 28, 2019

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We got a good one today, so settle in. I went to Greenpoint to hang out at the home of Chris Morrissey. Bass player, singer, guitarist, composer, arranger and bandleader. He’s literally everywhere, you can hear him on records by Sara Bareilles, Mark Guiliana, Dave King, Jim Campilongo, Lucius, Ben Kweller, Andrew Bird. But his own, original music will blow your mind. I get a Radiohead-like thrill when I hear his stuff, especially his new record called Laughing And Laughing. Say hi to Chris.
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“I got on the 8:00 bus to come to New York, but the drum machine was on the 7:30” Dec 27, 2019

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Good times today, because we’re hanging out with master drummer Damon Due White. The guy’s been around the world with everybody: Harry Belafonte, Shemekia Copeland and a long list of others. He and I did a bunch of James McBride gigs together in France and Mississippi. Solid cat with a heart of gold. Let’s dive in.
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"Never Stop Experimenting" Dec 26, 2019

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GREGG AUGUST is the man of the hour on the bass. He’s played with Ray Barretto, Ornette Coleman, Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo O’Farrill, James Moody, The Chico O’Farrill Big Band, The list goes on. As a classical bassist he frequently performs with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, The Mark Morris Dance Group, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and the American Composer’s Orchestra. He’s also a faculty member at the Bang on a Can Summer Music Institute at MassMoca in North Adams, Mass. We cracked a beautiful bottle of wine at his place in brooklyn, and he’s got a lot to offer here.
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"The audience doesn't care, they just want to see a gig!" Dec 25, 2019

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Kiku Collins has established herself at the heights of pop, jazz and R&B. She has performed with everybody: Beyonce, Michael Bolton, Jill Scott, Train, Gloria Gaynor, Carole King, Sza, Sam Moore, Esperanza Spalding, Queen Latifah, Trombone Shorty, Smokey Robinson, Keb Mo, Lea Delaria, Paul Shaffer, The Manhattan Transfer, Buddy Guy, Faith Evans, Ciara, Ben E. King, Janelle Monae, Patti LaBelle, Sheila E., Lalah Hathaway... even Joe Piscopo! You might have seen her on the Today Show, Oprah Winfrey, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, at the White House for President Obama (twice), the Grammys and at several international jazz festivals. But it's not all glitz and glamor: Collins is also a cancer and lymphedema patient, and is actively involved with #Cancerland and other advocacy organizations.
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"It was in me from the beginning, but it was repressed." Dec 24, 2019

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Bronx native Daniel Sadownick has toured with a large (and growing) cross-section of the greatest musicians we all love: Michael Brecker, Me'shell Ndege'Ocello, Steely Dan, Tony, Toni Tone', Maxwell, Angie Stone, Dennis Chambers, Nicholas Payton, Christian McBride, Nat Adderley, George Coleman, Dianne Reeves, the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, Carl Allen, Nnenna Freelon, Dewey Redman, Jennifer Lopez... even Billy Idol. Daniel is also a member of the New York based cult band the Screaming Headless Torsos. He is a versatile percussionist that does not limit himself to one genre.
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"You just have to sit in a certain place." Dec 23, 2019

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"You just have to sit in a certain place."
- Trevor P. Allen
My friends, today we hear from a true keeper of the flame, Mr. Trevor P. Allen. From the trenches of the New York club scene to bandstands all over the world, this guy delivers on the bass.
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"I was a freak. Kids like us are freaks." Dec 22, 2019

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There's a guy who's been running an open mic at Birdland in midtown New York City for an insanely long time, and he looks like he's 15 years old. I don't know how he does it, but here he is: Jim Caruso. Showbiz man of the hour here on Play It Like It's Music. It's always a good time hanging with the witty and dapper master of ceremonies. Check it out.
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“When I was young there were a lot of sixteen-year-old cellists... Dec 21, 2019

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“When I was young there were a lot of sixteen-year-old cellists. There are not that many 48 year old cellists.”
Today my guest is Pablo Mahave Veglia, cello professor at Grand Valley State University in Michigan and a total pro. We get into it here, the guy knows his stuff on the cello: all the notes, all the styles, all the periods, all the positions. We get a tour of his instruments and a look at his fascinating life story. Check him out.
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"That song brought me so much joy. If I could play it, maybe I could replicate the joy.” Dec 20, 2019

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We were in too much of a time-crunch for me to record him playing, but the night after we spoke I witnessed him holding court at a campfire jam with about 200 people getting quite sweaty and singing at the top of their lungs. This guy brings it.
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