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If you listen to Al Green, then the answer is probably 'yes'! :)

This recent Guardian Science Weekly episode delves into the fascinating world of music where presenter Alok Jah and Philip Ball start their discussion with Darwin's idea of music being a form a sexual display.  The programme continues with other topics, such as Sean Caroll's recent book on the Theory of Time, as well as a round up of recent goings on in the world of science.

A great programme to exercise your mind at the start of this week.

Link to Podcast:

Guardian Science Weekly: Why humans make music

Related Links:

Guardian Science Weekly

Music

Sean Caroll

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An old skoooool radio show format, of interview and music tracks - oooh, yeh, that's what I really like!  Today, this programme comes courtesy of 'Beck' - have a listen and start the weekend on a melodic note.

Link to Podcast:

Brian LeBarton interviews James Gadson

Related Links:

Beck

James Gadson

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This evening I've been listening to 'The New Frontiers of Jazz' by NPR's On Point.  

Tom Ashbrook's provocation begins with him talking to John Comerford, producer of a documentary entitled 'Icons Amongst Us: Jazz in the Present Tense'.  The programme includes genius tracks and contributions from the musicians behind them, all giving their take on where and what Jazz is now... even if it's still called Jazz at all.

Music is often difficult to define and this On Point episode expands on the confusion. It also opens up an interesting conversation: a great musical movement started in America called 'Jazz'... are we still in that movement?... is it evolving?... has Jazz come to mean something else to the masses?... 

Swing, european jazz, bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, free jazz, latin jazz, post bop, soul jazz, jazz fusion, smooth jazz, acid jazz, nu jazz, jazz rap, punk jazz... Does it matter?... Listen and see what you think.

Link to Podcast:

The New Frontiers of Jazz

Related Links:

NPR On Point

Icons Amongst Us: Jazz in the Present Tense

Jazz

Charlie Parker

Soulive

Skerik

The Roots

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Is it Friday already?.... Whaaat?... Where o' where did the week go?...

Ok, so, yes, it's Friday and I think we should all mellow out by having a listen to this great Gillles Peterson special; an interview with Mos Def.  

Mos Def talks about his recent London gig, his new album The Ecstatic and a mish-mash of other things from childhood memories through to his influences.  Mos comes across as a laid back yet highly clued up man, and the tracks played in between the chat reflect his worldly approach to music.

I've mentioned Gilles Peterson's worldwide show before in a previous post.  All that's left to say is, 'go listen and discover some great music'.

Link to Podcast:

Words and Music from Mos Def

Related Links:

Gilles Peterson

Mos Def

The Ecstatic

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Today I came across a podcast portraying musician Soweto Kinch talking about growing up in Birmingham, the city's cultural identity, his influences and his album 'A life in the Day of B19' featuring narration by Moira Stuart (you know?... of BBC 6 O'clock news fame).  If you haven't heard Soweto Kinch's album or music then this podcast will give you a few snippets as well as let you appreciate the collage of attributes that make up a multi-cultural city like Birmingham.

The Grass Roots Channel from Podnosh, based in Birmingham, aims to bring you audio stories and inspiration from people who have taken action towards building stronger communities and contributed positively to their own neighbourhoods.  In this particular episode Soweto may challenge many people's perceptions of Birmingham and its' associated musical or cultural scene.

Go on, take 12 minutes out, have a listen and broaden your horizons...

Link to Podcast:
Podnosh: Soweto Kinch on Life in Birmingham

Related Links:
Soweto Kinch
Jazz Nation interview with Soweto Kinch
Wikipedia on Birmingham
Moira Stuart

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As a long time listener and fan of Mr Peterson's offerings, what can I say?  Without the man my musical education and exploration would have stopped at Beats International's Dub Be Good to Me!!  

Having not listened to Gilles' podcasts for a while, today I tuned my laptop to www.gillespetersonworldwide.com and cranked up the volume knob to have a listen to an episode recorded back in September, entitled Joel's Joints Vol. 1.  The show follows a neat format of asking guest Joel Martin to pick a random song, talk about it and play the melody for you to enjoy for yourself of course.  Joel Martin starts with a chat about his background and how he got into music before introducing the tune he chooses to put in the limelight for the show, and what a tune... East of Brooklyn by Hank Mobley.

Always a pleasurable listening experience, followed by an itching to get to the record shop ASAP to indulge in more, Gilles Peterson's podcasts are a great way to discover new melodies.  This is classic radio format of chat and good music at its best.

Link to Podcast:

Gilles Peterson Podcasts: Joel's Joints Vol. 1

Related Links:

Gilles Peterson Podcasts

Joel Martin

Wikipedia on Hank Mobley

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