The accomplished musician shares his approach to improvisation and teaching. He considers the changing approach and education of younger musicians is affecting the future of jazz.
In light of the current PATCO strike, labor historian Philip Foner discusses recent controversies surrounding strikes by public employees, as well as the history of organized labor in the United States. Fresh Air host Terry Gross invites listeners to call in with their questions.
Two experts on drug trafficking tell Fresh Air's Terry Gross about the difficulties of curtailing the production and sale of illicit drugs that originate outside the U.S. They debate whether or not American support of Burma's ethnic minorities could help reduce opium production.
The historian and prolific writer talks about the influence of communist organizations and movements in the United States and abroad. He is careful to point out the positive influence of communists in American labor movements, and cautions against viewing communism in different countries as a monolithic force.
The jazz and film critic believes that all the methods and techniques filmmakers use to tell a story were ether pioneered or refined by D.W. Griffith. Despite the pervasive racism in the director's art, Williams argues for the preservation of Griffith's legacy.
The Village Voice writer has a new anthology of his music writing called Riding on a Blue Note. His tastes have expanded from jazz to pop vocals, including Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. Giddins also finds much to love about contemporary European and avant-garde jazz.
Cinematographer Garrett Brown worked on the new Brian de Palma film Blow Out. His invention, the Steadicam, has facilitated new production techniques in cinema, particularly with point-of-view shots in thriller and horror movies.
Fresh Air broadcasts a program produced by Newark, New Jersey based-station WBGO which features performances from the renown jazz festival, along with interviews with notable musicians.
As a young person, Philadelphia-based judge William Marutani and his family were moved to a Japanese internment camp. He discusses the history of race-based discrimination during World War II, as well a his own experiences with anti-Asian racism. He advocates for reparations from the U.S. government for those who were forcibly relocated.
Historian Erik Barnouw's new book looks into how the dawn of trick cinema and depictions of magic in films undermined the popularity of live magic shows. He later talks to Terry Gross about the pressure television broadcasters experience from boycotts and sponsors to highlight or remove certain kinds of content.
Lloyd Alexander channels his urge for adventure into his fantasy books for children. He explains how departing from realism has allowed him to write more meaningful stories.
The Scottish musician performed with the folk band Silly Wizard, which developed a loyal following in Europe and the United States. Now based in rural Pennsylvania, he has embarked on a solo career. He performs some traditional tunes in-studio and previews music from a forthcoming album.
Aboriginal Australian musicians perform some of their traditional songs and talk about music's role in their culture. Two scholars discuss recent efforts to promote and preserve this culture.
Anthropologist and filmmaker David Feingold returns to Fresh Air to talk about the opium trade originating in the Shan States of Burma. He explains how government action both locally and taken by the United States have proven ineffective in curtailing drug traffic.
Nutritionist Nathan Pritikin outlines his ideal diet to curtail heart disease and keep weight low. He recommends eschewing dairy and sticking to low-fat, low-protein, unprocessed foods.
The University's head Sheldon Hackney explains his professional role, as well as the role of the Ivy League institution within the city and a larger community of colleges and universities.
Consumer advocate Max Weiner is the founder of CEPA, the Consumer Education Protection Association, which he began in 1965. He is also the founder of the Consumer Party, which became a ballot status party in 1976, and has since fielded candidates in mayoral and other local elections, making it Philadelphia's "third party." Weiner advocates against rate hikes in public works, and is currently fighting against a proposed $89 million PGW rate hike, and the recent proposal to increase SEPTA fares. Weiner has also worked as a teacher, an accountant, and a broker.
