MusicMusic Interviews

NYC Radio Live

David Ellenbogen, host

Live performances and in-depth conversations with extraordinary musicians, artists, writers, and thinkers from more than 40 countries. Hosted by David Ellenbogen and broadcast on WKCR 89.9 FM in New York City. Creator of the 24-hour Ragas Live Festival, which debuted as a broadcast on WKCR in 2012 and is now presented annually at Pioneer Works.

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Avg 58 min
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#824
Tuesday · 1 hr 29 min
Smokey Hormel and Charlie Burnham
Smokey Hormel and Charlie Burnham have played with countless legends of music, like Johnny Cash, James "Blood" Ulmer, Tom Waits, Norah Jones, Cassandra Wilson, Beck, Adele, Justin Timberlake, to name a few. They are also the nucleus of Smokey's Roundup, the eclectic Western Swing band that has been holding it down on Wednesdays at Sunny's Bar, in Red Hook, Brooklyn for over 2 decades. If you're looking for a soulful experience in New York City, this is the place to go. We chat about their shared history, the joyful music they create and celebrate, and many of the legends they've encountered along the way.
#823
August 25 · 52 min
Ehsan Matoori on beauty of the music and poetry of Iran
Born in Iran in 1979, Ehsan Matoori is one of the leading Santoor virtuosos of today. Ehsan discusses the long and deep history, dating back thousands of years, of Persian music and poetry, his own journey, and his exciting new project, The Rite of Strings, whose debut album, Dust and the Moon will be released August 28th by Bright Shiny Things. For a deeper dive into Persian Music, here are a few artists Ehsan recommends. Mohammad Reza Shajarian – widely considered the greatest master of Persian classical vocal music. Hossein Alizadeh – one of Iran's most influential composers and tar/setar virtuosos. Faramarz Payvar – the legendary master who shaped the modern tradition of the Persian santoor. Parviz Meshkatian – an extraordinary composer and Persian santoor virtuoso whose music continues to inspire many of us. Pashang Kamkar – one of the great masters of the Persian santoor. Ardavan Kamkar – one of today's greatest Persian santoor virtuosos. Kayhan Kalhor – a master of kamancheh who has introduced Persian music to audiences around the world. Photo: Jacob Carlson
#822
August 18 · 1 hr 24 min
The Chitlin' Circuit: Preston Lauterbach on the Road to Rock and Roll
The roots of rock and roll began in the 1930s, when jazz musicians looked for venues to play beyond the reach of mob-controlled clubs in the North. A promoter laundering his numbers-running revenue expanded this network of jook joints, barns, taverns, and luxurious clubs across the South, creating the Chitlin' Circuit that would bring the world Little Richard, Louis Jordan, James Brown, B.B. King and even Jimi Hendrix. The story is as wild as the music, and no one tells it better than our guest, Preston Lauterbach, author of The Chitlin' Circuit and the Road to Rock and Roll.
#821
August 11 · 54 min
T.H. Vikku Vinayakram, Selvagenesh, Swaminathan Selvaganesh_438
A 2016 interview and live performance with one of the great families of rhythm led by Grammy Award winner and Shakti percussionist T.H. Vikku Vanyakram, his son Selvaganesh (who would also win a Grammy with Shakti) and grandson Swamnithan Selvaganesh. Recorded at the East Indian Music Academy, this is a legendary lineup: T.H. Vikku Vanyakram, ghatam; Uma Shankar, ghatam; Selva Ganesh, kanjira and konokol; Swaminathan Selvaganesh, kanjira and konnakol; A. Ganesan, morsing; Avirodh Sharma, tabla. We are rebroadcasting today to say happy 84th birthday to Vikkuji! TH Vikku Vanyakram Rhythm has always been a quintessential facet of Carnatic music, and in the modern generation of percussionists, perhaps no other individual has mastered the intricacies and the laya endowments of the ghatam to such a great degree as Sri Thetakudi Harihara Vinayakram. T.H. Vinayakram, affectionately known as Vikku, has transformed himself into an international celebrity with his imaginative and beautiful drumming on the ghatam. Well known as a Carnatic artiste, Vikku came to international prominence as part of the famous fusion group Shakti, and went on to participate in many other international fusion music projects. V. Selvaganesh Selvaganesh Vinyakaram is the world’s premiere performer on the kanjira, the South Indian frame drum. Like T.H. Vinayakram, he is also a veteran of the fusion group Shakti with John McLaughlin winning a Grammy with the ensemble. Swaminathan takes forward his father Selvaganesh's efforts in making the diminutive kanjira be heard across the globe through his cross-genre collaborations. Under his grandfathers guidance and training, he brings out the mysticism of bhakti music and the traditional charm of classical notes through the kanjira beats. Avirodh Sharma is one of the leading Tabla Players from the West Indies and the United States. He is featured on Zee TV, TV Asia, NPR radio on the leonard lopatte show, NY Daily News, and at the end of 2015 making an appearance on the Starz Network Season Premiere, "flesh and bone"..
#820
August 4 · 1 hr 3 min
John Medeski
John Medeski is one of the most versatile pianists and keyboard players of our time. Already gigging with world class musicians like Jaco Pastorius in High School and connecting with greats like Billy Higgins, Dewey Redman and Bob Moses in college, he landed in the adventurous downtown New York scene of in the 1990. That fertile artistic environment is where he connected with and formed the the exploratory groove trio Medeski Martin and Wood We chat about the downtown scene, his projects with John Zorn, Julian Lage, Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, and the inspiration of keeping it analog. Photo: Michael Bloom
#819
July 28 · 28 min
Anand Avirmed
This is Anand Avirmed and Mari Tanka's set performed live at the 2025 Ragas Live Festival on October 18–19, 2025, at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, New York. Anand's set featured traditional Mongolian throat singing (Khoomei) and playing the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), along with Mari Tanaka creating acoustic drones. Audio: Mixed and Mastered by Parag Deshpande
#818
July 21 · 1 hr 16 min
Ra Kalam Bob Moses talks Jack De Johnette, Charles Mingus, Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Drummer and composer Ra Kalam Bob Moses has had an extraordinary career working with just about everybody. Here's a partial list: Pat Metheny, Charles Mingus, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Jim, Larry Coryell, Dave Liebman, Gary Burton, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, Jack DeJohnette, Jaco Pastorius, Michael Brecker, Sheila Jordan, Bobby McFerrin, Bill Frisell, John Scofield, Dave Holland, Charlie Haden, Hermeto Pascoal, Danilo Perez, David Sanchez, Chucho Valdes, Savion Glover, Nana Vasconcelos, Obo Addy, John Medeski, Vernon Reid, Pharoah Sanders. He's coming up to town to celebrate his longtime friend and collaborator Celebrating Jack DeJohnette: Sound Travels August 9th at UPAC, the Ulster Performing Arts Center. A prolific artist, you can discover his latest recordings at his website.
#817
July 14 · 1 hr 2 min
Kroba - Ragas Live Festival 2022
5 AM set of the 24 hour Ragas Live Festival at Pioneer Works 10.23.22 Kroba (saxophone and analog synth) Originally broadcast on WKCR-FM Be the first to hear the latest updates! Join our email list Ragas Live Festival ( https://ragaslive.com/sign-up ) The Ragas Live Festival was born out of these increasingly ambitious radio shows, and began in the WKCR studio in 2012 when 50 musicians volunteered to play continuous sets for 24 hours, co-creating our historic first broadcast!
#815
July 7 · 1 hr 5 min
John P. Murphy and the art of the New Deal
After "the end of the world" in the 1930s, the greatest patron of art in the world became the United States Governement. The impact of this would surprise anyone who digs into the history. John P. Murphy takes us on a wild ride of New Deal art and the surprising twists and turns that would end up ushering in a new dawn of culture in the United Sates. John P. Murphy is a Curator of Prints and Drawings at The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Vassar College. A scholar of American art, he is the author of New Deal Art: Culture and Crisis in the Great Depression
#816
June 30 · 34 min
Hariprasad Chaurasia - at home with the legend of bansuri
Today Hariprasad Chaurasia, the greatest maestro of the bansuri, the bamboo flute, turns 88. We celebrate by sharing our 2018 interview with Pd. Chaurasia conducted at his home/gurukul in Bombay. We also chat with Jay Gandhi, his senior disciple, and an unbelievable musician himself, who shares his insights on the life and music of his guru. WKCR will be playing the music of Hariprasad Chaurasia for 12 continuous hours from 6AM-6PM on his birthday (Wednesday July 1, 2026). Jay Gandhi and I will be hosting the noon-3pm slot sharing choice recordings that span his career.
#814
June 23 · 1 hr 13 min
Mu Qian explores the music of China, Central Asia, and beyond
Dr. Mu Qian is an ethnomusicologist, music producer, performing arts curator, and writer. He's traveled to places few others have and shares his recordings from Western China, South East Asia, and beyond. You can learn more about Mu and his research on the music of the Dong people in this article he wrote for Simithsonian Magazine Mu has curated world music concerts in Asia, Europe, and North America. He recorded and produced the CD "Everyone Listen Close" by Yandong Grand Singers, which was selected by Transglobal World Music Chart as the Best Album of Asia & Pacific of the 2019-2020 season. He hosts serial radio shows on BBC3 to introduce music from different parts of China, and contributes to the Songlines magazine. As an ethnomusicologist, Mu has given lectures at University of California, Los Angeles, International Institute for Asian Studies (Leiden), and Royal Holloway, University of London. He has published articles on European Journal of Musicology and Central Asian Survey, and translated into Chinese Alan P. Merriam’s book Anthropology of Music (People’s Music Publishing House, Beijing, 2010).
#813
June 16 · 21 min
Cosmas Magaya - Master of the Shona Mbira
Cosmas Magaya was one of the masters of the Shona Mbira, the magical trance music of Zimbabwe. Recorded in 2011, originally our 15th episode of NYC Radio Live, he sprinkled our conversation with musical examples and performances. Cosmas was featured on the classic album the Soul of the Mbira (1978) in and played a big role in the research in the accompanying books as well. He co-author a book called Mbira's Restless Dance with musicologist paul Berliner. This was one of the first NYC Radio Live Podcasts ever, we recorded in 2011
#812
June 9 · 1 hr 2 min
Tony Trischka talks Earl Scruggs, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and Béla Fleck
Tony Trischka has been called 'the father of modern bluegrass' though he claims here there are 'many fathers and a few mothers.' Either way he expanded the range of the banjo like few others. Photo by Gregory Heisler
#811
June 2 · 1 hr 24 min
Billy Martin talks Medeski, Martin, Wood, John Lurie, and the heartbeat of the clave
Billy Martin (a.k.a. illy B), is a genre-bending drummer, composer and visual artist known for his work with Medeski Martin & Wood, John Lurie’s Lounge Lizards, and others. We chat about his early days connecting with folks like Bob Moses, Jaco Pastorius and the percussion training that made him such an original drummer.
#810
May 26 · 30 min
Miles Davis: Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, and George Wein share their memories of the maestro
Today is Miles Davis' centenial and we celebrate by sharing interviews with Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, and George Wein, all who worked closely with Miles. Jack DeJohnette joined Miles in 1968 and appeared on classic albums like Bitches Brew, On the Corner, A Tribute to Jack Johnson, Big Fun, and Live Evil. Our interview was recoreded in 2010. John Scofield worked with Miles for several years in the 1980's documented in albums like Star People, Decoy, and Your're Under Arrest. This conversation was recorded in 2026. George Wein, the founder of Newport Jazz and Folk Festival, began working with Miles in the 1950's and later yanked him out of retirement in the 1980's . We recorded this at George's apartment sometime between 2005-2010. These 3 legends share their memories of Miles Davis. Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)
#809
May 19 · 55 min
Jeremiah Chiu
Jeremiah Chiu is a synthesist and visual artist. He brings his unique organic/electronic aesthetic to the experimental supergroup SML and a series of beautiful solo and collaborative albums on the International Anthem label. We chat about his Chicago roots, his creative process, and saying something rather than everything. Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)
#808
May 12 · 1 hr 17 min
The Blind Boys of Alabama: Ricky McKinnie and Preston Lauterbach
In 1939, a group of children aged 10-16 would sneak out of an institute for the blind in Taledega, Alabama and sing for the Lord - and for donations. These Blind Boys of Alabama would go on to become one of the most celebrated gospel groups of all time, winning 6 Grammy awards and working with the biggest names in music. Current lead singer Ricky McKinnie and author Preston Lauterbach, who co-wrote Spirit of the Century: Our Own Story with the Blind Boys of Alabama tell the incredible, unlikely, inside history of this ensemble that is still going strong more than 85 years later. Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)
#807
May 5 · 39 min
Rakesh Chaurasia and Salar Nader
Two time Grammy Award winning bansuri maestro Rakesh Chaurasia and tabla pheonom Salar Nader, are two of the most outstanding musicians of their generation. Both child prodigies, Rakesh began his studies with his uncle, Hariprasad Chaurasia at 4 years and Salar began his studies with Zakir Hussain at the age 7. Rakesh toured the world with Zakir Hussain, Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer and won those Grammys for their album "As We Speak." We chat with two musicians about where their music came from and where it's going. Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)
#806
April 28 · 1 hr 5 min
Judith Owen
Judith Owen is a vocalist, bandleader, podcaster, and champion of jazz divas who have not yet been given their proper due, like her heroes Nellie Lutcher and Julia Lee. We caught up with Judith on her way to bring her J.O. Big Band to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (April 30) and a date with her Gentlemen Callers at the Cutting Room in New York City (May 7). Photo: Steve Rapport photography Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home (https://nycradiolive.org/) Ragas Live Festival Home (https://ragaslive.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D)
#805
April 21 · 46 min
Gamelan Dharma Swara Ragas Live Festival 2024
10:30AM set of the 24 hour Ragas Live Festival at Pioneer Works 10.19.24 Gamelan Dharma Swara is one of the leading Balinese gamelan and dance groups in the United States. Catch them live at the next Second Sundays: May 2026 at Pioneer Works Sunday, May 10, 2026 4pm-5.30pm Subscribe to the NYC Radio Live podcast for access to over 400 live performances and interviews! NYC Radio Live Home https://nycradiolive.org/ Ragas Live Festival Home https://ragaslive.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nyc_radio_live?igsh=MXUyZDRpNHdtczd6NA%3D%3D

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