A Toast to The Arts

When We Return Album - Simrit Kaur on Big Blend Radio

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, multi-talented and world renowned artist and performer Simrit Kaur discusses her new album, "When We Return." Integrating seamlessly with Simrit’s voice and her unique and fresh playing style on the harmonium, each member of her band plays an integral role on "When We Return" and on tour. The eccentric and unusually unique ensemble includes classically trained and ground breaking cellist Shannon Hayden; Salif Bamakora on kora, a 21-string gourd instrument whose strings are made of fishing line; Jared May on bass and Moog synthesizer; and Devon Ashley on drum kit. The album also features violinist Susan Anderson on “Agunjul” and “Kanah”. More at https://simritkaurmusic.com/Thanks to fine art nature photographer Margot Carrera for sponsoring this episode. More at https://www.carrerafineartgallery.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Edwin, Durant, Kovtun Album - Guitarist Jon Durant on Big Blend Radio

This episode of Big Blend Radio features guitarist Jon Durant. Following their critically acclaimed, long-running instrumental collaboration Burnt Belief, Colin Edwin (bass) and Jon Durant (guitars) have joined forces again on their new self-titled album, along with pre-eminent Ukrainian vocalist Inna Kovtun. It’s no mistake that the album cover image features a bridge, as the band draws on their past experiences to blending seemingly unrelated musical environments.In particular, listeners will discover traditional Ukrainian and Slavic folk elements alongside slices of modern electronica, prog rock, and a full range of deep atmospherics. More at https://edwindurantkovtun.rocks/Thanks to the National Parks Arts Foundation for sponsoring this episode. See: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Modern Ancestors - Jazz Vocalist Carmen Lundy on Big Blend Radio

This episode of Big Blend Radio features jazz vocalist, composer, and artist, Carmen Lundy who discusses her art and new album, “Modern Ancestors,” out now on Afrasia Productions. The album features 10 self-penned and arranged tracks, and a stellar band consisting of Julius Rodriguez on piano, brother Curtis Lundy on acoustic upright bass, Kenny Davis on electric and acoustic bass, Mayra Casales on percussion, Terreon Gully and Kassa Overall on drums. More: https://carmenlundy.com/ Thanks to the National Parks Arts Foundation for sponsoring this episode: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch What You Say - Author George Weinstein on Big Blend Radio

On this episode of Big Blend Radio author George Weinstein discusses his riveting new thriller “Watch What You Say,” a novel of psychological suspense that delves into Chromesthesia, and reverses gender roles with a protagonist who must race to save her husband from a kidnapper. Told through the perspectives of three primary characters – protagonist Bo Riccardi, her husband Oscar, and the man who kidnaps him – “Watch What You Say” is a multifaceted thriller that is gripping and sharply constructed. More: http://www.georgeweinstein.com/Featured music is “Astral Travel Plane 9” by Mae Edwards. More: http://maeedwards.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Good Trouble - Singer-songwriter Mutlu on Big Blend Radio

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Philly based powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist, Mutlu, who discusses his new album “Good Trouble” that hits on thought-provoking topics like societal change, inequality, depression, and hardship. However, the album still features two soul-styled songs that emphasize love and connection. Mutlu’s songwriting and vocals will not be the only thing that moves listeners. His rhythmic compositions showcase a rare and retro sound that can be attractive to fans of any genre. Mutlu has toured the nation as a support act with legendary duo Daryl Hall & John Oates, and with acclaimed singer/songwriter Amos Lee. More at: http://www.mutlusounds.com/ Thanks to the National Parks Arts Foundation for sponsoring this episode. More at: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Winter at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun - Lance Laber on Big Blend Radio

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Toast to the Arts Show features Lance Laber, the Executive Director of DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, a 10-acre historic landmark in Tucson, Arizona. On this episode he discusses artist Ted DeGrazia’s career as the most reproduced artist, as well as his current exhibits in the gallery including “DeGrazia Paints the Jungle,” “DeGrazia Downtown,” and “Arizona Highways and Ted DeGrazia.” He also talks about the upcoming La Fiesta de Guadalupe (Dec. 8), and annual opening of the Little Gallery that hosts visiting artists from Nov. 1, 2019-March 20, 2020. More at https://degrazia.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Doves Cry - Starr Parodi and Louis Price on Big Blend Radio

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, former Temptations lead singer Louis Price, and Gold Record recipient, pianist, and producer Starr Parodi discuss their careers and covering the Prince hit “When Doves Cry.” In honor of the 35th anniversary of the film / album “Purple Rain,” they re-imagined it in an acoustic neo-soul arrangement that blends Starr’s haunting Steinway piano textures and melodies with Louis’ vocal depth and heart.Starr Parodi first entered the public eye as part of the house band on the hit late-night Arsenio Hall Show. Since then she has created scores for numerous films, television series, and iconic movie trailers, and her solo work has been featured on NPR, KCRW and iHEART Radio. More: https://www.starrparodi.com/new-page-47Louis Price was the lead voice of The Temptations from 1977 to 1980. He has performed globally on stage and in studio, and can be heard on films including The Lion King, Happy Feet, and Superfly. More: http://louispricemusic.com/LouisPriceMusic/Home.htmlThanks to the National Parks Arts Foundation for sponsoring this segment. https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Hours - Singer-songwriter James Byfield on Big Blend Radio

This episode of Big Blend Radio features San Francisco based singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist James Byfield (aka Blind Lemon Pledge), who discusses his new jazz album “After Hours.” Over the course of his seven albums of rootsy blues and Americana originals, Byfield has garnered International critical praise and airplay. On his new project, he features 13 of his compositions performed by a jazz quartet of top musicians from the San Francisco Bay area, consisting of vocalist Marisa Malvino, pianist Ben Flint, bassist Peter Grenell and drummer Joe Kelner. More at http://www.blindlemon-pledge.com/Thanks to the National Parks Arts Foundation for sponsoring this podcast. https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.