Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-jim-motavalli-interview-podcast Jim Motavalli of WPKN features interviews new and archival - artists, movers, shakers, and more. Jim Motavalli 63d3a2b8-9db3-5c1a-9d28-020aa8ac068e yes en Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:58:20 -0400 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:59:06 -0400 https://img.transistorcdn.com/MfBMjF0sZI6wMMVz08fN80B_rguhEvP7M-_V-QI3EDs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80MjEy/ZTUxZGFmY2NlOTU3/NzBkNzUwNmFhOTQ1/Y2E2OS5qcGc.jpg episodic WPKN, Jim Motavalli Jim Motavalli of WPKN features interviews new and archival - artists, movers, shakers, and more. Jim Motavalli of WPKN features interviews new and archival - artists, movers, shakers, and more.. WPKN, Jim Motavalli No No 45 45 Robbie Fulks Talks About Life full 61d0ccaa-303c-44b1-9093-c93b753756be https://share.transistor.fm/s/07c1e756 Robbie Fulks is a native North Carolinian who has bluegrass and country as a default position, but also revels in many other musical styles. A stint at Columbia University in New York probably helped broaden his world view, but there's something of an auto didact about him, too. Music came naturally, as his father played guitar and his aunt banjo, which he started playing at age six. Skipping ahead,  In 1987, he joined The Special Consensus Bluegrass Band, where he showcased his unique guitar flatpicking style. In the early 1990s he performed in the musical Woody Guthrie's American Song. Fulks writes some very funny songs that, as one critic noted, "subvert the country tropes," but his music also delves deep. 
 

]]> Robbie Fulks is a native North Carolinian who has bluegrass and country as a default position, but also revels in many other musical styles. A stint at Columbia University in New York probably helped broaden his world view, but there's something of an auto didact about him, too. Music came naturally, as his father played guitar and his aunt banjo, which he started playing at age six. Skipping ahead,  In 1987, he joined The Special Consensus Bluegrass Band, where he showcased his unique guitar flatpicking style. In the early 1990s he performed in the musical Woody Guthrie's American Song. Fulks writes some very funny songs that, as one critic noted, "subvert the country tropes," but his music also delves deep. 
 

]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:58:09 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 649 Robbie Fulks is a native North Carolinian who has bluegrass and country as a default position, but also revels in many other musical styles. A stint at Columbia University in New York probably helped broaden his world view, but there's something of an auto didact about him, too. Music came naturally, as his father played guitar and his aunt banjo, which he started playing at age six. Skipping ahead,  In 1987, he joined The Special Consensus Bluegrass Band, where he showcased his unique guitar flatpicking style. In the early 1990s he performed in the musical Woody Guthrie's American Song. Fulks writes some very funny songs that, as one critic noted, "subvert the country tropes," but his music also delves deep. 
 

]]> No 44 44 The Country Blues of Ireland's Murieann Bradley full 14337912-2dc2-4478-a1ab-3ee91907ac20 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a6baa2f8 Murieann Bradley is a 19-year-old acoustic guitarist/singer from Ireland who specializes in the fingerpicking styles of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, citing influences such as Mississippi John Hurt, Reverend Gary Davis, and Elizabeth Cotten. She learned to play largely from her father, a blues enthusiast. After a breakout performance on the BBC's Jools' Annual Hootenanny in 2023, she has toured the world, including a performance at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 28. Her debut album, I Kept These Old Blues, was released on Tompkins Square Records and later reached the top ten of the UK Albums Download Chart. She signed with Decca Records in late 2024.

]]> Murieann Bradley is a 19-year-old acoustic guitarist/singer from Ireland who specializes in the fingerpicking styles of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, citing influences such as Mississippi John Hurt, Reverend Gary Davis, and Elizabeth Cotten. She learned to play largely from her father, a blues enthusiast. After a breakout performance on the BBC's Jools' Annual Hootenanny in 2023, she has toured the world, including a performance at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 28. Her debut album, I Kept These Old Blues, was released on Tompkins Square Records and later reached the top ten of the UK Albums Download Chart. She signed with Decca Records in late 2024.

]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:48:19 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 937 Murieann Bradley is a 19-year-old acoustic guitarist/singer from Ireland who specializes in the fingerpicking styles of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, citing influences such as Mississippi John Hurt, Reverend Gary Davis, and Elizabeth Cotten. She learned to play largely from her father, a blues enthusiast. After a breakout performance on the BBC's Jools' Annual Hootenanny in 2023, she has toured the world, including a performance at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 28. Her debut album, I Kept These Old Blues, was released on Tompkins Square Records and later reached the top ten of the UK Albums Download Chart. She signed with Decca Records in late 2024.

]]> No 43 43 Lab Dog: Melanie Kaplan's Book on Using Canines in Medical Research full 2b22a3ab-663d-4d46-b4d3-570ad55d3f34 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1573be78 Melanie D.G. Kaplan talks to Jim Motavalli about her book Lab Dog: A Beagle and his Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research. She explores the ethics and future of animal experimentation through the story of her rescued beagle, Hammy.

 

]]> Melanie D.G. Kaplan talks to Jim Motavalli about her book Lab Dog: A Beagle and his Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research. She explores the ethics and future of animal experimentation through the story of her rescued beagle, Hammy.

 

]]> Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:58:56 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 981 Melanie D.G. Kaplan talks to Jim Motavalli about her book Lab Dog: A Beagle and his Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research. She explores the ethics and future of animal experimentation through the story of her rescued beagle, Hammy.

 

]]> beagles, lab dogs, lab dog book, medical research No 42 42 The Musical Alchemy of Iron & Wine full ff21b8eb-174d-4f0b-8d68-4499d902778b https://share.transistor.fm/s/cf1c0202 Jim Motavalli talked to Sam Beam, a/k/a Iron & Wine, a master of brilliant, hushed Americana music and a collaborator par excellence (particularly with amazing women). In the interview, we talk about Beam's work with Fiona Apple, Jesca Hoop, I'm With Her and others, and also about his new album Hen's Teeth (2026). 

]]> Jim Motavalli talked to Sam Beam, a/k/a Iron & Wine, a master of brilliant, hushed Americana music and a collaborator par excellence (particularly with amazing women). In the interview, we talk about Beam's work with Fiona Apple, Jesca Hoop, I'm With Her and others, and also about his new album Hen's Teeth (2026). 

]]> Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:54:00 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1030 Jim Motavalli talked to Sam Beam, a/k/a Iron & Wine, a master of brilliant, hushed Americana music and a collaborator par excellence (particularly with amazing women). In the interview, we talk about Beam's work with Fiona Apple, Jesca Hoop, I'm With Her and others, and also about his new album Hen's Teeth (2026). 

]]> iron & wine, sam beam No 41 41 Alex Manos full 1bcbb24d-a552-4f6f-ae21-7e8c10fa82e2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d6471512 Alex Manos says he's the country's number one buyer of classic cars. He buys European and American cars nationwide, and would love to talk about buying your old vehicle. 

]]> Alex Manos says he's the country's number one buyer of classic cars. He buys European and American cars nationwide, and would love to talk about buying your old vehicle. 

]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:30:48 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 565 Alex Manos says he's the country's number one buyer of classic cars. He buys European and American cars nationwide, and would love to talk about buying your old vehicle. 

]]> classic cars No 40 40 Two Crows for Comfort Comes Close full 2ca76790-ed89-44d6-9023-0dadc7f4af25 https://share.transistor.fm/s/caea4a59  Two Crows for Comfort is a Canadian folk and Americana duo based out of Manitoba, composed of Erin Corbin and Cory Sulyma. Known for their rich harmonies and poignant storytelling, they have been a full-time touring act since early 2020, living on the road in an 18-foot camper with their rescue dog, Elliot. They talked to Jim Motavalli for WPKN

]]>  Two Crows for Comfort is a Canadian folk and Americana duo based out of Manitoba, composed of Erin Corbin and Cory Sulyma. Known for their rich harmonies and poignant storytelling, they have been a full-time touring act since early 2020, living on the road in an 18-foot camper with their rescue dog, Elliot. They talked to Jim Motavalli for WPKN

]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:12:52 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 852  Two Crows for Comfort is a Canadian folk and Americana duo based out of Manitoba, composed of Erin Corbin and Cory Sulyma. Known for their rich harmonies and poignant storytelling, they have been a full-time touring act since early 2020, living on the road in an 18-foot camper with their rescue dog, Elliot. They talked to Jim Motavalli for WPKN

]]> two crows for comfort No 39 39 Emily Masser: The Jazz is in the Family full 17a84564-21f9-4dd3-818a-fd987d454e65 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad919df5 British jazz singer Emily Masser is only 21, but shows a mature command of her art, inspired by her saxophonist father, Dean Masser. Pianist Horace Silver wrote the beautiful "Song For My Father," but Masser made a whole album called Songs With my Father (with dad playing his horn). 

]]> British jazz singer Emily Masser is only 21, but shows a mature command of her art, inspired by her saxophonist father, Dean Masser. Pianist Horace Silver wrote the beautiful "Song For My Father," but Masser made a whole album called Songs With my Father (with dad playing his horn). 

]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:08:14 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1169 British jazz singer Emily Masser is only 21, but shows a mature command of her art, inspired by her saxophonist father, Dean Masser. Pianist Horace Silver wrote the beautiful "Song For My Father," but Masser made a whole album called Songs With my Father (with dad playing his horn). 

]]> emily masser No 38 38 John Gennari: In the Jazz Barn full c5d6f981-083e-401c-91a1-f1ce21c70205 https://share.transistor.fm/s/48d16392 John Gennari's profusely illustrated book The Jazz Barn (Brandeis University Press) traces the history of a short-lived but vital institution in the history of music. Music Inn, in Lenox, Massachusetts near Tanglewood, took jazz seriously and brought musicians to a bucolic setting for teaching, concerts and building bridges to what eventually became the classical-jazz fusion known as Third Stream. With many photographs by Holocaust survivor Clemens Kalischer.

]]> John Gennari's profusely illustrated book The Jazz Barn (Brandeis University Press) traces the history of a short-lived but vital institution in the history of music. Music Inn, in Lenox, Massachusetts near Tanglewood, took jazz seriously and brought musicians to a bucolic setting for teaching, concerts and building bridges to what eventually became the classical-jazz fusion known as Third Stream. With many photographs by Holocaust survivor Clemens Kalischer.

]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:02:55 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1415 John Gennari's profusely illustrated book The Jazz Barn (Brandeis University Press) traces the history of a short-lived but vital institution in the history of music. Music Inn, in Lenox, Massachusetts near Tanglewood, took jazz seriously and brought musicians to a bucolic setting for teaching, concerts and building bridges to what eventually became the classical-jazz fusion known as Third Stream. With many photographs by Holocaust survivor Clemens Kalischer.

]]> No 37 37 Frander: Trad Folk Meets Progressive Rock in This Swedish Swirl full 400a5f9e-3cac-4d6d-bfa6-5115d07ea90d https://share.transistor.fm/s/3f94921e Encountered recently at the Scandinavian Club in Fairfield, Connecticut, Sweden's Frander combines roots in traditional Swedish folk with an ear to progressive rock--but all with acoustic instruments. 

]]> Encountered recently at the Scandinavian Club in Fairfield, Connecticut, Sweden's Frander combines roots in traditional Swedish folk with an ear to progressive rock--but all with acoustic instruments. 

]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:55:46 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1550 Encountered recently at the Scandinavian Club in Fairfield, Connecticut, Sweden's Frander combines roots in traditional Swedish folk with an ear to progressive rock--but all with acoustic instruments. 

]]> swedish folk music No 36 36 The Weary Ramblers: An Americana Wealth of Experience full aa4321c9-b81c-44ec-abc9-4136fdb86356 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9cfd64df  Iowa-based Americana duo, Weary Ramblers bring years of experience to the stage with award-winning songwriting and chemistry. Chad Elliott (Woody Guthrie Song Contest & Kerrville Finalist) and Kathryn Severing Fox (DownBeat winner & international touring artist) showcase multi-instrumental performances with tight harmonies and great storytelling. Fox has played, toured or recorded with George Benson, The Beach Boys, The Eagles, Pharrell Williams, Gloria Estefan, Natalie Cole, Osmond Brothers, Gloria Gaynor, Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Kenny Loggins, The Marley Family, Mark O’Connor, Ryan Montbleau, Seth Walker, Ben Sollee, Edgar Meyer and Joshua Bell. Chad Elliott, known as "Iowa's Renaissance Man," has written 2,000 songs and toured with Odetta, Tom Paxton, Loudon Wainwright III, R.L. Burnside, Greg Brown, Ruthie Foster, Verlon Thompson, Jimmie Vaughan, Bo Ramsey and Mary Gauthier.

]]>  Iowa-based Americana duo, Weary Ramblers bring years of experience to the stage with award-winning songwriting and chemistry. Chad Elliott (Woody Guthrie Song Contest & Kerrville Finalist) and Kathryn Severing Fox (DownBeat winner & international touring artist) showcase multi-instrumental performances with tight harmonies and great storytelling. Fox has played, toured or recorded with George Benson, The Beach Boys, The Eagles, Pharrell Williams, Gloria Estefan, Natalie Cole, Osmond Brothers, Gloria Gaynor, Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Kenny Loggins, The Marley Family, Mark O’Connor, Ryan Montbleau, Seth Walker, Ben Sollee, Edgar Meyer and Joshua Bell. Chad Elliott, known as "Iowa's Renaissance Man," has written 2,000 songs and toured with Odetta, Tom Paxton, Loudon Wainwright III, R.L. Burnside, Greg Brown, Ruthie Foster, Verlon Thompson, Jimmie Vaughan, Bo Ramsey and Mary Gauthier.

]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:51:19 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 944  Iowa-based Americana duo, Weary Ramblers bring years of experience to the stage with award-winning songwriting and chemistry. Chad Elliott (Woody Guthrie Song Contest & Kerrville Finalist) and Kathryn Severing Fox (DownBeat winner & international touring artist) showcase multi-instrumental performances with tight harmonies and great storytelling. Fox has played, toured or recorded with George Benson, The Beach Boys, The Eagles, Pharrell Williams, Gloria Estefan, Natalie Cole, Osmond Brothers, Gloria Gaynor, Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Kenny Loggins, The Marley Family, Mark O’Connor, Ryan Montbleau, Seth Walker, Ben Sollee, Edgar Meyer and Joshua Bell. Chad Elliott, known as "Iowa's Renaissance Man," has written 2,000 songs and toured with Odetta, Tom Paxton, Loudon Wainwright III, R.L. Burnside, Greg Brown, Ruthie Foster, Verlon Thompson, Jimmie Vaughan, Bo Ramsey and Mary Gauthier.

]]> No 35 35 Eric O'Neill Wants to Help Secure Your Online Life full 6228b215-d93d-4ccf-aba6-5efc909fac25 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f1f851c6 Eric O'Neill, a former FBI agent who led the capture of notorious spy-for-Russia Robert Hanssen, is the author Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime. It's focus: teaching readers how to defend against digital threats like hackers and scammers, blending thrilling anecdotes with practical advice. The book details tactics used by adversaries and provides actionable steps (Prepare, Assess, Investigate, Decide) for personal digital safety. 

]]> Eric O'Neill, a former FBI agent who led the capture of notorious spy-for-Russia Robert Hanssen, is the author Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime. It's focus: teaching readers how to defend against digital threats like hackers and scammers, blending thrilling anecdotes with practical advice. The book details tactics used by adversaries and provides actionable steps (Prepare, Assess, Investigate, Decide) for personal digital safety. 

]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:44:17 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1730 Eric O'Neill, a former FBI agent who led the capture of notorious spy-for-Russia Robert Hanssen, is the author Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime. It's focus: teaching readers how to defend against digital threats like hackers and scammers, blending thrilling anecdotes with practical advice. The book details tactics used by adversaries and provides actionable steps (Prepare, Assess, Investigate, Decide) for personal digital safety. 

]]> Eric O'Neill No 34 34 Gann Brewer: A Mississippi Highway Lullaby full 6b6d4106-130c-4c9b-9f13-08682ea9649d https://share.transistor.fm/s/e990d7c0 Americana singer-songwriter Gann Brewer doesn't seek the shiny neo-retro town malls where the selfie slick hipsters air their spanking new tattoos but rather, it's the half spaces, the unremarkable edges of town, where he finds those nuggets of truth--or at least enough gas to get to the next town. From the liner notes to Brewer's fourth album, Highway Lullaby, under discussion with Jim Motavalli on this podcast. 

]]> Americana singer-songwriter Gann Brewer doesn't seek the shiny neo-retro town malls where the selfie slick hipsters air their spanking new tattoos but rather, it's the half spaces, the unremarkable edges of town, where he finds those nuggets of truth--or at least enough gas to get to the next town. From the liner notes to Brewer's fourth album, Highway Lullaby, under discussion with Jim Motavalli on this podcast. 

]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:29:02 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 859 Americana singer-songwriter Gann Brewer doesn't seek the shiny neo-retro town malls where the selfie slick hipsters air their spanking new tattoos but rather, it's the half spaces, the unremarkable edges of town, where he finds those nuggets of truth--or at least enough gas to get to the next town. From the liner notes to Brewer's fourth album, Highway Lullaby, under discussion with Jim Motavalli on this podcast. 

]]> gann brewer No 33 33 Bryce Edwards' Turn-of-the-Century Music full 7f0d35fe-2cb5-4cc1-b15f-f7890649ec36 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9126bb59 Bryce Edwards is a musician and cabaret artist reviving traditional jazz and popular music from the early 20th century. A vaudevillian troubadour, Edwards is a unique vocalist that takes equal cues from the crooners and soft singers of the late 1920s and early 30s and from the bombastic voices of the acoustic phonograph era, as well as an instrumentalist who plays banjo, ukulele, tenor guitar, and mandolin in the modernistic jazz idiom. Leading a hot combination featuring the talents of extraordinary jazzman Scott Ricketts (cornet) and Grammy award winner Conal Fowkes (piano, upright bass), Edwards revels in the idiosyncrasies and eccentricities of the sweet and raucous music of the 1910s, 20s, and 30s; Bryce brings his singular verve and sensibility to songs made famous by great artists such as Cliff Edwards, Gene Austin, Jack Teagarden, Rudy Vallée, and Bing Crosby. 

]]> Bryce Edwards is a musician and cabaret artist reviving traditional jazz and popular music from the early 20th century. A vaudevillian troubadour, Edwards is a unique vocalist that takes equal cues from the crooners and soft singers of the late 1920s and early 30s and from the bombastic voices of the acoustic phonograph era, as well as an instrumentalist who plays banjo, ukulele, tenor guitar, and mandolin in the modernistic jazz idiom. Leading a hot combination featuring the talents of extraordinary jazzman Scott Ricketts (cornet) and Grammy award winner Conal Fowkes (piano, upright bass), Edwards revels in the idiosyncrasies and eccentricities of the sweet and raucous music of the 1910s, 20s, and 30s; Bryce brings his singular verve and sensibility to songs made famous by great artists such as Cliff Edwards, Gene Austin, Jack Teagarden, Rudy Vallée, and Bing Crosby. 

]]> Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:09:54 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1429 Bryce Edwards is a musician and cabaret artist reviving traditional jazz and popular music from the early 20th century. A vaudevillian troubadour, Edwards is a unique vocalist that takes equal cues from the crooners and soft singers of the late 1920s and early 30s and from the bombastic voices of the acoustic phonograph era, as well as an instrumentalist who plays banjo, ukulele, tenor guitar, and mandolin in the modernistic jazz idiom. Leading a hot combination featuring the talents of extraordinary jazzman Scott Ricketts (cornet) and Grammy award winner Conal Fowkes (piano, upright bass), Edwards revels in the idiosyncrasies and eccentricities of the sweet and raucous music of the 1910s, 20s, and 30s; Bryce brings his singular verve and sensibility to songs made famous by great artists such as Cliff Edwards, Gene Austin, Jack Teagarden, Rudy Vallée, and Bing Crosby. 

]]> bryce edwards, crooning, bing crosby No 32 32 The Big Musical World of Sam Amidon full 7e680af7-9b4b-4484-8810-a86deac73c57 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9adc8a7d Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Amidon comes from a New England family deeply involved in old-time music, and he remains devoted to that form--but fused with just about everything else, including jazz and avant-garde music. Amidon, who began playing fiddle at age 3, has recorded in Iceland collaborated with artists as diverse as drummer Milford Graves and guitarist Bill Frisell. As a sideman, he's appeared on albums by Tune-Yards, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The National, and many more. In talking to WPKN December 8, 2025 the talk was about his latest album, Salt River, which contains a take on Ornette Coleman's "Friends and Neighbors." Along with traditional songs, of course. 

]]> Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Amidon comes from a New England family deeply involved in old-time music, and he remains devoted to that form--but fused with just about everything else, including jazz and avant-garde music. Amidon, who began playing fiddle at age 3, has recorded in Iceland collaborated with artists as diverse as drummer Milford Graves and guitarist Bill Frisell. As a sideman, he's appeared on albums by Tune-Yards, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The National, and many more. In talking to WPKN December 8, 2025 the talk was about his latest album, Salt River, which contains a take on Ornette Coleman's "Friends and Neighbors." Along with traditional songs, of course. 

]]> Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:06:11 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1114 Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Amidon comes from a New England family deeply involved in old-time music, and he remains devoted to that form--but fused with just about everything else, including jazz and avant-garde music. Amidon, who began playing fiddle at age 3, has recorded in Iceland collaborated with artists as diverse as drummer Milford Graves and guitarist Bill Frisell. As a sideman, he's appeared on albums by Tune-Yards, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The National, and many more. In talking to WPKN December 8, 2025 the talk was about his latest album, Salt River, which contains a take on Ornette Coleman's "Friends and Neighbors." Along with traditional songs, of course. 

]]> sam amidon, old-time music, beth orton, ornette coleman No 31 31 If They Build Super-Intelligent AI, Will We All Die? full 8138cc3b-1584-4c46-8881-f4cf058facf4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/daad6fdb This broadcast features the first half hour of an interview with Nate Soares, executive director of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI), conducted by Alice Horrigan and Jim Motavalli on October 16, 2025 and aired on WPKN-FM. The conversation explores the safety limits of current AI engineering and the broader implications for humanity’s future. For the full hour, watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u-22jwE4GZU . Also, read Alice Horrigan’s accompanying book review in The Berkshire Edge: “If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies: When the AI Engineers Are in Over Their Heads”

]]> This broadcast features the first half hour of an interview with Nate Soares, executive director of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI), conducted by Alice Horrigan and Jim Motavalli on October 16, 2025 and aired on WPKN-FM. The conversation explores the safety limits of current AI engineering and the broader implications for humanity’s future. For the full hour, watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u-22jwE4GZU . Also, read Alice Horrigan’s accompanying book review in The Berkshire Edge: “If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies: When the AI Engineers Are in Over Their Heads”

]]> Fri, 24 Oct 2025 11:41:50 -0400 Jim Motavalli and Alice Horrigan Jim Motavalli and Alice Horrigan 1760 This broadcast features the first half hour of an interview with Nate Soares, executive director of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI), conducted by Alice Horrigan and Jim Motavalli on October 16, 2025 and aired on WPKN-FM. The conversation explores the safety limits of current AI engineering and the broader implications for humanity’s future. For the full hour, watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u-22jwE4GZU . Also, read Alice Horrigan’s accompanying book review in The Berkshire Edge: “If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies: When the AI Engineers Are in Over Their Heads”

]]> AI No 30 30 S.G. Goodman's Music: Grounded in Kentucky full 46489025-fac8-45b6-82a6-7af6b743d48e https://share.transistor.fm/s/20d188cf S.G. Goodman lives in rural Kentucky farm country, and grew up attending church three times a week, with limited exposure to secular music. That experience colors her deeply grounded (in place and time) new album, Planting by the Signs. Fellow Kentuckian Bonnie Prince Billy is featured in this richly evocative collection. 

]]> S.G. Goodman lives in rural Kentucky farm country, and grew up attending church three times a week, with limited exposure to secular music. That experience colors her deeply grounded (in place and time) new album, Planting by the Signs. Fellow Kentuckian Bonnie Prince Billy is featured in this richly evocative collection. 

]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:31:59 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1708 S.G. Goodman lives in rural Kentucky farm country, and grew up attending church three times a week, with limited exposure to secular music. That experience colors her deeply grounded (in place and time) new album, Planting by the Signs. Fellow Kentuckian Bonnie Prince Billy is featured in this richly evocative collection. 

]]> s.g. goodman; wpkn; kentucky; planting by the signs No 29 29 Crime Writer and TV Producer George Pelecanos full 6972248f-9bfd-4d17-979b-6b640477238d https://share.transistor.fm/s/16839c77 George Pelecanos is the author of 20 crime novels, and a regular writing collaborator with David Simon on projects, including The Wire and Treme. Pelecanos' books ofteh catch Washington, D.C.'s denizens at the moment they hover between a life of crime and straight society. They are moral tales, as well as fast-paced thrillers. 

]]> George Pelecanos is the author of 20 crime novels, and a regular writing collaborator with David Simon on projects, including The Wire and Treme. Pelecanos' books ofteh catch Washington, D.C.'s denizens at the moment they hover between a life of crime and straight society. They are moral tales, as well as fast-paced thrillers. 

]]> Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:32:12 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1859 George Pelecanos is the author of 20 crime novels, and a regular writing collaborator with David Simon on projects, including The Wire and Treme. Pelecanos' books ofteh catch Washington, D.C.'s denizens at the moment they hover between a life of crime and straight society. They are moral tales, as well as fast-paced thrillers. 

]]> george pelecanos, the wire, treme No 28 28 Maria Muldaur full 9aa427b8-a4bd-44a5-8ce1-ececc927fc4a https://share.transistor.fm/s/1aef31e0 Maria Muldaur discusses her storied career and new album, One Hour Mama: The Blues of Victoria Spivey, released on July 11th, 2025, on Nola Blue Records. The album is a tribute to the legendary blues singer Victoria Spivey, who was a mentor to Muldaur. It features collaborations with Taj Mahal, Elvin Bishop, and Tuba Skinny. 

]]> Maria Muldaur discusses her storied career and new album, One Hour Mama: The Blues of Victoria Spivey, released on July 11th, 2025, on Nola Blue Records. The album is a tribute to the legendary blues singer Victoria Spivey, who was a mentor to Muldaur. It features collaborations with Taj Mahal, Elvin Bishop, and Tuba Skinny. 

]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:17:04 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 2242 Maria Muldaur discusses her storied career and new album, One Hour Mama: The Blues of Victoria Spivey, released on July 11th, 2025, on Nola Blue Records. The album is a tribute to the legendary blues singer Victoria Spivey, who was a mentor to Muldaur. It features collaborations with Taj Mahal, Elvin Bishop, and Tuba Skinny. 

]]> No 27 27 Jerusalem Peace Builders Students with Dr. Danna Kurtin full 6de7b0b3-c18d-4eb3-bfbb-7512977d336b https://share.transistor.fm/s/cfd8fe57 Jerusalem Peace Builders Students visit the Bridgeport, CT area and discuss their trip and community engagement activities with Dr. Danna Kurtin.

]]> Jerusalem Peace Builders Students visit the Bridgeport, CT area and discuss their trip and community engagement activities with Dr. Danna Kurtin.

]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:08:03 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 936 Jerusalem Peace Builders Students visit the Bridgeport, CT area and discuss their trip and community engagement activities with Dr. Danna Kurtin.

]]> No 26 26 Speed the Plough...Rock with Harpsichord! full 38ce0723-b9ae-4dec-8232-bffb0081d2f8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0ee4560f Speed the Plough, a New Jersey rock group from the Hoboken/Maxwell's scene that produced The Feelies and Yo La Tengo, has a serendipitous encounter with an Italian harpsichord professor. And the result is beautiful music. 

]]> Speed the Plough, a New Jersey rock group from the Hoboken/Maxwell's scene that produced The Feelies and Yo La Tengo, has a serendipitous encounter with an Italian harpsichord professor. And the result is beautiful music. 

]]> Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:52:41 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1201 Speed the Plough, a New Jersey rock group from the Hoboken/Maxwell's scene that produced The Feelies and Yo La Tengo, has a serendipitous encounter with an Italian harpsichord professor. And the result is beautiful music. 

]]> No 25 25 Harry Freedman: Bob Dylan's Jewish Roots full de239cba-1bb7-4d0f-ab84-5c803a29e6cf https://share.transistor.fm/s/1166cca9 Harry Freedman, based in England, has previously explored the Jewish roots of Leonard Cohen, but here he takes on Bob Dylan, who was wont to deny those roots--at least early on in his career. 

]]> Harry Freedman, based in England, has previously explored the Jewish roots of Leonard Cohen, but here he takes on Bob Dylan, who was wont to deny those roots--at least early on in his career. 

]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:38:29 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 900 Harry Freedman, based in England, has previously explored the Jewish roots of Leonard Cohen, but here he takes on Bob Dylan, who was wont to deny those roots--at least early on in his career. 

]]> No 24 24 Tessa Souter: The Jazz Singer Takes on Erik Satie full 9ae76029-7c70-4b22-987b-16f48be08025 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba135c13 Tessa Souter is a jazz singer, originally from England but living in New York, who likes ambitious projects. And adapting and writing lyrics for the music of Erik Satie (who died 100 years ago in 2025) is just the latest one. 

]]> Tessa Souter is a jazz singer, originally from England but living in New York, who likes ambitious projects. And adapting and writing lyrics for the music of Erik Satie (who died 100 years ago in 2025) is just the latest one. 

]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:35:06 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 822 Tessa Souter is a jazz singer, originally from England but living in New York, who likes ambitious projects. And adapting and writing lyrics for the music of Erik Satie (who died 100 years ago in 2025) is just the latest one. 

]]> No 23 23 Asteroid Mining: Matt Gialich and Astroforge Make it Real full ea8e5060-fb4b-437f-b1d4-e54b2911d9ba https://share.transistor.fm/s/ab80fd79 Astroforge is going after rare metals like platinum on near-Earth asteroids, hitching rides on the Falcon 9 and other rockets. 

]]> Astroforge is going after rare metals like platinum on near-Earth asteroids, hitching rides on the Falcon 9 and other rockets. 

]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:31:39 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 942 Astroforge is going after rare metals like platinum on near-Earth asteroids, hitching rides on the Falcon 9 and other rockets. 

]]> No 22 22 Richard Cortez: Jazz Singer for the LGTBQ Community--And Everyone full abfaa730-d441-44fd-8746-aebc13fe8d56 https://share.transistor.fm/s/de99fbfb Richard Cortez, from Florida originally, had a circuitous route to his role as an emerging jazz singer in New York. He was a confessional Americana singer with messages for his community, did sex work, and stripped in some of the same gay bars where he now performs his beautiful jazz music. 

]]> Richard Cortez, from Florida originally, had a circuitous route to his role as an emerging jazz singer in New York. He was a confessional Americana singer with messages for his community, did sex work, and stripped in some of the same gay bars where he now performs his beautiful jazz music. 

]]> Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:24:58 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1268 Richard Cortez, from Florida originally, had a circuitous route to his role as an emerging jazz singer in New York. He was a confessional Americana singer with messages for his community, did sex work, and stripped in some of the same gay bars where he now performs his beautiful jazz music. 

]]> jazz No 21 21 Brad Kolodner: Secrets of the Gourd Banjo full 0fc02f19-40e4-46eb-acf9-66f91dee5a25 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8d443dad Brad Kolodner is an acclaimed clawhammer banjo player who performs with the chart-topping Irish, Old-Time, bluegrass fusion quartet Charm City Junction. He’s recorded four albums of Old-Time and original music with his father Ken under the name Ken & Brad Kolodner including their latest Billboard-charting release Stony Run (2020). His new album of solo gourd banjo music is called Old Growth. 

]]> Brad Kolodner is an acclaimed clawhammer banjo player who performs with the chart-topping Irish, Old-Time, bluegrass fusion quartet Charm City Junction. He’s recorded four albums of Old-Time and original music with his father Ken under the name Ken & Brad Kolodner including their latest Billboard-charting release Stony Run (2020). His new album of solo gourd banjo music is called Old Growth. 

]]> Mon, 26 May 2025 13:30:50 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1559 Brad Kolodner is an acclaimed clawhammer banjo player who performs with the chart-topping Irish, Old-Time, bluegrass fusion quartet Charm City Junction. He’s recorded four albums of Old-Time and original music with his father Ken under the name Ken & Brad Kolodner including their latest Billboard-charting release Stony Run (2020). His new album of solo gourd banjo music is called Old Growth. 

]]> No 20 20 Jim Kweskin: Living the Jug Band Life full 3a975389-be6d-454d-adfd-15488c815f2b https://share.transistor.fm/s/f3ef780d Jim Kweskin founded the legendary 1960s Jim Kweskin Jug Band with Fritz Richmond, Geoff Muldaur, Maria Muldaur, Mel Lyman and Bruno Wolfe. During the five years they were together, they successfully transformed the sounds of pre-World War II rural music into a springboard for their good-humored performances. And Kweskin is still at it, with a new album called Doing Things Right, out from Jalopy Records on April 25, 2025.

]]> Jim Kweskin founded the legendary 1960s Jim Kweskin Jug Band with Fritz Richmond, Geoff Muldaur, Maria Muldaur, Mel Lyman and Bruno Wolfe. During the five years they were together, they successfully transformed the sounds of pre-World War II rural music into a springboard for their good-humored performances. And Kweskin is still at it, with a new album called Doing Things Right, out from Jalopy Records on April 25, 2025.

]]> Mon, 26 May 2025 13:21:42 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1669 Jim Kweskin founded the legendary 1960s Jim Kweskin Jug Band with Fritz Richmond, Geoff Muldaur, Maria Muldaur, Mel Lyman and Bruno Wolfe. During the five years they were together, they successfully transformed the sounds of pre-World War II rural music into a springboard for their good-humored performances. And Kweskin is still at it, with a new album called Doing Things Right, out from Jalopy Records on April 25, 2025.

]]> jim kweskin No 19 19 Before Elvis: Preston Lauterbach Talks About the King's African-American Influences full eedad769-de70-4df4-8fe4-0adfef146bf2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8f0af5d1 Preston Lauterbach is the author of the book Before Elvis: The African-American Musicians Who Made the King, a book that examines the careers of Big Mama Thornton, Little Junior Parker (author of "Mystery Train"), Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup and both Calvin and Phineas Newborn, Jr. He talks to WPKN about how Elvis absorbed their music and stage moves, and sometimes even acknowledged their help. 

]]> Preston Lauterbach is the author of the book Before Elvis: The African-American Musicians Who Made the King, a book that examines the careers of Big Mama Thornton, Little Junior Parker (author of "Mystery Train"), Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup and both Calvin and Phineas Newborn, Jr. He talks to WPKN about how Elvis absorbed their music and stage moves, and sometimes even acknowledged their help. 

]]> Mon, 26 May 2025 13:13:52 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1557 Preston Lauterbach is the author of the book Before Elvis: The African-American Musicians Who Made the King, a book that examines the careers of Big Mama Thornton, Little Junior Parker (author of "Mystery Train"), Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup and both Calvin and Phineas Newborn, Jr. He talks to WPKN about how Elvis absorbed their music and stage moves, and sometimes even acknowledged their help. 

]]> elvis presley No 18 18 Mark Weinstein: Restoring Our Sanity Online full 1d294885-2645-46e4-806c-9966a0652be1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c5874475 Mark Weinstein's new book is Restoring Our Sanity Online: A Revolutionary Social Framework, published by Wiley. Here, he dissects Web 1, until 2001, Web 2--our current state of "Surveillance Capitalism" with dominance by Facebook and Google--and the hopefully more enlightened and less privacy-invading states of Web 3 and Web 4. 

]]> Mark Weinstein's new book is Restoring Our Sanity Online: A Revolutionary Social Framework, published by Wiley. Here, he dissects Web 1, until 2001, Web 2--our current state of "Surveillance Capitalism" with dominance by Facebook and Google--and the hopefully more enlightened and less privacy-invading states of Web 3 and Web 4. 

]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:29:07 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1088 Mark Weinstein's new book is Restoring Our Sanity Online: A Revolutionary Social Framework, published by Wiley. Here, he dissects Web 1, until 2001, Web 2--our current state of "Surveillance Capitalism" with dominance by Facebook and Google--and the hopefully more enlightened and less privacy-invading states of Web 3 and Web 4. 

]]> mark weinstein No 18 18 Jazz Singer Stacey Kent Takes on an All-Jobim Program full e89ce287-6b06-4856-82a0-2f24e2b855c5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/762d7b61 A subtle and exquisite jazz vocalist, Stacey Kent has long had a love affair with the music of Brazil, and especially that of Antonio Carlos Jobim. On April 12 she joins with Danilo Caymmi (long a member of Jobim's band) for a tribute to bossa nova's greatest composer. 

]]> A subtle and exquisite jazz vocalist, Stacey Kent has long had a love affair with the music of Brazil, and especially that of Antonio Carlos Jobim. On April 12 she joins with Danilo Caymmi (long a member of Jobim's band) for a tribute to bossa nova's greatest composer. 

]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:10:23 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1258 A subtle and exquisite jazz vocalist, Stacey Kent has long had a love affair with the music of Brazil, and especially that of Antonio Carlos Jobim. On April 12 she joins with Danilo Caymmi (long a member of Jobim's band) for a tribute to bossa nova's greatest composer. 

]]> stacey kent, danilo caymmi No 17 17 Colin Newman (ex-Wire) and Malka Spigel (ex-Githead) Talk about their Immersion Performance at the 2025 Big Ears Festival full 99b8c58a-b174-4a84-bafb-facd4ec8181f https://share.transistor.fm/s/fa63d2ac Colin Newman of Wire fame and Malka Spigel of Githead first recorded their electronic music as Immersion for the Oscillating album in 1994. They're set to play the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 27. Here they talk to Jim Motavalli from Little Rock, Arkansas. 

]]> Colin Newman of Wire fame and Malka Spigel of Githead first recorded their electronic music as Immersion for the Oscillating album in 1994. They're set to play the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 27. Here they talk to Jim Motavalli from Little Rock, Arkansas. 

]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:20:18 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1271 Colin Newman of Wire fame and Malka Spigel of Githead first recorded their electronic music as Immersion for the Oscillating album in 1994. They're set to play the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee on March 27. Here they talk to Jim Motavalli from Little Rock, Arkansas. 

]]> Wire, Colin Newman, Malka Spigel No 16 16 Derek and Hannah Jeter Talk Family--and Cars full f96e365b-695b-438f-acde-95649e368841 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bb7f7bfc Derek and Hannah Jeter were interviewed in upstate New York on the set of a commercial they were making for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Obsidian Edition. They talked about family, and cars. 

]]> Derek and Hannah Jeter were interviewed in upstate New York on the set of a commercial they were making for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Obsidian Edition. They talked about family, and cars. 

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:32:54 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1817 Derek and Hannah Jeter were interviewed in upstate New York on the set of a commercial they were making for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Obsidian Edition. They talked about family, and cars. 

]]> derek jeter No 15 15 Phoebe White: African-American Country Yodeler full 217c603b-6202-4003-8fd3-8b907b56d0df https://share.transistor.fm/s/9abe5c49 Phoebe White is an accomplished yodeler, and demonstrates her skills in this WPKN interview. Her album is Cowgirl's Delight, and it includes appearances from Riders in the Sky and Suzy Bogguss. Six of the 10 tunes are her own. White could be said to part of the movement that includes Rhiannon Giddens and is not only reclaiming the African-American heritage in country music, but blazing her own path in forming its future. 

]]> Phoebe White is an accomplished yodeler, and demonstrates her skills in this WPKN interview. Her album is Cowgirl's Delight, and it includes appearances from Riders in the Sky and Suzy Bogguss. Six of the 10 tunes are her own. White could be said to part of the movement that includes Rhiannon Giddens and is not only reclaiming the African-American heritage in country music, but blazing her own path in forming its future. 

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:24:26 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 653 Phoebe White is an accomplished yodeler, and demonstrates her skills in this WPKN interview. Her album is Cowgirl's Delight, and it includes appearances from Riders in the Sky and Suzy Bogguss. Six of the 10 tunes are her own. White could be said to part of the movement that includes Rhiannon Giddens and is not only reclaiming the African-American heritage in country music, but blazing her own path in forming its future. 

]]> phoebe white No 14 14 Roots Music Exemplar Miss Tess in Louisiana full 58f5ad0e-5459-4cec-990e-f6b6dcb526a5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/20a6b4f3 Miss Tess, one of our most talented roots singers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, has just put out Cher Rêve, an album dedicated to exploring Louisiana's southern Acadiana region and in specific the "magical" city of Lafayette, home of the Blackpot Festival (about music and food). Instead of the Big Easy, Lafayette is the sleepy "Little Easier."

]]> Miss Tess, one of our most talented roots singers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, has just put out Cher Rêve, an album dedicated to exploring Louisiana's southern Acadiana region and in specific the "magical" city of Lafayette, home of the Blackpot Festival (about music and food). Instead of the Big Easy, Lafayette is the sleepy "Little Easier."

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:16:52 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1086 Miss Tess, one of our most talented roots singers, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists, has just put out Cher Rêve, an album dedicated to exploring Louisiana's southern Acadiana region and in specific the "magical" city of Lafayette, home of the Blackpot Festival (about music and food). Instead of the Big Easy, Lafayette is the sleepy "Little Easier."

]]> No 13 13 Irish Singer Karan Casey's World View full 021ccb20-7060-426e-8a31-d8e816290921 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ef3d84e2 The Irish singer Karan Casey's most recent album is Nine Apples of Gold. She tours regularly in the US, where Irish music has a huge audience. Casey was a member of the popular band Solas, and is a founder of Fairplé, which works to achieve fairness and gender balance for female performers in Irish traditional music. 

]]> The Irish singer Karan Casey's most recent album is Nine Apples of Gold. She tours regularly in the US, where Irish music has a huge audience. Casey was a member of the popular band Solas, and is a founder of Fairplé, which works to achieve fairness and gender balance for female performers in Irish traditional music. 

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:10:16 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1271 The Irish singer Karan Casey's most recent album is Nine Apples of Gold. She tours regularly in the US, where Irish music has a huge audience. Casey was a member of the popular band Solas, and is a founder of Fairplé, which works to achieve fairness and gender balance for female performers in Irish traditional music. 

]]> karan casey No 12 12 Syrian Clarinetist Kinan Azmeh Blends Jazz, World and Classical Music full 800a63de-5167-4394-ba0b-81b4e77c965a https://share.transistor.fm/s/22197ae4 The Syrian-born master clarinet player is now based in Brooklyn, and making his hard-to-characterize music--a meld of jazz, Middle Eastern and classical influences--with the CityBand. His latest album was recorded live in Berlin. 

]]> The Syrian-born master clarinet player is now based in Brooklyn, and making his hard-to-characterize music--a meld of jazz, Middle Eastern and classical influences--with the CityBand. His latest album was recorded live in Berlin. 

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:04:44 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1001 The Syrian-born master clarinet player is now based in Brooklyn, and making his hard-to-characterize music--a meld of jazz, Middle Eastern and classical influences--with the CityBand. His latest album was recorded live in Berlin. 

]]> kinan azmeh No 11 11 The Chatham Rabbits: Americana Down on the Family Farm full 00384652-8869-4765-8ff1-4a2f130b3d2f https://share.transistor.fm/s/ae92e7c1 The Chatham Rabbits, Austin and Sarah McCombie, live on a working farm in rural North Carolina. Their original songs reflect their dedication to the land, and to each other. Be Real With Me is their latest album, evenly split between her songs and his songs. 

]]> The Chatham Rabbits, Austin and Sarah McCombie, live on a working farm in rural North Carolina. Their original songs reflect their dedication to the land, and to each other. Be Real With Me is their latest album, evenly split between her songs and his songs. 

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 11:58:02 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 814 The Chatham Rabbits, Austin and Sarah McCombie, live on a working farm in rural North Carolina. Their original songs reflect their dedication to the land, and to each other. Be Real With Me is their latest album, evenly split between her songs and his songs. 

]]> Americana, The Chatham Rabbits No 10 10 Jim White and Trey Blake: The Haunted Face of Country Music full bc6b8554-c6d2-47a7-a511-e8062dd06efe https://share.transistor.fm/s/c6df977a Jim White is an outsider Americana artist, who uses country music as a jumping off point to explore the psyche in ways that sometimes recall the author Cormac McCarthy. He found a kindred spirit in Trey Blake, an autistic poet he met while on tour in England. He encouraged her singing, and the resulting songs (realized initially by a member of Stereolab) are memorable and deeply probing. This was Blake's very first interview.

]]> Jim White is an outsider Americana artist, who uses country music as a jumping off point to explore the psyche in ways that sometimes recall the author Cormac McCarthy. He found a kindred spirit in Trey Blake, an autistic poet he met while on tour in England. He encouraged her singing, and the resulting songs (realized initially by a member of Stereolab) are memorable and deeply probing. This was Blake's very first interview.

]]> Wed, 26 Feb 2025 11:48:55 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1493 Jim White is an outsider Americana artist, who uses country music as a jumping off point to explore the psyche in ways that sometimes recall the author Cormac McCarthy. He found a kindred spirit in Trey Blake, an autistic poet he met while on tour in England. He encouraged her singing, and the resulting songs (realized initially by a member of Stereolab) are memorable and deeply probing. This was Blake's very first interview.

]]> jim white No 9 9 Guitarist Bill Frisell on his Jazz-Meets-Country Synthesis full 81ecc0da-f70f-48a1-aba0-4fe380ea7b6a https://share.transistor.fm/s/dd7c0acd One of the most admired guitarists in jazz, Bill Frisell has never recognized boundaries and his music--while always remaining jazz--reflects his deep study of Americana and country music's roots. He spoke in advance of a 2024 gig in Fairfield, CT. 

]]> One of the most admired guitarists in jazz, Bill Frisell has never recognized boundaries and his music--while always remaining jazz--reflects his deep study of Americana and country music's roots. He spoke in advance of a 2024 gig in Fairfield, CT. 

]]> Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:10:27 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1306 One of the most admired guitarists in jazz, Bill Frisell has never recognized boundaries and his music--while always remaining jazz--reflects his deep study of Americana and country music's roots. He spoke in advance of a 2024 gig in Fairfield, CT. 

]]> bill frisell No 8 8 Nicole Glover: Modern Giant of the Tenor Saxophone full a5061d9a-7199-4176-b43a-3d567e703a09 https://share.transistor.fm/s/61018388 Tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover is currently dividing her time between the all-female Artemis band, a new ensemble from bassist Christian McBride, Ursa Major, and her solo projects--sometimes a trio without a net. She's a fully committed player, and here she talks about coming up on the Portland, OR scene and making the all-important move to NYC.

]]> Tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover is currently dividing her time between the all-female Artemis band, a new ensemble from bassist Christian McBride, Ursa Major, and her solo projects--sometimes a trio without a net. She's a fully committed player, and here she talks about coming up on the Portland, OR scene and making the all-important move to NYC.

]]> Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:03:35 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 2321 Tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover is currently dividing her time between the all-female Artemis band, a new ensemble from bassist Christian McBride, Ursa Major, and her solo projects--sometimes a trio without a net. She's a fully committed player, and here she talks about coming up on the Portland, OR scene and making the all-important move to NYC.

]]> No 7 7 The Many Worlds of David Amram full d74ce560-1ed8-4b64-a383-507c214a0c52 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8560b1f1 David Amram is a true musical omnivore, with deep roots in jazz (bringing the French horn into the mix), classical and folk music. He virtually invented jazz poetry with Jack Kerouac in the 1950s, worked with Leonard Bernstein and composed symphonic works, and was a friend of Rambling Jack Elliot and Woody Guthrie. Here, at 94, he talks about the musical lessons he's learned.  

]]> David Amram is a true musical omnivore, with deep roots in jazz (bringing the French horn into the mix), classical and folk music. He virtually invented jazz poetry with Jack Kerouac in the 1950s, worked with Leonard Bernstein and composed symphonic works, and was a friend of Rambling Jack Elliot and Woody Guthrie. Here, at 94, he talks about the musical lessons he's learned.  

]]> Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:53:28 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 2150 David Amram is a true musical omnivore, with deep roots in jazz (bringing the French horn into the mix), classical and folk music. He virtually invented jazz poetry with Jack Kerouac in the 1950s, worked with Leonard Bernstein and composed symphonic works, and was a friend of Rambling Jack Elliot and Woody Guthrie. Here, at 94, he talks about the musical lessons he's learned.  

]]> david amram No 6 6 Author Robert Rubin Talks about His Deep Dive into the film Vanishing Point full ba7352ef-ed20-422c-823a-c8f33303c2ec https://share.transistor.fm/s/61b3448a Robert Rubin is the author Vanishing Point Forever, the ultimate and exhaustive take on the filming and meaning of the semi-existential 1970s road movie Vanishing Point. Who was Barry Newman? Listen and find out. 

]]> Robert Rubin is the author Vanishing Point Forever, the ultimate and exhaustive take on the filming and meaning of the semi-existential 1970s road movie Vanishing Point. Who was Barry Newman? Listen and find out. 

]]> Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:03:38 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 918 Robert Rubin is the author Vanishing Point Forever, the ultimate and exhaustive take on the filming and meaning of the semi-existential 1970s road movie Vanishing Point. Who was Barry Newman? Listen and find out. 

]]> Vanishing Point movie No 5 5 Krissy Nagy and the Kranks Celebrate the Jazz Standards full 0e249869-9bd4-403f-a6b5-bd09ac83e690 https://share.transistor.fm/s/87aa22ee Krissie Nagy is a major new new discovery in jazz singing, making the Great American Songbook come alive with verve and panache. Her self-titled album as Krissie and the Kranks is out now.

]]> Krissie Nagy is a major new new discovery in jazz singing, making the Great American Songbook come alive with verve and panache. Her self-titled album as Krissie and the Kranks is out now.

]]> Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:51:59 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 770 Krissie Nagy is a major new new discovery in jazz singing, making the Great American Songbook come alive with verve and panache. Her self-titled album as Krissie and the Kranks is out now.

]]> Krissy Nagy No 4 4 Matthew Herd of Britain-based Seafarers on New Album Another State full ce526f13-2bfc-4395-8dc6-2a70b43de2b0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7f5b2f2f Seafarers specializes in highly literate, gorgeous pop music that's hard to slot into an easy category. 

]]> Seafarers specializes in highly literate, gorgeous pop music that's hard to slot into an easy category. 

]]> Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:45:46 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1407 Seafarers specializes in highly literate, gorgeous pop music that's hard to slot into an easy category. 

]]> Seafarers No 3 3 Singer-Songwriter Jenny Owen Youngs Talks "Avalanche" full 8024084c-e938-4641-9d3e-12ce89b1e078 https://share.transistor.fm/s/66b6685d The Maine-based singer-songwriter, most famous for asking, "What was I thinking?" talks about her album "Avalanche," her new book, and her hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer podcast. 

]]> The Maine-based singer-songwriter, most famous for asking, "What was I thinking?" talks about her album "Avalanche," her new book, and her hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer podcast. 

]]> Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:39:06 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1417 The Maine-based singer-songwriter, most famous for asking, "What was I thinking?" talks about her album "Avalanche," her new book, and her hit Buffy the Vampire Slayer podcast. 

]]> Jenny Owen Youngs No 2 2 Author Graeme Thomson on the Engigmatic Kate Bush full aed142ba-159f-428e-938a-3da6e6c3e747 https://share.transistor.fm/s/caeae622 British author Graeme Thomson talks about the flamboyant but also press-shy superstar Kate Bush, the subject of the recent update of his incisive biography of her.  

]]> British author Graeme Thomson talks about the flamboyant but also press-shy superstar Kate Bush, the subject of the recent update of his incisive biography of her.  

]]> Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:27:55 -0500 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 1309 British author Graeme Thomson talks about the flamboyant but also press-shy superstar Kate Bush, the subject of the recent update of his incisive biography of her.  

]]> kate bush No 1 1 Billy Harper full 17424f09-46e2-4092-8c71-ba2c572573d8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1f3cdc83 Billy Harper is a impassioned progressive jazz saxophonist.  He is "one of a generation of Coltrane-influenced tenor saxophonists" with a distinctively stern, hard-as-nails sound on his instrument. He was interviewed by Jim Motavalli for WPKN and New York City Jazz Record. 

]]> Billy Harper is a impassioned progressive jazz saxophonist.  He is "one of a generation of Coltrane-influenced tenor saxophonists" with a distinctively stern, hard-as-nails sound on his instrument. He was interviewed by Jim Motavalli for WPKN and New York City Jazz Record. 

]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2024 13:07:17 -0400 WPKN, Jim Motavalli WPKN, Jim Motavalli 2240 Billy Harper is a impassioned progressive jazz saxophonist.  He is "one of a generation of Coltrane-influenced tenor saxophonists" with a distinctively stern, hard-as-nails sound on his instrument. He was interviewed by Jim Motavalli for WPKN and New York City Jazz Record. 

]]> jazz saxophone No