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NYPR Archives & Preservation /

Eubie Blake and the Keys to the Kingdom of Ragtime

Matthew Paris and David Zimmer interview ragtime virtuoso and musical genius Eubie Blake at his Brooklyn home. Jun 30, 2019
The NYPR Archive Collections /

Lester Trimble

Matthew Paris interviews composer Lester Trimble. (2) Paris writes: Matthew Paris writes: Lester Trimble, an excellent composer with a singular lyric talent, was also a regular cri... Jan 27, 1978
The NYPR Archive Collections /

Lester Trimble

Matthew Paris interviews composer Lester Trimble. Jan 27, 1978
The NYPR Archive Collections /

Miriam Gideon

Matthew Paris interviews Miriam Gideon, composer. Jan 13, 1978
The NYPR Archive Collections /

Ben Weber, composer

Matthew Paris interviews Ben Weber regarding the premiere of his cello pieces. Jan 6, 1978
The NYPR Archive Collections /

Ben Weber

Matthew Paris interviews Ben Weber. Tape 1 of 1. Paris writes: Ben is an improbable genius even among the inherent rarity of such people of great talent. Born in Kentucky, raised i... Dec 30, 1977
The NYPR Archive Collections /

Lester del Rey

Matthew Paris interviews Lester del Rey. Dec 23, 1977
The NYPR Archive Collections /

George Kleinsinger

Matthew Paris interviews George Kleinsinger. Dec 23, 1977
The NYPR Archive Collections /

Fred Pohl

Matthew Paris interviews Fred Pohl. Dec 16, 1977
The NYPR Archive Collections /

Isaac Bashevis Singer

Nobel Prize-winnig Isaac B, Singer was one of America's greatest writers. Sep 9, 1977

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Pagination

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About the Series

The Absence Of Silence was a half hour program that ran for most of the 1970s into the early 80s on WNYC. David Zimmer supplied its nihilistic title and was on hand to squire some of the shows. Mathew Paris conducted most of the interviews, occasionally working with others. The show featured some of the most interesting New Yorkers from Ned Rorem to Al Goldstein.

Matthew Paris is novelist, playwright, musician, videographer and radio host. His prose has been praised by Irwin Shaw, Philip Jose Farmer, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Virgil Thomson, and Richard Kostelanetz. Spalding, Grey liked his piano playing. He currently appears as a blues singer in some East Village bars. He is most notable for appearing on national television as a ping pong player.