The Art of the Song
Soundcheck | May 3, 2010
The Bobs have been billed as "the only New Wave a cappella group in history." Their comic—and slightly bizarre—vocal arrangements have eroded the foundations of pop music for more than 20 years. The group was nominated for a Grammy in 1984 for their arrangement of "Helter Skelter," which remains one of the weirdest Beatles covers to date. Since then, the group has performed with dance troupes and arranged classics ranging from Duke Ellington’s "Caravan" to Jimi Hendrix’s "Purple Haze." They’ll perform live in the Soundcheck studio in advance of their appearance at Joe’s Pub on Saturday, April 22.
Also, New Orleans trumpeter Irvin Mayfield joins us today. Mayfield is a former child prodigy and the founder of Latin jazz group Los Hombres Calientes. His latest CD, Strange Fruit, chronicles an interracial love triangle in Louisiana during the 1920s. Mayfield is joined by the 17-piece New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and the 80-member Dillard University Choir. The narrative is read by actor Wendell Pierce of HBO’s The Wire. Strange Fruit will be performed at Lincoln Center April 14-16.
Additional Information:
» More on The Bobs
» More on Strange Fruit
Also, New Orleans trumpeter Irvin Mayfield joins us today. Mayfield is a former child prodigy and the founder of Latin jazz group Los Hombres Calientes. His latest CD, Strange Fruit, chronicles an interracial love triangle in Louisiana during the 1920s. Mayfield is joined by the 17-piece New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and the 80-member Dillard University Choir. The narrative is read by actor Wendell Pierce of HBO’s The Wire. Strange Fruit will be performed at Lincoln Center April 14-16.
Additional Information:
» More on The Bobs
» More on Strange Fruit
