Avsnitt

  • Wilton's Music Hall show 30th November: use code STEVEPRETTYF for best available seats for £15

    Wilton's Music Hall show 16th January

    Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

    Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community


    A typically eclectic episode this, with a fascinating demonstration of and discussion about throat singing from Finnish composer/performer Pelkkä Poutanen, recorded at the WOMEX world music summit in Manchester. Learn about 'asshaling' (inhaling through your bum) and zithers made out of skateboards, and then listen to Steve make the notoriously tricky skill of throat singing sound even harder than it is...


    And then it's over to north London for some insight into all things HiFi - specifically beautiful vintage hifi - from legendary home audio shop Audio Gold. Steve gets a tour of the premises, including an old bank vault full from floor to ceiling with rare vintage goodies, then sits down for an extended chat with Alex Barwise from the shop. They discuss the relative merits of old vs. new technology, touch on the great analog vs. digital debate and talk about the fact that using gorgeous old sound equipment is both the most intentional and even greenest way to enjoy music. Then Steve clips some microphones to his ears and checks out the podcast theme played on a setup costing £180 and then a setup costing more than £23,000... Can you hear the difference?!


    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:54 Recap of Previous Episode

    01:51 Upcoming Wilton's Music Hall Show

    02:09 Special Guests and Performances

    06:23 Interview with Petra Podnan

    11:40 Petra's Musical Journey

    15:34 Throat Singing Techniques

    34:34 Cultural Sensitivity in Throat Singing

    37:20 The Essence of Music

    37:50 Artist Promotion and Social Media

    38:19 Thank You and Farewell

    38:47 Exploring Audio Gold

    39:50 Hi-Fi Shop Tour

    42:33 The Appeal of Vintage Hi-Fi

    44:00 Understanding Stereo and Mono

    58:04 Analog vs Digital Debate

    01:08:34 Listening Test and Conclusion

    01:15:21 Final Thoughts and Announcements

    Get bonus content on Patreon

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  • Wilton's Music Hall show 30th November: use code STEVEPRETTYF for best available seats for £15

    Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

    Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community


    In this (yet again) slightly delayed episode - this time due to computer meltdown in the middle of some major deadlines, which is FUN - Steve serves up a tasty German special, inspired by Oktoberfest and his recent visits to Munich and Berlin. He promotes an upcoming gig at Wilton’s Music Hall, including announcing incredible guests Guy Pratt, Robin Ince, and Theon Cross. The episode then goes on to explore German beer hall music, with insights from Wolfgang King in Munich, and dives into tech trance through a visit to Berlin's techno scene. The Genre Tombola section presents Steve's tech trance adaptation of a traditional drinking song, Prosit, because of course it does. Upcoming plans include episodes on avant-garde metal and the eagerly awaited flamenco genre, Tonas.


    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:29 Podcast Updates and Listener Feedback

    02:43 Special Guests Announcement

    06:07 Genre Tombola: German Special

    08:44 DefibFest: A Musical Charity Event

    21:36 Exploring Munich's Beer Halls

    25:37 The Evolution of Music in Bavarian Beer Halls

    26:18 Composing Beer Hall Music

    26:40 Unique Instrument Lineup in Beer Hall Band

    28:08 The Role of the Harp in Beer Hall Music

    31:05 The Tradition of Stammtisch

    33:10 The Prosit Song Tradition

    34:39 The Purpose of Music in Beer Halls

    36:24 Exploring Tech Trance

    37:12 Understanding EDM and Its Elements

    42:37 The Techno Experience in Berlin

    46:22 Creating a Tech Trance Track

    50:40 Upcoming Genres and Closing Remarks

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  • Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

    Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community

    Wilton's Music Hall show 30th November: use code STEVEPRETTYF for best available seats for £15

    Hackney Colliery Band Earth show 8th October: use code ORIGIN! for £5 off


    In this episode, Steve chats about recent adventures and musical projects, including trips to Berlin, Portugal, and Norway. He reflects on a previous episode about Arctic music, featuring unique artists and bands. Steve jokes about the challenge of keeping up with podcast episodes due to his busy schedule. He introduces his band, Hackney Colliery Band, and their upcoming album, 'Collaborations Volume Two,' showcasing a variety of musical styles and guests. The episode includes a live performance and an interview with Nawar Alnaddaf, a Syrian refugee musician, about her journey and traditional instruments, and a couple of exclusive tracks from Hackney Colliery Band. Also quite a lot of Steve apologising.


    00:00 Welcome

    00:43 Apologies for the Delay

    01:54 Recap of the Last Episode

    03:36 Upcoming Show Highlights

    04:15 Hackney Colliery Band's New Album

    06:16 Live Interview at Wilton's Music Hall

    11:27 The History and Inspiration Behind Hackney Colliery Band

    28:38 Interview with Syrian Musician Nawar Alnaddaf

    32:36 Exploring Quarter Tones on the Oud

    34:47 The Unique Shape and Strings of the Oud

    35:38 Tuning the Oud and Demonstration

    40:23 Introduction to the Ney

    42:29 Playing Techniques and History of the Ney

    48:10 The Spiritual and Social Importance of Music

    50:23 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

    52:51 Musical Outro: Sure Feels Good

    Get bonus content on Patreon

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  • Mailing list: sign up for special offers, news and more

    Patreon: sign up for FREE for all manner of bonus goodies and to be part of a growing musically-curious community

    Wilton's Music Hall show: use code STEVEPRETTYF for best available seats for £15


    In this arctic special, Steve heads to northern Norway to meet a whole variety of fascinating musical characters.


    First up, it's the turn of the Bitch Big Boobies Bang Band from Hemnesberget, who are exactly as you'd expect from a band with such an unexpected name...

    Bitchy Big Boobies Bang Band Youtube

    Bitchy Big Boobies Bang Band Facebook

    Bitchy Big Boobies Bang Band Instagram


    Then Steve chats to the equally unexpectedly-named Igor Kill, a touring musician with decades of experience, and one of the only makers of the rare 8 string ukulele outside of Honolulu.

    Some of Igor Kill's beautiful handmade instruments

    A bit of Igor Kill's discography


    And then it's time to head up to the far north east of Norway and the brilliant Varangerfestival. After their set, Steve has a fascinating conversation with a group of indigenous Sami musicians, exploring the role of music in a society built around reindeer herding, how central the vocal style of 'joiking' is to Sami culture, and the unexpected and beautiful links between this arctic vocal style and drum music from east and west Africa.


    AfroJoik (incomplete list, sorry!):

    John André Eira, Viktor Wilhelmsen and Ola Brandsnes Vårtun


    Afro-Joik's Varangerfestival listing


    Gabba band's Instagram

    Gabba band's Spotify


    As always, please spread the word, rate and review the show. All manner of diverse and interesting musically-curious stuff coming up, so let's get some new ears on board!

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  • Introduction (0:00:07 - 0:14:55):

    Steve kicks off the episode with updates on his live shows, including upcoming recordings at the Into the Wild Festival and a special event at Wilton's Music Hall on 30th November. He encourages listeners to join his Patreon for discounted tickets and exclusive offers.


    Steve then recaps highlights from episode 18 before diving into an engaging interview with Ola Onabulé.


    Exploring Genre Flexibility (0:14:55 - 0:18:40):

    Steve reflects on the journey of embracing multiple genres in music. He emphasises the importance of maintaining authenticity and the unique human touch that differentiates their music from AI-generated content. The discussion includes the creative process behind their track "Hacked Soul," highlighting its unpredictable evolution and polyrhythmic elements - and you can listen to the entire song at the end of the episode.


    Musical Influence of Nigerian Heritage (0:18:40 - 0:23:44):

    Steve and Ola discuss the deep sense of rhythm ingrained from growing up in Nigeria and how these African rhythms translate into genres like hip hop, rock, and blues.


    Journey of a Soul Singer (0:23:44 - 0:39:11):

    Ola shares his musical journey, starting with the impact of Stevie Wonder's album "Songs in the Key of Life" on his upbringing. He recounts a chance encounter that led him from law school to becoming a renowned singer. Ola then demonstrates his impressive baritone-to-tenor range.


    Mexican Corrido (0:39:11 - 0:49:21):

    Steve explores the genre of corrido, a traditional Mexican music style. He discusses the evolution of corridos from historical narratives to modern themes tied to narco culture. Insights from an interview with Mexican trumpeter Alex Gonzalez reveal the genre's progression and the blending of traditional and modern elements in corridos tumbados.


    The Political Impact of Corridos (0:49:21 - 0:57:35):

    They delve into the political undertones of corridos and their influence on Mexican culture. Steve discusses different types of corridos, their coded messages, and his experience attempting to create music in the corrido style. The segment concludes with a reflection on the broader purpose of music in conveying positive messages to future generations.


    Genre Exploration (0:57:35 - 1:07:04):

    Steve continues to explore corrido music, sharing his journey into understanding the genre and its connections to outlaw narco culture. Inspired by, and featuring Alex, Steve creates his own piece of corrido music. The episode finishes by choosing the next genre for the genre tombola.

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  • In this episode of "Steve Pretty on the Origin of the Pieces," host Steve Pretty chats with Jeff Miller, a specialist in early brass instruments. They explore the origins and evolution of low brass instruments, particularly the serpent, and its historical significance. The discussion covers the cultural and physical aspects of music, the unique characteristics of various instruments, and the universal nature of musical languages. Steve also recaps his recent experiences at the First Light Festival in Lowestoft. The episode rounds off with an interview with and performance from the Lowestoft Longshoremen, a sea shanty choir, highlighting the cultural importance of their music.


    Recap of Last Episode (00:00:07)

    Steve summarizes the previous episode, including a session with a BBC engineer, discussion on Debussy and Arabesque music, and experiences at the First Light Festival in Lowestoft.


    First Light Festival in Lowestoft (00:02:22)

    Steve shares his experiences at the First Light Festival, including performances, interactions, and the festival's significance.


    Performances at First Light Festival (00:03:34)

    Steve details his performances at the festival, including a parade, concerts, and a dawn set on the beach.


    Emotional Experience at Dawn Set (00:05:35)

    Steve recounts the emotional impact of playing shells at dawn.


    Introduction to Jeff Miller (00:08:41)

    Steve introduces Jeff Miller, a multi-instrumentalist and low brass specialist, and their musical collaborations.


    Evolution of Low Brass Instruments (00:09:55)

    Jeff discusses the origins and evolution of low brass instruments and cultural influences on music.


    Cultural Perspectives on Music (00:14:49)

    Jeff and Steve explore cultural differences in musical harmony and its impact on music experience.


    Classification of Musical Instruments (00:19:21)

    Jeff explains the classification of musical instruments and his experience with various brass and woodwind instruments.


    The origin of brass instruments (00:20:34)

    Discussion on the historical evolution of brass instruments from animal horns to the cornet.


    Design and structure of the serpent (00:23:31)

    Description of the serpent, its components, and design.


    Challenges of playing the serpent (00:27:07)

    Explanation of the difficulties in playing the serpent.


    Range and performance of the serpent (00:33:19)

    Demonstration of the serpent's range and its use in orchestral performances.


    Musical examples and timbre of the serpent (00:36:16)

    Performance of a cello piece on the serpent and discussion of its unique timbre.


    Challenges of playing the serpent (00:38:44)

    Exploration of the difficulties in playing the serpent.


    Serpent musical performance (00:39:39)

    Musical performance on the serpent.


    Challenges of playing traditional brass instruments (00:40:49)

    Frustrations faced by modern brass players with traditional instruments.


    Exploring the nature of sound through synths (00:42:28)

    Jeff's journey into sound manipulation through electronic instruments.


    Passing down heritage through sea shanties (00:58:06)

    The importance of passing down heritage through sea shanties.


    Singing Shanties (00:58:59)

    Discussion on the tradition and history of singing shanties.


    Diversity of Shanties (01:00:12)

    Exploration of the diverse origins of shanties and their global influence.


    Performance and Audience Interaction (01:01:51)

    Reflection on shanty performances and audience engagement.

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  • Episode Summary

    In this episode, Steve Pretty embarks on a sonic journey with Martin Appleby, a seasoned sound engineer with over nearly four decades of experience at BBC's Maida Vale studios. They delve into Martin's illustrious career, exploring his role in capturing live music for prestigious BBC programs and his the challenges and opportunities of live recording. The episode further explores the philosophical dimensions of recording live ensembles and the unique challenges of live studio recording.


    Key Topics Discussed


    Introduction to Martin Appleby

    - Overview of Martin's 40-year career at the BBC.

    - Martin's background as a musician and sound engineer.

    - His studies on the Appalachian dulcimer and its connections to West African music traditions.

    - The rich history and significance of Maida Vale studios.


    Live Studio Recording

    - The art and pressure of recording live music in a studio setting.

    - The benefits of musicians performing together in the same room without headphones.

    - Highlighting a memorable session with singer Jamie Cullum.

    - The role of sound engineers in capturing authentic, dynamic performances.


    Technical Aspects of Recording

    - Use of omni and stereo cardioid microphones.

    - Shaping the sound with artistic precision, akin to photography.

    - The importance of perspective in music recording.


    Exploration of Arabesque Music and Debussy

    - The influence of Islamic art on Debussy's compositions.

    - Debussy's revolutionary approach to music, seeking to establish a distinct French identity.

    - Insights from pianist Benjamin Steinhardt on Debussy's inspirations.


    Debussy's Musical Legacy

    - Debussy's use of older modes and Eastern pentatonic scales.

    - The impact of his relationship with his patron Nadja and admiration for Chopin.

    - Steve's own attempts at composing in Debussy's style and its analysis.


    Evolving Music Industry

    - Discussion on AI-generated music and its potential limitations.

    - Updates on the music industry landscape, including genre explorations and the transformation of the Jazz Bar in Edinburgh into a community-owned arts hub.

    - The closure of the Towersley Festival and the challenges faced by live music events today.


    Notable Quotes

    - "Capturing the performance is the one thing you really can't fake." - Martin Appleby

    - "The great thing we can do that nobody else can is we've got the space. The musicians can all come in, be in one place, do their thing, go away, and we just mix it." - Martin Appleby


    Additional Information

    - **Patreon:** Listeners can support the show and access exclusive content on Steve Pretty's Patreon page.

    - **Previous Episode:** Exploration of the double bass with Charlie Pine.


    Next Episode Teasers

    - Upcoming explorations of genres like Tona and Corrido.

    - Further discussions on the evolving landscape of the music industry.


    Listeners are encouraged to tune in for a deep dive into the world of sound engineering, the legacy of Debussy, and the vibrant history of Maida Vale studios.

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  • Steve invites jazz double bassist/singer Charlie Pyne to the studio for a fascinating chat about all things bass. As well as a tour of her beautiful, historic instrument (affectionately named Claude), Charlie talks about the role of the bass in jazz and swing, and we hear some incredibly soulful playing. Charlie is so warm and joyful, and this really

    comes across in her music, which she gives us a live snippet of here, before an impromptu jam

    with Steve and trombonist/occasional podcast assistant Joel Knee.


    Before this deep dive (sorry…), we hear an excerpt of the live podcast recording at Wilton’s Music Hall from earlier in the year. Astronomer Chris Lintott introduces us to a planetary system many light years away, and Steve explains how this distant star system can teach us about music, and vice versa, with the help of Filament Choir, Valeria Clarke and Hackney Colliery Band’s rhythm section.


    Oh, and stay right to the end for a very special offer…


    Sign up for the Patreon, mailing list and everything else here: http://www.originofthepieces.com


    Charlie Pyne: https://charliepyne.co.uk/

    First Light Festival: https://firstlightlowestoft.com/

    Chris Lintott: https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/our-people/lintott and his brilliant podcast that I forgot to mention in the show (sorry Chris!): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dog-stars

    Valeria Clarke: https://www.valeriaclarke.com/

    Hackney Colliery Band: http://www.hackneycollieryband.co.uk

    Also Festival: https://www.also-festival.com/

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  • In a specially-extended episode, Steve has a detailed conversation with some of the creative team behind the smash hit stage version of the Oscar-winning Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away. Director John Caird, co-adaptor Maoko Imai and Musical Supervisor/Orchestrator Brad Haak tell Steve how the show came to be, and give some absolutely fascinating insights into composer Joe Hisaichi's work, including Brad demonstrating some beautiful examples on John and Maoko's gorgeous grand piano.


    But first, Steve chats with Jay Chakravorty, composer, producer and promoter of brilliant London crossover classical music night Counter Chamber. Jay demonstrates his incredible modular synthesiser setup, and he and Steve discuss how expressive and emotional these wobbly, warbly voltage controllers can be, before Jay jams on his amazing machines.


    And before that, Steve shares his mild despair at the state of the music industry at the moment, prompted both by off-mic chats with his guests and musician colleagues, and also by a recent article in the Guardian about the plight of musicians in 2024.


    Sign up for the Patreon, mailing list and everything else here: http://www.originofthepieces.com


    Guardian article: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/apr/25/shocking-truth-money-bands-make-on-tour-taylor-swift

    Jay Chakravorty: https://jaychakravorty.com/

    Spirited Away: https://www.spiritedawayuk.com/

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  • In another varied episode, Steve talks to soul singer Eliza about revealing her pregnancy live on stage, cellist Verity Simmons demonstrates her beautiful cello (and explains how it's partly made from a German U boat), and then Steve breaks down the fascinating genre of Igbo Rap in the Genre Tombola, including an in-depth transcription of some of the brilliantly complex rhythms.


    Sign up for the Patreon, mailing list and everything else here: http://www.originofthepieces.com


    Eliza's website: https://www.elizalovechild.com/


    Eliza's instagram, including the pregnancy reveal: https://www.instagram.com/elizalovechild/


    Verity Simmons: https://maslink.co.uk/client-directory?client=SIMMV1&


    Three in a Bar podcast: https://www.threeinabar.com/


    Razz Mataz (Episode 8) by Chucky P, Khenyzee, Space, Chumzy (Igbo Rap track): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXWhvYDftMo


    Additional Igbo Rap tracks to check out:


    https://youtu.be/LXWhvYDftMo?si=7LpEr-v4TKa5oZjR 


    https://youtu.be/AckJs1noxMw?si=E9o41r7dSpxEjfO8


    https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLup2K0PBFlK1tY45LtqRKnfvOfY6scdqp&si=g705zAhYFbrZX4fw

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  • To celebrate Autism Acceptance Week, Steve has two brilliant autistic artists on the show - poet Maddi Crease and musician Robyn Rocket. They talk autistic art, inclusive gigs, autistic joy, space trumpet and much more.


    And in between Steve takes us back to New Orleans for an interview with one of the world's leading exponents of the musical washboard! Alex Macdonald has made his living from playing the washboard for over 20 years, and here takes Steve on a quick tour through zydeco and cajun music, as well as demonstrating some techniques on this unique percussion instrument. He even agrees to let Steve have a go...


    Full, unedited interviews with Alex, Maddi and Robyn are available, along with much more (including the full, professionally-recorded live show from Wilton's Music Hall) on the show Patreon. Sign up for exclusive bonus content, special offers, chat and much more: https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


    Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

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  • A bit of an interview special this time, with TWO incredible guests - Grammy-winning trumpet player Ashlin Parker and number 1 UK singer/songwriter Frank Turner.


    Steve asks these brilliant guests about the point of music, the history of hardcore punk in the UK, the challenges and opportunities of working as a musician in New Orleans, and how angry hippies and neo nazis can sometimes find themselves liking the same music...


    Ashlin Parker: http://www.ashlinparker.com/main/

    Frank Turner: https://frank-turner.com/

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  • In this first episode since coming back from New Orleans, Steve discusses the importance of that city to the history of music, and, with his guest, New Orleans resident (and former London-based musician) Hannah Davis, examines its present, from the community nature of music making, through to the idea of music as a 'service industry' and what this means to both musicians and audiences.


    He also features a track he produced for lofi hip hop artist rruaris, and uses it to demonstrate the role of a mix engineer/producer in the creative process, and wraps up the episode with a dive into the genre tombola - this time to break down the sound of New Orleans residents and Deep Funk pioneers The Meters.


    Show website: http://www.originofthepieces.com

    Patreon (including access to full recording of Wilton's Music Hall show): https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

    rruaris: https://open.spotify.com/track/3Q8op7naEyrNZvtoTRTKd6?si=240d19effdf64be7

    Pat Levett: https://patlevett.com/

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  • Steve finds himself in New Orleans for some on-the-ground research into Deep Funk (check out last episode if this doesn’t make any sense to you!), and more interviews, gigs, chats and music than you could shake a big voodoo stick at.


    Episode 11 will be along soon, but meanwhile check out the first 10 episodes for a pretty broad variety of weird, curious and fun musical shenanigans, and sign up to Patreon for access to my full 2 hr live show recorded at Wilton’s Music Hall with a full choir, Hackney Colliery Band rhythm section and much more.


    Back in your feed in the next week or two once there’s been a chance to digest the many hours of fascinating stuff generated from a week’s immersion in New Orleans culture and music.

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  • In maybe the most varied episode yet, Steve speaks to Nathanial Dye about how terminal cancer reinforced his passion for music (and running the London marathon whilst playing the trombone), then, via a brief foray into the importance of reverb (as performed at Wilton's Music Hall on 20th January), finds himself making a cowpunk song set in East Anglia, with the help of his trusty AI lyricist.


    Show website: http://www.originofthepieces.com

    Patreon (including access to full recording of Wilton's Music Hall show): https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

    Nathanial Dye: https://bowelcancerbucketlist.com/


    Please rate, review and share!

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  • Steve talks about and plays some music from recent live gigs (including one with a rather special dress code), and we hear a beautiful performance and fascinating chat from Filament Choir. No genre tombola this time, so strap in for an exploration of Cowpunk next episode…


    Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

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  • Steve kicks off 2024 in typically contrasting style by celebrating the London Symphony Orchestra's school outreach program, and getting lost in a world on samplers and synthesisers as he sets out to create a UK Hardcore version of the podcast intro, courtesy of the genre tombola...


    Wilton's Music Hall tickets for 20th January: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

    Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces

    Get bonus content on Patreon

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  • To close out the year, in this bumper Space Special, Steve is joined by astronaut Chris Hadfield, trombonist Rosie Turton and composer Steve Thompson - all of them trombonists with a number of additional skills in their portfolio!


    Steve Thompson tells us about his project 1201 Alarm and how his album Hello World will be the first album on the moon! Then trombonist, composer and stalwart of the recent UK jazz revival Rosie Turton is in the studio to give us a binaural tour of the simultaneously most comedic and melancholy instrument of all: the trombone. And to close out the episode - and in fact the year - Steve interviews astronaut Chris Hadfield, former Commander of the International Space Station, experienced musician and bestselling author. Chris doesn't really do podcast interviews usually, so this is quite a coup, and in this extended, wide-ranging chat, Steve and Chris discuss the links between exploration and music, the evolution of music and its links to mankind's restless, travelling nature, international jam sessions on the ISS, and changing guitar strings in orbit.


    Wilton's Music Hall tickets: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

    Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

    Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/StevePrettyOnTheOriginofthePieces


    Chris Hadfield's Space Oddity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaOC9danxNo

    Chris' books: https://chrishadfield.ca/books/

    Rosie Turton: https://www.rosieturton.com/

    1201_Alarm: http://www.1201-alarm.com/home.html

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  • In a little Christmas gift to the listeners, Steve offers us a little taste of the forthcoming interview with Commander Chris Hadfield, astronaut, musician and author, but most of all an incredibly generous and wonderful individual.


    Chris performs a song which he wrote and originally recorded whilst he was commander of the International Space Station (ISS), orbiting earth and looking through his window at the 7.8 billion people living on the beautiful blue sphere below him.


    Episode 7 will feature an interview with Chris about music, exploration, the logistics of recording songs in space, and much more. TUNE IN!

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  • Christmas is coming, so of course we had to have a little look at Christmas music, but not quite in the way you would expect, unless minimalist classical composer Steve Reich is a kind of santa figure for you. Steve performs a festive version of Reich's piece Clapping Music, and is nearly driven completely mad as a result.


    But then the day is saved by legendary composer and music producer Nitin Sawhney. Steve heads to Nitin's studio to learn about Soleá, the genre he was allocated in episode 5, and along the way discovers a lot of commonalities between Indian classical music and flamenco, how the guitar can be used as a percussion instrument to accompany itself, and some fascinating technical insights into the sounds of flamenco. This free-flowing interview with a musical legend covers all the usual show bases in one go as we learn about the Entertaining Noises of the flamenco guitar, dig deep into Music Feary as we examine the nuts and bolts of flamenco, and of course the Genre Tombola as we look at the commonalities between musical traditions so geographically distinct.


    Oh, and Steve gives you a little reminder of his brand new Patreon, where you can help support the show for just $5 a month, as well as getting access to a huge treasure trove of unedited interviews and songs from the show, ticket discounts, exclusive offers and much more.


    Wilton's Music Hall tickets: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/854-steve-pretty-and-friends-on-the-origin-of-the-pieces

    Nitin's website: https://www.nitinsawhney.com/

    Steve's website: http://www.stevepretty.com

    Little playlist of music referenced in the episode: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQPkPcql9kp8MovgfBM0u0Z-BXVWzNAR_&si=HwQLzYIDcsKmY8CJ


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