music

Which are the five albums you’d choose if you could only listen to 5? Which 5 records or artists had the greatest impact on you musically? Get ready for the great debate of the albums that matter most.

Maine’s own "holler folk" band, Ghost of Paul Revere, joins us to discuss their new album, life on the road, and making it onto the national music scene.  They made their national debut in January on "Conan."

First there were cassettes, then CDs, then MP3s — each supposed to be the death of vinyl records. Yet they remain popular, and more and more bands are releasing their music on vinyl. Last year 14 percent of all albums sold were vinyl records — the 12th straight year of vinyl sales growth. We’ll hear from collectors and aficionados about why this “old” format continues to remain popular.

Our own Sara Willis joins us to share some of her favorite music discoveries of the year.  We’ll also hear from Rich Tozier about some of his favorite jazz ‘re-discoveries’ of the year. 

Guest:  Sara Willis is the host of Maine Public’s “In Tune.”

Rich Tozier is the host of Maine Public's "Jazz Tonight."

We survey the pop & rock music scene in Maine and get a preview of some upcoming festivals/concerts.

Guests: Spencer Albee, Portland based and nationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer. Since 1995, he has toured internationally, signed multiple record and publishing deals and worked with artists ranging from David Bowie to De La Soul.  Rolling Stone Magazine recently called Spencer a "21st Century master in the lost art of Beatlesque hooks."

Though some still scoff at what looks like a toy guitar, there are a growing number of ukulele enthusiasts. Sales of the small four-stringed instruments, popularized in Hawaii, have skyrocketed in recent years and playing groups are popping up across the country including Maine. The ukulele is is helping many of new players become something they never thought they could be — musicians.

  Community bands..or 'town bands' in Maine have their roots in military ensembles dating back to colonial times.  before the emergence of radio and other forms of popular entertainment, community bands were at the center of small town life......and even city life.   as Maine prepares to celebrate the nation's birthday this friday, community bands around the state are rehearsing for concerts on the green, or on parade floats.

  Meet the new Music Director at MPBN, Robin Rilette. She was the former morning classical host at Northwest Public Radio (NWPR), based in Pullman, Washington.

Host Jennifer Rooks spoke with:

MPBN's Music Director Robin Rilette

  What are we learning about how music makes us more creative?

Host Suzanne Nance was joined by:

David Shaw, Black Point Group, Former Chair of The Jackson Laboratory

Dr. Charles Limb, Associate Professor - Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Faculty, Peabody Conservatory of Music

Jennifer Torrance, Jackson Laboratory's Senior Manager of Multimedia Services

Additional Information:

  Aaron Robinson, Maine composer, conductor, recording artist and author, has written a new book about the power of music.

Host Suzanne Nance was joined by:

Aaron Robinson, author of Does God Sing

[ Aaron Robinson - "Does God Sing - A Musical Journey" originally aired on Maine Calling January 22, 2013.]

  Join a panel of music lovers and writers for a conversation about local bands, great venues and what makes the music scene in our state thrive.

Host Keith Shortall was joined by:

Lara Seaver – Host of ‘Music from 207’ and Private Stage (WCLZ and WPXT).

Spencer Albee – Portland Musician and Event Promoter (former member of AS FAST AS and Rustic Overtones).

Aimsel Ponti, Writer, Portland Press Herald (Focuses on the local music scene)

  Maine has several Chamber Music Festivals and Concerts during the summer.  Hear what is going on in the Chamber Music World.

Host Suzanne Nance was joined by:

Wilhelmina "Mina" Smith - Artistic Director, Salt Bay Chamberfest

Manuel Bagorro, Artistic Director, Bay Chamber Concerts

and Jennifer (Jenny) Elowitch, Artistic Director, Portland Chamber Music Festival