Bassist, songwriter, and composer Esperanza Spalding sits with Bruce Headlam to discuss her latest work and the opera she’s writing with the legendary saxophonist Wayne Shorter. They also discuss why Esperanza shies away from being labeled a prodigy, what it’s like jamming at Joni Mitchell's house, and how, despite her improvisational approach, she’s so much more than just a jazz musician.

 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Bassist, songwriter, and composer Esperanza Spalding sits with Bruce Headlam to discuss her latest work and the opera she’s writing with the legendary saxophonist Wayne Shorter. They also discuss why Esperanza shies away from being labeled a prodigy, what it’s like jamming at Joni Mitchell's house, and how, despite her improvisational approach, she’s so much more than just a jazz musician. Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

Music and storytelling meet on Broken Record, where artists across genres and generations sit down to explore the joy, chaos, and vulnerability of creating—and what it means to devote a life to music. From legendary icons to groundbreaking new voices, each episode captures artists in conversation sharing the inspirations and experiences that shape their craft.

Music and storytelling meet on Broken Record, where artists across genres and generations sit down to explore the joy, chaos, and vulnerability of creating&mdash;and what it means to devote a life to music. From legendary icons to groundbreaking new voices, each episode captures artists in conversation sharing the inspirations and experiences that shape their craft.

Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond

Esperanza Spalding

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e7f420eb-40fb-4554-854e-ae320090b3fd/transcript

Since getting his start in the late ‘60s, Labi Siffre has had an unflinching commitment to writing exactly what he feels. The result was a debut album that announced a singular talent: a British singer-songwriter who could move seamlessly from jazz-inflected soul to tender love songs, all while addressing themes of love, identity, and justice that most pop artists wouldn't touch.

Over the next decade, Siffre built a catalog that defied category. Still, his 1972 song "Crying Laughing Loving Lying" became an international success, and his song "Something Inside So Strong"—written years later in response to apartheid—also became a big hit, revealing the true scope of his artistry.

And then there's "I Got The..." from his 1975 album Remember My Song that would quietly become one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop history, most famously by Dr. Dre on Eminem's "My Name Is."

On today's episode, Justin Richmond talks to Labi Siffre about growing up in 1950s London and the music he discovered that set him on his particular artistic path. Labi also talks about how he wants music to enliven him and how much it annoys him when people tell him to chill. And he explains why, after decades in the music industry, he's never regretted choosing honesty over commercial compromise.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Labi Siffre HERE.

Since getting his start in the late &lsquo;60s, Labi Siffre has had an unflinching commitment to writing exactly what he feels. The result was a debut album that announced a singular talent: a British singer-songwriter who could move seamlessly from jazz-inflected soul to tender love songs, all while addressing themes of love, identity, and justice that most pop artists wouldn't touch.
Over the next decade, Siffre built a catalog that defied category. Still, his 1972 song "Crying Laughing Loving Lying" became an international success, and his song "Something Inside So Strong"&mdash;written years later in response to apartheid&mdash;also became a big hit, revealing the true scope of his artistry.
And then there's "I Got The..." from his 1975 album Remember My Song that would quietly become one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop history, most famously by Dr. Dre on Eminem's "My Name Is."
On today's episode, Justin Richmond talks to Labi Siffre about growing up in 1950s London and the music he discovered that set him on his particular artistic path. Labi also talks about how he wants music to enliven him and how much it annoys him when people tell him to chill. And he explains why, after decades in the music industry, he's never regretted choosing honesty over commercial compromise.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Labi Siffre <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6iUS866q1oEv8wlIKoWqCl?si=4ee9801974624e83&amp;nd=1&amp;dlsi=bf1f053cbf5849e4">HERE</a>.

Labi Siffre

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f4b5ac38-edd4-48f3-a7d0-b3b40161540a/transcript

When Chicago released their debut album in 1969, they blended brass, jazz sophistication, and rock power into something completely their own. By 1975, when Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits arrived, the band had already amassed an extraordinary catalog of songs that captured both the experimental spirit of the late '60s and the pop sensibility of the '70s. That compilation became one of the best-selling albums of the decade, introducing new listeners to the band's range while cementing their legacy.

Now, Chicago is celebrating the 50th anniversary of that landmark release with an expanded edition that offers fans a deeper look at this pivotal moment in the band's history.

On today's episode, Bruce Headlam talks to Lee Loughnane and Jimmy Pankow of Chicago about recording their early albums. They also discuss how they came up with the idea of incorporating a horn section into a rock band. And they explain why after being on the road since the 70’s they don’t even bother to unpack their suitcases anymore.

You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Chicago HERE.

When Chicago released their debut album in 1969, they blended brass, jazz sophistication, and rock power into something completely their own. By 1975, when Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits arrived, the band had already amassed an extraordinary catalog of songs that captured both the experimental spirit of the late '60s and the pop sensibility of the '70s. That compilation became one of the best-selling albums of the decade, introducing new listeners to the band's range while cementing their legacy.
Now, Chicago is celebrating the 50th anniversary of that landmark release with an expanded edition that offers fans a deeper look at this pivotal moment in the band's history.
On today's episode, Bruce Headlam talks to Lee Loughnane and Jimmy Pankow of Chicago about recording their early albums. They also discuss how they came up with the idea of incorporating a horn section into a rock band. And they explain why after being on the road since the 70&rsquo;s they don&rsquo;t even bother to unpack their suitcases anymore.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite songs from Chicago <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4caPfjxkCMVrwNtYjaOxWW?si=6f4c83f504fe49dd">HERE</a>.

Chicago

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/33bc02f0-d644-454d-b301-b3ad00f16ca3/transcript

Justin joined You'll Hear It's Adam Maness and Peter Martin to talk Still Crazy After All These Years. Paul Simon's Grammy-winning album was born out of divorce, and produced some of his greatest songs of all time, like "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover," "My Little Town," and "I Do It For Your Love." They dive into the story behind this remarkable album, including Steve Gadd's famous drum beat and how Stevie Wonder's Innervisions may have been the catalyst for Paul Simon's divorce?! And, we ask: Is this the ultimate sad boy album? Find You'll Hear It wherever you get podcasts.

Justin joined You'll Hear It's Adam Maness and Peter Martin to talk Still Crazy After All These Years. Paul Simon's Grammy-winning album was born out of divorce, and produced some of his greatest songs of all time, like "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover," "My Little Town," and "I Do It For Your Love." They dive into the story behind this remarkable album, including Steve Gadd's famous drum beat and how Stevie Wonder's Innervisions may have been the catalyst for Paul Simon's divorce?! And, we ask: Is this the ultimate sad boy album? Find <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/youll-hear-it/id1342674932">You'll Hear It</a> wherever you get podcasts.

Justin Richmond on You'll Hear It: "Still Crazy After All These Years" — Paul Simon

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1df4dc04-be4d-48ce-89a3-b3a6016b3eea/transcript

Esperanza Spalding

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Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond

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