Minnesota has claim to a wealth of creativity; music is no exception. Almost every genre can be heard within our state’s borders. The results range from a simple act of joy, to an influence that reverberates far beyond (the “Minneapolis Sound” is a prime example). The collection below is an introduction to the diverse and talented artists who have called Minnesota home, and the art they share with all of us.
August 24, 2005 - American musician John Munson has been a key figure in some of the most popular and influential rock bands in Twin Cities music history. Munson shares his immersion into ancient Chinese music, including a folk song titled “Meng Jiang Nü.”
August 30, 2005 - Orkestar Bez Ime (ore keh star bezz EE may), or OBI as they like to be called, are a Minnesota dance band working to preserve the folk music fast disappearing from Europe. Four women and a man make up Orkestar Bez Ime, which in Bulgarian means “orchestra without a name.” The group play dance tunes from Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, amongst other nations.
August 31, 2005 - Nationally known experimental musician and composer George Cartwright shares his appreciation for Memphis Blues legend Furry Lewis and his rendition of “Casey Jones.” Cartwright lived as a young man Cartwright in the Mississippi Delta.
September 9, 2005 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles West St. Paul jazz saxophonist Irv Williams, who at 86, still plays gigs and has CD releases. Roberts interviews Williams about his music style and longevity, and others in the music industry about Williams’ talent.
September 23, 2005 - MPR’s Karl Gehrke reports on Seattle composer Stehen Newby’s “Rondo Oratorio,” It is a multi-movement work for large chorus, chamber orchestra, rhythm section, soloists and narrators that captures the spirit of the people who lived in St. Paul's long-gone Rondo neighborhood.
October 20, 2005 - MPR’s Karl Grehrke interviews local jazz musician Dave Graf about life as a trombonist and his first CD release, “Just Like That.” Gehrke also speaks with Artegra label founder Warren Sampson and trumpeter Dave Jensen about Graf.
October 25, 2005 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with Minneapolis trumpeter Charles Lazarus. The 36-year-old plays trumpet for the Minnesota Orchestra, but for Lazarus, the orchestral repertoire isn't the only music that matters. With the CD release of “Solo Settings,” he displays a stylistic range that extends well beyond the classical canon.
November 17, 2005 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann profiles “To Be Certain of the Dawn.” The new oratorio is written by Stephen Paulus to a text of Michael Dennis Browne for the Minnesota Orchestra, the choirs at the Basilica, and soloists.
November 18, 2005 - MPR’s Karl Gehrke profiles The Bakken Trio, one of the oldest music chamber ensembles working in the Twin Cities. Gehrke interviews members of group and composer Jeffrey Brooks about the dedication and commitment it takes to keep chamber groups going.
December 2, 2005 - MPR’s Tom Crann meets with the Steele family in the Maud Moon Weyerhaeuser Music Studio to discuss family and Christmas. The Steeles also perform various Christmas songs.