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.
December 21, 2005 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews members of Jack Brass Band, one of the few New Orleans-style brass bands in the Upper Midwest. Erik Jacobson and Mike Olander discuss the band’s CD “You Don’t Know Me” and fellow musician friends in the brass band scene.
January 31, 2006 - One night a year, three Twin Cities musicians come together to perform before a live audience. The three men come from different generations and musical backgrounds, but they have two things in common; they all play keyboard instruments, and they all resist attempts to pigeonhole their music. MPR’s Marianne Combs talks with the the three pianists about their annual concert creation, Keys Please!
February 10, 2006 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with Ryan Pfeiffer, founder of the Minnesota band Captain Yonder, about origin of group’s name and meaning behind dark lyrics. The band’s style has been described as chamber folk music mixed with heavy "Americana" or "roots" influences.
February 17, 2006 - MPR’s Marianne Combs interviews Michelle Kinney and Jacqueline Ferrier-Ultan, the duo that make up local cello act Jelloslave. The cellists discuss taking the traditions of being classically trained and incorporating it with more contemporary sounds.
February 24, 2006 - MPR’s Karl Gehrke talks with composer and native Minnesotan Maria Schneider about the influence her southwest Minnesota prairie town experiences in Windom have on her compositions.
March 2, 2006 - MPR’s Sea Stachura reports on life on the road for fiddle player Becky Buller. A St. James, Minnesota native, Buller is touring with bluegrass group Liberty Pike.
March 3, 2006 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on Minneapolis-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Douglas Ewart, who places his focus on the creation of sustainable music. Roberts interviews Ewart and others about the sounds and designs behind Ewart’s instruments and performances.
March 30, 2006 - MPR’s Chris Roberts presents a compilation of interviews with three long time Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus members who talk about it’s importance in their lives.
April 7, 2006 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Minneapolis singer-songwriter Ann Reed about her CD “Telling Stories.” Reed also performs songs in the studio.
May 12, 2006 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Twin Cities rapper Omaur Bliss. Roberts interviews Bliss about the optimism in his music and on growing up in East St. Paul. Segment also includes comments from Steve McPherson, music editor of Pulse.