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Strong Songs: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Kirk Hamilton
Music: it's good. On each episode of Strong Songs, host Kirk Hamilton takes listeners inside a piece of music, breaking it down and figuring out what makes it work.
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- 3 weeks ago1h 3m
Return to Kind of Blue
Kirk returns to Kind of Blue, taking a closer look at two more tunes off of the 1959 jazz classic. First, he digs into the modified 12-bar blues "Freddie Freeloader," with a focus on Wynton Kelly's much-emulated opening piano solo. He then compares and contrasts how John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley approached the closing track, "Flamenco Sketches" on tenor and alto sax, respectively. Music by: Miles Davis and Bill Evans The Musicians: Miles Davis, Trumpet Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Alto Sax John Coltrane, Tenor Sax Wynton Kelly & Bill Evans, Piano Paul Chambers, Bass Jimmy Cobb, Drums Produced by Irving Townsend; Engineered by Fred Plaud Album: Kind of Blue, 1959 Listen/Buy via Album.Link ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED: The 2021 episode of Strong Songs about the album's opening track, "So What" Adam Maness and Peter Martin’s excellent music podcast “You’ll Hear It” Kirk’s 2025 “You’ll Hear It” guest appearance discussing Tower of Power’s 1973 self-titled album Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece by Ashley Kahn, 2000 “Cold Sweat” by James Brown, 1967 “Everybody Wants to Rule The World” by Tears For Fears from Songs From The Big Chair, 1985 “Some Other Time” by Leonard Bernstein by Bill Evans and Tony Bennett from The Tony Bennett Bill Evans Album, 1975 “A Love Supreme, Pt. 2: Resolution” - by John Coltrane from A Love Supreme, 1965 --------------------MAY 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Butch Vig - Greg - Matt R MAY 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare Holberton - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Linda Duffy - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - Greg Henion - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Bla Blupp - Dick Morgan - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - Ol Parker - Dan Cutter - Jeff - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Sy Jacobs - Lawrence - Praline - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Rachel - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - H
- Apr 17, 202659 min
"Holy Wars... The Punishment Due" by Megadeth
Kirk surfs an avalanche straight into Thrash Valley, where he delves into the depths of Megadeth's 1990 opus "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due." It's an unstoppable rockslide of layered riffs, tempo shifts, power chords, and... power thirds? Written by: Dave Mustaine Album: Rust in Peace, 1990 Listen/Buy via Album.Link ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED: "Tornado of Souls" by Mustaine/Ellefson from Rust in Peace, 1990 “The Four Horsemen” by Metallica (Hetfield, Ulrich, and Mustaine) from Kill ‘Em All, 1983 “Peace Sells” by Megadeth from Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?, 1983 “Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns n’ Roses from Appetite For Destruction, 1987 “Speed Metal Symphony” by Cacophony from Speed Metal Symphony, 1987 Mr. Tabs' "Holy Wars" transcription (YouTube) Megadeth Live in 1992 at Hammersmith Odeon “Channel 1 Suite” by The Buddy Rich Big Band feat. Don Menza, 1968 "What It Sounds Like" from KPop Demon Hunters, 2025 Angry Crowd Sound by Michael Ghelfi Studios Megadeth plays “Holy Wars” live on Sirius XM in 2022 --------------------APRIL 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS Dave Florey - AccessViolation - Jeremy Dawson - Sami Samhuri - Paul Delaney - Jenness Gardner - Melanie Andrich - Ken Hirsh - Joe Laska - David Mascetti - Christopher McConnell - Jamie White - Christopher Miller - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Jay Swartz - Damon White - Catherine Warner - Ben Barron - Corpus Frisky - Cesar - Robyn Metcalfe - Scott Lystig Fritchie - Lisa Crotty - Andy - Melissa Lucas - Greg - Julie Rowe - Rich Fish - Greer Bevel - Butch Vig - PJ and Ethan - Greg APRIL 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS Colin Hodo - Paul De Surra - James Johnson - Arjun Sharma - Justin McElroy - Alexander Polson - Richard Toller - Melanie Stivers - Matt Betzel - Jeffrey Olson - Brett Douville - Brian Amoebas - Bill Thornton - Andrew Fair - Andrew Baker - Amanda Furlotti - Brad Callahan - Jennifer Bush - AJ Schuster - Tanner Morton - Gavin Doig - Chris K - Alexander - David - Naomi - Dave Sharpe - Caro Field - Jonathan Daniels - Eric Helm - Melmaniac - Dhu Wik - Tom Coleman - Diane Turner - Clare Holberton - Randy Souza - Pascal Rueger - Joshua Hill - Stephen Tsoneff - Michael Casner - Diane Hughes - Angela Livingstone - cbalmain - Eric Prestemon - Lauren Reay - Nathan Gouwens - Nell Morse - Karma Jay - Dallas Hockley - M Shane Borders - Kevin Potter - Eoin de Burca - Bonnie Prinsen - Linda Duffy - Ryan Rairigh - Achint Srivastava - Doug Belew - Abbie Berg - Jason Pratt - Geraldine Butler - Bernard Khoo - David Joske - Donald Mackie - Steve Paquin - Mino Capossela - Kelli Brockington - Adam W - Josh Singer - Rob Tsuk - Ailie Fraser - JRRJ - Jeffrey Bean - Rishi Sahay - Zak Remer - Adam Stofsky - Kenneth Jung - Bruno Gaeta - Paul Wayper - Lisa Turner - Wendy Gilchrist - Doreen Carlson - Janice Berry - Christian Hessmann - Richard Sneddon - Portland Eye Care - Deebs - Michael Shain - Jamie - David Futter - Jeff Ulm - Aaron Wade - KenIsWearingAHat - Ethan Bauman - Catherine Clause - Charles McGee - Tim Sheehan - E Margaret Warton - Matt Baxter - Dr Arthur A Gray - Steve Martino - Stu Baker - Martín Salías - Peter Harding - John Halpin - Douglas H Frazer - Heather J - Alan Maass - Dave Malloy - Robert Granat - Kaya Woodall - Kellen Steffen - Sean Murphy - Jim Sellers - Ben Stein - Bla Blupp - Dick Morgan - Lee R. - Misty Haisfield - Carlos Lerner - Dent Earl - Aaron Wilson - Chris Remo - Brian Johan Peter - Ethan Laser - James McMurry - Anthony Mentz - Thomas - Matthew Jones - Eric Sp - Max - Rand LeShay - Stephen Wolkwitz - Paul Bigelman - Monica St. Angelo - Henry Mindlin - Dave Kolas - Lauren Knotts - Joe Gallo - Merv Adrian - Michael Singer - Inmar Givoni - Mordok’s Vape Pen - Clint McElroy - John Berry - Ol Parker - Dan Cutter - Jeff - Michael - James - Kevin Marcelo - Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble - Ashley - Melissa Kuhns - Jordan Gatenby - Andrew Hofer - Ian Pidd - Irritable - Meryl Allison - Sy Jacobs - Lawrence - Praline - Kevin Stafford - Daniel Nervo - Philip Kelly - Bea - Julie Kellman - Daniel Kaberon - TB - Aruni Jayatilleke - Rachel - Kym Griffith - PhantomMare - Alison Dugan - Margaret McReynolds - Betsy Barre - HiddenJester - Brian Rinckenberger - RsP - Lottie Aron - Alex Miller - Jez - Steve B - Ian Karmel - Zach Putnam - Stephen
- Mar 20, 202658 min
"Both Sides, Now" by Joni Mitchell
Kirk returns to the world of Joni Mitchell for a look at the many sides of her masterpiece "Both Sides, Now." From her initial 1960s live performances, to her 1969 studio recording, to the Grammy-winning orchestral rendition she released in 2000, each version of "Both Sides, Now" shows us a different side of Joni, and of ourselves. Written by: Joni Mitchell Album: Clouds, 1969 | Both Sides Now, 2000 Listen/Buy via Album.Link ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED: 2022 Strong Songs episode on "Help Me" from Court and Spark “Urge For Going” by Joni Mitchell, recorded by George Hamilton IV, 1967 “Help Me” by Joni Mitchell from Court and Spark, 1974 “Both Sides Now” as recorded by Judy Collins and Dave Van Ronk Excerpt from Henderson the Rain King by Saul Bellow, 1959 Joni onstage w/ Brandi Carlile at The Newport Folk Festival, 2022 Joni talks with CBC's Jian Ghomeshi in 2013 -------------------- MARCH 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS MARCH 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS -------------------- 💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺 July 11, 2026 | Portland, OR Buy Tickets Here ----LINKS----- 💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS! Patreon | One-Time Donation 🏠 HOMEPAGE 👚 MERCH 💬 DISCORD SERVER 📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER 🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS 🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC 📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky 🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music 🎨 SHOW ART: Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
- Feb 20, 20261h 0m
"Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie
Kirk heaps on a second helping of TWO previous Strong Songs artists: Queen and David Bowie, whose 1981 collaboration "Under Pressure" topped the charts while showing how a mid-song transformation is done. Written by: David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, Roger Taylor Album: Hot Space, 1982 Listen/Buy via Album.Link ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED: Previous Strong Songs episodes on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and "Starman" “Killer Queen” by Queen from Sheer Heart Attack, 1974 “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen from A Night At The Opera, 1975 “Somebody To Love” by Freddie Mercury from A Day at the Races, 1976 “We Are The Champions” by Freddie Mercury from Jazz, 1977 “Flash Gordon Theme” from Flash Gordon Original Soundtrack, 1980 “Another One Bites The Dust” by John Deacon from The Game, 1980 “Back Chat” by John Deacon from Hot Space, 1982 “Cat People” by Giorgio Moroder and David Bowie from Cat People OST (1982) and Just Dance, 1983 Brian May in Total Guitar, March 2024 Freddie Mercury TV interview with Lisa Robinson, 1984 -------------------- FEBRUARY 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS FEBRUARY 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS -------------------- 💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺 July 11, 2026 | Portland, OR Buy Tickets Here ----LINKS----- 💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS! Patreon | One-Time Donation 🏠 HOMEPAGE 👚 MERCH 💬 DISCORD SERVER 📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER 🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS 🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC 📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky 🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music 🎨 SHOW ART: Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
- Jan 16, 20261h 0m
"Rosanna" by Toto
Kirk kicks off Strong Songs Season Eight with a second helping of Toto, whose song "Africa" got the very first episode of Strong Songs he ever made. This time around he's focusing on 1982's "Rosanna," a song that shows just what Toto could do when every member of the band gave it their all. Written by: David Paich Album: Toto IV, 1982 Listen/Buy via Album.Link ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED: Guess That Record Interview with David Paich Toto Live at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, 1991 Music Radar interview with Porcaro and Paich about the synth sounds Jeff Porcaro explains the Rosanna groove to Drummerworld Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary on HBO, 2024 “Home At Last” from Aja and “Babylon Sisters” from Gaucho by Steely Dan “Fool In The Rain” by Led Zeppelin from In Through The Out Door, 1979 “Lido Shuffle” by Boz Scaggs and David Paich from Silk Degrees, 1977 “Hold the Line” by David Paich from Toto, 1978 “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got) by Lambert/Potter, sung by the Four Tops, 1973 “Give ‘M Time” by Sammy Nestico recorded by Count Basie Big Band, 1975 -------------------- JANUARY 2026 WHOLE NOTE PATRONS JANUARY 2026 HALF NOTE PATRONS -------------------- 💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺 July 11, 2026 | Portland, OR Buy Tickets Here ----LINKS----- 💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS! Patreon | One-Time Donation 🏠 HOMEPAGE 👚 MERCH 💬 DISCORD SERVER 📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER 🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS 🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC 📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky 🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music 🎨 SHOW ART: Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
- Jan 2, 20265 min
Season Eight Announcement!
Strong Songs Season Eight will kick off on Friday, January 16! If you want to listen a week early, get monthly "Inside the Episode" bonuses, and support the creation of Strong Songs, go sign up for the Patreon. We're running a sale for the whole month of January - use the code STRONG8 when signing up, and your first month will be just $1. See you in a couple weeks for the season premiere! -------------------- 💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺 July 11, 2026 | Portland, OR Buy Tickets Here ----LINKS----- 💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS! Patreon | One-Time Donation 🏠 HOMEPAGE 👚 MERCH 💬 DISCORD SERVER 📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER 🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS 🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC 📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky 🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music 🎨 SHOW ART: Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
- Nov 28, 20251h 26m
The Jazz Pianist's Perspective, with Peter Martin
Kirk sits down with jazz piano legend Peter Martin to talk about Peter's musical background, his momentous early encounters with Wynton Marsalis and Kenny Kirkland, the jazz scene of the 1990s, how the Suzuki method works, and why jazz students today should be less shy about talking to their heroes. Check out Peter's online jazz education program Open Studio, as well as You'll Hear It, the music podcast he co-hosts with Adam Maness. DISCUSSED/REFERENCED: “Variations Sur ‘Le Carnaval de Venise” feat. Wynton Marsalis and the Eastman Wind Ensemble from Carnival, 1987 “Path Adjacent” Peter Martin w/ Gregory Hutchinson, Sarah Hanahan & Reuben Rogers from Generation S, 2023 “Bag’s Groove” by Milt Jackson from Miles Davis, Bag’s Groove, 1967 “Tea For Two” by Youmans/Ceasar, played by Art Tatum from Piano Starts Here, 1968 “Broad Way Blues” by Ornette Coleman from New York Is Now, 1968 “Swingin’ at the Haven” by Branford Marsalis from Royal Garden Blues, 1986 “Now’s The Time/Billie’s Bounce” by Charlie Parker from Jamey Aebersold Vol. 6: All Bird “Naima’s Love Song” by Betty Carter from I_t’s Not About The Melody_, 1992 “Mental Phrasing” by Roy Hargrove live w/ Joshua Redman, Ron Blake, Peter Martin, Rodney Whitaker, Greg Hutchinson “Turnaround” by Joshua Redman w/ Pat Metheny from Wish, 1993 “Jig-A-Jug” by Joshua Redman and “St. Thomas” by Sonny Rollins” from Spirit of the Moment: Live at the Village Vanguard, 1995 “Cat Battles” and “One Shining Soul” by Joshua Redman from Freedom in the Groove, 1996 “The Loneliness of a Long Distance Runner” intro and “Mind and Body” from Solo, Live in New York, 2015 “Why Approach Chords Matter” - Adam Maness for Open Studio on YouTube, 2025 “2 Down & 2 Across,” “Sing a Song of Song,” “Before It’s Time to Say Goodbye” by Kenny Garrett feat. Kenny Kirkland from Songbook, 1997 “Phyrzzinian Man” by Wynton Marsalis from Black Codes from the Underground, 1985 “Necessary Evil” by Elvin Jones and “Whatever Possessed Me” by Chet Baker feat. Pat LaBarbera (Tenor) and Kenny Kirkland from Brother John, 1982 “Stella by Starlight” by Hoagy Carmichael, performed by the Miles Davis Quintet on My Funny Valentine: In Concert, 1965 -------------------- NOVEMBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS AccessViolation – Andy – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Cesar – Christopher McConnell – Christopher Miller – Corpus Frisky – Damon White – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Dave Florey – David Mascetti – Elizabeth Culver – Greg – Jamie White – Jay Swartz – Jenness Gardner – Jeremy Dawson – Joe Laska – Julie Rowe – Ken Hirsh – Lisa Crotty – Melanie Andrich – Melissa Lucas – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Rich Fish – Rick Keeler – Robyn Metcalfe – Rush – Sami Samhuri – Thomas McIlheran NOVEMBER 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONS Aaron Cain – Aaron Wade – Abbie Berg – Abraham Benrubi – Achint Srivastava – Adam Clark – Adam Stofsky – Adam W – Ailie Fraser – AJ Schuster – Alan Kress – Alan Maass – Alex – Alex Miller – Alexander – Alexander Polson – Alison Dugan – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Andrew Fair – Andrew Hofer – Andrew Knutson – Angela Livingstone – Anthony Mentz – Arjun Sharma – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ashley – Bea – Ben Stein – Bernard Khoo – Betsy Barre – Bill Thornton – Bonnie Prinsen – Brad Callahan – Brendan McLeod – Brett Douville – Brian Amoebas – Brian Rinckenberger – Brian John Peter – Bruno Gaeta – Carlos Lerner – Caro Field – Catherine Clause – Cbalmain – Charles McGee – Cheryl Wilke – Chris K – Christian Hessmann – Christopher Selby Spink – Clare Holberton – Claudia Carty – Clint McElroy – Colin Hodo – Dallas Hockley – Dan Cutter – Dani – Daniel Kaberon – Daniel Markoff – Daniel Nervo – Dave Douglass – Dave Kolas – Dave Malloy – Dave Sharpe – David – David Futter – David Joske – David Noah – Deebs – Dent Earl – Dermot Crowley – Dhu Wik – Diane Hughes – Diane Turner – Dick Morgan – Donald Mackie – Doreen Carlson – Doug Belew – Douglas H. Frazer – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Dubmarine – E. Margaret Warton – Edward Steen – Eoin De Burca – Eric Helm – Eric Prestemon – Eric Sp – Eric Stone – Erik – Ethan Bauman – Ethan Laser – Freddy Freeman – Gary Pierce – Gavin Doig – Geraldine Butler – Glenn Jackson – Grettir Asmundarson – Heather J – Henry Mindlin – HiddenJester – Ian Karmel – Ian Pidd – Inmar Givoni – Irritable – James – James – James Johnson – James McMurry – Jamie – Janice Berry – Jason Pratt – Jeff – Jeff Ulm – Jeffrey Bean – Jeffrey Olson – Jennifer Bush – Jez – Jim Sellers – Joe Gallo – John Berry – John Domina – John Halpin – Jonathan Daniels – Jordan Gatenby – Joseph Romero – Josh Singer – Joshua Hill – JRRJ – Julie Kellman – Justin McElroy – Karma Jay – Kaya Woodall – Kayla Russell – Kellen Steffen – Kelli Brockington – KenIsWearingAHat – Kenneth Jung – Kevin Marcelo – Kevin Potter – Kevin Stafford – Kym Griffith – Lauren Knotts – Lauren Reay – Lawrence – Lee R. – LG – Linda Duffy – Lisa Turner – Lottie Aron – Luigi Boccia – M. Shane Borders – Maddie S – Margaret McReynolds – Martín Salías – Mathias Schmidt – M
- Nov 14, 20251h 56m
The Fearless Fela Kuti, with Jad Abumrad
Writer, composer, and Peabody Award-winning podcaster Jad Abumrad joins Kirk to talk about Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, his new 12-part series on the life, music, and legacy of Afrobeat superstar Fela Kuti. DISCUSSED/REFERENCED: “Miryea’s Death” by Jack Nitzche from Revenge, 1990 “Prologue” by Alexandre Desplat from Birth, 2004 Excerpt from Port(al), music by Paola Prestini and Jad Abumrad, performed by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus “It’s Highlife Time” and “Amaechi’s Blues” by Fela Kuti and his Koola Lobitos, ca. 1963-69 “Jeun Ko Ku,” “Eko Ile,” and “Je’nwi Temi” by Fela Kuti from Afrodesiac, 1973 “Zombie” by Fela Kuti from Zombie, 1976 “The Great Curve” by Talking Heads from Remain in Light, 1980 “Life During Wartime” and “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads from Stop Making Sense, 1984 “The Prince We Never Knew“ - Sasha Weiss’ essential New York Times feature on Ezra Edelman’s unreleased Prince documentary “RITUAL” by Jon Hopkins from Ritual, 2024 “Open Eye Signal” by Jon Hopkins from Immunity, 2013 “A Quiet Glow” by Siavash Amini from Songs for Sad Poets, 2022 “In The Dust of This Planet” - 2014 Radiolab Episode featuring the poetry of Eugene Thacker “The Right Man (Daniele Baldelli & Marco Dionigi Cosmic Remix)” from The Units - Connections, 2011 “quiero sentirme bien” by Kali Uchis from Sin Miedo, 2020 “Looking for Love” by The Tallest Man On Earth from Henry St., 2023 “Sweet Surrender” by Sarah McLachlan from Mirrorball, 1999 -------------------- OCTOBER 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS AccessViolation – Andy – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Cesar – Christopher McConnell – Christopher Miller – Corpus Frisky – Damon White – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Dave Florey – David Mascetti – Elizabeth Culver – Greg – Jamie White – Jay Swartz – Jenness Gardner – Jeremy Dawson – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Lisa Crotty – Melanie Andrich – Melissa Lucas – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Rick Keeler – Robyn Metcalfe – Rush – Sami Samhuri – Thomas McIlheran OCTOBER 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONS Aaron Cain – Aaron Wade – Aaron Wilson – Abbie Berg – Abraham Benrubi – Achint Srivastava – Adam Clark – Adam Stofsky – Adam W – Ailie Fraser – AJ Schuster – Alan Kress – Alan Maass – Alex – Alex Miller – Alexander – Alexander Polson – Alison Dugan – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Andrew Fair – Andrew Hofer – Angela Livingstone – Anthony Mentz – Arjun Sharma – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ashley – Bea – Ben Stein – Bernard Khoo – Betsy Barre – Bill Thornton – Bonnie Prinsen – Brad Callahan – Brendan McLeod – Brett Douville – Brian Amoebas – Brian Rinckenberger – Brian John Peter – Bruno Gaeta – Carlos Lerner – Caro Field – Catherine Clause – Cbalmain – Charles McGee – Cheryl Wilke – Chris K – Chris Remo – Christian Hessmann – Christopher Selby Spink – Clare Holberton – Claudia Carty – Clint McElroy – Colin Hodo – Dallas Hockley – Dan Cutter – Dani – Daniel Kaberon – Daniel Markoff – Daniel Nervo – Dave Douglass – Dave Kolas – Dave Malloy – Dave Sharpe – David – David – David – David Futter – David Joske – David Noah – David Stroud – Deebs – Dent Earl – Dermot Crowley – Dhu Wik – Diane Hughes – Diane Turner – Dick Morgan – Donald Mackie – Doreen Carlson – Doug Belew – Douglas H. Frazer – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – E. Margaret Warton – Edward Steen – Eoin De Burca – Eric Helm – Eric Prestemon – Eric Sp – Eric Stone – Erik – Ethan Bauman – Ethan Laser – Freddy Freeman – Gary Pierce – Gavin Doig – Geraldine Butler – Glenn Jackson – Grettir Asmundarson – Henry Mindlin – HiddenJester – Ian Karmel – Ian Pidd – Inmar Givoni – Irritable – James – James Johnson – James McMurry – Jamie – Janice Berry – Jason Pratt – Jeff – Jeff Ulm – Jeffrey Bean – Jeffrey Olson – Jennifer Bush – Jez – Jim Sellers – Joe Gallo – John Berry – John Halpin – Jonathan Daniels – Jordan Gatenby – Joseph Romero – Josh Singer – Joshua Hill – JRRJ – Julie Kellman – Justin McElroy – Karma Jay – Kaya Woodall – Kayla Russell – Kellen Steffen – Kelli Brockington – KenIsWearingAHat – Kenneth Jung – Kevin Marcelo – Kevin Potter – Kevin Stafford – Kym Griffith – Lauren Knotts – Lauren Reay – Lawrence – Lee R. – LG – Linda Duffy – Lisa Turner – Lottie Aron – Luigi Boccia – M. Shane Borders – Margaret McReynolds – Martín Salías – Mathias Schmidt – Matt Betzel – Matthew Jones – Max – Max Barnes – Melanie Stivers – Melissa Kuhns – Melmaniac – Merv Adrian – Meryl Allison – Michael – Michael Berman – Michael Casner – Michael Singer – Michael Wisnosky – Michelle Laughran – Mino Capossela – Misty Haisfield – MJS – Monica St. Angelo – Mordok’s Vape Pen – Naomi Watson – Nathan Gouwens – Nell Morse – Ol Parker – Pascal Rueger – Paul Bigelman – Paul Wayper – Peter Harding – PhantomMare – Philip Kelly – Portland Eye Care – Princess Of Whales – R. J. Helow – Rachel – Rand LeShay – Randal Vegter – Randy Souza – Richard Sneddon – Richard Toller – Rishi Sahay – Rob Tsuk – Robert Granat – Robert Heuer – RsP – Ryan Rairigh – Sarah Vetters – Sean Murphy – Seattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral Ensemble – Simon Hellman – Stephen
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About Strong Songs
Music: it's good. On each episode of Strong Songs, host Kirk Hamilton takes listeners inside a piece of music, breaking it down and figuring out what makes it work.
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