News of the death of pioneering jazz artist Wayne Shorter broke just as MBE was starting. We begin our process of honoring the life and work of the 89 year-old legend through his connection to Brazil. Collaborating with the equally legendary Milton Nascimento on the 1974 project Native Dancer, Shorter had a hand in blending jazz, rock, and funk elements with Brazilian rhythms to create music that feels tangible no matter where in the world you happen to be.
Elsewhere in today’s program you’ll hear artists who feted his work through samples, and the enlistment of his production prowess. Expect more connections to Shorter, and his vast musical reach to emerge in the days and weeks to come.
Another devastating musical loss looms over today’s proceedings, that of 56 year-old Pulp bassist (and highly sought producer) Steve Mackey. We revel in a few of his most notable works — from the 2013, James Murphy produced Pulp reunion single that many thought would never come, to his innovative production methods as evidenced on M.I.A.'s 2004 breakthrough “Galang.” We’re also getting personal — hear about the provocative album art that transfixes Anthony Valadez, and the Pulp classic that makes Novena’s young millennial sister swoon.
It’s beginning to feel like we’re just saying RIP over and over again these days… to everyone, everywhere, all at once. Thankfully, the music endures.