Welcome to an hour of Listening Lyrics, right here on KDRT 95.7 FM in Davis, California.
No musical passports required. Folk can sit next to funk, jazz can dance with rock, and a singer-songwriter might end up sharing a park bench with a reggae band. Listening Lyrics is your invitation to escape the noise of the day and enter a world of elaborate sounds, unexpected discoveries, and songs that have something to say.
This is the kind of journey only commercial-free community radio can provide.
So close your eyes. Open your ears. Relax your mind. Join me, Pieter Pastoor, as we send color to your ears and wander through the vast landscape of music and lyrics—the grand meeting place of rhythm, imagination, and the remarkable human ability to create art. Whether it's a whisper, a roar, a groove, or a melody you've never heard before, it all belongs here.
Remember: Real Music. Real Community. Real Good Music.
Podcast
Jazz takes on rock, on Listening Lyrics, June 12, 2026Fri, 06/12/2026 - 4:00pm | Pieter PastoorRock 'n' roll and jazz have always had a complicated relationship. Rock is often built on simplicity, energy, and attitude. Jazz thrives on improvisation, reinterpretation, and surprise. But when jazz musicians get their hands on rock songs, something magical can happen. Whether you're a jazz fan curious about rock, a rock fan curious about jazz, or simply someone who enjoys hearing great musicians take creative chances, I think you'll find plenty to enjoy. So settle in, keep your ears open, and see if you can recognize these classics as they're transformed by some of the world's most inventive jazz artists. I'm Pieter Pastoor, and this is Listening Lyrics on KDRT 95.7 FM, Davis. Listen in now. |
Listening Lyrics - June 5, 2026Sat, 06/06/2026 - 4:49pm | Pieter Pastoor |
Listening Lyrics, May 29, 2026: With Karl Rasmussen, joyfulness is a Big Sticky MessFri, 05/29/2026 - 4:00pm | Pieter PastoorWhen it comes to guests, Karl Rasmussen is definitely on the “A” list. He’s articulate, thoughtful, full of energy, and brings the kind of warmth and enthusiasm that leaves an impression on everyone he meets. Karl is a true multi-instrumentalist—equally at home on guitar, keyboards, trombone, percussion, and vocals. He’s a driving force in Davis/Sacramento’s own Big Sticky Mess, a band with deep local roots and a sound often described as a joyful blend of early-’70s funk, soul, and rock—full of groove, humor, and heart. Beyond Big Sticky Mess, Karl has lent his talents to a wide range of Northern California bands and projects, including Boca do Rio, ideateam, and several jazz and funk collaborations. No matter the setting or style, one thing always comes through: Karl loves making music and loves sharing it with others. |
Listening Lyrics - May 22, 2026Sun, 05/24/2026 - 6:38am | Pieter Pastoor |
Listening Lyrics - May 08, 2026Sat, 05/09/2026 - 10:19am | Cyclrn |
11 stories, 11 insights -- my immigration thoughts, on Listening Lyrics, May 1, 2026Fri, 05/01/2026 - 4:00pm | Pieter PastoorListen in to Listening Lyrics as I play the top 11 songs from February 1953 … in Toronto, Canada. Not randomly. Those songs will carry a story—my story—of immigrating with my family from the Netherlands to Toronto. We’ll move through it in 11 acts, each one introduced, summarized, and—ideally—kept on track by my friend and fellow DJ Gil Medovoy, who will connect the moment to the music. This hour was inspired by my brother Art and my trip down memory lane in Toronto last month. We flew to New York and took the train from there to Toronto using the same route as we did in 1953. |
Swedish jazz & blues on Listening Lyrics, April 24, 2026Fri, 04/24/2026 - 4:00pm | Pieter PastoorTonight on Listening Lyrics, we head to Sweden – a land better known for forests, Volvos, ABBA, winter nights, and great design, but also home to a remarkable jazz and blues tradition. Swedish jazz often blends cool elegance, folk melodies, and deep atmosphere, while Swedish blues brings heartfelt grit with a Scandinavian twist. From smoky clubs in Stockholm to late-night festivals across the country, Sweden has long proven that soul and swing need no passport. So settle in – this is Swedish jazz and blues. |
James Brown covers, on Listening Lyrics, April 17, 2026Fri, 04/17/2026 - 4:00pm | NedTonight on Listening Lyrics we salute James Brown—the Godfather of Soul, a man whose grooves, screams, rhythms, and swagger became a musical blueprint. His songs didn’t just become hits—they became assignments. Generations of artists from jazz, rock, reggae, funk, blues, and pop have all taken their turn covering him. When musicians need fire, rhythm, and attitude, they often start with James Brown. For the next hour, we’ll hear what happens when other artists borrow from the master. |
Listening Lyrics – April 10, 2026: Alex Jenkins talks about his new nationally acclaimed album Black BirdFri, 04/10/2026 - 4:51pm | Pieter PastoorThis week on Listening Lyrics, it's the Alex Jenkins Trio! These Sacramento musicians are among the most talented in the region, truly creative, and promise music full of beautiful surprises. The trio's latest record, Black Bird, received a four-star review in All About Jazz and is being played on radio stations across the country. Due to his in-depth study of the music of different cultures, Alex’s playing transcends musical traditions and boundaries. His expression of rhythm is heavily influenced by his study of Tabla (a North Indian classical percussion instrument). As a result, he has become known for his creative approach to music and his unique ability to fuse rhythmic ideas from various disciplines into one cohesive sound. Hear Listening Lyrics Fridays on KDRT 95.7fm + KDRT.org! Listen anytime via the web and the podcasts. |
Listening Lyrics for 4:00pm on Apr 3rd, 2026Sat, 04/04/2026 - 8:45am | Ned |
Comments
Definitely one fine show Pieter & Jeanne. It was hearing the eclectic mix of music which brought on a rush of memories. Notably, Phillip Glass’ “Open the Kingdom” made me think on my personal favorite Glass piece, the score to the film; Powaqqatsi. As an aside, having a grandchild with Aspergers I remembered listening to an interview with Music Critic, Tim Page who revealed that after being diagnosed as having Aspergers realized that it was Glass’ minimalist focus on each individual note/sound which had him absolutely love Glass’ works; listening by the hour and eventually seeking a career in music. At the time I heard that interview it proved to be just the right positive “punch” I needed while reflecting the future opportunities for my own grandchild. The wonder of music is indeed powerful.
Thanks - we had fun putting it together.
Once I get all of your albums cleaned up - I'm doing a show on your collection. I think I'll call it Vinyl - one mans trash reaps another mans treasure. :)
If I lived in the Davis area I'd chase these two around to every one of their gigs. What a find!
Surely this was a relaxing hour complete with great banter and music. All that was missing was for all of us sitting around with some after dinner Port and maybe a fire in the fireplace as the conversation carried on.
You and Jeanne were so right about the old 78s and their scratch bringing something special to the listening experience. The occasional totally 'dead' moments found on CDs are almost jarring.
Loved Alpert's opening & Justin's closing bumps.
Had I realized just how wonderfully mellow this show was I would have listened in the evening with a cup of caffeine free Peppermint tea and my feet up on the table. As it was, listening in the morning, it was still one I was gald I did not miss.
Just discovered that I am never too old to learn -- this week Chris Clark opened up a whole new pathway leading to a greater appreciation of and the enchantment of jazz.
Thanks for having Chris Clark on the show Pieter.
Mesmerizing show Pieter. Gave me that moment of pause and allowed me to begin wrapping my arms around music and lyrics which will let calm settle in. An excellent compilation of wonderful words and sounds. Thanks.
Love the new dimension and the seamless, feed-each-other, dimension it gives the program's back and forth banter. Great music selection and accompanying background info this week!
So good, so listenable, so smooth,and exactly my favorite style in music. Thanks Pieter and Alex.
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