Podcast
MyDavisCalifornia on Listening Lyrics, Aug. 29, 2025Fri, 08/29/2025 - 5:10pm | Pieter PastoorHeads up: This live recording comes with a few “authentic” technical hiccups (let’s call it character, not static). Luckily, the enthusiasm more than makes up for it—it practically jumps through the speakers. In the studio with me are Richard Jia and Gray Erby of MyDavisCalifornia, chatting—sometimes loosely, sometimes wildly off-track—about their website and the quirky little town we all love, Davis. Now, this isn’t your average “local blog where someone posts about their cat and favorite burrito joint.” Nope. MyDavisCalifornia is a full-on content playground: stories, visuals, collaborations, insider tips—the works. Born in 2021 out of sheer enthusiasm (and possibly too much coffee), it’s become the digital buddy you didn’t know you needed for exploring Davis. |
Listening Lyrics for 4:00pm on Aug 22nd, 2025Fri, 08/22/2025 - 5:10pm | Pieter Pastoor |
David Abramson shares his passion on Listening Lyrics, Aug. 15, 2025Fri, 08/15/2025 - 5:10pm | Pieter PastoorSpend an hour with David Abramson and you’ll walk away feeling lighter, brighter, and a little more in love with the world. A fixture in Davis, David wears many hats—musician, activist, music teacher—but none of them fully capture his easy warmth and boundless optimism. He radiates joy in the most natural way, turning everyday moments into acts of connection. In this episode, David dives into his music, the mission behind his activism, and the heart he brings to teaching. It’s an hour of conversation that feels like a song you want to play again. |
Ari Kohn shares his musical journey on Listening Lyrics, Aug. 8, 2025Fri, 08/08/2025 - 5:10pm | Pieter PastoorFrom Portland, Ore., to the heart of New Orleans—Ari Kohn followed his musical compass all the way south. In New Orleans, he discovered that music isn’t just heard, it’s felt. It’s in the ground beneath your feet, in the way people move, even in the rain on your skin. And yes—the food plays right along. This week on Listening Lyrics, Ari shares that journey. A Jazz Studies graduate from Tulane, Ari—known on stage as “Ariel”—brings a bold, warm sound on sax, flute, and vocals. Ari also performs with the band Brass Lightning. He will perform with J & The Causeways Sept. 19, 2025 at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco. |
'Children of Sanchez' sets the tone this week on Listening Lyrics, Aug. 1, 2025Fri, 08/01/2025 - 5:10pm | Pieter PastoorI usually say, never start a summary with an apology. But today, I’ll make an exception. I want to apologize for not properly introducing this week’s show at the beginning of the program. That said, this week’s episode took a powerful turn. Ray Keck joined me for an hour of reflection on the tragic consequences of war—especially its toll on innocent children. The conversation was sparked by the news of Chuck Mangione’s passing. Listening to his album Children of Sanchez led us into this moving hour of reflection through music. Here's the playlist. |
Listening Lyrics for 4:00pm on Jul 25th, 2025Fri, 07/25/2025 - 5:10pm | Pieter Pastoor |
Listening Lyrics, July 4, 2025 -- a replay of ‘melancholy triggers’Fri, 07/04/2025 - 3:30pm | Jim BuchananToday we talk melancholy. For me, melancholy comes on with certain triggers. Let's play music around three of them: trains, hypnagogia and wind. Sit back and get into this wonderful playlist. |
Lost but found guitars, on Listening Lyrics -- replay from Feb. 23, 2024Fri, 06/27/2025 - 4:00pm | NedIt's not unusual for musicians' guitars to be lost or stolen. When the theft or loss involves a famous musician, it becomes "a story." That is what today's Listening Lyrics is about -- six lost-but-found guitars owned by Zakk Wylde, Peter Frampton, Jimmy Page, Joe Perry, Bill Corgan and Paul McCartney. Each has a fantastc journey. |
Listening Lyrics for 4:00pm on Jun 20th, 2025Sat, 06/21/2025 - 8:15am | Pieter Pastoor |
Listening Lyrics for 4:00pm on Jun 13th, 2025Fri, 06/13/2025 - 5:10pm | Pieter Pastoor |
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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