Listening Lyrics

Welcome to an hour of LISTENING LYRICS. Right here on KDRT 95.7FM in Davis, California. Listening Lyrics is a genre free zone - we feature the artist. What makes them do their thing. Listen to the hope and satisfaction in their voices. Listen to what only commercial free community radio can bring you. Close your eyes - open your ears - relax your mind. Join host Pieter Pastoor as he sends color to your ears. Now lets enter, the mother of all that is music and lyrics and the human capability of producing art.
Replays Wednesday 3-4pm, Sunday 12-1pm
Live Friday 4-5pm
Podcast
Music programs are only online for two weeks after they are broadcast.

Didar Singh Khasla on Listening Lyrics, Nov. 15, 2024

Didar Singh Khalsa showcases an imaginative flair in his songwriting. Khalsa, a talent from the Davis and Woodland areas who specializes in alternative folk rock, graced us with his presence in the studio today alongside Mike Kahn and Jeff Brook. His music and performance often offer a perspective on the world that highlights the nonsensical or provides profound insight into the human experience.

Mariam Diakite and Erich Huffaker of Orchestra Gold, on Listening Lyrics, Oct. 18, 2024

Mariam Diakite and Erich Huffaker of Orchestra Gold joined us in the studio (photo by Jeff Shaw) this week, treating us to a live song and some insights into their music.

The word "fusion" is not used in the sound of this amazing Bay Area band. But psychedelic, rock, brass and masterful guitar work does make a wonderful fusion with Malian music. 

From its website: "Orchestra Gold's vibrant sound is spearheaded by the dynamic Mariam Diakite, whose raw, hypnotic vocals deliver heartfelt and thought-provoking lyrics in the highly symbolic Bambara language. While paying homage to Malian musical traditions, this fierce new sound thrives with heavy swinging rhythms, a funky fresh brass section, and cosmic guitar licks. With the January 2023 release of their third album, Medicine, this profoundly spiritual and dance-inducing ensemble continues their pursuit of spreading healing and community through the universal gift of music." Mariam also has dance moves. If you're into dancing, check it out.

Billy Larkin, Eric Jordan, music and insight, on Listening Lyrics, Oct. 11, 2024

Billy Larkin and Eric Jordan join in today for a lively discussion, including AI in Music, Fobfest, KDRT's 20th anniversary, Pete Rose, Cissy Houston, Yolo's 4th Annual Mid-Winter Cabaret July 8th in Winters (an extraordinary evening of pure enchantment, fantastic talent, community, and the joy of giving.)

Billy Larkin, live on Listening Lyrics, Sept. 27, 2024

NOTE: Between minute 13:10 and 15:30 in this broadcast we had some technical difficulties

Billy Larkin joined me in the studio this week to discuss the power of music. He chose these songs to talk about, and we played snippets from most:

  • 'Imagine'  (John Lennon) Possibly one of the most important songs ever written. Full stop.
  • 'Adagio for Strings'  (Samuel Barber) Humanity's guidebook to empathy.
  • Beethoven's 7th Symphony [2nd movement] See above and add hope and perseverance.
  • 'That's the Way of the World' (Earth, Wind & Fire)  When I realized I was happy to be alive.
  • 'Music for 18 Musicians'  (Steve Reich) Wonder at the possibility of creation. 
  • 'Blackbird'  (Lennon/McCartney) Love=Beauty=Sadness=Joy=Art

From his website: "Billy Larkin is an award-winning pianist/composer who has been bringing his individual brand of musical artistry to audiences for over 40 years. He is a composer and arranger who defies easy categorization and helps define true expression through the collaborative process."

"Music gives the soul to the universe" -- Plato

"Music is the food of love, play on"  -- William Shakespeare

Listen Up to Something New, on Listening Lyrics, Sept. 20, 2024

 

................LISTEN UP...................

 

Listen Up! It's the KDRT volunteer newsletter that is produced monthly. In it is always a wonderful list of music selections. Below is this month's list of albums: I have selected one song from each. Enjoy the show. The goal is to broaden our ears to what's out there regardless of genre.

New releases keep our air sound fresh and engaging! A little sumpin’ for everyone…

Rainbow City Park, live on Listening Lyrics, Sept. 13, 2024

Ryan Williams, Chris O'Keefe and Dani Judith are three members of Rainbow City Park. Their love of music and exuberance of life shine in their musical output. It truly was a pleasure to get to know them.

Here's the band's story from its website: "Rainbow City Park is an indie alt-rock/dream pop band from Northern California. The band draws inspiration from 90’s alt-rock acts such as Third Eye Blind and The Smashing Pumpkins, infusing their music with a modern twist akin to the sounds of Boygenius and Snail Mail. Band members reside in both San Francisco and the Central Valley, converging in Sacramento for rehearsals.

Inner Nature in the studio on Listening Lyrics, Sept. 6, 2024

This week Casey Groat and James Murphy spend some time free-form bantering with me, creating one sweet hour of radio.

Inner Nature (FKA Fashionista Boyfriend) is the work of Casey Groat from Sacramento. Having started as just a kid with an interest in making noises with the computer, the project has matured into themes such as love and loss, as well as experimenting with sampling and songs with meaning and purpose. Artists such as Washed Out, Toro Y Moi, Small Black and Neon Indian are a big influence on the sound. The live act is a three-piece featuring Casey, James Murphy (Ancient Astronaut, Saint Solitaire, Ihabial) and Austin Mooney.

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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.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/16/2014 - 6:46am

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. :)

Submitted by Pieter Pastoor on Wed, 02/19/2014 - 1:41pm

If I lived in the Davis area I'd chase these two around to every one of their gigs. What a find!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/08/2013 - 5:19am

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.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/24/2013 - 8:31am

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.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/10/2013 - 6:52am

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.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/03/2013 - 10:57am

 

Pieter!!! I was listening to few of your shows today.
First- this is high quality stuff!!!! I was blown away!!! great music, great interviews, great ideas for the show. I'm a fan!!!!
Secondly- You two have great communication there. 
Third- for me, it is just brilliant to be able to listen to you two. Your voice sounds so familiar. It feels like sitting with you in the same room. You sound so calm and I just LOVE it.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/24/2013 - 2:50pm

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.  

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/20/2013 - 2:55pm

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!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/29/2013 - 5:20pm

So good, so listenable, so smooth,and exactly my favorite style in music. Thanks Pieter and Alex.

 

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/03/2013 - 4:15pm

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