JAZZIZ Travel is a podcast series hosted by JAZZIZ online editor Matt Micucci that explores jazz and music traditions from different parts of the world. The series features conversations with or about groundbreaking and innovative artists, multicultural projects and initiatives, thoughts and ideas.
Richard Thompson, The Grateful Dead, Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal. They are just some of the artists who have been influenced by Bahamian guitar legend Joseph Spence (1910-1984). By combining individual inspiration and talent with regional musical traditions, Spence created a seminal guitar style. Yet, it is also thanks to the work of such music preservationists as Peter K. Siegel that his legacy lives on to this day.
The founder of the fabled Explorer Series for Nonesuch Records met and recorded Spence in New York City and the Bahamas in 1965 when he was only a teenager. He shares memories of spending time with Spence in his hometown and abroad in our latest episode of JAZZIZ Travel. During this time, he also recorded the guitar master in a variety of locations. A selection of these recordings is featured in a new LP titled Encore: Unheard Recordings of Bahamian Guitar and Singing, released on July 16 via Smithsonian Folkways.
Listen to our podcast conversation with Peter K. Siegel via the player below. You can also click here to order Encore: Unheard Recordings of Bahamian Guitar and Singing.
Featured photo: Guy Droussart.
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