Review of Wealth and Poverty: Homeless Haircuts (deleted)
The writing in this piece is clear and concise. Good storytelling by reporter Hana Baba and her primary source, Kim.
The story is inspiring because Kim, who cuts the hair of homeless men and women, was homeless herself. She is both inspired by her faith and inspiring to the homeless people she serves every Friday.
The production of the piece contributes a steady pace and forward momentum.
What DO we do when the oil/gas is gone or too expensive for many to afford?
This is a question that can be mined time and again. And I hope the crew at KALW does just that at gas stations and bike stores, etc.
I like this piece because its set at an alternative transportation site in San Francisco, with ambient sound really setting the scene. Zoe Corneli talks to a variety of people and gets a good range of replies. It will get listeners thinking about their answers to the question.
T.L. Wagner sets out to test the numbers - that only one out of 10 people who listen to public radio also contribute. So she sets off to a dog park in L.A. where she meets up with Moses. He's got many a reason for not contributing, but T.L. persists with questions and gets Moses to say he will contribute.
First its a plate of food, then with T.L.'s prompting it goes "up" to five, then six dollars. Moses also reveals an obsession with Terry Gross.
Its a fun piece that could use more dogs, maybe even more people. But not more time, so we can say "here are the numbers to call".
This approach shows what a curious producer with the desire to turn listeners into contributors can do.
DO try this at home!
Reporter Connie Stevens says it takes about 80 hours to make a mandolin. In this 3 and a half minute piece she uses strong production skills and clear writing to give us insight into the overall process. AND we get to hear some nice mando picking! A fine blend of music, quotes and narrative.
Tough work, but someone's got to do it, eh David? Looks like it involved going to the Continental Club in Austin for a 10 year aniversary celebration and choosing the best tunes to incorporate into this story about the music magazine, No Depression.
David Brown interviews the mag's David Blackstock for background and insight, and uses LOTS of (illustrative) music.
The piece flows and grooves as it informs.
Guns. Some folks love 'em, some folks hate 'em. Stephen Raher found himself a hot topic and an upfront spokesman in the Dragon Man. He estimated that on this day in September (the 11th) he and the people who paid to come to his event would shoot off 100 thousand bullets in six and a half hours.
Raher gets great quotes from the Dragon Man and some of his patrons.
I think the real challenge he had with this piece was how to use sound (guns being fired and dynamite blowing up an effigy of Bin Laden) in such a way as to avoid overload on the listeners' part. Overall he succeeds, but I think he could have found a creative way to use gunfire as punctuation in the piece.
Michael Johnson stays out of "the picture" on this piece and lets Karma have his say! ("I'm the plumber and you're the pipes") This fellow energetically tells an intriguing story. He offers insight as well as humor. Johnson is judicious in his use of sound of the bells and bowls, making it all the more powerful.
"Fish Grow on Trees" is not as fantastical as it may sound, but it deserves a listen. Gordon Black uses straightfoward storytelling and well-placed sound to help us understand the relationship between salmon and trees. The setting is a Seattle park, where workers are mimicing Nature to bring back native trees and salmon.
This piece gives context and meaning to the songs people heard on the radio during World War Two and that are familiar to many of us today.
Amanda Wilde lets the people who experienced that era serve as narrators and do all the talking.
It starts with them introducing themselves and they tell us what life was like for them during WWII and what these songs("White Cliffs of Dover", "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree with Anyone Else But Me" "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and others) meant to them.
With some archival tape and plenty of music, this piece has a good pace, it draws the listener in.
For those who have never been to a Bavarian Oktoberfest "The Connected Traveler", Russell Johnson, has it covered. He says he's been there several times. He speaks the language. But he can't even get a beer at the overly crowded event! While Russell uses this as a way to get us into another event, he takes too long getting the listener to the flea circus, which he has forward promoted several times early in the piece. The flea circus sounds amusing and Russell confesses seeing is believing.
I was relieved when he finally finds a tasty cold one at the end of the piece.
Comment for
"Pulse of the Planet August: Week 3" (deleted)
Review of Pulse of the Planet August: Week 3 (deleted)
In these two minute modules, Jim Metzner
brings us sounds from around the world. For listeners and radio producers alike, Metzner also brings us the sounds we miss or aren't even aware of. Vibrating wasps and thornbugs. In the piece on Paper Wasps Jim says "we're not sure what it means". But that doesn't stop him from exploring what it *might mean and promising the return to these wasps in future installments. He meets a fellow audiophile who has "eavesdropped" for 8 years on the vibrations thornbugs make!
A timely note from this series. Metzner has two pieces on the Outer Banks of North carolina, which are getting drenched and blown around by Ophelia. His pieces focus on how beaches rebuild and how scientists measure the movement of specific grains of sand - when there *isn't a hurricane!
This is the first of four hour long pieces produced to coincide with the release of the 4 CD set "Johnny Cash: Legend"
Yet it never hypes the set. Instead the host, Rodney Crowell, delivers with great credibility the sounds and voices of Johnny's recording carreer and life.
We hear a bit from Johnny and his second wife June Carter as well as daughter Roseanne Cash (Rodney never does say that they were married, making him Cash's son-in-law) and numerous band mates, producers and for the "detached, authoritative" perspective, Anthony DeCurtis from Rolling Stone.
AND...AND 13 songs, most of them complete, one never before heard.
So instead of fade in, fade out, the producers decided to give listeners lots of Johnny Cash.
The hour is filled with stories and songs. It's good radio - very listenable, fun and full of Johnny Cash.
Comment for
"Put it Away After Labor Day?" (deleted)
Yes, I did select "opinionated" as one of the tones. Isn't that what fashion is all about? Rebecca Sheir offers one of the few pieces of "fashion radio" I have heard. Her editing is crisp. The music under the piece reinforces its momentum. And (some of) her interviewees bring a sense of humor to their responses. I think I hear some of the same voices through the piece which leads to me think it's a bit too long. The topic and the answers are fun, but after a point no new ground is covered. A little shorter and tighter would make it a little better.
White after Labor Day? Stay tuned!
Comment for
"Wealth and Poverty: Check Cashing Industry" (deleted)
Review of Wealth and Poverty: Check Cashing Industry (deleted)
The check cashing industry is something most people know about...but don't know *much about. Rose Aguilar brings in the voices of people who use the service and they tell us why. Mainly for convenience. She also uses quotes from a representative of the group that conducted a study of the industry.
While this is all fascinating, she practically downplays the fact (near the end of the piece) that many *banks are investing in these check cashing services for "unbanked people", and making a hefty profit.
Aguilar's delivery is bright and in control, drawing the listener in. The story is written and mixed well.
The story is all about how it happens in California, but it should inspire reporters to take a look at this industry in their own state.
Here's comes Labor Day. Whaddaya gonna run on your station? Dick Meister offers up a combination of historical perspective and present relevance of Labor Day and the influence of unions.
His delivery in straightfoward and, at 3:20, the length of this commentary is right in range.
Looking at the titles of some of his other prx commentaries, it's clear Dick Meister is a baseball guy. But this particular offering reminds the listener of what else is going on while steroids grab the headlines.
Throughout this piece Meister builds his case for banning use of smokeless tobacco in the major leagues. The related problems, backed up by statistics practically come at you like a line drive hit back toward the pitcher.
Wow, that was a little spooky - a mix of serendipity and fine radio production. Marjorie Van Haltern had the good fortune to find separate recordings at WNYC of the two Kerouac's and the radio sense to know what to do with them.
It's kind of like a call and response between daughter and father, complete with jazz soundtrack.
Jan's writing and delivery are playful and clever, yet tinged with the sadness of only having met her famous father a few times.
Jack blazes forward with his thoughts
and observations.
Good writing, delivery by the Kerouac's.
Good radio production by VanHaltern
"Talking History, 1968", begins by telling the listener it is a production of the Organization of American Historians. Get ready for factoids galore! Bryan LeBeau is comfortable and engaging as host of the half hour. He also knows his historical stuff.
Familiar songs of the era (often not by the performer of record) are used effectively to keep the show moving, and it sometimes needs that extra push. A guest commentary comparing the public's response to VietNam and Iraq doesn't really break new ground. And a review of a website about The Pill seems to work here primarily *because this is a historian-produced show. Overall I found "Talking History" interesting and engaging. I'll check out others to see if they would work well on our station as a special program.
Here's a chance to take your listeners inside a brothel. That's only one of the terms Hal Cannon uses to describe this place and the women who work there.
The sound rich piece unfolds in
near-to-real time as Cannon arrives at "Donna's" with Copperfield, a trucker in love with one of the working girls. Cannon uses a laid back narrative style. But he keeps himself involved in the story, even interviewing Cherry Rose while they sit on her bed. The writing is strong and amusing at times. Cannon describes Cherry as wearing "very hot pants".
The visit has purpose as the prostitute describes why she chose her profession and the lonely trucker explains the importance of his twice a week relationship with Cherry.
Are you ready to head to a New York gym for a workout with a boxing trainer?
That's where Thomas Grove takes the listener as 2 Wall Street bankers prepare for a grudge match. As the reporter and trainer point out, this is about the men's personal and professional lives. Actualities refer to the outside world, but all the sound and related action take place in the gym.
Grove gives a glimpe into the fascination with fighting (street or more organized) some Americans have.
The narrative is too deliberate. I would have liked some variation in the pace of delivery, even a little blow-by-blow during the match.
The story comes full circle, from training to the final bell and comments from the winner ("HE should have won") to the loser ("I want a rematch").
Cathy Duchamp introduces us to the "Duwamish - Seattle's Landless Tribe", by getting inside their hearts and heads. The actualities are clear, forceful and insightful. We learn of the tribe's losses through discrimination and their hope for the future due to members' determination. There are several references to males of the tribe, but all the voices in the story belong to women who are moving the tribe forward.
Duchamp uses ambient sound to bring tribal culture and history to the listener. While the piece focuses on a tribe in Seattle it's very airable elsewhere. I'm thinking of using it myself and look forward to hearing the other 3 parts of the series.
Comment for
"Central America After the Wars Part Four - The Press, Indigenous Identity & The Artists' View" (deleted)
Review of The Press, Indigenous Identity & The Artists' View (deleted)
Reporter Maria Martin tackles three important and central elements for Central Americans and the rest of the world. She uses significant bi (even tri) lingual elements to give us a deeper sense of what was lost and what has been won back through civil wars in the region. The first of the three parts in this documentary is well constructed and conveys a sense of momentuma nd tension. The second part, on indigenous identity, is descriptive while giving context on the heritage of the people's history and how life in today's world does not always leave room and reason to carry on traditions. In the third part, when we hear the thoughts and reflections of current artists.
The pieces all work well indiviually, but I wonder how well they connect to and flow into one another.
As suggested in materials provided by the producer, it could work well for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Comment for
"Blues Routes - John Hammond" (deleted)
Thom Butler covers a lot about John Hammond in four minutes and wisely works in plenty of Hammond's music as well. Butler doesn't go so deep as to lose those new to the blues or Hammond, but he offers up some interesting facts.
His delivery is comfortable, knowledgeable and "in the groove". Production is tight, yet keeps on flowing.
This piece would work well on John Hammond's birthday (when is that anyway, Thom?) or if he's coming to town and isn't available to interview.
Chicago, the current Mayor Daley and his father before him are all part of a larger legend.
For those of us who do not live in The Windy City or wonder what it's like these days, Aaron Sarver
offers up this survey from the street. We get some sense of what Chicagoans think about their city and the man who runs it.
Production elements could be stronger. There is some space between people that makes it sound jumpy. Ambient sound under the vox pop would also strengthen the delivery.
Students Julio and David let us peak or listen to what happens behind the curtain when radio is being made. They tape a conversation between themselves as they wait to interview Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown. They are totally open with the listeners that they have never heard of Jerry Brown, his political offices OR the fact that he is running for Attorney General of California.
They weren't even sure what an AG does. So the young men ask Brown pointed questions they feel many people want to know the answers to - about gangs, illegal immigrants (one boy admits he's an illegal) and the importance of the law.
They keep the tape rolling when they go get something to eat afterwards- interviewing customers about the shape the world is in. AND they wrap it all up with lessons learned. Keep rolling tape guys, you do good work!
Shana Weber's commentary on "Hydrogen Hype" is well-constructed, laying out questions, answers and alternatives that could lead to clean production of hydrogen.
Since the piece was written over a year ago, I would need to do some research - or Shana should update this piece - to accomodate new information and innovations.
Considering the "Hype" in the title I thought the piece might be tearing down efforts to create and use hydrogen as a fuel source. But I found Weber's approach even-handed, thoughtful and
constructive.
The story of discovering the hidden past of Angel Island - the incarceratioon of Chinese immigrants - is told very well by Hana Baba.
Her approach is in synch with a ranger's story, hearing his footsteps in the "jail" area as he explains the evidence he found of Chinese people being held when they arrived at the "Ellis Island of the West".
Baba's writing is clear as she introduces new voices and perspectives, including a Chinese woman who suffered the detention and humiliation and someone reading the Chinese poems written on the cell walls.
This piece is network quality and deserves to be heard. May I suggest around July 4.
A man, his kayak and huge icebergs. Rob Rosenthal takes us out on the water with him in Newfoundland. He provides the sounds - and describes the sights. I wanted to hear more about the water and how his kayak handled in it.
He shares his experience - crunches and all - of tasting a "cube" off an iceberg.
I hope Rob files other kayaking reports where his adventures take him.
This piece is timed at just under 13 minutes, but it is so absorbing, the listener's awareness of time disappears.
It's the very sad yet uplifting story of Jade Bell and what he has become - blind, can't talk or control his movements - after an overdose of heroin and cocaine. Trisha Wilson's narrative, combined with the computer voice for Jade and music that keeps the intensity, gives us a glimpse into his world then and now.
Despite his lost skills, Jade is witty, sharing his thoughts and life lessons with the listener.
He visits high schools to tell his story and warn the kids it could happen to them.
His success at dealing with life's struggles had an uplifting affect on me. When he tapped in the message to have his computer voice an outcue to the piece, I laughed and felt grateful to have heard the story Trisha helped Jade tell.
Most people remember *something about Senator Joseph McCarthy. But Brian Bull's reporting and use of archival tape give us a much more complete sense of who the man was and what his legacy is.
This is more than an "anniversary" piece.
It includes timely elements: how scholars assess
McCarthy's "Red-Hunting Crusade"; the comparison between The Cold War era and post 9/11 America;
and the prospect of a film later this year
which will focus on the confrontation between Senator McCarthy and Edward R. Murrow.
Comments by Tripp Sommer
Comment for "Wealth and Poverty: Homeless Haircuts" (deleted)
Tripp Sommer
Posted on November 06, 2005 at 11:31 AM
Review of Wealth and Poverty: Homeless Haircuts (deleted)
The writing in this piece is clear and concise. Good storytelling by reporter Hana Baba and her primary source, Kim.
The story is inspiring because Kim, who cuts the hair of homeless men and women, was homeless herself. She is both inspired by her faith and inspiring to the homeless people she serves every Friday.
The production of the piece contributes a steady pace and forward momentum.
Comment for "Energy: Buzz on Oil" (deleted)
Tripp Sommer
Posted on October 10, 2005 at 09:03 AM
Review of Energy: Buzz on Oil (deleted)
What DO we do when the oil/gas is gone or too expensive for many to afford?
This is a question that can be mined time and again. And I hope the crew at KALW does just that at gas stations and bike stores, etc.
I like this piece because its set at an alternative transportation site in San Francisco, with ambient sound really setting the scene. Zoe Corneli talks to a variety of people and gets a good range of replies. It will get listeners thinking about their answers to the question.
Comment for "Dog Park Moses Yearns for Terry Gross"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on October 10, 2005 at 08:47 AM | Permalink
Review of Dog Park (Moses)
T.L. Wagner sets out to test the numbers - that only one out of 10 people who listen to public radio also contribute. So she sets off to a dog park in L.A. where she meets up with Moses. He's got many a reason for not contributing, but T.L. persists with questions and gets Moses to say he will contribute.
First its a plate of food, then with T.L.'s prompting it goes "up" to five, then six dollars. Moses also reveals an obsession with Terry Gross.
Its a fun piece that could use more dogs, maybe even more people. But not more time, so we can say "here are the numbers to call".
This approach shows what a curious producer with the desire to turn listeners into contributors can do.
DO try this at home!
Comment for "Handcrafting Mandolins"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on October 10, 2005 at 08:24 AM | Permalink
Review of Handcrafting Mandolins
Reporter Connie Stevens says it takes about 80 hours to make a mandolin. In this 3 and a half minute piece she uses strong production skills and clear writing to give us insight into the overall process. AND we get to hear some nice mando picking! A fine blend of music, quotes and narrative.
Comment for "No Depression"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on September 25, 2005 at 12:06 PM | Permalink
Review of No Depression
Tough work, but someone's got to do it, eh David? Looks like it involved going to the Continental Club in Austin for a 10 year aniversary celebration and choosing the best tunes to incorporate into this story about the music magazine, No Depression.
David Brown interviews the mag's David Blackstock for background and insight, and uses LOTS of (illustrative) music.
The piece flows and grooves as it informs.
Comment for "Dragon Man's Machine Gun Shoot"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on September 25, 2005 at 11:43 AM | Permalink
Review of Dragon Man's Machine Gun Shoot
Guns. Some folks love 'em, some folks hate 'em. Stephen Raher found himself a hot topic and an upfront spokesman in the Dragon Man. He estimated that on this day in September (the 11th) he and the people who paid to come to his event would shoot off 100 thousand bullets in six and a half hours.
Raher gets great quotes from the Dragon Man and some of his patrons.
I think the real challenge he had with this piece was how to use sound (guns being fired and dynamite blowing up an effigy of Bin Laden) in such a way as to avoid overload on the listeners' part. Overall he succeeds, but I think he could have found a creative way to use gunfire as punctuation in the piece.
Comment for "Tibetan Bells & Bowls"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on September 25, 2005 at 11:12 AM | Permalink
Review of Tibetan Bells & Bowls
Michael Johnson stays out of "the picture" on this piece and lets Karma have his say! ("I'm the plumber and you're the pipes") This fellow energetically tells an intriguing story. He offers insight as well as humor. Johnson is judicious in his use of sound of the bells and bowls, making it all the more powerful.
Comment for "Tales...Story 9: Fish Grow on Trees"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on September 25, 2005 at 10:55 AM | Permalink
Review of Story 9: Fish Grow on Trees
"Fish Grow on Trees" is not as fantastical as it may sound, but it deserves a listen. Gordon Black uses straightfoward storytelling and well-placed sound to help us understand the relationship between salmon and trees. The setting is a Seattle park, where workers are mimicing Nature to bring back native trees and salmon.
Comment for "Music Sparks Memories"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on September 15, 2005 at 05:37 AM | Permalink
Review of Music Sparks Memories
This piece gives context and meaning to the songs people heard on the radio during World War Two and that are familiar to many of us today.
Amanda Wilde lets the people who experienced that era serve as narrators and do all the talking.
It starts with them introducing themselves and they tell us what life was like for them during WWII and what these songs("White Cliffs of Dover", "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree with Anyone Else But Me" "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and others) meant to them.
With some archival tape and plenty of music, this piece has a good pace, it draws the listener in.
Comment for "A Beerless Oktoberfest" (deleted)
Tripp Sommer
Posted on September 15, 2005 at 05:15 AM
Review of A Beerless Oktoberfest (deleted)
For those who have never been to a Bavarian Oktoberfest "The Connected Traveler", Russell Johnson, has it covered. He says he's been there several times. He speaks the language. But he can't even get a beer at the overly crowded event! While Russell uses this as a way to get us into another event, he takes too long getting the listener to the flea circus, which he has forward promoted several times early in the piece. The flea circus sounds amusing and Russell confesses seeing is believing.
I was relieved when he finally finds a tasty cold one at the end of the piece.
Comment for "Pulse of the Planet August: Week 3" (deleted)
Tripp Sommer
Posted on September 15, 2005 at 05:00 AM
Review of Pulse of the Planet August: Week 3 (deleted)
In these two minute modules, Jim Metzner
brings us sounds from around the world. For listeners and radio producers alike, Metzner also brings us the sounds we miss or aren't even aware of. Vibrating wasps and thornbugs. In the piece on Paper Wasps Jim says "we're not sure what it means". But that doesn't stop him from exploring what it *might mean and promising the return to these wasps in future installments. He meets a fellow audiophile who has "eavesdropped" for 8 years on the vibrations thornbugs make!
A timely note from this series. Metzner has two pieces on the Outer Banks of North carolina, which are getting drenched and blown around by Ophelia. His pieces focus on how beaches rebuild and how scientists measure the movement of specific grains of sand - when there *isn't a hurricane!
Comment for "Johnny Cash: Ring of Fire"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on September 04, 2005 at 05:17 PM | Permalink
Review of Johnny Cash: Ring of Fire
This is the first of four hour long pieces produced to coincide with the release of the 4 CD set "Johnny Cash: Legend"
Yet it never hypes the set. Instead the host, Rodney Crowell, delivers with great credibility the sounds and voices of Johnny's recording carreer and life.
We hear a bit from Johnny and his second wife June Carter as well as daughter Roseanne Cash (Rodney never does say that they were married, making him Cash's son-in-law) and numerous band mates, producers and for the "detached, authoritative" perspective, Anthony DeCurtis from Rolling Stone.
AND...AND 13 songs, most of them complete, one never before heard.
So instead of fade in, fade out, the producers decided to give listeners lots of Johnny Cash.
The hour is filled with stories and songs. It's good radio - very listenable, fun and full of Johnny Cash.
Comment for "Put it Away After Labor Day?" (deleted)
Tripp Sommer
Posted on September 04, 2005 at 03:30 PM
Review of Put it Away After Labor Day? (deleted)
Yes, I did select "opinionated" as one of the tones. Isn't that what fashion is all about? Rebecca Sheir offers one of the few pieces of "fashion radio" I have heard. Her editing is crisp. The music under the piece reinforces its momentum. And (some of) her interviewees bring a sense of humor to their responses. I think I hear some of the same voices through the piece which leads to me think it's a bit too long. The topic and the answers are fun, but after a point no new ground is covered. A little shorter and tighter would make it a little better.
White after Labor Day? Stay tuned!
Comment for "Wealth and Poverty: Check Cashing Industry" (deleted)
Tripp Sommer
Posted on August 14, 2005 at 04:07 PM
Review of Wealth and Poverty: Check Cashing Industry (deleted)
The check cashing industry is something most people know about...but don't know *much about. Rose Aguilar brings in the voices of people who use the service and they tell us why. Mainly for convenience. She also uses quotes from a representative of the group that conducted a study of the industry.
While this is all fascinating, she practically downplays the fact (near the end of the piece) that many *banks are investing in these check cashing services for "unbanked people", and making a hefty profit.
Aguilar's delivery is bright and in control, drawing the listener in. The story is written and mixed well.
The story is all about how it happens in California, but it should inspire reporters to take a look at this industry in their own state.
Comment for "Commentary: Labor's Day -- and Yours"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on August 14, 2005 at 03:37 PM | Permalink
Review of Commentary: Labor's Day -- and Yours
Here's comes Labor Day. Whaddaya gonna run on your station? Dick Meister offers up a combination of historical perspective and present relevance of Labor Day and the influence of unions.
His delivery in straightfoward and, at 3:20, the length of this commentary is right in range.
Comment for "A Menace As Great -- or Greater -- Than Steroids"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on August 14, 2005 at 03:18 PM | Permalink
Review of A Menace As Great -- or Greater -- Than Steroids
Looking at the titles of some of his other prx commentaries, it's clear Dick Meister is a baseball guy. But this particular offering reminds the listener of what else is going on while steroids grab the headlines.
Throughout this piece Meister builds his case for banning use of smokeless tobacco in the major leagues. The related problems, backed up by statistics practically come at you like a line drive hit back toward the pitcher.
Comment for "Jan On Jack"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on August 14, 2005 at 02:58 PM | Permalink
Review of Jan On Jack
Wow, that was a little spooky - a mix of serendipity and fine radio production. Marjorie Van Haltern had the good fortune to find separate recordings at WNYC of the two Kerouac's and the radio sense to know what to do with them.
It's kind of like a call and response between daughter and father, complete with jazz soundtrack.
Jan's writing and delivery are playful and clever, yet tinged with the sadness of only having met her famous father a few times.
Jack blazes forward with his thoughts
and observations.
Good writing, delivery by the Kerouac's.
Good radio production by VanHaltern
Comment for "1968"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on August 14, 2005 at 02:23 PM | Permalink
Review of 1968
"Talking History, 1968", begins by telling the listener it is a production of the Organization of American Historians. Get ready for factoids galore! Bryan LeBeau is comfortable and engaging as host of the half hour. He also knows his historical stuff.
Familiar songs of the era (often not by the performer of record) are used effectively to keep the show moving, and it sometimes needs that extra push. A guest commentary comparing the public's response to VietNam and Iraq doesn't really break new ground. And a review of a website about The Pill seems to work here primarily *because this is a historian-produced show. Overall I found "Talking History" interesting and engaging. I'll check out others to see if they would work well on our station as a special program.
Comment for "Finding Love in a Nevada Brothel"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on July 31, 2005 at 02:32 PM | Permalink
Review of Finding Love in a Nevada Brothel
Here's a chance to take your listeners inside a brothel. That's only one of the terms Hal Cannon uses to describe this place and the women who work there.
The sound rich piece unfolds in
near-to-real time as Cannon arrives at "Donna's" with Copperfield, a trucker in love with one of the working girls. Cannon uses a laid back narrative style. But he keeps himself involved in the story, even interviewing Cherry Rose while they sit on her bed. The writing is strong and amusing at times. Cannon describes Cherry as wearing "very hot pants".
The visit has purpose as the prostitute describes why she chose her profession and the lonely trucker explains the importance of his twice a week relationship with Cherry.
Comment for "White Collar Boxing"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on July 31, 2005 at 01:58 PM | Permalink
Review of White Collar Boxing
Are you ready to head to a New York gym for a workout with a boxing trainer?
That's where Thomas Grove takes the listener as 2 Wall Street bankers prepare for a grudge match. As the reporter and trainer point out, this is about the men's personal and professional lives. Actualities refer to the outside world, but all the sound and related action take place in the gym.
Grove gives a glimpe into the fascination with fighting (street or more organized) some Americans have.
The narrative is too deliberate. I would have liked some variation in the pace of delivery, even a little blow-by-blow during the match.
The story comes full circle, from training to the final bell and comments from the winner ("HE should have won") to the loser ("I want a rematch").
Comment for "Urban Indian Experience: Episode 1 - The Duwamish: Seattle's Landless Tribe"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on July 31, 2005 at 01:21 PM | Permalink
Review of Urban Indian Experience: Episode 1 - The Duwamish: Seattle's Landless Tribe
Cathy Duchamp introduces us to the "Duwamish - Seattle's Landless Tribe", by getting inside their hearts and heads. The actualities are clear, forceful and insightful. We learn of the tribe's losses through discrimination and their hope for the future due to members' determination. There are several references to males of the tribe, but all the voices in the story belong to women who are moving the tribe forward.
Duchamp uses ambient sound to bring tribal culture and history to the listener. While the piece focuses on a tribe in Seattle it's very airable elsewhere. I'm thinking of using it myself and look forward to hearing the other 3 parts of the series.
Comment for "Central America After the Wars Part Four - The Press, Indigenous Identity & The Artists' View" (deleted)
Tripp Sommer
Posted on July 18, 2005 at 03:55 PM
Review of The Press, Indigenous Identity & The Artists' View (deleted)
Reporter Maria Martin tackles three important and central elements for Central Americans and the rest of the world. She uses significant bi (even tri) lingual elements to give us a deeper sense of what was lost and what has been won back through civil wars in the region. The first of the three parts in this documentary is well constructed and conveys a sense of momentuma nd tension. The second part, on indigenous identity, is descriptive while giving context on the heritage of the people's history and how life in today's world does not always leave room and reason to carry on traditions. In the third part, when we hear the thoughts and reflections of current artists.
The pieces all work well indiviually, but I wonder how well they connect to and flow into one another.
As suggested in materials provided by the producer, it could work well for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Comment for "Blues Routes - John Hammond" (deleted)
Tripp Sommer
Posted on July 12, 2005 at 08:42 PM
Review of Blues Routes - John Hammond (deleted)
Thom Butler covers a lot about John Hammond in four minutes and wisely works in plenty of Hammond's music as well. Butler doesn't go so deep as to lose those new to the blues or Hammond, but he offers up some interesting facts.
His delivery is comfortable, knowledgeable and "in the groove". Production is tight, yet keeps on flowing.
This piece would work well on John Hammond's birthday (when is that anyway, Thom?) or if he's coming to town and isn't available to interview.
Comment for "Chicagoans sound off on Mayor Daley"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on July 12, 2005 at 08:21 PM | Permalink
Review of Chicagoans sound off on Mayor Daley
Chicago, the current Mayor Daley and his father before him are all part of a larger legend.
For those of us who do not live in The Windy City or wonder what it's like these days, Aaron Sarver
offers up this survey from the street. We get some sense of what Chicagoans think about their city and the man who runs it.
Production elements could be stronger. There is some space between people that makes it sound jumpy. Ambient sound under the vox pop would also strengthen the delivery.
Comment for "The Night We Met Jerry Brown"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on July 04, 2005 at 02:33 PM | Permalink
Review of The Boyz Meet Jerry Brown
Students Julio and David let us peak or listen to what happens behind the curtain when radio is being made. They tape a conversation between themselves as they wait to interview Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown. They are totally open with the listeners that they have never heard of Jerry Brown, his political offices OR the fact that he is running for Attorney General of California.
They weren't even sure what an AG does. So the young men ask Brown pointed questions they feel many people want to know the answers to - about gangs, illegal immigrants (one boy admits he's an illegal) and the importance of the law.
They keep the tape rolling when they go get something to eat afterwards- interviewing customers about the shape the world is in. AND they wrap it all up with lessons learned. Keep rolling tape guys, you do good work!
Comment for "Hydrogen Hype" (deleted)
Tripp Sommer
Posted on June 09, 2005 at 06:38 AM
Review of Hydrogen Hype (deleted)
Shana Weber's commentary on "Hydrogen Hype" is well-constructed, laying out questions, answers and alternatives that could lead to clean production of hydrogen.
Since the piece was written over a year ago, I would need to do some research - or Shana should update this piece - to accomodate new information and innovations.
Considering the "Hype" in the title I thought the piece might be tearing down efforts to create and use hydrogen as a fuel source. But I found Weber's approach even-handed, thoughtful and
constructive.
Comment for "Angel Island - Saving the Ellis Island of the West"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on June 09, 2005 at 06:20 AM | Permalink
Review of Angel Island - Saving the Ellis Island of the West
The story of discovering the hidden past of Angel Island - the incarceratioon of Chinese immigrants - is told very well by Hana Baba.
Her approach is in synch with a ranger's story, hearing his footsteps in the "jail" area as he explains the evidence he found of Chinese people being held when they arrived at the "Ellis Island of the West".
Baba's writing is clear as she introduces new voices and perspectives, including a Chinese woman who suffered the detention and humiliation and someone reading the Chinese poems written on the cell walls.
This piece is network quality and deserves to be heard. May I suggest around July 4.
Comment for "Nothing Predictable: Kayaking Newfoundland"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on May 30, 2005 at 08:30 AM | Permalink
Review of Nothing Predictable: Kayaking Newfoundland
A man, his kayak and huge icebergs. Rob Rosenthal takes us out on the water with him in Newfoundland. He provides the sounds - and describes the sights. I wanted to hear more about the water and how his kayak handled in it.
He shares his experience - crunches and all - of tasting a "cube" off an iceberg.
I hope Rob files other kayaking reports where his adventures take him.
Comment for "A Voice Of Warning"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on May 29, 2005 at 01:40 PM | Permalink
Review of A Voice Of Warning
This piece is timed at just under 13 minutes, but it is so absorbing, the listener's awareness of time disappears.
It's the very sad yet uplifting story of Jade Bell and what he has become - blind, can't talk or control his movements - after an overdose of heroin and cocaine. Trisha Wilson's narrative, combined with the computer voice for Jade and music that keeps the intensity, gives us a glimpse into his world then and now.
Despite his lost skills, Jade is witty, sharing his thoughts and life lessons with the listener.
He visits high schools to tell his story and warn the kids it could happen to them.
His success at dealing with life's struggles had an uplifting affect on me. When he tapped in the message to have his computer voice an outcue to the piece, I laughed and felt grateful to have heard the story Trisha helped Jade tell.
Comment for "End of a Red-Hunter's Crusade: The Censure of Joseph McCarthy"
Tripp Sommer
Posted on May 29, 2005 at 12:59 PM | Permalink
Review of End of a Red-Hunter's Crusade: The Censure of Joseph McCarthy
Most people remember *something about Senator Joseph McCarthy. But Brian Bull's reporting and use of archival tape give us a much more complete sense of who the man was and what his legacy is.
This is more than an "anniversary" piece.
It includes timely elements: how scholars assess
McCarthy's "Red-Hunting Crusade"; the comparison between The Cold War era and post 9/11 America;
and the prospect of a film later this year
which will focus on the confrontation between Senator McCarthy and Edward R. Murrow.