Tom Needham’s The Sounds of Film

21/06/2024

From the Streets to the Screen: Kenny Vance on Doo-Wop’s Legacy

Join us on the latest episode of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast as we sit down with inductee Kenny Vance to discuss his documentary, "Heart & Soul: A Love Story." In an intimate conversation with host Tom Needham, Vance takes us on a journey through the world of Doo-Wop, exploring the vocal harmony masterpieces created by teenage artists in the 1950s and 60s. This genre, now fast fading from history, formed a crucial bridge to today's popular music and youth culture.

Kenny Vance, a multi-platinum singer/musician and debut director, captures the essence of this era with verité footage shot over decades. His film showcases how young, diverse street artists—Vance's friends and fellow performers—broke new ground by singing in harmony, ultimately changing the course of music and culture.

As a teenage co-founder of the iconic Sixties pop group Jay & the Americans, Vance brings a unique perspective to the stories and lives of the artists featured in his documentary.

Tune in to hear the heartfelt stories of the music and its makers, told in their own words.

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Podcast can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Player FM, iHeartRadio, and at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/limehof-podcasts/

Listen on Spotify at:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/10AUiV1OpgIA6CQ9nBQurd?si=ILDSLbloQVqKJxRHVTxX_g

Listen on Apple Podcasts at:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-island-music-entertainment-hall-of-fame-podcast/id1725884458?i=1000659640221

18/06/2024

Filmmaker Maren Poitras is FINDING THE MONEY on Tom Needham's THE SOUNDS OF FILM

Get ready to embark on a thought-provoking journey with "FINDING THE MONEY," where American economist Stephanie Kelton explores the controversial world of Modern Money Theory (MMT). Kelton challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding the National Debt Clock, arguing that the ever-increasing numbers we see are not a burden on taxpayers or future generations. Instead, she posits that this "debt" represents the total amount of dollars created by the US federal government that now serve as assets in our hands.

As MMT gains traction in mainstream media, journalists begin to question whether we've misunderstood government spending all along. Despite the growing interest, the theory faces intense criticism from leading economists and politicians, who dismiss it as "voodoo economics," "crazy," and "a crackpot theory."

"FINDING THE MONEY" delves into the heated debate, tracing the origins of our current understanding of money and offering a fresh perspective that could inspire global change. By rethinking the story of money, this film brings new hope and empowers nations to address the critical challenges of the 21st century, from climate change to economic inequality.

Maren Poitras’s feature documentary debut FINDING THE MONEY premiered at Woodstock Film Festival in fall 2023, received the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the Green Film Festival of San Francisco, and has its European premiere at Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival. She is Associate Producer with Codebreaker Films on Enemies of the State (2020) and Reality Winner (2023). Originally from the California Bay Area, Poitras has a background in
environmental science and agriculture from UC Berkeley.

THE SOUNDS OF FILM is the nation's longest running film, music, and ideas themed radio show. For the past 30 years, the program has delivered a popular mix of interviews and music to listeners all over Long Island, parts of Connecticut and streaming live worldwide on the internet. Past people interviewed for the show include Alec Baldwin, Rory Kennedy, Billy Joel, Connie Stevens, Carter Burwell, Alex Winter, Dionne Warwick, Jason Biggs, Nile Rodgers, Eric B, Vanilla Fudge, Gary U.S. Bonds, and Chuck D.

Worldwide listeners can tune into the internet livestream of the SOUNDS OF FILM on Thursday at 6 pm EST at wusb.fm.

14/06/2024

New Wave Chronicles: Behind the Scenes with Ellen Goldfarb, Denis McNamara, and Larry "The Duck" Dunn on the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

Listen to a special Q&A featuring host Tom Needham, director Ellen Goldfarb and iconic WLIR DJs Denis McNamara and Larry "The Duck" Dunn. This event took place during a screening of the acclaimed documentary "New Wave: Dare To Be Different" at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

The documentary, directed by Goldfarb, delves into the revolutionary role of Garden City-based radio station WLIR in transforming the 1980s music scene. The Q&A session provided an intimate glimpse into the station's groundbreaking efforts and the personal experiences of those who made it all happen.

WLIR was a trailblazer in the U.S. music industry, being the first to introduce American audiences to now-legendary bands like The Cure, U2, The Smiths, and New Order. Under the guidance of program director Denis McNamara, who joined the station in the mid-1970s, WLIR shifted from album-oriented rock to a daring New Wave format in the 1980s. This bold move not only set the station apart but also played a pivotal role in shaping the national musical landscape.

This podcast episode, recorded at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, also highlighted the station's significant influence on the local club scene.

The special screening event and podcast recording at the Hall of Fame provide a nostalgic yet insightful journey into WLIR's legacy. Ellen Goldfarb, Denis McNamara, and Larry Dunn share anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories that illuminate the station's fearless approach to programming and its enduring impact on music culture.

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Podcast can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Player FM, iHeartRadio, and at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/limehof-podcasts/

or

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IY1ljMQkNSWcCzFPcchCV?si=eQqbojfQRCm-vqWl7rlshg

or

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-island-music-entertainment-hall-of-fame-podcast/id1725884458?i=1000658848710

13/06/2024

Tune into the Netflix Soundtrack Special on Tom Needham's SOUNDS OF FILM!

All music from Netflix Series & Movies like Maniac, Stranger Things, Don't Look Up, Heartstopper, From Scratch, Slumberland, The Crown, The King and more.

Worldwide listeners can tune in this Thursday at 6 pm EST at wusb.fm.

07/06/2024

Behind the Hits: A Conversation with Music Legend Ron Alexenburg on the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

Ron Alexenburg has over 60 years of experience in the music industry. He was inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2006.

In 1965, he joined CBS Records and soon moved onto Columbia Records, where he became the youngest head of promotion in the company’s history, working with the label’s top talent.

He rose through the ranks at Columbia, eventually becoming senior vice president and general manager of Epic Records, a division of CBS Records Group.

Over the years, Alexenburg has worked directly with many recording artists, including Boston, Meat Loaf, Charlie Daniels, and Michael Jackson.

Under his helm, Michael Jackson’s Thriller became—and still is—the best-selling album of all time.

Ron Alexenburg's conversation with Tom Needham is available on the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Player FM, iHeartRadio, and at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/limehof-podcasts/.

04/06/2024

Tune into the Quentin Tarrantino Soundtracks Special on Tom Needham's SOUNDS OF FILM!

Hear music from Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, and other Tarantino movies.

Worldwide listeners can listen live on the internet on Thursday at 6 pm EST at wusb.fm.

31/05/2024

28/05/2024

ROWDY GIRL Director & Renee King-Sonnen Up Next on Tom Needham's THE SOUNDS OF FILM

ROWDY GIRL is a documentary film by Jason Goldman that was an Official selection at Hot Docs and Hamptons International Film Festival.

ROWDY GIRL will open at the Firehouse DCTV in New York on May 31st, and at Laemmle Monica in Los Angeles on June 7th. Select cities will follow.

Executive produced by Moby, ROWDY GIRL showcases the inspiring work of Renee King-Sonnen a former Texas cattle rancher who in 2015, after a spiritual awakening, left the cruel cycle of animal agriculture. After going vegan, King-Sonnen and her husband, Tommy Sonnen, transformed her husband’s beef operation into Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, a farm animal sanctuary that seeks to rescue farm animals from factory farming. Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, located between San Antonio and Houston, in Waelder, TX, has a mission to educate the public about the cruelties of factory farming, to advocate a vegan lifestyle, and to inspire other ranchers to experience a paradigm shift and help them move from participating in the cruelty of factory farming to living with compassion towards the animals whose lives usually end in brutal death.

Renee has lived on both sides of the fence, proving that there is a common ground between farmers and vegans: a shared mission of compassion and sustainability.

Jason Goldman’s verité style documentary lovingly captures the dynamic connection between Renee, her husband Tommy and the hooved and feathered friends who inhabit Rowdy Girl Sanctuary.

THE SOUNDS OF FILM is the nation's longest running film, music, and ideas themed radio show. For the past 30 years, the program has delivered a popular mix of interviews and music to listeners all over Long Island, parts of Connecticut and streaming live worldwide on the internet. Past people interviewed for the show include Alec Baldwin, Billy Joel, Connie Stevens, Carter Burwell, Alex Winter, Dionne Warwick, Jason Biggs, Nile Rodgers, Eric B, Vanilla Fudge and Chuck D.

Worldwide listeners can tune into the internet livestream of the SOUNDS OF FILM on Thursday at 6 pm EST at wusb.fm.

26/05/2024

Breaking Beats and Barriers: A Conversation with Hip Hop Legend Kurtis Blow on the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

Kurtis Blow was inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2014.

Kurtis Walker—known to the world as Kurtis Blow—kicked off his career in the 1970s as Kool DJ Kurt, spinning records and making waves.

He became the first rapper to achieve commercial success and land a major record deal with Mercury. His 1980 debut album featured “The Breaks,” the first rap song to go certified gold. He is known for his songs "Basketball," "Christmas Rappin," "If I Ruled the World, and "Hard Times."

Over his career, Blow has released 15 albums and crafted hits for The Fat Boys and Run DMC (with Run initially billed as “The Son of Kurtis Blow”).

Blow has also produced or collaborated with legends like Lovebug Starski, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Full Force, Russell Simmons, and Wyclef Jean.

In 1985, Kurtis Blow starred in the film "Krush Groove" along with Run DMC, Sheila E. and The Fat Boys.

His music has been featured in "The Simpsons," "The Goldbergs," "Everybody Hates Chris," "Client 9," and "Mr. Robot."

This interview originally aired on Tom Needham's The Sounds of Film.

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Podcast can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Player FM, iHeartRadio, and at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/limehof-podcasts/

22/05/2024

Twisted Sister's Jay Jay French Discusses Rock Documentary on The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

Jay Jay French will be joining Tom Needham for an extended conversation about his documentary We Are Twisted F***ING Sister. The film focuses on the ten grueling years leading up to Twisted Sister's commercial breakthrough as they cross-dressed their way all over Long Island bars and clubs to super-stardom.

Twisted Sister was a dangerous combination of the New York Dolls’ glam, KISS’ theatrics, and the shock-rock styling of Alice Cooper. In 1972, Jay Jay French formed a glam-rock cover band modeled after the New York Dolls. An apprenticeship on the local Long Island club scene followed, and, by early 1976, French hired Dee Snider and along with fellow guitarist and high school buddy Eddie “Fingers” Ojeda, gave the band’s glam sound a kick in the chops and also quickly developed into the dominant songwriter. After a rotating array of ex members who couldn’t maintain the work schedule of 250 nights a year x 4 shows per night for 10 years, Long Island native, bass player Mark “The Animal ” Mendoza (formerly of the punk legends The Dictators) joined in 1978 which also made the band much heavier sonically.

The Long Island club scene exploded (drinking age was 18) with ever larger rooms Twisted Sister started setting attendance records in many Long Island Clubs such as Speaks in Island Park, Hammerheads in Levittown & East Islip, The Mad Hatter in Stony Brook, and the Mad Hatter in East Quogue which, after many rejections, led to a record deal. In 1982 drummer AJ Pero completed the band line up. In 1984, with the simultaneous explosion of MTV, and their groundbreaking videos,TS released their third album Stay Hungry, (7 million sold worldwide and counting..) that included the monster hits “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and “I Wanna Rock.” The band recorded and toured extensively around the world (they took a hiatus from 1988-2001) and returned to become one of the biggest bands on the European and South American rock and metal festival circuit from 2003-2016

In 2006 TS released A Twisted Christmas, the most successful heavy metal Christmas album in history.

Drummer AJ Pero passed away in 2015 and was replaced by legendary Long Island drummer Mike Portnoy for the band’s remaining live performances.

This interview originally aired on Tom Needham's The Sounds of Film

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Podcast can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Player FM, iHeartRadio, and at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/limehof-podcasts/

19/05/2024

Author Andrea Swensson Talks Prince & Purple Rain: 40 Years on Tom Needham's SOUNDS OF FILM

Authoritatively written and including rare photography and memorabilia, this beautiful slip-cased volume is a stunning and in-depth celebration of Prince’s most iconic album and film, Purple Rain.

In 1984, Prince, along with his band, The Revolution, released what would become his best-selling album and a touchstone of 1980s pop culture. Worldwide, Purple Rain has gone on to sell 25 million copies and counting. In Prince and Purple Rain, Andrea Swensson, a Minneapolis-based journalist, and host/co-producer of the Official Prince Podcast, takes a deep dive into the legendary musician’s most famous album on its 40th anniversary.

Featuring a foreword by Prince superfan Maya Rudolph and illustrated with more than 200 images featuring performance, off-stage photography, and memorabilia from top collectors, Prince and Purple Rain is a decisive and beautifully produced tribute to a legendary album from a legendary performer and artist.

Andrea Swensson is an author, podcast host, and music journalist based in Minneapolis. She hosts the Official Prince Podcast, produced in collaboration with Paisley Park Enterprises, NPG Records, Warner Records, and Sony Music Entertainment, and has contributed music journalism to numerous publications including NPR Music, Pitchfork, The Minneapolis Star Tribune, City Pages, and The Current, where she previously hosted The Local Show.

The Sounds of Film is the nation's longest running film, music and ideas themed radio show. For the past 30 years, the program has delivered a popular mix of of interviews and music to listeners all over Long Island, parts of Connecticut and streaming live worldwide on the internet. Past guests on the show include Wendy & Lisa, Morris Day, DMC, Chris Hedges, Muchael Moore, Hal Hartley, Alexandra Pelosi, Gary U.S. Bonds, Thora Birch and Laurie Anderson.

Worldwide listeners can tune into SOUNDS OF FILM internet livestream on Thursday at 6 pm EST at wusb.fm.

18/05/2024

Looking forward to speaking with director Penny Lane at the Port Jefferson Documentary Series' closing night screening of CONFESSIONS OF A GOOD SAMARITAN.

For more information: www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com/ticketsvenues

Hope to see you there!

15/05/2024

Comic Legend Jimmy Tingle Talks 60 Minutes II and The Johnny Carson Show on Tom Needham's SOUNDS OF FILM

Jimmy Tingle is a comedian, producer and actor who has worked as a humorist and commentator for “60 Minutes II” and MSNBC.

He’s appeared on hundreds of television and radio shows, and many podcasts, and has appeared on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, CNN, “Conan O’Brien,” Comedy Central, “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross and in his own HBO half-hour comedy special.

Feature film work includes Next Stop Wonderland, Boondock Saints, Head of State starring Chris Rock, and Clear History starring Larry David.

"Jimmy Tingle: Humor and Hope for Humanity,” is the newest one person show by the renowned comedian/political humorist. It is running May 2 - June 2, for 23 performances in a 5-week engagement at the Soho Playhouse's intimate Huron Room.

THE SOUNDS OF FILM is the nation's longest running film, music, and ideas themed radio show. For the past 30 years, the program has delivered a popular mix of interviews and music to listeners all over Long Island, parts of Connecticut and streaming live worldwide on the internet. Past people interviewed for the show include Alec Baldwin, Billy Joel, Connie Stevens, Carter Burwell, Alex Winter, Dionne Warwick, Jason Biggs, Nile Rodgers, Eric B, Vanilla Fudge, Gary U.S. Bonds, and Chuck D.

Worldwide listeners can tune into the internet livestream of the SOUNDS OF FILM on Thursday at 6 pm EST at wusb.fm.

11/05/2024

Blue Öyster Cult's Albert Bouchard Talks Billy Joel Tribute and "More Cowbell" on the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast!

Blue Öyster Cult was inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2008. Albert Bouchard will be performing with some past and current members of the band at LIMEHOF's 20th Anniversary Concert Honoring Billy Joel on June 7th at the Tilles Center.

Albert Bouchard, a globally recognized Grammy® Nominated songwriter and rock drummer, has sold over 24 million albums worldwide. As a co-founder of the renowned band 'Blue Öyster Cult,' his innovative drumming style has left an indelible mark on both fellow musicians and devoted fans.

Early Musical Journey

Albert embarked on his musical journey at a young age, growing up on a bustling family farm in Clayton, New York, amidst six siblings. His inaugural musical endeavor, 'The Regal Tones,' featured Albert on drums alongside his brother Joe and cousin Teddy. Their performances, often held on weekends, quickly gained popularity, with barn dances turning into sold-out sensations. Albert's musical pursuits led him to college, where he formed the successful band 'Travesty,' ultimately prompting him to leave college and establish what would later evolve into Blue Öyster Cult.

Blue Öyster Cult and Global Recognition

In 1967, Albert co-founded Blue Öyster Cult, a heavyweight rock ensemble originating from New York. The band's rapid ascent to fame saw the release of several albums, notably the 1976 hit 'Agents of Fortune,' distributed by Columbia Records, featuring their chart-topping single 'Don't Fear the Reaper.' This iconic track soared up the Billboard charts, achieving international acclaim and securing a permanent spot in rock history. Albert's influential presence within the band was instrumental in shaping its trajectory, even inspiring the legendary "More Cowbell" sketch on Saturday Night Live, starring Christopher Walken and Will Ferrell.

Blue Coupe and Grammy Accolades

Following his tenure with Blue Öyster Cult, Albert collaborated with esteemed acts such as The Mamas & The Papas, the Spencer Davis Group, and Peter Noone of Hermans Hermits. After a brief hiatus to pursue academic endeavors, obtaining both a BA and MA in English, Albert formed 'The Brain Surgeons' before co-founding the successful outfit Blue Coupe, featuring renowned bassist Dennis Dunaway from Alice Cooper. Their critically acclaimed album 'Tornado on the Tracks' garnered multiple Grammy nominations and showcased the exceptional talent of The Doors' guitarist, Robby Krieger. Blue Coupe's ongoing tours across North America and Europe, including standout performances at the New York City Halloween Parade, continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Albert remains an active presence in the music scene, touring internationally and imparting his knowledge to aspiring musicians.

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame is hosted by Tom Needham.

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Podcast can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Player FM, iHeartRadio, and at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/limehof-podcasts/

08/05/2024

Tom Needham's THE SOUNDS OF FILM Celebrates the Music of DISNEY TV Shows, Theme Parks and Movies this Thursday!

Two Hours of Classic DISNEY Music!

06/05/2024

Looking forward to Monday's Q&A with A DISTURBANCE IN THE FORCE Director, Jeremy C**n, at the Port Jefferson Documentary Film Festival!

For more information, go to https://portjeffdocumentaryseries.com

Hope to see you there!

03/05/2024

Billy Joel's Original Saxophone Player, Richie Cannata, on the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast!

Born in Brooklyn, Richie Cannata later moved with his parents to Garden City South, where he blossomed as a tenor sax musician. He played in school bands and with fellow local musicians, perfecting his trade on the local music scene as a live performer and studio musician.

One day in 1975 when Cannata was in the studio, engineer Al Stegmeyer suggested that Cannata call his brother Doug, who had recently gotten a gig as Billy Joel’s bass player. The band was looking for a sax player. Cannata joined Joel and the guys for the recording of the multiplatinum album Turnstiles. He would tour with Joel and work alongside him in the studio for the next five years, contributing to multiplatinum records The Stranger, 52nd Street, Glass Houses and Songs in the Attic.

In the mid-1990s, Cannata also toured with The Beach Boys. Additionally, he became a music producer, producing albums for Phoebe Snow, Rita Coolidge, Corey Hart, and Tommy Shaw. He founded Glen Cove’s Cove City Sound Studios, which is a favorite for major headliner names to record their upcoming music.

He is the musical director of former New York Yankee and Latin Grammy-nominated jazz artist Bernie Williams and his band.

In 2014 Richie and his former Billy Joel band members, The Lords of 52nd Street, were inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame where they decided to reunite after a 30-year separation.

After their Hall of Fame induction, The Lords of 52nd Street picked up their instruments yet again, and began performing in front of live audiences together.

​The Lords finally returned to the stage to a sold out crowd at The Space at Westbury in February 2016. The Lords of 52nd Street are touring regularly since their return in early 2016.

This interview originally aired on Tom Needham's THE SOUNDS OF FILM.

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Podcast can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Player FM, iHeartRadio, and at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/limehof-podcasts/

30/04/2024

FLIPSIDE Director, Chris Wilcha, Up Next on Tom Needham’s SOUNDS OF FILM

When filmmaker Chris Wilcha revisits the record store he worked in as a teenager in New Jersey, he finds the once-thriving bastion of music and weirdness from his youth slowly falling apart and out of touch with the times.

FLIPSIDE documents his tragicomic attempt to revive the store while revisiting the abandoned documentary projects that have marked his career.

In the process, he captures “The American Life” icon Ira Glass in the midst of a creative rebirth, discovers the origin story of David Bowie’s ode to a local New Jersey cable television hero, and uncovers the unlikely connection between jazz photographer Herman Leonard and TV writer
David Milch.

This disparate collection of stories coheres into something strange and expansive — a moving meditation on music, work, and the sacrifices and satisfaction of trying to live a creative life.

The film, executive produced by Judd Apatow premiered at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired North American rights to Chris Wilcha’s latest documentary, FLIPSIDE.

This interview was recently recorded at the Port Jefferson Documentary Series.

THE SOUNDS OF FILM is the nation's longest running film, music, and ideas themed radio show. For the past 30 years, the program has delivered a popular mix of interviews and music to listeners all over Long Island, parts of Connecticut and streaming live worldwide on the internet. Past people interviewed for the show include Alec Baldwin, Billy Joel, Connie Stevens, Carter Burwell, Alex Winter, Dionne Warwick, Jason Biggs, Nile Rodgers, Eric B, Vanilla Fudge and Chuck D.

Worldwide listeners can tune into the internet livestream of the SOUNDS OF FILM on Thursday at 6 pm EST at wusb.fm.

27/04/2024

Legendary Film Composer Carter Burwell Up Next on The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

Carter Burwell was inducted into the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Hall of Fame in 2016.

Carter Burwell was born on November 18, 1954. He graduated from Harvard College in 1977. While at Harvard, he studied animation with Mary Beams and George Griffin, electronic music with Ivan Tcherepnin, and pursued a course of independent study at the MIT Media Lab (then known as the Architecture Machine Group). After graduation he became a teaching assistant in the Harvard Electronic Music Studio.

In 1979, his animated film Help, I’m Being Crushed to Death by a Black Rectangle won first place at the Jacksonville Film Festival and second place at the Ottawa International Animation Festival.

From 1979 to 1981 Burwell worked as chief computer scientist at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Long Island, where he wrote software for image processing, lab automation, and protein analysis.

From 1982 to 1987, he worked at the New York Institute of Technology where he began as a computer modeler and animator but later became director of digital sound research. During this time, he worked on many computer-animated television spots and films, ultimately contributing models and animation to the Japanese anime Lensman.

During the 1980s, Burwell pursued a parallel career in music, playing with a number of bands in New York City. He was also writing music for dance, theatre, and film.

Since this time, he has scored a number of feature films—including Miller’s Crossing, Barton Fink, Being John Malkovich, Twilight, Adaptation, Carol, Fargo, In Bruges, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Kids Are All Right—while teaching and continuing to compose dance, theater, and other work.

This interview previously aired on Tom Needham's The Sounds of Film.

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Podcast can be heard on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Player FM, iHeartRadio, and at https://www.limusichalloffame.org/limehof-podcasts/

24/04/2024

Director Philippe Diaz Talks I AM GITMO on Tom Needham's THE SOUNDS OF FILM

Written and directed by Philippe Diaz (The End of Poverty?, Now and Later) and inspired by the declassified legal hearings of earlier detainees, I AM GITMO takes place in 2002 and revolves around Gamel Sadek (a bravura performance by Sammy Sheik; American Sniper, Transformers: Dark of the Moon), a man living in Afghanistan with his family, who is sold for a CIA bounty and forcibly brought to An air base under suspicion of terrorism.

THE SOUNDS OF FILM is the nation's longest running film and music themed radio show. For the past 30 years, the program has delivered a popular mix of interviews and music to listeners all over Long Island, parts of Connecticut and streaming live worldwide on the internet. Past people interviewed for the show include Alec Baldwin, Billy Joel, Jimmy Webb, Garland Jeffreys, Laurie Anderson, Wallace Shawn, Dionne Warwick and Alexander Payne.

Worldwide listeners can tune into the internet livestream on Thursday's SOUNDS OF FILM at 6 pm EST at wusb.fm.

23/04/2024

Legendary Photographer James Hamilton & UNCROPPED’s D.W. Young Up Next on Tom Needham’s SOUNDS OF FILM

UNCROPPED rediscovers the work of New York photographer James Hamilton, one of the great chroniclers of the cultural history of America. Directed by D.W. Young (The Booksellers) and executive produced by Wes Anderson, the film will open on Friday, April 26 at Manhattan's IFC Center, Sag Harbor's Sag Harbor Cinema Arts Center (along with the photo exhibit through May, James Hamilton: On Film) and LA's Laemmle Royal. Digital platforms will begin on May 7.

For over four decades working as a staff photographer at publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Observer and, most notably, The Village Voice, James Hamilton captured some of the most remarkable people and stories of the last half century. A New York legend himself, Hamilton created iconic images of musicians like Charles Mingus, Patti Smith and Lou Reed, took intimate portraits of everyone from Liza Minnelli to Alfred Hitchcock, broke off to do set photography for George Romero, Noah Baumbach and Wes Anderson, and pursued powerful and controversial assignments across the U.S. and the world. All the while he never stopped amassing a stunning visual chronicle of his beloved New York City in all its grit and glory.

In particular, UNCROPPED explores the unique position The Village Voice held in New York life, and the way in which Hamilton’s remarkable body of work exemplified the paper’s provocative merging of art and journalism. His story and vast archive offer a singular window into the heyday of alternative print media.

Featuring interviews with Wes Anderson, Joe Conason, Michael Daly, Thulani Davis, Kathy Dobie, Richard Goldstein, Alexandra Jacobs, Mark Jacobson, David Lee, Thurston Moore, Sylvia Plachy, Eva Prinz, and Susan Vermazen.

D.W. Young’s most recent film, THE BOOKSELLERS, was released in the U.S. by Greenwich
Entertainment and was sold internationally by Magnolia Pictures. His other features include the
award-winning documentary A HOLE IN A FENCE and the narrative THE HAPPY HOUSE, and
his shorts include DANCING ON THE SILK RAZOR, NOT INTERESTED, A FAVOR FOR
JERRY and A BODY OF LANGUAGE for The New Yorker. His work has screened at the New
York Film Festival, SXSW, DOC NYC, Woodstock and many other festivals worldwide

THE SOUNDS OF FILM is the nation's longest running film, music, and ideas themed radio show. For the past 30 years, the program has delivered a popular mix of interviews and music to listeners all over Long Island, parts of Connecticut and streaming live worldwide on the internet. Past people interviewed for the show include Alec Baldwin, Billy Joel, Connie Stevens, Carter Burwell, Alex Winter, Dionne Warwick, Jason Biggs, Nile Rodgers, Eric B, Vanilla Fudge and Chuck D.

Worldwide listeners can tune into the internet livestream of the SOUNDS OF FILM on Thursday at 6 pm EST at wusb.fm.