April's episode of Air Check announces NPR's Tiny Desk Series move to Colorado Springs--just kidding. But it does bring Colorado Springs musician and Alex Koshak back from a tour with Esme Patterson, where they performed at the real Tiny Desk in NPR's headquarters in Washington D.C. John Craigie, modern-day troubadour, drops in to play a few songs from his new album No Rain, No Rose; Craig Carnick tells the story of Motown Studios where he worked the night shift as a recording engineer in the 1960s; and the Bells of St. Vrain share the art of handbell performance.
PART ONE: MUSICAL ROUNDTABLE
Robyn Hitchcock - "Autumn Sunglasses" - from Robyn Hitchcock
No video available, find the song here.
Drake - "Passionfruit" - from More Life
Priests - "No Big Bang" - from Nothing Feels Natural
Alex Koshak plays with Colorado Springs bands such as Briffaut, Eros and the Eschaton, Charioteer, Mike Clark and the Sugar Sounds, and others. He also plays drums with Portland-based Esme Patterson, with whom he recently wrapped up a national tour. He joined us in the studio for our critic's roundtable and shared his experience playing drums with Patterson in an NPR Tiny Desk concert on Feburary 10th.
PART TWO: IN-STUDIO WITH JOHN CRAIGIE
Originally from southern California, John Craigie has traveled across the states, Europe, and even to Gregory Alan Isakov's farm, spreading his singer-songwriter storytelling. Songs range from the hilarious "Woodstock Baby" to the lingering, poetic "I am California," but always charm an audience.
Craigie came through KRCC on his Colorado tour to play songs from his new album No Rain, No Rose.
Find updates on the troubadour's current whereabouts here.
PART THREE: CRAIG CARNICK REMEMBERS WORKING THE NIGHT SHIFT MOTOWN STUDIOS
Colorado Springs resident Craig Carnick had a front row seat to one of the great eras in American music. Back in the 1960s, he worked the night shift as a recording engineer at Motown Studios in Detroit, Michigan.
In this piece, Carnick shares the story of his days at Motown, from late night recording recording sessions with Smokey Robinson to joyriding on the back of Marvin Gaye's motorcycle.
Editor's note: Carnick traditionally offers a challenge grant to 91.5 KRCC during our membership drives.
PART FOUR: THE BELLS OF ST. VRAIN
For our last segment, we dive into the wonderful world of handbells. Handbells have been around for centuries, originally invented for church bell tower players to practice their songs. Now, they’re usually found in church handbell ensembles – where groups of musicians play carefully choreographed arrangements on the tuned bells.
For this story, Vicky and Jake payed a visit to First Congregational Church, to meet the Bells of St. Vrain handbell ensemble and learn more about the music.
