Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 252

In Conversation: Pianist Bob James and Producer 9th Wonder on Sampling and Being Sampled

In a wide-ranging conversation for Tracklib, Grammy Award winning producer and Duke University professor 9th Wonder talks with legendary Jazz musician Bob James about sampling, being sampled and the significance of James' track "Nautilus".

 

Morgan Freeman on Making GLORY

Legendary actor Morgan Freeman talks with the American Film Institute about character development in the making of the film Glory.

Left of Black S11 · E12 | Black Caricature and Comics with Rebecca Wanzo

How does satire and the use of caricature change when depicting the ironies, and ugliness, of Black life and the inherent injustices therein? How far can Black artists go to point out the absurd in the social contracts that define political and economic struggle? Left of Black host Mark Anthony Neal is joined by Dr. Rebecca Wanzo, Chair and Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. They discuss her latest book, The Content of Our Caricature: African American Comic Art and Political Belonging, published by New York University Press. 

 

Many Lumens with Maori Karmael Holmes: Arthur Jafa

'Filmmaker and artist Arthur Jafa joins Maori Karmael Holmes, host of Many Lumens, to discuss freedom, collective action as counter culture, the Black cinematic trajectory, and the importance of geography in forming our pictorial and musical traditions.'

Coffee and Books – Marc Lamont Hill talks with Salamishah Tillet, author of 'In Search of The Color Purple: The Story of an American Masterpiece'

'Coffee and Books host Marc Lamont Hill sits down with Rutgers professor and New York Times contributing critic at large, Salamishah Tillet to discuss her book In Search of The Color Purple: The Story of an American Masterpiece.'

Diahann Carroll Talks Race and Makeup While Filming “Julia”

'The late Diahann Carroll tells the story of when she spoke up in an early makeup session for the TV show Julia.' -- American Masters: How It Feels To Be Free

Time Decorated: The Musical Influences of Jean-Michel Basquiat | Part 1 with Terrace Martin

'The first segment of the series on jazz and bebop, produced by Quincy Jones Productions and directed by Moses Berkson, features L.A. jazz musician Terrace Martin as well as input from Quincy Jones himself. Martin delves into how the genre, birthed in New York City much like Basquiat, played a role in his artistic vision. The series includes works by bebop artists such as Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Max Roach. Music for this segment includes “Ornithology” by Parker, “Hot House” by Parker and Gillespie, “Ol Man Rebop” by Gillespie, and music from Martin’s Dinner Party.' -- The Broad

'Crack: Cocaine, Corruption and Conspiracy'

'Director Stanley Nelson joins All Of It to talk about his new Netflix documentary, “Crack: Cocaine, Corruption and Conspiracy,” which examines the complex history of the drug and the racism that fueled a crisis.'

The Cognitive Benefits of Learning New Skills as an Older Adult

'There’s long been a stereotype that older adults are not as good at learning new skills—like languages, technology, and sports—as young people. But research from Rachel Wu at the University of California, Riverside shows that the learning environment and mindset rather than cognitive ability may be responsible for young people quickly picking up new skills. For older people, learning new things offers not only cognitive benefits, but an ability to live independently for longer.' -- The Takeaway

'Just As I Am': Cicely Tyson Reflects On Her Long Career

'During a career spanning more than six decades, Cicely Tyson has brought to life iconic roles in theater, film and television — from Sounder to The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman to Roots to How to Get Away with Murder. They've offered previously unseen images of the sweep and humanity of Black life. And now, in a new memoir, Just as I Am, she finally sets forth her improbable journey, from the typing pool at the Red Cross to award-winning actor and icon of style. In an interview with NPR's Michel Martin, Tyson, 96, says she came to acting so that she "could speak through other people," after being naturally drawn to observing other people as a shy child.'