Milestones: Celebrating the Culture | Deep Dive Conversations with Angélika Beener artwork

Milestones: Celebrating the Culture | Deep Dive Conversations with Angélika Beener

31 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratings

Host and award-winning journalist Angélika Beener and special guests thoughtfully examine a curated selection of landmark albums celebrating milestone anniversaries.

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Episodes

'They Created a Language': An Isley Brothers Celebration of 3+3 and More

November 10, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 57.9 MB

In Part Two of our special Isley Brothers celebration, award winning vocalist, instrumentalist, producer, composer, and cultural historian TL Cross is back to help unpack the genius of The Isley Brothers' 1973 classic 3+3. On its 50th anniversary, we delve into the pivotal album that transformed the Isleys from a group to one of the greatest bands of the 20th century, with the official addition of younger brothers Ernie and Marvin and brother-in-law Chris Jasper. With songs like "That Lady,"...

'Be Great. Be You. And That's What The Isley Brothers Did': An Isley Brothers Celebration of 3+3 and More

October 20, 2023 10:00 - 59 minutes - 137 MB

Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer Rudolph Isley of the legendary Isley Brothers passed away on October 11 at the age of 84. In honor of  the co-founding member, who helped pen some of the biggest popular classics of the 20th century, including “Shout,” “That Lady” and “It's Your Thing," award winning vocalist, instrumentalist, producer, composer, and cultural historian TL Cross joins us on this special two-part episode. In Part One will dive into the astounding six-decade career of The Isley Brothe...

The Astrology of John Coltrane: A 97th Birthday Celebration

September 22, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 80.3 MB

When thinking about harmonizing the subjects of music and astrology, there may be no more interesting of an artist to examine than John Coltrane. An avid student of philosophy, religion, and metaphysics, Coltrane entwined astrology with his innovative music more transparently than any other artist. Over the course of his life, his quest for a deeper knowledge of self and the universe became increasingly central to his music. In honor of Coltrane's 97th birthday, renowned astrologer Sam Reyno...

'Cheers to Joe Henderson': A Celebration of Page One at 60

September 01, 2023 10:00 - 56 minutes - 52.7 MB

Lauded musicians Josh Evans and Marcus Strickland join Milestones to discuss the debut album from saxophone giant Joe Henderson. Together they examine Henderson's harmonic and rhythmic innovation; the essentiality of collaborator and friend Kennny Dorham; and why it's always the right time to give flowers to one of the most important yet somehow underexplored musicians of our time. As members of Christian McBride's New Jawn, they share thoughts on the special relationship between the saxopho...

'This Is the Real Narrative': Ralph McDaniels Reaches 40 Year Milestone With Video Music Box as World Gears Up For Hip Hop's Historic Moment

August 11, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 60.3 MB

It's Hip Hop's 50th birthday! On the latest episode of Milestones, black media legend Ralph McDaniels joins to discuss the legacy of his pioneering television program, Video Music Box. Celebrating a milestone of its own this year, Video Music Box became one of the most important shows in music video history, as it illuminated a budding genre called hip hop, and centered black youth culture overall at a time when it was not a consideration in mainstream media. Debuting in 1983, Video Music Bo...

'I Feel Free As a Musician Because Of That Music Existing': Donald Byrd's Black Byrd at 50

July 28, 2023 10:00 - 58 minutes - 35.3 MB

GRAMMY® award-winning trumpeter, composer, arranger, producer, vocalist, and activist Keyon Harrold joins Milestones to discuss Donald Byrd's groundbreaking masterpiece Black Byrd, released 50 years ago this year. The NEA Jazz Master whose work has profoundly impacted generations that followed through his stylistic pioneering of R&B infused jazz, helped birth an entirely new era of black music while experiencing breakthrough commercial success after two decades of being one of the greatest h...

Learning to Lean In: A Conversation with Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke

June 23, 2023 09:17 - 1 hour - 88.5 MB

GRAMMY-nominated musicians Gretchen Parlato and Lionel Loueke discuss their brand new, long awaited album and how their journey through friendship, decades of collaboration and unprecedented times brought the stunning project to life. We also discuss their mutual mentor Herbie Hancock in celebration of the 50th anniversary of his groundbreaking funk-meets-jazz album, Head Hunters.

'This Is How You Create a Signature Sound': John Coltrane's My Favorite Things

June 09, 2023 09:55 - 1 hour - 200 MB

It's Black Music Month! On this special throwback edition of Milestones, we're going deep into the archives to the very first episode, never released on WBGO Studios until now. Our special guest Marcus Strickland, is a two-time GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and prolific composer. He joins us to discuss a fan favorite, John Coltrane's My Favorite Things. We delve into Coltrane’s popular hit, as well as an in-depth conversation about the soprano saxophone, the...

"Praise the Lord I Have Music": A Ramsey Lewis Celebration

May 26, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 145 MB

With a career spanning six decades and over 80 albums to his credit, NEA Jazz Master and multiple GRAMMY® winner Ramsey Lewis is one of the most distinguished artists of our time. His crossover success as a mainstream artist made him a household name with hits like "The In Crowd" and "Sun Goddess." Yet it is through his last great offering to the world that we learn the depth of this tremendous figure. Published this month, Gentleman of Jazz: My Life In Music is Lewis' posthumously released ...

Of Monks & Dreams (Part 2): A Special Conversation with T.S. Monk

April 07, 2023 09:55 - 1 hour - 118 MB

In the second part of our special two-part episode with T.S. Monk, we discuss what many consider to be his father's great quartet, with saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist John Ore and drummer Frankie Dunlop; Thelonious Monk’s role as mentor, and why his High Priest of Bebop moniker deserves expansion. We also dive deep into the special relationship between Monk and Duke Ellington. This and so much more. 

Of Monks & Dreams: A Special Conversation with T.S. Monk

March 24, 2023 10:00 - 59 minutes - 110 MB

It’s a family affair on this episode of Milestones as my special guest, drummer/bandleader T.S. Monk joins Milestones for a special 2-part interview and discussion as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Thelonious Monk's 1963 classic Monk's Dream. In Part 1, we discuss Monk’s beginnings as a young drummer and his iconic father’s guiding wisdom as he navigated his now 40+ year career. In this clip, T.S. breaks down how the state of jazz in the late 70s created space for the ingenuity of a gen...

'Nothing Sounds Like This': Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon at 50

March 10, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 169 MB

Critically acclaimed guitarist, composer and educator Mike Moreno joins Milestones to discuss the deeply personal, lifelong impact of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon on its 50th anniversary. Together, they explore the intersections of rock and jazz, the backstory of the 2008 Jazz Side of the Moon tribute album, and discuss Dark Side from historical, conceptual and harmonic perspectives, with Moreno treating our audience to live sonic demonstrations. Moreno also shares an incredible recoll...

"They Messed Around and Made a Classic": The 60th Anniversary of Duke Ellington and John Coltrane

February 24, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 147 MB

In late 1962, John Coltrane and Duke Ellington went into the studio and created one of the most essential albums in jazz and beyond. Initially paired in an effort to prove Coltrane's commercial viability and conciliate rigid critics of his evolving sound, these titans would prove to do something much more meaningful. Emmy-winning vocalist, saxophonist, composer and producer Braxton Cook joins Milestones to discuss the 60th anniversary of this landmark album. Together they dive into the beaut...

Love Is a Song: Celebrating Roberta Flack at 86

February 10, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 198 MB

Award-winning vocalist and educator Charenee Wade joins Angélika Beener to celebrate Roberta Flack on the legendary musician's 86th birthday through a rich discussion of her classic Killing Me Softly LP, which turns 50 this year and the new PBS American Masters documentary which chronicles Flack's fascinating career. Wade speaks on Flack's invitation to expand what soul and activism can sound like, the true role and impact of an interpreter, and much more.

Let's Get Excited: 40 Years Ago The Pointer Sisters Shook Up the World With An 80s Masterpiece

January 27, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 139 MB

Singer, educator and activist Candice Hoyes joins Angélika Beener to discuss The Pointer Sisters' tour de force, Break Out. The triple platinum mega-hit LP was a triumph, becoming one of the most impactful albums of the decade. Candice and Angélika discuss The Pointer Sisters through the lens of race, gender, technology and futurism in hopes of expanding the appreciation of their legacy. Milestones theme produced by Riley K. Glasper Recorded at Teal Octopus in Brooklyn, New York

Jason Moran Presents the Bandwagon: A 20th Anniversary Reflection

January 13, 2023 14:46 - 1 hour - 140 MB

Jason Moran’s landmark live album, recorded at the Village Vanguard in the summer of 2003 is framed and infused by family and love in ways that would impact his life forever. Angélika and Jason also reflect on the brotherhood shared with Taurus Mateen and Nasheet Waits and their impact on a generation; and Angélika finally learns the surprising and incredible genesis of “Gangsterism.”

MILESTONES: 60th Anniversary of Miles Davis's Someday My Prince Will Come

December 31, 2022 01:44 - 1 hour - 42 MB

Acclaimed saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator Greg Osby joins host Angélika Beener to discuss Miles Davis’s Someday My Prince Will Come at 60. One of the most originative musicians of his generation, Osby delves into what it means to be an artist in transition, as Miles Davis was in 1961; why Hank Mobley deserves much more love; and how expanding beyond the “Top 5” mentality will make for a better musician and scene, while Angélika speaks on the cultural significance of this now ic...

30th Anniversary of Stevie Wonder's Jungle Fever Soundtrack with DJ Spinna

December 16, 2022 17:39 - 1 hour - 54.9 MB

Acclaimed DJ and producer DJ Spinna joins Angélika Beener to discuss Stevie Wonder's 90s classic, Jungle Fever. The soundtrack to Oscar-winning director Spike Lee's provocative film finds Wonder taking on the era of New Jack Swing at the top of the decade. Spinna and Angélika discuss Wonder's soundtrack work over the decades, Spinna's awe-inspiring relationship with the legend, and the ways cultural shifts can challenge art. Milestones theme produced by Riley K. Glasper

Charles Stepney 90th Anniversary Celebration with special guest Christian McBride

December 11, 2022 00:23 - 1 hour - 141 MB

Minnie Riperton. Earth, Wind & Fire. Ramsey Lewis. The Dells. Rotary Connection. Marlena Shaw. Producer, orchestrator, arranger, writer and prolific musician, Charles Stepney links these incredible artists through his distinct and brilliant artistry. For Stepney's 90th anniversary, 7X GRAMMY winning musician and Jazz Night In America host Christian McBride joins me to discuss the impact of Stepney and other unsung black orchestrators.

50th Anniversary of Freddie Hubbard's Straight Life

October 29, 2022 03:30 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MB

Critically-acclaimed trumpeter and newly published author, Jeremy Pelt, joins Angélika Beener to discuss Freddie Hubbard's 1971 release, Straight Life, from the CTI label. Together they discuss the state of the music at the top of the 1970s, and how Hubbard's under-explored yet highly influential release would shape things to come for other trumpeters and for the music called jazz. Straight Life (1971): Freddie Hubbard (tp), Joe Henderson (ts), Herbie Hancock, (keyboards), Ron Carter (b), J...

50th Anniversary of Stevie Wonder's Music Of My Mind

March 04, 2022 13:00 - 2 hours - 133 MB

Award winning vocalist, producer, composer, and esteemed cultural historian TL Cross joins host Angelika Beener for this very special episode of Milestones which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Music Of My Mind, a prodigious offering that shifted the sound of music and influenced the next several decades. “The man is his own instrument. The instrument is an orchestra.”

60th Anniversary of Miles Davis's Someday My Prince Will Come

October 07, 2021 11:48 - 1 hour - 65.3 MB

Acclaimed saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator Greg Osby joins Angélika Beener to discuss Miles Davis’s Someday My Prince Will Come as it turns 60 this year. One of the most originative musicians of his generation, Osby delves into what it means to an artist in transition, as Miles Davis was in 1961; why Hank Mobley deserves more love; and how expanding beyond the “Top 5” mentality will make for a better musician and scene. This and so much more!

20th Anniversary of J Dilla's Welcome 2 Detroit

September 01, 2021 18:46 - 59 minutes - 54.7 MB

Musician, budding producer and the youngest guest to join Milestones, Riley K. Glasper discusses the enduring legacy of J Dilla. Glasper examines the importance of Dilla's first solo work, how he became a Dilla enthusiast, and why Dilla's music is important now more than ever. 

Class of '96: Celebrating 25 Years With Casey Benjamin, TL Cross and Drego Moore Jr. | Part 2 | Delving Into the 90s

July 09, 2021 01:12 - 1 hour - 56.9 MB

2x GRAMMY®-winning multi-instrumentalist Casey Benjamin, American Music Award-winning producer, recording artist, historian and host, TL Cross, and event marketing expert, 2000 ASCAP Songwriters Award winner and MONOLODGE founder, Drego Moore Jr. join Angélika Beener in a class reunion roundtable to discuss their favorite black soundtracks in celebration of #BlackMusicMonthAllYear. 

Class of '96: Celebrating 25 Years With Casey Benjamin, TL Cross and Drego Moore Jr. | Part 1

July 08, 2021 14:36 - 1 hour - 102 MB

2x GRAMMY®-winning multi-instrumentalist Casey Benjamin, American Music Award-winning producer, recording artist, historian and host, TL Cross, and event marketing expert, 2000 ASCAP Songwriters Award winner and MONOLODGE founder, Drego Moore Jr. join Angélika Beener in a class reunion roundtable to discuss their favorite black soundtracks in celebration of #BlackMusicMonthAllYear.

60th Anniversary of Ray Charles & Betty Carter

June 11, 2021 14:46 - 1 hour - 57.2 MB

Award winning multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer and recording artist Camille Thurman joins Angelika Beener to discuss one of the greatest collaborations of the 20th century, Ray Charles & Betty Carter. An album that has long been out of print, they dive into the impact of the joined forces of two of the most unique musicians in history. 

50th Anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On

May 27, 2021 17:57 - 1 hour - 93.7 MB

GRAMMY winning bassist and Newport Jazz Festival Artistic Director Christian McBride is back with Angelika Beener to discuss genius Marvin Gaye’s magnum opus, What’s Going On, as we celebrate its 50th anniversary this month. How do we understand the album that Rolling Stone has voted the Greatest Album of All Time, 50 years later? What does it mean when an album becomes prophecy? We deal with that and much more. Credits: Intro music by Aliyah Niambi & Outro music by RKG Beats Episode Produc...

30th Anniversary of Stevie Wonder's Jungle Fever Soundtrack

May 01, 2021 16:33 - 1 hour - 88.7 MB

Acclaimed DJ + Producer + Recording artist DJ Spinna joins Angélika Beener to discuss the iconic Stevie Wonder's 90s debut, Jungle Fever. The soundtrack to Oscar-winning director Spike Lee's provocative and brilliant film, Jungle Fever, places Wonder in the era of New Jack Swing and hip hop. Spinna and Angélika discuss Stevie Wonder's soundtrack work over the decades, Spinna's awe-inspiring relationship with the legendary Wonder, and how massive artistic-cultural shifts and icon status coale...

Celebrating Stepney: 90th Anniversary of Legendary Producer Charles Stepney

March 26, 2021 07:32 - 1 hour - 78.4 MB

Minnie Riperton. Earth, Wind & Fire. Ramsey Lewis. The Dells. Rotary Connection. Marlena Shaw. Today is the 90th anniversary of the man who gave these artists aesthetic distinction: The one and only Charles Stepney. Integral to the Chess Records machine, producer, orchestrator, arranger, writer and prolific musician, Charles Stepney, was one of the brightest musical lights of the 60s and 70s, dying suddenly and tragically young in 1976 at the age of 45. Charles Stepney changed my life. I’m h...

60th Anniversary of John Coltrane's My Favorite Things

February 21, 2021 23:35 - 1 hour - 79 MB

2X GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Marcus Strickland joins Angelika Beener to discuss Coltrane's landmark 1961 recording, My Favorite Things. A forward-thinking, paradigm-shifting tour de force, My Favorite Things was released in March of 1961 and marks some of Coltrane's earliest work with McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones. Here, Marcus and Angelika get into the tunes as well as Coltrane's arrangements; the significance of the soprano saxophone at this time; and why Strickland thinks the concept of ...

MILESTONES: INTRODUCTION

February 17, 2021 00:21 - 6 minutes - 5.66 MB

WELCOME! Thank you for joining me on my brand new podcast, MILESTONES: Deep Dive Analyses of Landmark Albums. I'm your host, Angélika Beener. In this short, introductory episode, I offer some background on my journey toward the development of this podcast and what you can expect from future episodes. On each episode, along with special guests, we will examine a landmark album celebrating a milestone year in 2021. I’ve curated an amazing selection of albums for us to discuss, and I cannot wai...