Extra Eclectic - Jan. 1, 2023

The theme of Black History Month 2023 is "Black Resistance." It explores how Black Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression in all forms. It's as timely as ever, as oppression continues in different ways — from the threat of police violence to the prohibition of the teaching of black American history in some quarters of America. This week's episode of Extra Eclectic falls on the first day of Black History Month. Host Steve Seel features a survey of contemporary Black composers whose music speaks to the Black American experience in many ways — from George Walker to Jessie Montgomery, Jonathan Baily Holland to Quinn Mason, and many more.

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra/Ensemble)

Carlos Simon: Requiem For The Enslaved (Album)

Antifonys, Lilacs, Sinfonias Nos 4 & 5 (Album)

Amplify: Changing America's Playlist (Rii Vol. 1) (Album)

Homage To Paradise Valley: Roho, Pumzika Kwa Amani (Spirits, Rest Peacefully)

Akropolis Reed Quintet (Orchestra/Ensemble)

Jeffrey Mumford: The Promise Of The Far Horizon (Album)

Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra/Ensemble)

Steve Seel possesses a broad knowledge of many musical genres, having hosted radio programs ranging from classical to jazz and even avant-garde music at public radio stations around the country. Steve came to Minnesota Public Radio in 1999 to be a part of its nationally-syndicated classical music programming. In 2005, he became one of the founding voices on MPR's eclectic station The Current, and has hosted various time slots from mornings to late nights, and conducted in-depth interviews with pop music luminaries ranging from Brian Eno to David Byrne to Tori Amos. 
 
Steve is an avid reader of political and social commentary as well, and he emcees The Current's popular Policy and a Pint community series, featuring discussions with noted scholars, politicians, community leaders, authors and big thinkers on important issues of the day. Steve is also a basement composer obsessed with all things both minimalist and slow, and might actually be incapable of writing anything that exceeds 75 beats-per-minute.


MPR Photo

Steve Seel

This week’s Extra Eclectic falls on the first day of Black History Month. Host Steve Seel features a survey of contemporary Black composers whose music speaks to the Black American experience in many ways — from George Walker to Jessie Montgomery, Jonathan Baily Holland to Quinn Mason, and many more. 
