The Gould Standard

A conversational podcast about the arts, culture, and contemporary society.

We talk with artistic heroes working to create a more inclusive and mindful world, hear their incredible stories, and get to know what makes them tick. Our guests are leaders in a wide range of fields, nationalities, and lived experience, including musical composers and performers, painters, poets, filmmakers, actors, dancers, broadcasters, and more.

The Gould Standard

  • A Romance on Three Legs
    The Gould Standard
    The Gould Standard
    A Romance on Three Legs
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    In this special episode of The Gould Standard, Katie Hafner, an accomplished author and journalist renowned for her works like “A Romance on Three Legs,” takes the reins as guest host. The book delves into the eccentricities of pianist Glenn Gould and his obsession with finding the “perfect piano” – fabled Steinway concert grand CD-318. Pianist and educator Jim Prosser, upon reading the book, presented a surprising revelation – one of the pianos discussed in Katie’s book is none other than his current instrument. Prosser provides a captivating account of the instrument’s history, its encounter with Gould, and its subsequent evolution. The interview offers a unique blend of musical passion, historical context, and personal connection.

  • Cécile McLorin Salvant – Jamming Beyond Jazz (Part 2 of 2)
    The Gould Standard
    The Gould Standard
    Cécile McLorin Salvant – Jamming Beyond Jazz (Part 2 of 2)
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    In the second segment of this exclusive podcast interview, we continue to explore the remarkable life and achievements of the extraordinary Cécile McLorin Salvant. Beloved for her enthralling narrative flair, impeccable vocal mastery, and passion for traversing an extensive spectrum of musical genres, Cécile McLorin Salvant is one of the few true reigning divas of jazz. But her creativity, curiosity, and wayfaring imagination take her well beyond the boundaries of any one style or genre of expression. Cécile reflects on her creative process, the inspiration of Abbey Lincoln, French culture, medieval poetry, folk traditions, and her exploration of early American jazz, musical theater, and storytelling within her mesmerizing performances. Cécile discerns parallels between her classical training and jazz vocals, on full display in her recent albums Mélusine and Ghost Song, underscoring her commitment to infuse her singing with depth of feeling, sentiment, and vivid character portrayal.

  • Cécile McLorin Salvant – Jamming Beyond Jazz (Part 1 of 2)
    The Gould Standard
    The Gould Standard
    Cécile McLorin Salvant – Jamming Beyond Jazz (Part 1 of 2)
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    Beloved for her enthralling narrative flair, impeccable vocal mastery, and passion for traversing an extensive spectrum of musical genres, Cécile McLorin Salvant is one of the few true reigning divas of jazz. But her creativity, curiosity and wayfaring imagination take her well beyond the boundaries of any one style or genre of expression. In this revealing conversation, Cécile unveils her musical roots stemming from her Haitian father, French mother, and choir experiences in Miami, later deepening her musical studies in France, where she was originally immersed in classical and baroque music. Following her first prize win at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2010, Cécile embarked on a voyage into the jazz milieu. Cécile reflects on her creative process, the inspiration of Abbey Lincoln, French culture, medieval poetry, folk traditions and her exploration of early American jazz, musical theater, and storytelling within her mesmerizing performances. Cécile discerns parallels between her classical training and jazz vocals, on full display in her recent albums Mélusine and Ghost Song, underscoring her commitment to infuse her singing with profundity, sentiment, and vivid character portrayal.

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