Christian McBride Hosts Soundcheck

S. Epatha Merkerson is best known for her role on the TV series “Law & Order,” but her new documentary explores different territory. “The Contradictions of Fair Hope” chronicles the evolution of an African-American benevolent society that was founded to support newly freed slaves after the Civil War. Merkerson and fellow producer Rockell Metcalf talk about the project with guest host Christian McBride, who composed music for the film.

Jazz singer Gregory Porter looks like a linebacker – which makes sense, because that’s exactly what he used to be. Although a shoulder injury put an end to that career path, things have worked out pretty well for Porter--his 2010 recording debut, “Water,” earned him a Grammy nomination the following year. His sophomore effort is called “Be Good,” and he talks with guest host Christian McBride about the record and performs some of it live in our studio.

Biographer RJ Smith explores the complicated but fascinating life of James Brown in a new book called “The One.” He joins guest host Christian McBride and bassist Fred Thomas, who added oomph to Brown’s band, for a look back at the "Godfather of Soul." Watch the video below of James Brown performing on the TAMI Show (Teen Age Music International) at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in California, 1964.

The new documentary “On the Shoulders of Giants” tells the story of the Harlem Rens, an all-black basketball team that played in New York at the height of the Harlem Renaissance cultural explosion. Guest host (and secret sports blogger) Christian McBride talks with two people behind the film, NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and composer Bill Cunliffe, about overlap between two golden eras of sports and the arts.