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Vijay Iyer and Wadada Leo Smith Sketch a 'Cosmic Rhythm,' on The Checkout

In the 1990s, two seemingly limitless creative minds forged an important relationship. Now, almost three decades later, that bond is reaching its cosmic potential.

On this Checkout podcast, the pianist Vijay Iyer and trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith talk intimately about their ever-evolving friendship, the fruits of which are apparent their latest ECM duo album A Cosmic Rhythm with Each Stroke.  

That title was inspired by the 20th-century Indian artist Nasreen Mohamedi, who was renowned for precise line drawings that also allude to a spiritual world. For those familiar with music of Iyer and Smith, this subject seemed to be the perfect template for them to not only explore their artistry together but also deepen their relationship.

Vijay Iyer and Wadada Leo Smith will be making cosmic sounds over Narrangassett Bay at the Newport Jazz Festival. Vijay Iyer will be one of the busiest musicians in Rhode Island: he's also premiering music from his new sextet album Far From Over, and paying tribute to a musical hero, Geri Allen, with other stars Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jason Moran, and Christian Sands.

Subscribe to The Checkout podcast on iTunes and Stitcher.

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For more than 15 years, Simon Rentner has worked as a host, producer, broadcaster, web journalist, and music presenter in New York City. His career gives him the opportunity to cover a wide spectrum of topics including, history, culture, and, most importantly, his true passion of music from faraway places such as Europe, South America, and Africa.