Erik Hall isn’t 18 musicians, but you could be forgiven for thinking that he is. He’s recorded music as a solo artist and with the group In Tall Buildings; before that, he also had stints in His Name Is Alive and NOMO. For his new album, he opted for a particularly ambitious maneuver: recording Steve Reich’s Music For 18 Musicians. The ensuing record is both a loving version of a minimalist classic and a work that shows the impressive flexibility within Reich’s composition. I talked with Hall about the making of this album and his own musical journey over the years.
Afternoon Bites: Beastie Boys Retrospective, Akwaeke Emezi, Steve Reich Interviewed, Jonathan Lethem’s Inspirations, and More
In our afternoon reading: a look at the new Beastie Boys retrospective, interviews with Akwaeke Emezi and Steve Reich, and more.
Afternoon Bites: “Drumming” Revisited, Literary Florida, Assisting William T. Vollmann, Nick Cave Statue, and More
In our afternoon reading: revisiting a classic work by Steve Reich, exploring the literature of Florida, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Natasha Stagg Interviewed, Underrated Books, Editing Jonathan Lethem, Steve Reich, and More
In our afternoon reading: an interview with Natasha Stagg, 2017’s most underrated books, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Jeanette Winterson’s Favorite Books, The Necks, Knausgaard Interviewed, and More
In our afternoon reading: book recommendations from Jeanette Winterson, essays on the music of The Necks and Steve Reich, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Matthew Specktor on Eve Babitz, Raymond Carver Remembered, Rufi Thorpe, Steve Reich Revisited, and More
In our afternoon reading: Matthew Specktor on literary Los Angeles, Rufi Thorpe on books she loves, an interview with Laina Dawes, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Janelle Monáe and Science Fiction, Caitlin Moran Interviewed, Marlon James, Steve Reich’s Latest, and More
A look at Janelle Monáe and science fiction, Steve Reich’s latest is reviewed, thoughts on new books from Eula Biss and Marlon James, an interview with Caitlin Moran, and more.
Morning Bites: Steve Reich, Ken Burns Interviewed, Poetry By Rachel B. Glaser, Perfume Genius, and More
Interviews with Steve Reich, Nick Cave, and Ken Burns; new poetry from Rachel B. Glaser, Joseph Riippi on Luke B. Goebel’s new novel, new music from Jo Johnson, and more.