Toronto's Original Spin Media, producers of the 39 part Beautiful Noise concert TV series and Solos: The Jazz Sessions, are pleased to announce Innovators In Music, a new series of documentary profiles on six dynamic musicians from a variety of genres, backgrounds, and disciplines. The series premieres on Bravo! on January 7, 2010 at 8:00PM EST and includes: Steve Earle (1/7), Levon Helm (1/14), Mickey Hart (1/21), Dave Stewart (1/28), Billy Bragg (2/4) and Sonic Youth (2/11).Each half-hour episode explores how the artistic impulse extends beyond music-making into other realms of creative pursuit. From photography, painting, and politics to bonsai and beyond, the series examines the surprising and inspiring world of six Innovators In Music.
"We're very excited about Innovators In Music" states Producer Daniel Berman. "We caught each artist in a variety of places, sometimes in their homes, sometimes on the road - it's a great cross-section, there are some things shown and said on a more intimate, candid level." Berman continues, "it was a revelation as a true fan of the genre to go to Levon Helm's home in Woodstock and tape him perform, and interview him on his 69th birthday; hang with Steve Earle at his favorite guitar store in New York City and go for sandwiches, it's just stuff you just don't see that often. I see the programs as mini-documentaries, they're quick but they have substance."
Series Schedule:
All shows 8:00PM EST
January 7 - Steve Earle
In the premiere episode, American singer-songwriter Steve Earle passionately addresses the importance of art in society, Townes Van Zandt, the elusive nature of fear, drug addiction and the death penalty, among other topics. His solo performance at the Bijoux Theatre is featured throughout.
January 14 - Levon Helm
Come celebrate Helm's "Midnight Ramble Sessions: 69th Birthday Edition" directly from his home in Woodstock, NY, with his all-star band including Donald Fagen and Larry Campbell.
January 21 - Dave Stewart
Stewart, best known as one-half of The Eurythmics, is also a very successful Songwriter, Producer and Photographer. He shares songs and stories at his Morrison Hotel Gallery opening of his photography exhibit and book release.
January 28 - Mickey Hart
Innovators grants you exclusive access to Mickey Hart's creative world - his recording studio, remarkable musical instrument collection and paintings. The Grateful Dead percussionist and world music troubadour also treats you to a special, improvisational jam session filmed specially for our crew.
February 4 - Billy Bragg
Come and check out backstage access with Billy Bragg, as he performs at the beautiful Calvin Theater in Northampton, MA and sits down with us to share his views on politics, music, family and Smokey Robinson.
February 11 - Sonic Youth
Join us as we meet-up with Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore and Lee Renaldo to discuss their record collections and musical explorations live from the Kansas City's historic Uptown Theater. Includes previously unseen archival footage.