On this episode, we listen in on a rare exchange between Charles Lloyd — the legendary saxophonist, bandleader, composer, and NEA Jazz Master — and Don Was — President of Blue Note Records — recorded live at the Blue Note Lounge in Jackson Terminal during Big Ears 2025.
--------
54:43
Critics Reflection on Big Ears 2025
Three sharp-eared critics who attended Big Ears 2025—Bill Pearis (BrooklynVegan), Jennie Punter (Musicworks Magazine), and Natalie Weiner (Don't Rock the Inbox)—gather to reflect on the vast sonic and interdisciplinary arts landscape they encountered. From singular encounters to shared moments of awe, they explore the music, the food and the spirit of Knoxville. This talk reveals how Big Ears offers not one experience, but countless parallel journeys that may touch, or never overlap at all. We also pay tribute to the late Michael Hurley.Music featured in this episode:Terry Riley - “In C”Eiko Ishibashi - “Evil Does Not Exist”Hu Vibrational - “Calling to the Water Goddess”Tindersticks - “Don’t Walk, Run” Immersion - “State of Motion”Immanuel Wilkins - “MOSHPIT”Susan Alcorn - “Pedernal”Fieldwork - “Bend”Ambrose Akinmusire - “To: Taymoor”Michael Hurley - “Hog of the Forsaken”
--------
22:08
Decisions, Decisions! A Critical Guide to Big Ears 2025
Get ready for Big Ears 2025 with this special roundtable featuring Nate Chinen, Ann Powers, Marcus J. Moore, and Ashley Kahn. Our panel of top critics shares favorite moments, past surprises, must-see picks, and even culinary highlights.Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, this lively, insightful conversation is the perfect aperitif to kick off your festival week with the spirit and euphoria Big Ears always delivers.Music featured in this episode:Terry Riley - “In C”Black Monument Ensemble - “Keep Your Mind Free”Jason Moran / Milford Graves - “With Bikongo Ifá: Spirit of the Being”Arooj Aftab - “Mohabbat”Beth Gibbons - “Tell Me Who You Are Today”Annette Peacock - “Real & Defined Androgens”Herbie Hancock - “Hang Up Your Hang Ups”Charles Lloyd - “The Lonely One”Lonnie Holley - “Sometimes I Wanna Dance”Magic Tuber String Band - “Trumpet of the Dead”Joy Guidry - “Inner Child”Helado Negro - “Running”Carla Kihlstedt - “Auction Block”June McDoom - “On My Way”
--------
50:10
Béla Fleck
Critic and author Nate Chinen speaks with banjo trailblazer Béla Fleck about Big Ears' place in the music scene, his early days in New Grass Revival, taking the leap into new projects, the "ancient tones" of bluegrass and even Charlie Parker. Fleck also picks some of his must-see artists on the Big Ears 2025 lineup. You just might be surprised!
--------
29:56
Wadada Leo Smith & Tyshawn Sorey
Journalist and music critic Larry Blumenfeld (Wall Street Journal, Chamber Music Magazine) sits down with legendary trumpeter and composer Wadada Leo Smith and genre-defying composer Tyshawn Sorey. The discussion delves into the deep connections between sound and silence, the evolution of “creative music,” and the social and political impact of their work. Smith reflects on his early influences, his revolutionary compositional language, and the powerful legacy of Ten Freedom Summers, while Sorey shares insights into his Pulitzer-winning compositions and his exploration of spontaneous creation. Together, they discuss their unique approaches to composition, performance, and collaboration.
Big Ears: Conversations About Music is a podcast that brings together cutting-edge musicians, journalists, and community leaders in discussions about the creative process, collaboration, and the transformative power of music.
Big Ears: Conversations About Music will offer one-on-one talks between artists, roundtables and interactions with fans offering a behind-the-scenes look at the stories and connections that make Big Ears one of the world’s most unique festival experiences.
USA