Wide Angle Radio

Sometime in the Fall of 1999, I had a creative spark, a brilliant idea.  I reasoned that (a) much of what was on the radio wasn't worth listening to, the setlists tightly controlled and almost completely closed to indie artists; and (b) the indie music played on community radio (public radio) tended to connect on a horizonal, human level but did little to provoke me to consider the vertical, spiritual dimension of life.  At the time I had my hands full practicing law and managing Silent Planet Records --- the home of acoustically grounded, lyrically thoughtful, and spiritually provocative music.  So I called my friend Kevin Auman and suggested that we produce a one hour radio program with music we liked, music that connected with people and with the transcendant.

Of course it was a money pit, but my it was fun while it lasted.  I rang verteran Christian artist and scholar of the faith-art-life connection John Fischer and asked him to host the show, and he agreed.  John was eager to narrate and speak to some of the issues he had addressed over the years in columns for CCM Magazine and Relevant Magazine, as well as in his books.  We were up and running.  Kevin and I set up interview with artists like Pierce Pettis, Kate Campbell, and Brooks Williams, sometimes doing them ourselves, sometimes letting John do it.  We offered the monthly CD of the show to Christian radio, free, and some ran it.  Most didn't undestand it.  Too arty.  Few recognized Christian artists.  Doesn't speak to our market.  Those were some of the excuses.  Nevertheless, we did it --- for around three years.

Rather than consign all these great shows to oblivion, I'm making them available here.  Free.  I'll be posting one about every two weeks.  They usually come in three segments, and as the show ran about one hour, the download can take a few minutes on a high-speed connection.  I suggest you right-click on each segment, save it to your desktop or other location, and then listen to them at your convenience.  It's worth it.  Enjoy!  And listen to a brief one minute introduction to the series here.

Premiere Episode:  This debut episode features music from Bruce Cockburn, Matt Auten, John Fischer, and Jane Kelly Williams, as well as an in-studio interview and music from Jan Krist.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three

Episode Two (Program 110199, Nov. 1, 1999):  This second offering features music from Phil Madeira, Bob Bennett, David Wilcox, Jan Krist, Bebo Norman, Jane Kelly Williams, Pierce Pettis, Julie Miller, and Claire Holly, as well as an interview with Steve Black in New Mexico.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three

Episode Three: (Program 120199, December 1, 1999): Christmas Special:  This special Christmas show features the music of Jerry Read Smith, as well as an interview with him.  In additon, there are original and traditional Christmas offerings from Bruce Cockburn, Brooks Williams, Phil Madeira, Pierce Pettis, Matt Auten, and Claire Holley.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three

Episode Four: (Program 00101, January 2000):  This show features the music of Black Mountain, North Carolina singer-songwriter Matt Auten, as well as an interview with him.  This literary guy even recites poetry, so beware.  In addition, the show is rounded out by the music of Bruce Cockburn, Matt Jones, Rick Unruh, and Jane Kelly Williams.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three

Episode Five: (Program 00301, March 2000):  This show features the music of Mark Heard, Kate Campbell, David Wilcox, Phil Maidera, Jan Krist, and Andrew Peterson, as well as an interview with and music of Skatman Meredith.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three

Episode Six: (Program 00401, April 2000): This show features an interview with Phil Maderia.  In addition to Phil's music, you'll hear Bruce Cockburn, Steve Black, Bebo Norman, GreenChoby, and Bob Bennett.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three

Episode Seven (Program 00501, May 2000): This show features an interview with and the music of Bebo Norman but is animated by the spirit of the late Mark Heard.  In addition to Bebo's music, you'll hear Brooks Williams, Pierce Pettis, The Innocence Mission, Matt Auten, and Jan Krist.

Part One, Part Two, Part Three