All Of It: Episode Overview - "Nicole Zuraitis Adapts Edna St. Vincent Millay"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Producer: WNYC
• Episode Title: Nicole Zuraitis Adapts Edna St. Vincent Millay
• Release Date: February 6, 2025
• Description: All Of It explores the multifaceted landscape of culture and its consumers, engaging with thinkers, creators, and artists to delve into the what and why of their work.

Introduction to the Episode

[00:37] Alison Stewart:
In this episode, Alison Stewart sets the stage by highlighting the recent Grammy Awards, emphasizing the presence of former All Of It guests in attendance. She previews the episode's content, which includes:

• Revisiting Grammy Speeches: Alison promises a look back at notable speeches and the significant topics discussed during the awards.

• Featured Conversations: She introduces an upcoming conversation with "Tank and the Bengas" about their Grammy-winning album, The Heart, the Mind, the Soul, which secured the Best Spoken Word Poetry Album category. This performance was notably recorded live in WNYC's Studio 5.

• Celebrating Other Winners: The episode spotlights Dan Pugach and Nicole Zuraitis, who won the Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for Bianca Reimagined: Music for Pause and Persistence by Dan Pujach's Big Band. This album is a tribute to and benefits foster dogs, showcasing a unique blend of music and social good. Alison shares a personal touch by mentioning Nicole brought her foster dog, Dolly, to the recording session.

Notable Achievements Highlighted:

• Nicole Zuraitis: This Grammy marks her second win within two years, following last year's Best Jazz Vocal Album. Additionally, she has served as a judge for the Public Song Project, performed at WNYC's Lincoln Center concert, and contributed to an adaptation of Edna St. Vincent Millay's poem "The Philosopher" for their album.

Nicole Zuraitis’s Musical Adaptation

[02:20] Nicole Zuraitis: Nicole presents a captivating musical mashup of two Edna St. Vincent Millay poems: "The Philosopher" and "Travel It." Her rendition weaves poetic narrative with musical expression, creating an evocative piece that blends emotion and artistry.

Key Elements of the Performance:

• Emotive Poetry: Nicole's adaptation delves deep into themes of longing, love, and introspection, mirroring Millay's original sentiments.

• Musical Arrangement: The performance skillfully fuses lyrical depth with melodic composition, showcasing Nicole's prowess in both vocal delivery and musical interpretation.

Excerpt from the Performance (Timestamp [02:45]):

"I should be kept awake as many nights as there are days while weeping for your sake. And what are you that missing you as many days grow?"

This segment highlights Nicole's ability to convey profound emotion through her musical storytelling, staying true to Millay's literary essence while infusing it with her unique artistic voice.

Post-Performance Reflections

[09:03] Alison Stewart:
After Nicole's moving performance, Alison Stewart commends her for the powerful adaptation and invites listeners to engage with the Public Song Project, encouraging community involvement in cultural and artistic endeavors. She directs interested individuals to visit wnyc.org/publicsongproject to participate and support ongoing projects.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It masterfully intertwines the celebration of contemporary artistic achievements with the rich tapestry of cultural heritage. By featuring Nicole Zuraitis's Grammy-winning work and her thoughtful adaptation of classic poetry, the show underscores the enduring relevance of literary art in modern music. Alison Stewart's insightful commentary and the inclusion of notable quotes enhance the listener's understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness between culture, context, and creative expression.

Final Thought:
"We won’t always agree, but our varied perspectives and diversity of experience is what makes New York City great." – Alison Stewart

This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting the value of diverse artistic voices in shaping and enriching the cultural landscape.