Adagio

Adagio is like no other program in your line up.  It's a weekly, hour-long assembly of slowed-down bluesy, contemplative, deep and intentional music of all types, with insights and commentary that fills in a fuller picture for listeners.  It's primarily jazz and classical but all genres are welcome.

The signature tinkling of Duke Ellington might lead to something similar by his idol Claude Debussy.  Or you will hear a pairing of Abbey Lincoln and Billy Holiday that makes clear the path the one pioneered and the other paved.  Lester Young might follow up an aria of Vincenzo Bellini that makes it seem the one wrote for the other. 

Adagio is sure to diversify your line up and attract a loyal audience.  It's calming, spacious and cinematic.  And for added flavor we might throw in a poem read by an actor, or a snippet of a lecture.

It features selections primarily from North America and Europe, from the late 20th and 21st century.  But the organizing principle of Adagio is neither genre, place nor time.  It is depth of mood, and the magnetism of deep, slow, intentional music.

Derived from Italian ad agio, meaning at ease, Adagio is a two-hour respite from the race of modern times, one whose pace is closer to a resting heart beat.  And while tempo is crucial it’s not merely a matter of b/p/m.  Selections are intended to captivate listeners; (and in secret) get them to stop what they’re doing, tilt their heads, turn it up and lean in.

It’s contemplative music but not—god forbid—intellectual.  Above all else, Adagio selections are melodic.

The program has its own website, RadioAdagio.org, (currently under construction) featuring current and archived shows with photographs, playlists and references.

For five years Adagio was a standout in the weekly line up at WERU in Downeast Maine, and could always be counted on for strong quarterly fund raising.

Adagio, 58 minutes exactly each week, posted by 08.00 Mondays.  When you subscribe I’ll make you a 60-second promo with time and date stamp.  And when you’re in pledge week and I’ll happily make you a compelling pitch. 

As a print journalist for 45 years, lately writing and producing radio documentaries, I can assure you well-written scripts and accurate, in-depth commentary.

Go ahead.  Check it out.  It’s good.  You’ll like it.   You may even hear something that really moves you.

Plug it in where ever you need it but the program is aired to best effect anytime weeknights six p.m. to the wee hours, or Sunday afternoon/evenings.

Questions?  You need but ask.  drewdarling@gmail.com.

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Adagio is like no other program in your line up.  It's a weekly, hour-long assembly of slowed-down bluesy, contemplative, deep and intentional music of all types, with insights and commentary that fills in a fuller picture for listeners.  It's primarily jazz and classical but all genres are welcome.The signature tinkling of Duke Ellington might lead to something similar by his idol Claude Debussy.  Or you will hear a pairing of Abbey Lincoln and Billy Holiday that makes clear the path the one pioneered and the other paved.  Lester Young might follow up an aria of Vincenzo Bellini that makes it seem the one wrote for the other.  Adagio is sure to diversify your line up and attract a loyal audience.  It's calming, spacious and cinematic.  And for added flavor we might throw in a poem read... Show full description