Media Room Live! With Dave Soldier

Dave Soldier is truly an iconoclast. An author, neuroscientist, and professor at the Columbia University Medical Center, he is also an accomplished musician. His first album of symphonic works, Vipers at the Onyx (above) will be released tomorrow, April 10, 2026.We took a deep dive into the life and music of Stuff Smith and Dave explained how Stuff’s music inspired the first composition on the album. We discussed Smith’s broad influence, including how Bob Wills incorporated Smith’s sound into Texas Swing. Vipers At The Onyx also features Soldier’s “Jaleo,” dedicated to McCoy Tyner and Eddie Palmieri, whose music Soldier heard at age 15 and whom he credits for inspiring him to become a composer.For more information and to purchase the album click here.Thanks to all those who tuned in live and thanks to them and to Dave for their patience as we worked through some technical problems. I think it well worth it. I hope you agree. Media Room Live! With Allison Loggins-HullJoin Media Room Live! next week, Thursday, April 16 at 11:00AM EST for my interview with composer Allison Loggins-Hull. We will discuss her three year composer residency with the Cleveland Orchestra and her upcoming recordings (above). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mediaroom.substack.com/subscribe