The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week: ‘Why? (The King of Love is Dead)’ by Nina Simone
As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today, there’s no better track to highlight than Nina...
Chris Campbell is a broadcast personality/nationally-renowned tastemaker and host of the multi-genre electronic music program The Progressive Underground. He is also a correspondent for NPR (National Public Radio) curating global underground music for national segments such as "Heavy Rotation" and "Songs We Love." Campbell is the host of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s “Paradise Jazz Series,” “Concerts at the Cube,” and is co-host of the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre’s “Jazzy Wednesdays Summer Concert Series.”
He has also hosted events including the Detroit International Jazz Festival, Charivari Detroit Electronic Music Fest and has curated/hosted Detroit Performs LIVE on WTVS-Channel 56 Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), along with hosting/moderating a variety of concerts, industry showcases, artist album releases, panel discussions, movie screenings, and press unveilings.
Campbell is also an author and music journalist who has written for national and international publications such as Smooth Jazz News, Upscale, and Examiner. He is a published author as his books “The Essential Neo-Soul” and “Essential Neo-Soul 2.0” spotlight the modern-day progressive soul music movement and are the only publications of their kind to cover the history of the modern/alternative soul community.
The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week: ‘Listen’ by Brainstory
What up doe, Detroit? This week, we’re diving into the mesmerizing sounds of Brainstory, an indie band from Rialto, California,...
The Progressive Underground: Erykah Badu’s ‘Mama’s Gun’ is a soulful shot heard around the world
In the latest edition of Liner Notes, we dive into “Mama’s Gun,” the 2000 release from the high priestess of...
The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week: ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)’ by Moses Sumney feat. Lyra Pramuk and Sam Smith
This week’s pick comes from the renowned Red Hot Organization, a nonprofit that procures music and media dedicated to social...
The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week: ‘Feels So Right’ by Laura Rain & The Caesars
Today, we’re turning the spotlight on one of Detroit’s most dynamic musical acts: Laura Rain & The Caesars.A force to...
The Progressive Underground: The Roots’ ‘Phrenology’ is a masterclass in evolution, experimentation
In this edition of Liner Notes, we dive into "Phrenology," The Roots' groundbreaking 2002 release. The Roots were no strangers to...
The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week: ‘The Rest of Me’ by Michael Kiwanuka
This week, we’re diving into a track by the inimitable Michael Kiwanuka that is as soul-stirring as it is sonically...
The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week: ‘Empire’ by Eddie Chacon feat. John Caroll Kirby
This week’s Pick of the Week comes from Eddie Chacon, who was one half of the ’90s duo Charles &...
Liner Notes: Candace Nicole’s debut album gives listeners something they can feel
Welcome to Liner Notes, where we dig into the stories and offer commentary behind the albums that resonate beyond the...
The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week: ‘Modern Times Blues’ by Jean-Luc Ponty
For this week’s Pick of the Week, we’re turning back the clock 40 years to highlight a masterpiece from Jean-Luc...
The Progressive Underground: Sy Smith’s ‘Until We Meet Again’ is a sonic memoir of love, life and legacy
Welcome to Liner Notes, where we dive deep into the stories, sounds, and moments that define the albums we love....
The Progressive Underground Pick of the Week: ‘Spacetime’ by Bevlove
This week’s Pick of the Week is an eclectic journey — an ethereal trip through sound, emotion and artistry. Today,...