A limited-edition double-vinyl compilation of curated live performances from Jason Bentley’s tenure as Music Director and host of KCRW's flagship music program, Morning Becomes Eclectic. This special release includes a download code with all tracks separately mastered for optimal digital listening — so you can listen to this amazing collection whenever, wherever. Limited to 1000 pressings. Includes KCRW membership and can be yours for a donation of $20 a month or more! Already a member at $20+? No problem! Just contact us to see if you qualify to receive the double-vinyl as your thank you gift.
in Santa Monica, a group of converted classrooms and storage spaces became a world-class public radio station thanks to an oddball staff of public radio geeks and a loyal listenership. KCRW has always felt like a high-wire act for storytellers before a rapt audience, and there’s no better example of this than the countless live performances over the last 40 years on Morning Becomes Eclectic.
As MBE host for the last decade, I’m mindful that I am only the current custodian of a venerable institution, and credit goes to my predecessors - Tom Schnabel, Chris Douridas, and Nic Harcourt - who have each helped shape the sound of KCRW today. This album is a collection of live recordings during my tenure that touch different styles and genres, but is in no way meant to be a definitive collection. That would be impossible. There are far too many stories to share here, but you can imagine the strange ritual of bands ferrying their instruments across campus at some ungodly hour, greeted by an unreliable elevator down to the basement, and a long hallway lined with framed portraits of cultural luminaries who had come before. Producers and engineers busily prepare for the day's guests, while a volunteer brews coffee for the bleary-eyed musicians. Sound check commences, mics and faders are adjusted, last minute directions given by the producer, and all eyes train on the clock to go live at 11:15am. This is live radio. It’s one-take for Los Angeles, and nerves are fraught. Then the moment arrives. Musicians stand ready for the introduction, and a hush falls as the first music takes to the airwaves. It’s an unusual scene and a rare alignment of circumstances that have made for some very special moments.
At the close of KCRW’s basement era, this collection is a tribute to all the links in the chain who have helped cast radio magic into the ether and the audience who leaned-in to their radios for moments like these."
