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The four-time Grammy Award winning gospel group Blind Boys of Alabama first formed at Alabama's Talladega Institute for the Blind in 1939. In their incredible 70 year career, the group has released over 60 albums, receiving over five Grammy awards along the way. Their blend of traditional and contemporary gospel soul and R&B has become a global sensation. The group continues to prosper as a harmony laden musical group with no signs of slowing down, and after decades of powerful music making, the boys were finally inducted into the gospel Music Hall of fame in 2007.
Bright Eyes returns with the People's Key, (released February 15, 2011 on Saddle Creek). The album was an eagerly awaited follow-up to 2007's acclaimed Cassadaga. Conor Oberst's band has produced ten full albums and several EPs. This one is a 
Seattle's indie-folk trio, The Cave Singers, make use of guitars, harmonicas, bass pedals, and drums.
Described as enchanting and folksy, they are also electrifying and rock-bent. Their latest release, No Witch, on Jagjaguwar Records is more rock-bent. With noticeable blues-rock influences, the characteristic wordplays and guitar-percussion back-and-forths that The Cave Singers have come to be known for, the record is undeniable proof that this is a band that knows how to evolve. They played SXSW in March, and are taking time out from their European 
Joy Williams and John Paul White crossed paths at a songwriting camp in Nashville, the rest is history. Both knew that they had some special collaborative magic, and they've managed to mix their songwriting styles into something truly moving. Their full-length debut, 
Happily merging their love of afro-beat, folk, experimental and electronic music, the Louisiana quintet known as Givers has been sweeping music lovers into a world of dance inducing island-pop since 2009. When the group of southern multi-instrumentalists first got together to open a show for the Dirty Projectors, their face painted neon antics and fun filled polyrhythmic style impressed the Dirty Projectors so much that they were asked to join them on their 2009 South and East Coast tour. Since then, Givers have become stand out darlings, and after signing to Glassnote Records they plan to release their first full-length album, a follow up to their Givers EP.
The recent past has certainly seen Ben Harper at a creative peak, juggling several high-profile, far-flung projects, like Fistful of Mercy, a band that includes Dhani Harrison (George Harrison’s son) and Joseph Arthur. Yet somewhere amidst all this activity, he found the time and the focus to write a new set of songs that represents the most personal and diverse collection in his career. His new album - 10th studio album - Give Till It's Gone - is set for release on May 17 on Virgin Records.
Seattle's The Head and The Heart have recorded their self-titled debut album, a perfect album for folk lovers who enjoy a little pop or alt-country kick from time to time. After they self-released its eponymous debut album last June, the emblematic Seattle label Sub Pop will reissue the album in April. The Head and The Heart is a bright, powerful debut full of classic harmonies, a la Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and The Beatles. Hear the band chat with World Cafe host David Dye about its origins, moving to Seattle and the creative process that led to its debut LP.
At the core of The Jayhawks acclaimed alt-country is the paired talent of Gary Louris and Mark Olsen. These guys seem to have it all - impeccable guitar lines, smooth harmonies, and songwriting capabilities that could rival just about any around. After a hiatus starting in 2005, The Jayhawks reissued their 1986 limited release, The Jayhawks (aka The Bunkhouse Album) in May 2010. The band recently announced a 
Thurston Moore, primarily recognized as the singer, songwriter, guitarist, and frontman for the critically acclaimed art/punk rock band Sonic Youth in the 1980s, is also an acclaimed solo artist. Despite having an extensive repertoire of albums from Sonic Youth and other collaborations, Moore managed to squeeze in four solo
albums dating as far back as 1995. His upcoming Beck-produced album Demolished Thoughts (due out May 24 on Matador Records), is expected to blow fans away. Download a cut,"Benediction," from the new album, at 
For over 25 years, John Popper has fronted the multi-platinum Grammy winning rock band Blues Traveler as a harmonica virtuoso guitarist and lead singer. After forming Blues Traveler in the late 1980's, he carried it straight into the realm of success with a winning combination of southern blues-rock, folk, soul and even psychedelic rock. Now turning to the sounds of Americana roots music in his new side project, John Popper & The Duskray Troubadours, he calls the project the alter-ego of Blues Traveler. They just released their first album, John Popper & The Duskray Troubadours on March 1.
One of the best-known Canadian rock acts. After winning a Juno Award for We Were Born in a Flame in 2003, Sam Roberts has gone nowhere but up.
Using his unique take on garage-blues and soul, Roberts' indie-rock drove him to the top of the charts in Canada, and and our hearts. Five full-lengths, all nominated and/or winning Junos have been culminated with Collider (set for release on May 10, 2011). Ear-catching pop melodies, featuring Califone percussionist Ben Massarella and Antibalas woodwind man Stuart Bogie. Produced by Brian Deck (Modest Mouse and Iron & Wine), this album is hotly anticipated by fans and critics alike. Sam has performed on 
Raphael Saadiq has been in the R&B scene for over 20 years as a singer for groups like Tony! Toni! Tone!, but most notably spends his time in the producer's chair. He's helmed recordings for artists such as John Legend, Joss Stone and The Roots. His last solo album, 
, is an authentic standout within the '60s soul resurgence. Saadiq has been a guest on World Cafe with David Dye, and played XPN's Free At Noon Concert.
With a blend of bluegrass, blues, folk-rock, and country (while increasingly adding electronic-based sound), Todd Snider's reputation has been on a steady incline. With thirteen full-length albums (including 2011's live offering) since 1994, he hasn't slowed down. Todd Snider Live: The Storyteller, released on his own record label, features songs from across his career and plenty of the enchanting, witty narration that has become a staple of his live shows.
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Keb' Mo's music is a living link to the seminal Delta blues that traveled up the Mississippi River. Born Kevin Moore in South Los Angeles to parents originally from the deep South, he adopted his better known stage name when he was a young player who became inspired by the force of this essential African-American legacy. In the storied tradition of bluesmen before him including Muddy Waters and Taj Mahal, who began his days as Henry St. Clair Fredericks, Moore became known as Keb' Mo'. His acclaimed self-titled 1994 debut album introduced that now famous appellation to the world, and 2006's Suitcase, brings it to new heights.
Mo's distinctive sound embraces pop, rock folk and jazz, in which he is well-versed. 
Devotchka picks up at least a dozen instruments and borrows freely from just as many musical worlds. Using an eclectic blend of styles (from Slavic to American punk), the Denver-based quartet Devotchka leapt into public consciousness when they scored the Grammy-nominated soundtrack to Little Miss Sunshine. Full of orchestral melodies, energetic pop, and folksy background, Devotchka's style has been called souped-up polka rock. Winning over praise for their 2008 album A Mad & Faithful Telling, Devotchka now returns with yet another epic and expansive album, 100 Lovers (Released March 1 on ANTI.)
The story begins in Gothenburg, Sweden where the popular singer-songwriter Jose Gonzalez and friends Elias Araya, who began collaborating when they were 14 years old. Later joined by Tobias Winterkorn, the trio completely swapped their hardcore rock sound for a gorgeous and haunting folk style we associate with Junip today. Their debut full-length Fields pairs an organically raw "rough and tough" sound with softly sung melodies, hypnotic psychedelia and some Afro-beat inspired rhythms. Junip was a guest on 
With his acoustic-pop sensibilities and mix of rock, bluegrass, and folk influences, Justin Townes Earle has earned the respect of critics and musicians alike. The son of iconic songwriter Steve Earle, he spent a good portion of his adolescence touring with his father's band as a guitarist and occasional keyboardist. His latest. 'Harlem River Blues' strongly follows the success of 'Midnight at the Movies' with his characteristic old time country blues sound with just a hint of gospel.
This alternative folk-art pop band from Cincinnati, currently features bassist/pianist Linford Detweiler and classically trained lead singer Karin Bergquist. Once a four piece, the band had developed considerable popularity before their first release, Till We Have Faces, in 1991. They easily attracted attention with their uncategorizable style of music, called by themselves "post-nuclear, pseudo alternative, folk-tinged art-pop." But in 1996, the band went through a dramatic shift when two members left the band and two married. Hardly seeing the end of Over the Rhine, the duo now holds 14 albums to its name, the most recent being The Long Serrender (2011).
The self-proclaimed "hip-hop blues" artist known as G Love has been adored for his blues-based song structures and hip-hop roots. Joined by his band, Special Sauce, G Love has released his latest installment of politically driven tunes on Fixin' To Die. This native Philadelphian continues to foray into new indie-folk territory. Love recently performed on 
Endearing a dedicated audience of listeners with his unique blend of acoustic folk and rock 'n' roll attitude, Matt Nathanson first entered the radar with his 1993 debut album Please. Since then, he has consistently pounded out a series of noteworthy albums including his most successful "Some Mad Hope" in 2007. Nathanson has officially announced a promising new album Modern Lover, due for release in June. Matt has performed on 
Born in the US and raised in the UK, Rebecca Pidgeon is enjoying artistic success. A star on Broadway, a lead on the silver screen, and a successful recording artist. She fronted Brit-pop band Ruby Blue. Since going solo, Rebecca's found time to release five albums, influenced by pop, folk, and even traditional Celtic tunes. Her latest is Behind the Velvet Curtain, comprised of songs written by Pidgeon for the major motion picture, Redbelt. Full of dreamy vocals and calling to mind the sounds of Madeline Peyroux.
Son of Paul McCartney, James McCartney has the music in him. The singer, songwriter, and sculptor has been involved with his father's career for some time, contributing to solo albums and accompanying his father on tour. James' first release, Available Light, came out last September, and is "rock 'n' roll, clean sounding and vocal." 
Best known for his powerful baritone, Sean Rowe has built a reputation for his honest, evocative song-writing. Surrounded by classics from the big-band era as well as plenty of folk during childhood, Rowe's sound can't help but evoke comparisons to Leonard Cohen and Gil Scott Heron. His latest release, Magic, is his debut on ANTI, and Rowe thinks of it as something of a rustic 'ode to the unamplified six-string'. 
His sound is earthy, his appearance is rugged and imposing, and his ability to perform for any audience with introspection and wit is just plain impressive. With literally hundreds of songs written, The White Buffalo (Jake Smith) is a big man in both tune and form. His latest release, the five-track Black & Blue is full of folk, Smith's deep, raw vocals, and poetic lilt of his word-craft. 
With acoustic and sliding guitars, grounded vocals, and the tinkling of shadowing keys, Dylan LeBlanc's themes of pain, loss and love align his work with some of the greatest americana artists in history. His debut, Pauper's Field, features Emmylou Harris and Dylan LeBlanc's organic song-writing. The album has received nothing less than a warm welcome from listeners and critics alike.
One of the best emerging bluegrass multi-instrumentalists around. Sarah Jarosz has song-writing wisdom and musical talent beyond her years, and picked up the mandolin at age ten. Signing onto Sugar Hill Records at the tender young age of sixteen, Jarosz has also attended New England Conservatory and released a highly acclaimed debut, featuring her formidable mandolin skills. Song Up In Her Head contained an instrumental that gained the young artist her first Grammy nomination. Her follow-up is being recorded, and help solidify Jarosz as an up-and-coming Americana star.
The five piece, New Sweden, play a meshed style of indie, folk, and americana. Fans of The Avett Bros, Bright Eyes, and the Low Anthem are sure to find an interest. Formed in late 2009, the band hails from Wilmington and is made up of Caroline Stratton, Dan Weirauch, William Dobies, James Dukenfield, and Zac Dukenfield, ranging in age from early 20's to 30. They combine guitar, bass, organ, banjo, mandolin, viola, percussion, and anything else they can get their hands on to form their sound. The band's record release party is set for July 29 at 
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