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The welcoming phrase that serves as the title to the 18th volume in our Live at the World Cafe series puts you the listener in a very good place indeed. As we move to our new World Café studio these songs will always remind us of what will forever be the “old World Cafe.”
Latin Roots on World Cafe
Latin Roots is a bi-weekly series on the World Cafe program, hosted by David Dye, and made possible by the Wyncote Foundation. In this new series, David Dye explores the vast variety of music from Spanish-speaking countries and people. From the standards like cumbia, mambo and son to Latin rock and even reggaeton, we’ll hear it all.
The series airs every other Thursday during the second hour of the World Cafe program, and will delve into the musical styles and genres of Spanish influence with a rotating series of guests. With each segment, David Dye and his guest will explore two related songs, current and old, and discuss their unique characteristics, how they relate and where they fit into the spectrum of Latin music.
Latin Roots #1: Salsa, With a Difference
Latin music expert, Aaron Luis Levinson sits down with David Dye and shares his take on the music, beat and culture of Salsa. Levinson, a member of the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, is a Grammy-winning producer, musician, composer and owner of Range Recording Studios in Ardmore, PA. You'll hear music from Bio Ritmo and Cortijo on today's segment.
Latin Roots will feature other expert guests including Felix Contreras, a reporter and producer for NPR's Arts Desk and the co-host of Alt.Latino, NPR's new web-based program about Latin alternative music. Tom Moon will also serve as a guest contributor. Moon is a Music Reviewer for NPR and has been writing about pop, rock, jazz, blues, hip-hop and music across the globe for more than 25 years.
For more World Cafe Latin music moments, and to listen to this session, visit our page at WorldCafe.NPR.org. There you will find links to interviews and performances with artists like Juana Molina, Ximena Sarinana, Ana Tijoux and Puerto Plata, as well as a Spotify playlist inspired by each segment currated by the guest.
Latin Roots #2: The Late Resurgence Of Cumbia
To introduce us to a corner of Latin roots music called Cumbia, Grammy-winning producer and record
label owner Aaron Levinson is in the studio. Affiliated with a number of professional recording academies and societies,
this internationally known musician also owns a recording studio in Ardmore and has consistently received recognition
for his work with Latin music. In the studio today, Aaron and David talk about the origin and evolution of Cumbia,
including its late resurgence in popularity in New York, and listen to songs by Bomba Estereo and Rodolfo Y Su Tipica.
Cumbia is the manifestation of a melding of cultures, and it originated in Colombia. Mixing the music of native Colombians, slaves from Africa, and Spanish colonizers, Cumbia first rose to prominence in the 1960s on the coasts of Colombia. It made its way across the continents, evolving for Mexican and Peruvian listeners, and eventually reaching the United States in the 21st century. Cumbia enthusiasm was rekindled in Colombia as New York artists began to popularize the historically courtship dance music. In the interview, Aaron and David explore the many forms of Cumbia--from the hip-hop elements in today's cumbia to the geographical understanding of cumbia to traditional Cumbia elements of many drums, claves, guitars, clarinet, and flute.
Vist our page at WorldCafe.NPR.org for the interview and performance, along with a Spotify playlist inspired by this segment.
Latin Roots #3 - The Backbone of Latin Music, Clave
This session of Latin Roots is devoted to all things "clave." Music journalist Tom Moon sat down with our host, David Dye, to discuss the history of clave in Latin Music. Clave, which means code or key, functions as such rhythmically. Tom Moon explains how clave was introduced to Cuba and how it played into different trends and movements within Cuban music. Moon walks us through the Cuban standard, "Bruca Manigua," and the unexpected return to clave in Luis Enrique's "Yo No Se Manana." He also discusses how clave has been incorporated into music outside of the Latin world- from Johnny Otis to Bruce Springsteen.Tom Moon began his career in music studying professional saxophone at University of Miami's School of Music. He played in back-up bands, orchestras and even cruises, but found himself drawn to the world of music journalism when he started to freelance write for the Miami Herald. Moon went on to write for GQ, Rolling Stone, Vibe and NPR, including All Things Considered and World Cafe. Moon has won multiple awards for his work in music journalism, including a "Heroes" award from the Recording Academy. He has also published a book, "1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die." "1,000 Recordings" is, as Moon puts it, "an exploration" into music from all over the world, including, of course, instances of clave.
Listen to Tom Moon's World Cafe Latin Roots session on WorldCafe.NPR.org.
Listen to Tom's essential playlist on Spotify.
Latin Roots #4 - Festejo, Afro-Peruvian music with Novalima
Explore the roots of Afro-Peruvian music with Novalima in this segment of Latin Roots from World Cafe.Originating in coastal Peru and comprised of contributions from African, Spanish, and South American cultures, festejo takes its name from 'fiesta', the Spanish word for festival. It is often accompanied by a competitive and lively dancing, as well as call-and-response vocals, a celebration put to music and tied to historical roots. In this interview, David Dye talks with Novalima members Grimaldo Del Solar (arranger, artwork, composer, programming) and Alfonso Montesinos (bass) about this 100-year-old style of festejo, and the several different forms it can take through varying rhythms. Festejo has influenced their live improvisations, and inspired Novalima to become less like a studio project and more spontaneous.
The title of Novalima's latest single, "Festejo," takes it's name from this popular form of celebratory Peruvian music.
Check out the Spotify Playlist for Festejo. Listen to the archived session on WorldCafe.NPR.org.
Latin Roots #5 - Tumbao
Tom Moon looks at tumbao - what the pianst does, and muntuno - the beat that the other musicians play. Montuno is a kind of syncopated piano vamp often used in traditional Cuban music. A 'vamp' is a repetitive musical accompaniment or phrase, often found in jazz, gospel, and soul. A 'vamp' is to those genres as a 'riff' is to rock music or a 'loop' is to hip hop. The literal translation of montuno is 'from the mountains', and it is often at the heart of Cuban dance music, giving piano players a range of harmonizing phrases to use.David Dye talks with music journalist Tom Moon as they play a couple of montuno-based songs from well-known artists such as Rodrigo Y Gabriela and Eddie Palmieri. Tom Moon is a well-known writer and musician whose work has been featured in big name publications such as GQ, Rollingstone, and Vibe. He's also a professional saxophonist, and he's received accolades such as the ASCAP-Deems Taylor Music Journalism award. Given his experience playing Latin music, Moon gives insight into what it takes to reshape traditional music into something new.
Listen to the archived session at WorldCafe.NPR.org. And, check out the Tumbao Spotify playlist
Latin Roots #6 - Josh Norek on Latin Hip Hop March 22
On this sixth segment of the Latin Roots music series, the co-host and executive producer of The Latin Alternative - a one hour radio show of Latin funk, hip-hop, and electronica - (http://www.facebook.com/TheLatinAlternative) is in the studio to introduce Latin hip hop. Josh Norek is also a musician, producer, and journalist who currently works for the Latin indie label Nacional Records as VP of Business Affairs & Digital Relations. He and David Dye will explore some of the history and current directions of Latin hip hop. Arising first on the West Coast during the '80s and '90s, Latin hip hop was the manifestation of the mixing of cultures. As young members of the Hispanic population became exposed to urban rap sounds and shaped it into their own style, their beats began to spread from LA to the East Coast and then down through Mexico and South America. Artists began to incorporate Spanish language and other genres by turn (such as jazz in the case of Ana Tijoux and klezmer in the case of Norek's Hip Hop Hoodios), and Latin hip hop itself has become an influential musical force across the globe.In this session, David Dye and Josh Norek explore the cultural dispersion that has helped create Latin hip hop. On both sides of the border, young artists began to sample their parents' music and combine it with the sound of burgeoning hip hop groups such as NWA. Since then, the genre has matured and become an influence in its own right. Norek plays from Tres Delinquentes, who he describes as the first 'post-racial' Latin Hip Hop crew, and also outlines the spread of the genre into South America with a smooth trip-hop arrangement from Ana Tijoux.
Check out the Spotify playlist for The Rise of Latin Hip Hop. Listen to the full session at WorldCafe.NPR.org.
Latin Roots #7 - Latin Funk w/ Josh Norek - April 5, 2012
On this seventh segment of the Latin Roots Music Series, Josh Norek is back. The co-host and executive producer of The Latin Alternative - a one hour radio show of Latin funk, hip-hop, and electronica - (http://www.facebook.com/TheLatinAlternative) is in the studio to lay down some Latin funk beats and describe the origins of this genre. Norek is also a musician, producer, and journalist who currently works for the Latin indie label Nacional Records as VP of Business Affairs & Digital Relations.In this World Cafe session, Josh Norek and David Dye explore the cultural roots of Latin funk, a mixing of Latin grooves and Afro-American funk. It's been evolving for over forty years now, arising out of urban centers and the earlier salsa + R&B mixes such as boogaloo. Given the melting pot that is New York, the exposure of young musicians to variants of jazz, soul, funk, and the diversity of Latin rhythms and instrumentation created an environment of experimentation. Norek describes the ties of Latin funk to the Latino pride movement, and plays a song from the famous Latin percussionist Ray Barretto that expresses this pride. Then Norek describes the diversification of Latin funk over the last few decades, and spins a track from the latest retro Latin funk release by Venezuelan outfit Los Amigos.
Check out the Latin Funk Spotify playlist
Congratulations to our Winners!
Region 1 - Laurence (Dutch) Klugman of Philadelphia, PA, a WXPN listener; Region 2 - Billie Stewart of Cresson, Texas, a KXTT listener; Region 3 - Dan Braun of Denver, CO, a KUNC listener
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World Cafe® National Sweepstakes
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These rules govern the World Cafe® National Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”), which shall begin at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) on 08/15/2011 and end at 11:59 p.m. ET on 09/15/2011 (“Entry Period”).
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Grand Prize: A total of three (3) Grand Prize trips to Philadelphia, PA to attend the World Cafe® 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend will be awarded in the Sweepstakes to each Grand Prize winner. The Grand Prize Winner may bring a guest, who must be 18 years of age or older as of the date of the Grand Prize drawing. Each Grand Prize shall include: (i) (a) prize certificate(s) valid for two (2) round-trip coach-class airfare to Philadelphia from a major airport near winner’s residence (determined by Sponsors in their sole discretion) OR (b) two (2) round trip train tickets to Philadelphia from a major train station near winner’s residence (as determined by Sponsors in their sole discretion); (ii) three (3) consecutive nights’ hotel accommodations for the winner and his/her guest (single standard room; double occupancy, room and room tax only) at a hotel of Sponsors’ choice; (iii) $200 in gift certificates for meals at restaurant(s) of Sponsors’ choice; (iv) two (2) City Passes for admissions to local attractions; and (v) admission for two (2) to the World Cafe® 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend events on 10/28/2011 through 10/30/2011. Each winner is solely responsible for all other taxes, baggage fees, transportation to and from the airport or train station (if applicable), gratuities, other meals, and all other incidental expenses not listed specifically in these rules. The Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of each Grand Prize is between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the travel expenses from point of origin. Total ARV of all three Grand Prizes is between $4,500 and $9,000. The actual value of the travel portion of each Grand Prize may vary depending on city of departure, dates and times of travel, and airfare fluctuations and hotel charges at the time of travel bookings. Actual value of the Grand Prize awarded may be lower or higher at the time it is fulfilled. Any difference between actual value and stated approximate retail value will not be awarded. World Cafe 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend Grand Prizes provided courtesy of visitphilly.com; and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
Prize Conditions: Specific dates of travel, air carrier(s), and hotel are at the sole discretion of Sponsors or their designee(s). Sponsors are not responsible for changes in scheduling of any element of Grand Prize travel. Travel arrangements must be made through Sponsors or its designee(s). If a Grand Prize winner cannot travel on dates specified by WXPN, the winner may be disqualified and, time permitting, an alternate winner may be selected in the sole discretion of WXPN. Grand Prize may be subject to availability of individual components. The prizes are expressly limited to the dates and item(s) listed above and unless otherwise expressly specified, do not include taxes, gratuities or any other expenses. All other costs and expenses not specifically stated herein, including but not limited to those of, taxes, meals, tips and ground transportation to/from the airport and/or to/from the hotel, are solely the responsibility of each winner. Grand Prize winner and guest will be required to provide valid U.S. Federal or state government issued photo ID at time of travel. The names and dates of birth provided in all required documents must exactly match the names and dates of birth as they appear on the photo IDs to be presented by Grand Prize winner and guest at the time of travel. Each winner and guest must travel on the same itinerary with the same departure date and return date. No changes will be made to travel details once any element(s) of the travel arrangements have been booked except at Sponsors’ sole discretion. All travel tickets issued in conjunction with Grand Prize may not be eligible for frequent flyer miles or any other promotional benefit. Sponsors will not replace any lost or stolen tickets, travel vouchers or certificates or similar items once they are in the possession of Grand Prize winner. Each Grand Prize winner may be required to present a valid credit card upon hotel check in to cover any incidental expenses incurred during their stay. Prior to traveling, each Grand Prize Winner must sign and return to WXPN the Sweepstakes Winner Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability and Publicity Release and the guest must sign and return to WXPN the Sweepstakes Winner’s Guest/Travel Companion Liability and Publicity Release. If a selected prize related event is unable to take place as scheduled, for reasons such as cancellation, preemption, postponement or unavailability, or for any reason beyond the control of the Sponsors, the Sponsors’ sole responsibility to the winner(s) will be to award the remaining available portion of the prize and no substitution or compensation will be provided for the unawarded portion of the prize. Each prize is non-transferable and may not be substituted, and there is no cash equivalent for prizes, except that the Sponsors may, at their sole discretion, substitute prizes or cash of equal or greater value.
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If WXPN makes a good faith determination that an entrant has cheated or committed fraudulent activity in connection with a Sweepstakes, WXPN reserves the right to disqualify that entrant from entering and/or winning future Sweepstakes and to prosecute and seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law. If due to circumstances beyond the control of WXPN, any competition or prize-related event or travel is delayed, rescheduled, postponed or cancelled, WXPN reserves the right, but not the obligation, to cancel, terminate, suspend, or modify the Sweepstakes and shall not be required to award a substitute prize. The Sponsors are not responsible for (i) typographical or other errors in the printing, the offering or the administration of the Sweepstakes or in the announcement of a prize or (ii) entries not received due to difficulty accessing the internet, service outage or delays, computer difficulties and other technological problems. 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Disputes: Each entrant agrees that: (i) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes or any prizes awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate courts located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; (ii) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Sweepstakes, but in no event include attorneys’ fees; and (iii) under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages (other than for actual permitted out-of-pocket expenses) and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of the entrant and Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S.A., without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Official Rules and Winner List: For a copy of these Official Rules, send a self-addressed stamped envelope (VT residents may omit return postage) for receipt by 09/15/2011 to “World Cafe® National Sweepstakes Official Rules,” c/o WXPN Promotions, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. For the names of the prize winners send a self-addressed stamped envelope (VT residents may omit return postage) for receipt by 11/15/2011 to “World Cafe® National Sweepstakes Winner List” at the same address. The Official Rules and the Winner List (when completed) shall also be available online at WorldCafe.npr.org.
Sponsors: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, owner of WXPN(FM), 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; National Public Radio, 635 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001; and visitphilly.com; and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, 30 S. 17th Street, Suite 1710, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
©2011 The Trustees of the University. All rights reserved.
Inside World Cafe's Ireland Adventure
Check out the great photos from World Cafe Travel Adventure to Ireland
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See More Ireland Photos
Live Concert Broadcast and Webcast Fridays At Noon
From NPR Music and WXPN, hear a live mix of roots rock, folk, country and more.
Made possible by XPN Members, and Comcast.
RSVP
May 8, 2009
Fastball at World Cafe Live
XPN Free at Noon at World Cafe Live.
A co-production of WXPN and NPR Music.
Starting out as a typical '90s garage-punk outfit, Fastball went through the normal basement practices and nearby venues in Austin. While building local buzz, they caught the attention of some record execs, and soon they had a deal with Hollywood Records. They changed their initial name from Magneto USA to Fastball (after their favorite porno), released their debut, and began touring the U.S. However, the band was still something of a side-project for all three members. Joey Shuffield, Miles Zuniga, and Tony Scalzo were all working part-time up until the release of their breakthrough album in 1998, All the Pain Money Can Buy.
Suddenly, Fastball was a household name. The catchy single "The Way" was heard on radios all over the country. Teens and adults alike were flocking to stores for cassettes and CDs, and sales reached the million mark at the end of the year. Fastball hit the road for world tours and TV appearances with two Grammy nominations under their belts. Audiences around the globe fell in love with the Fastball's alt-country and '70s balladry.
Since that time, Fastball has been recording, performing, and collaborating with artists including Al Anderson and Bowling for Soup. Each of their subsequent four albums have stayed true to their infectious pop-rock sound. Their latest album is no exception, yet it also shows how much the band has evolved since those late-night garage practices. Little White Lies was produced by Miles Zuniga and C.J. Eiriksson (Blue October, Jack’s Mannequin) and mixed by Bob Clearmountain (Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie). Fastball wowed audiences with some of their new songs from the album at the SXSW Festival this past March, and they have a nation-wide tour scheduled to support the release. After over a decade of shows and music, Fastball are proving that quality guitar rock will never lose its appeal.
Fastball is in town to play the Tin Angel on Thursday night, May 7.
Website: fastballtheband.com
MySpace: myspace.com/fastballtheband
Recent Release: Little White Lies
Release Date: April 14, 2009
Label: MRI/RED Distribution
Origin: Austin, TX
Song Clips: 
Little White Lies | The Way
Serving People in Need - Help Drive Hunger from Our Communities
When you come to XPN's Free At Noon Concerts, bring a can of food to support Philabundance, Delaware Valley's hunger relief organization. We have drop-off boxes to collect canned goods for the needy. Current priority items include: canned pasta, chili, beef stew, tuna, mac & cheese, ready to eat cereal, pork & beans/ baked beans, green beans, corn, fruit cocktail, creamy peanut butter and/ or grape jelly (plastic containers only), and boxed sugar. Thanks!
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WXPN and NPR Music Live Friday Free At Noon Concert Archives Include:
Dr. Dog, Carrie Rodriguez, Annuals, DeVotchKa, Adele, Angel Taylor, Winterpills, Sharon Little, Ollabelle, Andrew Lipke, The low Anthem, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Sean Lennon, Chris Smith, California Guitar trio, Joan Osborne, Disco Biscuits, Damien Rice, Cold War Kids, Marc Broussard, The Slip, Arlo Guthrie, Alice Smith, The Dears, Barenaked Ladies, and more...
WXPN Free at Noon Photo Gallery at Flickr
Click to visit our gallery for photos of the Free At Noon Concerts! Previous concerts include Hall & Oates, O.A.R., Citizen Cope, Old Crow Medicine Show, Kaki King and many more!
Live Songs from World Cafe Session Archives | NPR Music
Free Live Performance MP3s from the World Cafe Session Archives
About the World Cafe
The World Cafe is broadcast on WXPN
Monday through Friday at 2pm ET.
The World Cafe with host David Dye serves up an eclectic mix of music from blues, rock, and world, to folk, and alternative country with live performances and interviews with celebrated and emerging artists. This acclaimed program, distributed nationally to over 185 stations across the country through NPR Music, is produced by WXPN in Philadelphia.
About David Dye
David Dye is a longtime Philadelphia radio personality whose music enthusiasm has captivated listeners of World Cafe since 1991.
World Cafe and Dye have received numerous awards including: two NFCB Gold Reel Awards, Album Network's "Best Triple A Air Talent," four Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philly Awards," the Philadelphia Chapter of NARA "Hero Award" and numerous radio industry trade magazine citations.
Live Concert Broadcast and Webcast Fridays At 12 Noon ET
From NPR Music and WXPN, hear a live mix of roots rock, folk, country and more.
Made possible by XPN Members, and Comcast.
SOLD OUT
Listen
March 6, 2009
Celebrating the 4th Anniversary of XPN Free At Noon with
Shemekia Copeland & Indigo Girls at World Cafe Live
Shemekia Copeland & Indigo Girls join us for the XPN Free at Noon show at World Cafe Live.
A co-production of WXPN and NPR Music.
Grammy Award winning rock duo Indigo Girls officialy began performing under the now famous moniker in 1985, signing their first record contract to Epic Records three years later. Now celebrating their 20 year career, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers remain as creative as ever. Though they are associated with a major label, they have always retained an independent feel with their warm and crisp acoustic guitars and intertwined melodic vocals. With an incredible career behind them, it is not surprising that a great deal of excitement is building up in anticipation of Poseidon And the Bitter Bug, expected to be released at the end of March.
Recorded in a short three-week period in Atlanta, the album intends to focus less on perfection and more on the rich mixture of textures explored. According to Ray "... it was very much an in-the-moment recording... we had to trust our instincts." Following the successful release of their 2006 album Despite Our Differences, the girls have a lot to live up to; however, circulating previews are already labeling the album as one of their best. Though they retain the very qualities of folk and Americana music that fans adore, they have embarked on new musical explorations by incorporating styles such as R&B. The album will also feature acoustic versions of all the songs in order to give fans an idea of how they sound without a back-up band.
Website: indigogirls.com
MySpace: myspace.com/indigogirlsmusic
Origin: Decatur, Georgia
Recent Release: Poseidon and the Bitter Bug
Release Date: March 24, 2009
Label: Vanguard
Song Clips: Closer to Fine | Hammer and a Nail
The daughter of blues guitarist/singer Johnny Copeland, the young Shemekia Copeland was greatly influenced by her father's work. As a child she would often accompany him on tours, making her own mark in the blues circuit. The unfortunate turn in her father's health pushed her to embrace her incredible vocal talent and share it with the rest of the world. In 1998, the 19-year-old established herself as raving new artist with the release of her debut album Turn the Heat Up! The soulful intensity of the album was met with a great deal of enthusiasm and landed her several features in motion pictures. Her style, which integrates elements of blues, soul, funk and jazz, is rich and mind-blowingly powerful. Though she is not yet 30, the passionate singer has already won several blues awards, recieved a Grammy nomination, and opened for top acts such as the Rolling Stones, B.B. King, and Taj Mahal.
M. Ward & John Wesley Harding
Carrie Rodriguez
Dr. Dog
Annuals
The incredible list of accomplishments hasn't quite struck the young artist. In fact, the humble Copeland continually strives to strengthen her singing and grow and an individual. Her fifth album, Never Going Back, is a powerful and soul-drenched compilation of tracks. While she remains true to her blues roots, she takes a step further in her career by experimenting with new styles of music and new approaches to singing (including a silky cover of Joni Mitchell's "Black Crow"). She is not afraid to step outside of her comfort zone; and as the album demonstrates, she does so with both grace and unbelievable power.
Prepare to be blown away by the future Queen of Blues, this Friday at noon!
Website: shemekiacopeland.com
MySpace: myspace.com/shemekiacopeland
Origin: Chicago, Illinois
Recent Release: Never Going Back
Release Date: February 24, 2009
Label: Telarc
Song Clips: Never Going Back to Memphis
SOLD OUT
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Serving People in Need - Help Drive Hunger from Our Communities
When you come to XPN's Free At Noon Concerts, bring a can of food to support Philabundance, Delaware Valley's hunger relief organization. We have drop-off boxes to collect canned goods for the needy. Current priority items include: canned pasta, chili, beef stew, tuna, mac & cheese, ready to eat cereal, pork & beans/ baked beans, green beans, corn, fruit cocktail, creamy peanut butter and/ or grape jelly (plastic containers only), and boxed sugar. Thanks!
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WXPN and NPR Music Live Friday Free At Noon Concert Archives Include:
Dr. Dog, Carrie Rodriguez, Annuals, DeVotchKa, Adele, Angel Taylor, Winterpills, Sharon Little, Ollabelle, Andrew Lipke, The low Anthem, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Sean Lennon, Chris Smith, California Guitar trio, Joan Osborne, Disco Biscuits, Damien Rice, Cold War Kids, Marc Broussard, The Slip, Arlo Guthrie, Alice Smith, The Dears, Barenaked Ladies, and more...
WXPN Free at Noon Photo Gallery at Flickr
Click to visit our gallery for photos of the Free At Noon Concerts! Previous concerts include Hall & Oates, O.A.R., Citizen Cope, Old Crow Medicine Show, Kaki King and many more!
Sense of Place - World Cafe visited Dublin in April 2011 as the first stop in our quarterly series Sense of Place. And, Portland, Oregon - the Mecca for all things indie, in September, 2011. Come browse around and experience these cities with us and get a taste of the local music scene. Sense of Place series was made possible by a grant from The Wyncote Foundation.
Latin Roots - a bi-weekly series on World Cafe made possible by the Wyncote Foundation. Join David Dye as he explores the vast variety of music from Spanish-speaking countries and people. From the standards like cumbia, mambo and son to Latin rock and even reggaeton, we’ll hear it all on Latin Roots.
World Cafe Celebrated 20 Years on WXPN! - Relive the World Cafe 20th Anniversary Celebration. Concerts including live performances from Amos Lee, John Hiatt, Indigo Girls, Rhett Miller, and Tedeschi Trucks Band! Plus The Jayhawks, and Ani DiFranco. Photo galleries, free downloads, and more. You can find it all in the World Cafe 20th Archives!
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Dr. Dog "Lonesome"
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The Black Keys Studio Tour
WATCH THE STUDIO TOUR
We went to Akron to interview Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney and got a nice tour of their new studio. Watch David Dye in Dan’s ranch-style home and see their very funky studio space.
WATCH THE STUDIO TOUR.
Watch Bell X1 Dublin Videos
Bell X-1 & Villagers played for us at the Guinness Storehouse Gravity Bar in Dublin. Here's a video of one of the songs from the session entitled "Velcro."
Bell X1 Performing "Velcro" in Dublin
Bell X1 Performing "Sugar High"
This Week on Conversations from the World Cafe
Enjoy engaging discussions with some of today's most important artists hosted by David Dye of the World Cafe.
Listen to a continuous stream of the three most recent
Conversations From the World Cafe (program description below).
Tune in every Wednesday at 10pm on WXPN 88.5FM, or XPN.org/listen.
April 4, 2012 - James Mercer
James Mercer of The Shins joins host David Dye in the studio. James Mercer started The Shins in New Mexico, but like many other musicians he felt a calling to relocate to Portland, Oregon. The band’s first album, Oh, Inverted World, was released on Sub Pop in 2001 and they received a huge boost from the 2004 film Garden State, which featured their music. The Shins have just put out a new disc, Port Of Morrow, five years after their album. James Mercer talks about it and looks back on their earlier work, including their Garden State experience.
Plus, Colin Meloy of The Decemberists and producer Tucker Martine. Both give their take on the music scene in Portland with interviews recorded as a part of our new Sense of Place series.
March 28, 2012 - Nick Lowe
This week Nick Lowe joins host David Dye in the studio in our encore performance from on last November. Lowe began his music career in the mid-60s with his friend, Brinsley Schwarz, who later became the namesake for their band. During that time he wrote “(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding," which Elvis Costello later had a hit with in 1979 and “Cruel To Be Kind” which Lowe had a solo hit with (also in 1979). Besides his talents as a songwriter and musician, Lowe is also a gifted producer. In the 70s he was in-house producer for the punk label, Stiff, and there he helped craft classic discs for The Damned, Elvis Costello, and Wreckless Eric. Recently he released a new album The Old Magic. He shares some songs from it, as well as some stories from his earlier days, in particular how he met a young up and coming Elvis Costello and came to produce his first five records. Plus, St Vincent. Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Annie Clark recently put out her third disc, Strange Mercy - she discusses why she decided to isolate herself during the songwriting process and compares the album to the previous two St Vincent discs, 2007’s Marry Me and 2009’s Actor.March 21, 2012 - Grace Woodroofe
Grace Woodroofe joins host David Dye in the studio. Australian singer Grace Woodroofe recently released her debut Always Want. How she got there is an unusual story. After creating a demo for a radio competition at home in Perth, the young musician was discovered by actor Heath Ledger, who feel in love with what he heard. Ledger flew Woodroofe to Los Angeles, where he introduced her to Ben Harper, who would become her producer, and the Relentless7, Harper’s backing band, who would record with her. Woodroofe discusses what it was like to be signed by Ledger, and how she was affected by his death, including the song she wrote for him. And Girls- the San Francisco-based band received rave reviews for their 2009 debut and a lot of press about songwriter Christopher Owens upbringing in the Children of God cult. Girls return with their second full length called Father, Son, Holy Ghost.March 14, 2012 - Betty Wright
Betty Wright joins host David Dye in the studio. Betty Wright had a Top 40 hit in 1968 with “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do”, one of the songs off her debut My First Time Around. In the 70s she continued to have a strong showing on the charts, particularly with the release of her signature song “Clean Up Woman”. While she has taken on many different roles in the music business in the last few decades, with her new disc Betty Wright: The Movie, she returns to center stage as an artist. She talks about making the new album with The Roots and reflects on some of her many career highlights. And Kathyrn Calder. The New Pornographers singer discusses her solo work: both the album that she made while her mother battled terminal illness and her new disc Bright and Vivid. Plus, the Swell Season’s Marketa Irglova on Anar, her first album without her former romantic and creative partner Glen Hansard.March 7, 2012 - Nils Lofgren
Nils Lofgren joins host David Dye in the studio. Very early on in his career the musical talents of Nils Lofgren were nurtured by fellow rocker Neil Young. Lofgren was just becoming known for his high school band Grin when he befriended Young, leading Young to ask the up and coming musician to play with him and Crazy Horse in the studio. After years of working with Young and Crazy Horse, and crafting his own songs with Grin, Nils went solo. Then in 1984, Bruce Springsteen asked Lofgren to join the E Street Band just as the group was setting out on the legendary Born in the USA tour. Lofgren continues to play alongside Springsteen, and he joins us to talk about it, and his earlier experiences with Young. In addition he shares his latest release Old School, his first album of original material in 6 years. Nils Lofgren and his many adventures in the music business are the focus, this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!February 29 - Kathleen Edwards
With her 2003 debut Failer and the two albums that followed, Kathleen Edwards embraced an alt country sound. Recently the Canadian songwriter put out Voyageur, a record that sees her moving to a mainstream rock aesthetic. But that is not the only change that you will find with the new disc. It also marks her first since her divorce from collaborator Colin Cripps. She has forged a new romantic and musical partnership with Best New Artist Grammy winner Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. She’ll talk about all the changes of the last few years and how they have come out in her music. Plus, the Alabama Shakes. The up and coming band has created quite the buzz despite their debut Boys & Girls not being set for release until April. Lead singer Brittany Howard has a voice that cannot be ignored. Hear what they have to say about their brief but already meteoric career.February 22 - Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol join host David Dye in the studio. In 2006, after 4 albums together, Snow Patrol had a worldwide hit with their song “Chasing Cars.” And the band’s new disc, Fallen Empires, proves that lead singer Gary Lightbody has lost none of his songwriting charm. But the stellar record was not easy to come by - Lightbody battled writer’s block during the creation of the new album. He talks about it, and how he overcame the problem.Plus, the French duo Air. Their debut was 1998’s Moon Safari and for their latest they return to outer space, writing an album to Georges Méliès groundbreaking 1902 film, Le Voyage Dans La Lune. They’ll share what it was like to collaborate on the iconic masterpiece.
February 15 - Tori Amos
Tori Amos gives us a great performance in the World Cafe studio this week. Starting with her stark 1992 debut Little Earthquakes, the scarlet haired singer has continually enraptured audiences with her piano prowess and emotive lyrics. With each of her subsequent albums her fan base grew, as did her penchant for musical experimentation. For her latest disc Night of Hunters, Amos has taken on her greatest creative challenge yet: drawing from the work of famed classical composers like Schubert, Chopin, and Bach, she has crafted a 21st century song cycle. Tori joins the Cafe's Michaela Majoun to delve into the story behind the new record and to share how her husband and daughter both played an integral role in its creation.Plus Ani DiFranco. The folkie feminist icon recently released her first new disc in 4 years, Which Side Are You On? She discusses how the album evolved in the time she took to make it, and how changes in her personal life have affected her music career and plays live.
February 8 - The Grammy Awards
David Dye is joined by a few prominent Grammy nominees. The 54th annual Grammy Awards will air on Sunday February 12. Among the prominent contenders are Adele and fellow Londoners Mumford & Sons. They are competing against each other in the top categories of Record of the Year and Song of Year- Adele for “Rolling in the Deep” and Mumford & Sons for “The Cave.” Among her many nominations Adele is also up for Album of the Year for her 2nd album 21; her debut 19 earned her two Grammy Awards in 2008. She’ll sing her Grammy nominated song, and talk about what went into her highly successful sophomore disc. For Mumford & Sons, we’ll go back to a 2009 interview, recorded a few months for the band released their debut in the US; hear what Marcus Mumford and company had to say about the creation of their unique sound. Plus, perennial favorite Coldplay, who have three chances to take home a golden gramophone statue; they will reflect on their 5 albums and decade together and play their nominated single “Paradise.”February 1 - Bon Iver (original air date 9/16/11)
Bon Iver joins host David Dye at the Rare Book Room studio in Brooklyn. Wisconsin native Justin Vernon recently released his second album as Bon Iver. His first, For Emma, Forever Ago, was recorded in a remote cabin in his home state and was widely lauded by critics, and soon Vernon found himself an indie rock superstar. For his second disc he returned to Wisconsin to record - he talks about making the self titled album and shares how the small town he grew up in has influenced his music. He is up for three major Grammy Awards on February 12th: Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year, plus he is also being considered for Best Alternative Music Album. And, newcomer Anna Calvi. She was nominated for the coveted Mercury Prize this year with her self-titled debut and shares how she conjures her intense performances. Finally, Joseph Arthur. The accomplished visual artist and musician looks at his beginnings, back when he dreamed of becoming a bass virtuoso, and shares stories from his latest disc, The Graduation Ceremony.January 25 - The Black Keys
The Black Keys join host David Dye. The duo put out their debut in 2002 but their career really took off as the decade came to a close. 2010’s Brothers earned Grammy kudos including Best Alternative Music Album, appeared on multiple year-end Best of lists, and brought the band to the center of music fans collective consciousness. Recently they released the highly anticipated follow up to that disc, El Camino. Guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney share what it was like to experience their sudden fame explosion, and discuss what they really think about while performing live. And Gary Numan. The New Wave pioneer had a hit in 1980 with “Cars”; his use of synths and dark image paved the way for musicians like Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. He talks about bucking trends back in 1979, and what he thinks of the music business today.January 18 - Lisa Hannigan
Lisa Hannigan settles into the studio. In 2003 music fans received a haunting introduction to Lisa Hannigan’s voice, thanks to her work with compatriot Damien Rice. His blockbuster debut O would not have been the same without her. She parted ways with Rice after his 2006 album 9, but has more than impressed listeners since striking out on her own. Hannigan’s 2009 solo debut Sea Sew was shortlisted for the highly sought after Mercury Prize and her latest album Passenger has just been announced as a candidate for her homeland’s Choice Music Prize. The Cafe’s Michaela Majoun joins the Dublin native to discuss the creation of the new disc, including the time she spent in New York City while writing the album. Plus Paul Brady. The elder statesman of Irish singer songwriters talks about his latest record Hooba Dooba and the many songs that other artists, including Bonnie Raitt, have borrowed from his catalogue as well as his childhood growing up on the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland.January 11 - Paul Simon
In the mid 60s Paul Simon rose to prominence for his mellifluous harmonizing with partner Art Garfunkel, creating hits like "The Sound of Silence." In 1970 the duo parted ways, and Simon went on to a highly successful solo career. One his most well known albums, Graceland, just celebrated the 25th anniversary of its release; that record is known for the way in which Simon incorporated the music of South Africa into his sound. The disc became a political statement in the face of Apartheid and was a fore-runner of Western artists reaching out to musicians from other places around the globe. Simon’s most recent disc is called So Beautiful or So What and it has proven to be one of his most successful in the last two decades - highly praised by music critics, the new album debuted at number four on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. Simon joins us to talk about both those records, and to reflect on how he sees songwriting now at 70. And Ben Folds. He recently released a retrospective box set called The Best Imitation of Myself. The famed pianist talks about returning to the material he wrote in the 90s with the Ben Folds Five and why he hadn’t wanted to embrace that part of his catalogue earlier in his solo career. Plus he also shares some insights into a cappella from his perspective as a judge on the NBC TV show The Sing-Off.January 4 - Tony Bennett
Frank Sinatra named Tony Bennett his favorite singer early on in the crooner’s career, and generations of musicians have come to agree. In the 50s he had a series of hits on his own and worked with Count Basie, indulging his love of jazz. In 1962 Bennett released what would become his signature song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". Today Bennett lives in New York, painting as well as continuing to perform. He recently released Duets II, an album that follows the very successful 2006 Duets record where he sang with Paul McCartney, Sting, and KD Lang among others. The new disc sees a return to KD Lang, as well as newer stars like Lady Gaga and the late Amy Winehouse. Bennett talks about recording with Winehouse before her death and how her passing affected him, and he looks back on his own younger years and the start of his career. Plus, Bruce Warren, author of the music site Some Velvet Blog and the Executive Producer of the World Cafe. He looks into 2012 to highlight a few of his favorite soon-to-be-released discs.December 28 - Aimee Mann
Aimee Mann joins host David Dye in the studio to celebrate the holidays. Aimee Mann's skills as a songwriter have earned her many fans over the years; first as a member of 'Til Tuesday in the 80s ("Voices Carry"), in her solo work (with her first modest hit- "That's Just What You Are" in 1994), and in her career break through with the music she wrote for the 1999 film Magnolia (the song "Save Me" was nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy). Almost 15 years into her solo career, Mann released One More Drifter in the Snow in 2006- a collection of seasonal covers. She joins us to talk about the album, what it was like to take a break from writing, and share some of her holiday memories. And, the master of bad taste, John Waters. The filmmaker who brought us Hairspray and Pecker talks about his 2004 compilation of not-so-traditional Christmas songs.December 21 - Jeff Bridges (original air date 9/24/2011)
Jeff Bridges, the highly respected and revered performer won a Best Actor Oscar last year for his portrayal of the alcoholic singer songwriter Bad Blake in the film Crazy Heart. But many fans still associate him with “The Dude”, the lead in the Coen brothers’ 1998 movie The Big Lebowski. A multi-talented man, Bridges released his debut album Be Here Soon in 2000 and has finally put out the self-titled follow-up. Bridges talks about working with producer T Bone Burnett on the new disc; long time friends, Burnett had also lent his talents to music for both The Big Lebowski and Crazy Heart. Plus, an interview with Burnett on one of his other career-defining projects, the Coen brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou?; recently a 10th anniversary edition of the soundtrack was released. The highly success project reignited interest in what had become a niche genre- folk and Americana music of the 1930s. Hear Burnett’s reflections on the phenomena a decade on.Plus, another actor turned musician, Tim Robbins. The outspoken liberal decided to take the stories he wants to tell from film to music; he shares why he decided to release his debut with the Rogues Gallery Band now.
December 14 - The Zombies
60s sensation The Zombies join host David Dye in the studio. The British band was only together from 1962 to 1967, but their influence has lasted decades beyond that. Hits like 1964’s “She’s Not There” and 1965’s “Tell Her No”, made them musical leaders, thanks to the combination of Colin Blunstone’s unique voice, and the writing of classically-influenced pianist Rod Argent and guitarist Chris White. The group split as the finishing touches were being put on their masterpiece album, Odessey and Oracle, seemingly convinced that their popularity was on a downward slide; it was a surprise then when in 1969 they had their highest US charting single, “Time of the Season”, from that last record together. Over the last few years the band has begun playing together again and recently they created a new disc, Breathe Out, Breathe In. The Zombies join us to talk about the new record and look back on their hits (and play them) as they share stories from the exciting early days of their career.Plus, Mayer Hawthorne. He had never really been a singer before his first album, A Strange Arrangement. But the multi-instrumentalist so impressed the Stones Throw Record label head Peanut Butter Wolf that Wolf signed Hawthorne after only hearing two songs. With his second disc, How Do You Do, Hawthorne has moved on to a major label, and a slightly updated sound. But don’t worry- you can still hear the great 60s and 70s R&B influences that made his 2009 disc so popular.
December 7 - Mick Jagger
This week on Conversations from the World Cafe, it’s Mick Jagger – talking about both the past and present of his enviable career. First, the past: recently the Rolling Stones reissued the 1978 album Some Girls with 12 new tracks. Some Girls was a watershed moment for the band. It was their first disc with guitarist Ronnie Wood as a full member of the group rather than a visiting player. The record was driven by the Stones reaction to the music that surround them in the late 70s- punk and disco. And the album was not without controversy, thanks to the title track. Mick Jagger will discuss it all with host David Dye, and the Cafe’s Michaela Majoun will get guitarist Keith Richards’ perspective on that time period as well. And, for the new Mick Jagger project, it’s the incredibly diverse and incredibly talented supergroup Superheavy. The band has an all star line up- Jagger shares vocal duty with Joss Stone and Damien Marley, and they are joined by Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics and composer A.R. Rahman, who did the score for the award winning film Slumdog Millionaire. We’ll hear from both Jagger and Stewart on producing the group’s eclectic debut.November 30 - Joe Henry
Joe Henry joins host David Dye in the studio this week. Joe Henry released his first album over two decades ago, and since that time has created 12 engaging discs; the latest is called Reverie. Over the years he has balanced his own creative output with a hectic career as a producer. His 2002 Grammy winning album Don’t Give Up on Me with Solomon Burke revived the veteran soul singer’s career, and he has also helped legendary folkie Ramblin Jack Elliot and relative newcomers the Carolina Chocolate Drops win Grammys as well. This year, Lisa Hannigan, Allen Toussaint, and House actor Hugh Laurie have all put out stellar Joe Henry-helmed projects. Henry shares what he has learned helping others create and what inspires his own musical output.Plus, Preston Lauterbach, author of The Chitlin Circuit And The Road To Rock N' Roll. He gives the fascinating history behind the Chitlin’ Circuit - from the club owners and con men to the music and a mysterious murder, all of it led up to early rock and roll.
November 23 - Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams was at the forefront of the alt-country movement in 90s with his then-band Whiskeytown. In 2000 he launched his solo career with Heartbreaker, an album he created with the help of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. And through the rest of the decade he put out records at a blistering speed, often joined by his more recent group, The Cardinals. His latest disc, Ashes & Fire, comes after a several year recording hiatus- Adams discusses why he took a break from the studio and why he decided to return.Plus, one of the most influential indie rock stars of the 90s, Stephen Malkmus. He talks about reuniting with Pavement and his latest album with The Jicks, Mirror Traffic. That and more, this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
November 16 - Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel joins host David Dye in the studio this week. Peter Gabriel has carved a noteworthy path with his many musical ventures over the last four decades. First as the lead singer in Genesis, and later in his solo work, crafting hits like “Sledgehammer” and “Big Time”, he made a name for himself as an inventive performer. Equally ambitious with video as he was making music, Gabriel pushed the limits of technology with his art. He has also embraced music from around the world with his Real World record label and recording studio. After turning to orchestral arrangements to cover some of his favorite songs on last year’s Scratch My Back, he has re-imagined his own past work on his latest disc New Blood. Today Peter Gabriel talks about the new project and looks back on his ground breaking career.Plus, Beirut. Leader Zach Condon discusses the new album The Rip Tide and shares how working in a movie theater first inspired him to make music. That and more, this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
November 9 - Nick Lowe
Nick Lowe joins host David Dye in the studio. Lowe began his music career in the mid-60s with his friend, Brinsley Schwarz, who later became the namesake for their band. During that time he wrote “(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding," which Elvis Costello later had a hit with in 1979 and “Cruel To Be Kind” which Lowe had a solo hit with (also in 1979). Besides his talents as a songwriter and musician, Lowe is also a gifted producer. In the 70s he was in-house producer for the punk label, Stiff, and there he helped craft classic discs for The Damned, Elvis Costello, and Wreckless Eric. Recently he released a new album The Old Magic. He shares some songs from it, as well as some stories from his earlier days, in particular how he met a young up and coming Elvis Costello and came to produce his first five records.Plus, St Vincent. Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Annie Clark just put out her third disc, Strange Mercy - she discusses why she decided to isolate herself during the songwriting process and compares the album to the previous two St Vincent discs, 2007’s Marry Me and 2009’s Actor.
November 2 - Coldplay
David Dye wraps up the Cafe’s 20th anniversary celebration with Coldplay. Coldplay have won 7 Grammys, 6 Brit Awards (including Best British Group three times), and sold over 50 million records since Parachutes, their debut in 2000. To begin the hour, we have a brand new interview with lead singer Chris Martin and the band about their just-released disc ylo Xyloto. The foursome discuss what went into making the new record (including what it was like to work with producer Brian Eno for the second time) and how they came up with the album’s very unusual name. We’ll also revisit the group’s 2008 and 2001 visits to the Cafe - Chris shares how criticism of the band has affected him as a songwriter and discusses some of the quartet’s biggest moments, like writing their first hit “Yellow” and deciding to do the iTunes commercial with "Viva la Vida.” Don’t miss all that on a very special edition of Conversations from the World Cafe!October 26 - Folk Music in the UK
This week on Conversations from the World Cafe, the Cafe’s 20th anniversary celebration continues as David Dye delves into the past and present of folk music in the UK. While we have been spending some time in the archives recently, and we will do that again today, we also have a brand new interview with Laura Marling. Marling is one of the young artists at the forefront of the new British folk movement. At only 21 years old, she won the Best British Female Solo Artist at this year's BRIT awards and she has already been nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize twice in the past. Recently she released her third album, A Creature I Don’t Know; she discusses her musical growth over the past four years. Plus, we listen back to clips from the Brits involved with the last folk movement of the 60s and early 70s: our 2010 interview with founding member of Pentangle Bert Jansch (who passed away October 5th); Richard Thompson on the early days of Fairport Convention; the man they called the “English Bob Dylan”, Donovan, on his alleged rivalry with Bob; the late John Martyn in his 1994 interview with the Cafe’s Michaela Majoun as they discuss his revered song “May You Never”. That’s all this week on a very special edition of Conversations from the World Cafe!October 19, 2011 - The Beatles
This week on Conversations from the World Cafe, the Cafe’s 20th anniversary celebration continues as David Dye is joined by (most of) The Beatles - interviews from Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, George Martin, and Pete Best. First, we’ll revisit an interview with George Martin, producer of The Beatles between 1962 and ‘69, who talks about his early impressions of the band. Next, Paul McCartney shares his fondest memories of working on Sgt. Pepper's and how he first began writing music. Wrapping up, we’ll turn to The Beatles’ original drummer, Pete Best, and Ringo Starr, who discusses life before and after The Beatles.October 12, 2011 - Rosanne Cash
Host David Dye looks back on the best of our interviews with Rosanne Cash. The daughter of country star Johnny Cash, Rosanne was never eager to let his reputation carry her music career. But his influence was hard to miss. Roseanne’s 2006 disc Black Cadillac was recorded after the passing of her father, her step-mom June Carter Cash, and her mother, Johnny Cash’s first wife, Vivian Liberto. All three died within two years of one another. And the resulting sorting through of emotions can be heard in every song on Black Cadillac. That disc and Johnny also led Rosanne to the 2009 album The List. For that record Rosanne picked 12 from a list of 100 essential country songs Johnny had given her as teen just as she was starting out in the music business. Hear interviews and music from both those deeply personal albums this week on a very special edition of Conversations from the World Cafe!October 5, 2011 - 90s Singer Songwriters
This week on Conversations from the World Cafe, we begin our month long celebration of the Cafe’s 20th anniversary. Host David Dye takes us on a journey through the 90s singer songwriter movement with the artists that were at the center of the World Cafe when the program started. This genre of intelligent literary rock was not well served by radio in the earliest days of the Cafe. But audiences were eager to hear this music, and in the 90s it really took off. We hear from Suzanne Vega, who is seen by many as the quintessential example of this moment in music- she stopped by the studio in 1993 after her biggest hit. And we revisit our first interview with Aimee Mann around the same time when she had just put out her solo debut; we also get a second glimpse of her from when she returned to the Cafe at the end of the decade after her much lauded contributions to the film Magnolia. Plus stars Sting and Sheryl Crow, and the very first interview we ever aired, featuring Bruce Cockburn.
September 28, 2011 - Jeff Bridges
Jeff Bridges joins host David Dye in the studio this week. The highly respected and revered performer won a Best Actor Oscar last year for his portrayal of the alcoholic singer songwriter Bad Blake in the film Crazy Heart. But many fans still associate him with “The Dude,” the lead in the Coen brothers’ 1998 movie The Big Lebowski. A multi-talented man, Bridges released his debut album Be Here Soon in 2000 and has finally put out the self-titled follow-up. Bridges talks about working with producer T Bone Burnett on the new disc; long time friends, Burnett had also lent his talents to music for both The Big Lebowski and Crazy Heart. Plus, an interview with Burnett on one of his other career-defining projects, the Coen brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou?; recently a 10th anniversary edition of the soundtrack was released. The highly success project reignited interest in what had become a niche genre - folk and Americana music of the 1930s. Hear Burnett’s reflections on the phenomena a decade on.
Plus, another actor turned musician, Tim Robbins. The outspoken liberal decided to take the stories he wants to tell from film to music; he shares why he decided to release his debut with the Rogues Gallery Band now.
September 21, 2011 - Bon Iver
This week on Conversations from the World Cafe,Bon Iver joins host David Dye at the Rare Book Room studio in Brooklyn. Wisconsin native Justin Vernon recently released his second album as Bon Iver. His first, For Emma, Forever Ago, was recorded in a remote cabin in his home state after the breakup of his previous, not as well known band, DeYarmond Edison. The Bon Iver debut was widely lauded by critics, and soon Vernon found himself an indie rock superstar. For his second disc he returned to Wisconsin to record - he talks about making the self titled album and shares how the small town he grew up in has influenced his music.
Plus, newcomer Anna Calvi. She was nominated for the coveted Mercury Prize this year with her self-titled debut; she shares how she conjures her intense performances. And, Joseph Arthur. The accomplished visual artist and musician looks at his beginnings, back when he dreamed of becoming a bass virtuoso, and shares stories from his latest disc, The Graduation Ceremony. That’s this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
September 14, 2011 - Roger Waters and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd
This week on Conversations from the World Cafe, it’s Roger Waters and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd! As a founding member of Pink Floyd, Roger Waters was creative leader of the band from the late 60s until the early 80s; the talented bassist wrote much of The Wall with some help from guitarist David Gilmour. Pink Floyd broke up in the early 80s due to increasing tensions between Waters and Gilmour, but Gilmour re-formed Pink Floyd a few years later without Waters. This led to a longtime feud between the pair. They only made peace in 2005 when they came together for London’s Live 8 benefit concert. Roger Waters recently decided to revisit The Wall - since the Fall of 2010 he has been playing album’s music in its entirety live with an incredibly expensive stage show. He sits down with the Cafe’s Michaela Majoun to talk about it and share some stories behind Pink Floyd’s classic 1979 album. Plus, David Gilmour from an interview that first aired in 2006, shortly after the release of his first solo album in over a decade, On an Island. He shares his perspective on the early days of the band. That’s this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
September 7, 2011 - Kate Bush
A detailed, literary songwriter with a remarkable voice, Kate Bush released her debut in 1978 when she was only 19 year old. “Wuthering Heights,” the single from that first album, kept her at the top of the British charts for weeks. And from there her fame only grew, both at home in the UK and here in the US. Her 1989 album The Sensual World was especially popular here, and 1993’s The Red Shoes debuted in the Top 30, the first time one of her albums had ever charted that high in the US. For her latest album, Director’s Cut, she goes back to those two beloved discs to re-imagine a selection of the songs. She joins us for a very rare interview to discuss it.
And Johnny Clegg. He’s been called “The White Zulu” for crossing the race divide during Apartheid with his music. His first band Juluka was a collaboration with Zulu musician Sipho Mchunu; they released their debut album in 1979, breaking down barriers and creating much controversy at home in South Africa. After that group broke up in 1985, Clegg went on to create another multi-racial band, called Savuka, which was even more commercially successful. Clegg also helped inspire Paul Simon on his famed Graceland album. Hear what Clegg has to say looking back on his role as a cultural ambassador.
August 31, 2011 - k.d. lang
k.d. lang released her first album over twenty-five years ago, and since that time has mastered several genres and won numerous awards both here and at home in her native Canada. Her song “Constant Craving” from 1992’s Ingénue was a big hit, making the record one of her best selling and most famous, and pushing lang into stardom. The extremely talented vocalist recently released a new disc called Sing It Loud with a new band the Siss Boom Bang. She joins us to talk about it and share what blocked her from writing more new material over the last decade.And, Those Darlins’. The country-punk foursome from Tennessee discuss their second album Screws Get Loose, and look at how the Southern Girls Rock and Roll Camp helped bring them together and what they try to pass on to the kids they teach there.
August 24, 2011 - My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket caught the attention of music lovers with their 2003 major label debut It Still Moves, and since that time the popularity of the Louisville, Kentucky, band has only grown. Each successive album has had greater chart success, and their latest, Circuital went to number 5 in its first week of sales. For that disc the band returned to their hometown to record in a church gym. Leader Jim James shares what that was like and talks about how the band has tried to navigate the tricky music business environment.And, Okkervil River. The Austin, Texas, group recently released their 6th album, I Am Very Far. Unlike previous discs, the record is not built around one unifying concept - singer Will Sheff explains what made the songwriting different this time around.
August 17, 2011 - Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers had a string of hits in the albums that followed their 1971 debut, songs like “Listen to the Music,” “Long Train Runnin,” “Black Water,” “Sweet Feelin’,” and “Real Love”. Thanks to stellar vocal harmonies and catchy riffs, the group continued to gain fame through an ever changing line up; even after breaking up and later reforming in the 80s, their popularity remained high. A decade after their last studio album, the late 70s incarnation of the band has released World Gone Crazy. They join us to look back on their first #1 song and share the story behind the tune they co-wrote with a fan for the new disc.Plus, Dennis Coffey. The Detroit native shaped the sound of Motown in the 70s with his innovative guitar contributions, in particular with the work he did on the Temptations hits “Ball of Confusion” and “Cloud Nine,” and through his instrumental smash “Scorpio.” He looks back on his career with the release of his first new solo CD in two decades. Hear that and more this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
August 10, 2011 - Beady Eye
This week on Conversations from the World Cafe, Beady Eye join host David Dye in the studio. Beady Eye recently released their debut album, Different Gear Still Speeding, but you already know the band- all the members used to be in the English rock group Oasis. That band, formed in 1991, had a rocky road, with frequent fights between the brothers who led the group- guitarist and principal songwriter Noel and lead singer Liam. But despite the turbulence they also produced some great songs, hits like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” In 2009 Noel left Oasis suddenly, saying on the band’s website that he “simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer”- he is now set to release a new album in October. Liam has carried on without him, joined by former Oasis members Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock, to form Beady Eye. The band shares some of their new songs, and talks about the end of Oasis and what it has been like as a new group.Plus, Diego Garcia. While he made rather raucous indie rock with his band Elephant over the last decade, his solo debut Laura opts for more meditative acoustic pop. He discusses the inspiration for the new disc- a break up with his then-girlfriend Laura led to the songs and a period of personal growth, with the end result that Laura returned and the pair are now married. Tune in for those stories and more this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
August 3, 2011 - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit join host David Dye in the studio. Jason Isbell has always had a way with capturing the spirit of the South in his music. He first received praise as one of the songwriters and guitarists in the band Drive By Truckers; he has released 3 discs since leaving that group in 2007. Joined by his new band the 400 Unit, his latest is called Here We Rest. Isbell talks about the break from touring that led to the new material and what inspired him as he spent more time at home in Alabama.Plus the Canadian band, Rural Alberta Advantage. With their 2009 debut the trio explored what it meant to be from the province of Alberta- lead singer Nils Eldenloff had found a deeper appreciation for his roots after moving to Toronto and those feelings translated into the songs. Their new album Departing picks up where the last record left off. The band discusses both discs and why the pull of Alberta became so strong only after leaving. That and more, this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
July 27, 2011 - Jack White
David Dye spends some time with Jack White and the stars of two of his highest profile projects as producer, country legend Loretta Lynn and rockabilly pioneer Wanda Jackson. Jack White launched his music career with The White Stripes, playing guitar and singing alongside drummer Meg White. The duo released their self titled debut in 1999 and came to widespread attention in 2001 with their third album White Blood Cells - that disc earned them a major label contract. Their popularity continued to build throughout the 2000s, but in February this year the pair decided to call it quits after seven albums together. We’ll go back in our archives to 2003, for an interview with Jack White recorded shortly after the release of The White Stripes’ Elephant and shortly before the release of country star Loretta Lynn’s 2004 album with White, Van Lear Rose. That disc was declared some of Lynn’s best work in her forty year recording career and earned her the second and third Grammys Awards ever, including Best Country Album. We’ll hear Loretta Lynn talk about Van Lear Rose and working with White from an interview that first aired in 2004.Plus, one of the first female rockers, Wanda Jackson, and her new White-produced album The Party Ain't Over. Jackson talks about being ahead of her time as touring female musician, working alongside Elvis, and of course, her new disc with White. Join us for a very exciting show this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
July 20, 2011 - Robbie Robertson
Robbie Robertson joined fellow sidemen Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, and Richard Manuel in The Hawks in the late ‘50s. The group backed up rockabilly star Ronnie Hawkins until 1963, when they started working on their own. Their next gig was playing alongside the newly electric Bob Dylan on his now-legendary ‘65-‘66 world tour. Renaming themselves simply The Band, they released their debut Music from Big Pink in 1968 and another self-titled masterpiece the following year. The group broke up in 1976, after filming the Martin Scorsese concert movie The Last Waltz. Following the end of The Band, Robbie Robertson wrote music for films and began putting out solo albums. On Robertson’s latest disc, How to Become Clairvoyant, he reflects back on early memories from his career. We talk about both the new music and his legendary past, including whether he was, indeed, responsible for breaking up The Band.Plus, from our archives, Band drummer and vocalist Levon Helm. He shares his perspective on the group’s time together, and talks about his 2007 Grammy Award winning disc Dirt Farmer. It was Helm’s first solo record since regaining his voice after a battle with throat cancer.
July 13, 2011 - James Blake
British dub step artist James Blake joins host David Dye in the studio. James Blake landed the #2 slot in a BBC poll of music critics and industry figures about who they saw as the most promising new talent this year. He put out his self titled debut at home in the UK in February, and recently a US release followed. Blake’s enchanting dub step cover of indie rocker Feist’s song “Limit to Your Love” has won over fans on both sides of the Atlantic. He’ll talk about and play that song, as well as impart some knowledge about dub step, a genre of electronic dance music that originated near his home in south London, and a style that he wholeheartedly embraces in his writing.Plus, Foster the People. The LA-based band also recently put out their debut album. Leader Mark Foster shares songs from that disc, Torches; in particular, we hear the story behind the controversial hit single “Pumped Up Kicks” which is written from the perspective of a gun-toting school kid.
July 6, 2011 - Steve Miller
Steve Miller took over rock radio in the 70s with hits like “The Joker” and “Fly Like an Eagle”. In fact, he was so successful with his album sales and touring, that he set himself up financially for decades to come. Until last summer Miller hadn’t put out a disc of new material in 17 years. Bingo! and the brand new Let Your Hair Down are the records that ended that period away from recording. They both take Miller back to his blues roots, and provide the perfect opportunity to delve into part of his past you may not know about. Miller’s guitar skills were encouraged by the great Les Paul and his love of the blues was fostered by the pioneering T Bone Walker, both family friends and direct influences in Miller’s childhood. Today he shares stories from his earliest days to his enormous 70s fame and on to his latest work. Plus Steve Miller plays some of his biggest hits live. Don’t miss this one!June 29, 2011 - Buddy Miller and the Majestic Silver Strings
Buddy Miller and the Majestic Silver Strings join host David Dye. Currently touring with Robert Plant’s Band of Joy, Buddy Miller released an equally exciting project, the Majestic Silver Strings album, when Plant and company took a break from the road in March. The new project includes an extremely talented line up of guitarists- Bill Frisell, who has made his mark with jazz, Marc Ribot, who has done amazing work with Tom Waits among others, and Greg Leisz, the pedal steel master who is a sought after sideman for everyone from Matthew Sweet and The Smashing Pumpkins to Ray Lamontagne and Joni Mitchell. The Majestic Silver Strings record features remarkable reinterpretations of country classics, and when the group join us on the show, each guitarist will share what first drew him to the instrument.Plus, we hear live performances from the band's one and only concert together. And, Over the Rhine. The husband and wife duo Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist are celebrating 20 years together as a band. They discuss what has helped them survive in a tough industry environment and the unique way they financed their new disc, The Long Surrender.
June 22, 2011 - ?uestlove of The Roots
Philadelphia natives The Roots have long been respected in their hometown and among adventurous hip hop fans everywhere for their unique combo of rap and live instrumentation. But when the group became the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in 2009 they broadened their fan base even further. The Roots have always been interested in pushing the limits of their primary genre, and for their latest project, the band definitely took things to the next level. Drummer and founding member ?uestlove talks about the new piece he wrote with indie singer Keren Ann for the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. It draws its inspiration from classical music of the early 20th century.Plus, another fascinating collaboration, American producer-musician Danger Mouse and Italian composer-arranger Daniele Luppi. The pair recently released Rome, an album that draws its inspiration from Italian film soundtracks of the 1960s and 70s. The duo discusses what drew them to work with one another, and how they ended up getting Jack White and Norah Jones to be the voices for the new disc. That and more this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
June 15, 2011 - Steve Earle
Steve Earle released his debut 25 years ago, and since that time he has built a reputation as a gifted songwriter, talented actor, and outspoken liberal activist. Recently he added novelist to that list when I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive was published in May. At the end of April, Earle also released a new album by the same name. He talks about juggling his busy creative life, including a role on HBO’s popular TV series Treme, with life at home with wife Allison Moorer and their first child together, 1 year old son John Henry. And Hayes Carll. He won over many new fans with his last album, 2008’s Trouble In Mind, and the song “She Left Me For Jesus.” His new disc is called KMAG YOYO. He’ll share stories from throughout his career, including how “She Left Me For Jesus” earned him an unlikely fan.June 8, 2011 - Rodney Crowell
Rodney Crowell has been making music for four decades. He first made a name for himself playing guitar and writing songs for Emmylou Harris in the 70s; later that decade he released his debut album Ain’t Living Long Like This. Through the years his reputation has grown not only as a musician and songwriter, but also for his work as producer for artists like his ex wife, Rosanne Cash. But his newest project is in a totally different direction- he recently released a memoir of his childhood called Chinaberry Sidewalks. In the book he details what is was like for him growing up in the 50s and 60s in the tough working class neighborhood of East Houston. When he joins us he’ll share those stories, and some songs, as he’s traces the roots of his desire to make music.Plus, Abigail Washburn. The Illinois native fell in love with China after a trip there in her late teens, and after discovering her affinity for old time banjo upon her return to the United States, she has been making music that brings together those disparate influences. For her third disc, City of Refuge, she is joined by a new collaborator who has an indie pop sensibility. She’ll talk about her travels and what made her want to change the sound of the new disc.
June 1, 2011 - Alison Krauss and Union Station
Alison Krauss and Union Station join host David Dye in the studio. Singer Alison Krauss has won more Grammy Awards than any other female vocalist, 26 to be exact. With her last album, 2007’s Raising Sand, she added 6 to her collection, thanks to the powerful collaboration with singer Robert Plant and producer T Bone Burnett. For her new disc, she returns to working with her extremely talented band Union Station, whom she last joined forces with in 2004 for the triple Grammy winning Lonely Runs Both Ways. She shares what she learned from her work with Plant and discusses what draws her to the material she chooses to sing now.Plus, two new duos - The Civil Wars and Tennis. Both make very intimate music, but only one is romantically involved. Hear each of their unusual origin stories (from how two solo musicians formed a partnership at a time they were least looking for it to the high seas adventures that made two former music major return to songwriting).
May 25, 2011 - Elton John and Leon Russell
Elton John and Leon Russell talk about their new album together, The Union on this episode of Conversations from the World Cafe. Elton John and Leon Russell first met 4 decades ago, as Elton John was playing his first concerts in the United States. Although Russell admired the budding star, John idolized the more established singer songwriter and session pianist who had already worked with Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones. Despite those credits, Russell’s famed contribution to Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen, and a few successful songs on his own, Elton John’s fame soon surpassed Leon Russell’s. Thanks to songs like “Bennie and the Jets”, “Philadelphia Freedom” and “Daniel”, Elton John became one of the biggest stars of the 70s and he continued to find success in the decades that followed. Now, with The Union, John has fulfilled his mission to bring some of the spotlight back to the musician he so admired. In an interview with the Cafe’s Michaela Majoun, the pair discuss what it was like to work together on the new disc and share the story of what drew them back together 38 years after they last spoke.Plus we delve into our archives for an interview with T Bone Burnett. He produced The Union, but it’s just one of many discs he has helmed. In an interview from 2006, he’ll share his philosophy on creating albums and discuss how he gets the best from the artists he works with. That’s this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
May 18, 2011- Bruce Cockburn
Bruce Cockburn, the politically outspoken songwriter is incredibly popular at home in Canada.Over his four decade long career he has put out 31 albums, won 13 Juno awards (the Canadian version of the Grammys), received the Order of Canada, and was inducted into both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame. Here in the United States he has maintained a smaller following despite hits like 1979’s “Wondering Where the Lions Are” and 1984’s “If I Had a Rocket Launcher.” Recently Bruce Cockburn released a new disc called Small Source of Comfort, his first new studio work in 5 years. He’ll talk about it, play “Rocket Launcher” live, and share how he came to be holding a rocket launcher in Afghanistan recently.
Plus, Susan Werner. She’ll discuss how a musical pilgrimage to the South inspired her new Rodney Crowell-produced album Kicking the Beehive. That’s this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
May 11, 2011 - Iron & Wine
Iron & Wine join host David Dye in the studio. Songwriter Sam Beam released his debut as Iron & Wine back in 2002. Nearly a decade later, he has recently put out his fourth disc on his own, Kiss Each Other Clean. Also a talented visual artist, he creates the cover for each Iron & Wine album. He’ll talk about how he brings together both the visual and the aural in his songs.Plus, Ana Tijoux - the Latin rapper released an album in the United States for the first time last year - her second solo disc, 1977. The CD has been making quite an impression, widening her popularity in both the Latin music world and beyond, and earning her a Grammy nomination. She shares her fascinating personal history - she grew up in both France and Chile thanks to her French mother and Chilean father (who lived in France when a political exile during Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship)- and she discusses how that experience has influenced her music.
May 4, 2011 - Jack White
Host David Dye spends some time with Jack White and the stars of two of his highest profile projects as producer, country legend Loretta Lynn and rockabilly pioneer Wanda Jackson. Jack White launched his music career with The White Stripes, playing guitar and singing alongside drummer Meg White. The duo released their self titled debut in 1999 and came to widespread attention in 2001 with their third album White Blood Cells - that disc earned them a major label contract. Their popularity continued to build throughout the 2000s, but in February this year the pair decided to call it quits after seven albums together. We’ll go back in our archives to 2003, for an interview with Jack White recorded shortly after the release of The White Stripes’ Elephant and shortly before the release of country star Loretta Lynn’s 2004 album with White, Van Lear Rose. That disc was declared some of Lynn’s best work in her forty year recording career and earned her the second and third Grammys Awards ever, including Best Country Album. We’ll hear Loretta Lynn talk about Van Lear Rose. and working with White from an interview that first aired in 2004.Plus, one of the first female rockers, Wanda Jackson, and her new White-produced album The Party Ain't Over. Jackson talks about being ahead of her time as touring female musician, working alongside Elvis, and of course, her new disc with White.
April 27 - Roger Waters and David Gilmour of Pink Floyd!
As a founding member of Pink Floyd, Roger Waters was creative leader of the band from the late 60s until the early 80s; the talented bassist wrote much of The Wall with some help from guitarist David Gilmour. Pink Floyd broke up in the early 80s due to increasing tensions between Waters and Gilmour, but Gilmour re-formed Pink Floyd a few years later without Waters. This led to a longtime feud between the pair. They only made peace in 2005 when they came together for London’s Live 8 benefit concert. Roger Waters recently decided to revisit The Wall - since the Fall of 2010 he has been playing album’s music in its entirety live with an incredibly expensive stage show and recently he embarked on the European leg of the tour. He sits down with the Cafe’s Michaela Majoun to talk about it and share some stories behind Pink Floyd’s classic 1979 album.Plus, David Gilmour from an interview that first aired in 2006, shortly after the release of his first solo album in over a decade, On an Island. He shares his perspective on the early days of the band.
April 20, 2011 - Adele
The incredibly talented singer Adele joins host David Dye in the studio. In 2009, she won Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, thanks to her debut album 19 and the single “Chasing Pavements”. Like her debut, her sophomore album, 21,was named after the age at which she wrote the material. It has proved even more popular than her first disc - 21 just returned to the top of the Billboard Charts and over a million copies of the record have been sold this year. The London-based vocalist sings songs from the new disc, including the single “Rolling in the Deep.” and discusses the relationship that inspired much of the material.Plus, Eliza Doolittle. Only 3 weeks older than Adele and also from London, the singer is set to release her self-titled debut on April 19 in the United States. The album has already sold over 300 thousand copies at home in the UK. She’ll talk about how her parents have influenced her music.
April 13- Mumford and Sons
Mumford and Sons released their debut Sigh No More at home in the UK at the end of October 2009 and last February the four piece shared the record with American audiences. After spending over four months in the Top 40 of the Top 200 Albums chart, the album popped up on year end Best Of lists everywhere and the band was nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy. We’ll hear an interview with the group recorded before they even released their debut. And Laura Marling. She was discovered in 2007 when she was 17 years old thanks to her Myspace page. Twice she has been nominated for Britain’s most prestigious music award, the Mercury Prize- for her debut Alas I Cannot Swim and for her latest, her second album, I Speak Because I Can. She talks about the question she tries to avoid when discussing her sophomore disc. Don’t miss that and more from the new British folk scene, this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!April 6, 2011 - Alexi Murdoch and Jake Shimabukuro on his Ukulele
Alexi Murdoch joins host David Dye in the studio. The globetrotting Scottish singer songwriter was highly buzzed about in 2003 and 2004 after releasing his debut EP Four Songs. His song “Orange Sky” was widely licensed in TV and film, including Fox’s hit TV show The O.C. But Murdoch struggled with his full length debut, Time Without Consequence. The highly anticipated record was not released until 2006. Murdoch’s new disc Towards the Sun went far easier- he’ll join us to discuss it and his recent move to a remote coastal town in Scotland.Plus, Jake Shimabukuro. He reflects on being one of the first videos to go viral after the start of YouTube with his ukulele cover of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Since then he has been invited to play with instrumental masters like cellist Yo-Yo Ma and banjo player Bela Fleck. Jake Shimabukuro’s latest disc is called Peace Love Ukulele. Join us this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
March 30, 2011 - Badly Drawn Boy Dublin’s James Vincent McMorrow
In 2000 Badly Drawn Boy made quite the splash when he released his debut, The Hour of the Bewilderbeast. The album won the UK’s highly sought after Mercury Prize and drew the interest of writer Nick Hornby. Hornby then asked Badly Drawn Boy to do the soundtrack for the film adaptation of his book, About a Boy, a move that only increased the Manchester-based musician’s profile. Unable to keep up with such an amazing start to his career, Badly Drawn Boy suffered a crisis of confidence while still putting out several more records. But with his new album, Photographing Snowflakes, and another film soundtrack under his belt, he returns to equilibrium. He’ll talk about it all with us.Plus, two newcomers from around the same region - Dublin’s James Vincent McMorrow and Oxford’s Stornoway. They join us with their debut albums. That’s week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
March 23, 2011 - Jim Lauderdale and Justin Townes Earle
In addition to releasing his own records for the past two decades, Jim Lauderdale has written for countless country stars - George Strait, Patty Loveless, and the Dixie Chicks among them. Last year he put his 2nd collaboration with Grateful Dead lyricists Robert Hunter, an album called Patchwork River, and later this year the pair will release another disc together, a bluegrass record called Reason & Rhyme. He joins us to talk about both, and discuss his first musical love - bluegrass - and why it took so long for him to make his own bluegrass album (1999’s I Feel Like Singing Today with Ralph Stanley).And, Justin Townes Earle. Earle's most recent disc, Harlem River Blues, is his 3rd album in 3 years. The extremely prolific songwriter made headlines a few days after its release when he was arrested for battery, public drunkenness and resisting arrest. He went to rehab shortly after. Justin Townes Earle will discuss his struggle with addiction and following in the footsteps of his father, outspoken musician Steve Earle, in more ways than one. Plus, we’ll go back in our archives to our 2009 interview with Steve Earle, where he talks about his Grammy Award winning album, Townes. The disc was a tribute to his late mentor Townes Van Zandt, the hard living but extremely talented country/folk songwriter who is also his son’s namesake.
March 16, 2011 - Fistful of Mercy and Teddy Thompson
Fistful of Mercy released their debut album As I Call You Down late last year. The group is led by a trio of talented musicians - Ben Harper, Joseph Arthur, and Dhani Harrison. Harper you may know by his hit “Steal My Kisses,” and by his many albums with his band the Innocent Criminals, or his newer work with his group the Relentless7. Joseph Arthur, both a talented musician and visual artist, first starting gaining attention a decade ago, and since then has been quite prolific releasing EPs and albums. Dhani Harrison is the son of late Beatle George Harrison and has been active preserving his father’s legacy; he has also released one disc with his own band, thenewno2. The trio share how they came together to form Fistful of Mercy and what it was like writing together.Plus, Teddy Thompson. He explains how his famed parents (British folk singers Linda and Richard Thompson) influenced his music, and talks about what it was like working with legendary producer Danny Kahne on his new disc Bella. That and more this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
March 9, 2011 - Chuck Brown and Aloe Blacc
The Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, joins host David Dye in the studio. Chuck Brown paved the way for a brand new style of music in the 1970s. Performing around Washington DC, he drew on his experience playing Latin grooves and his love of jazz, particularly saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr., to create a subgenre of funk that people simply couldn’t resist dancing to. The new music, crowned go-go, earned him a hit in 1979 with the song “Bustin’ Loose”. Although he never really achieved the nationwide popularity that many expected after that, Chuck Brown and his band have continued to be stars in their home city. Recently they released a new album, We Got This. Chuck Brown joins us to discuss the history of the music he loves and to share some live tracks from We Got This.Plus, Aloe Blacc. His song “I Need a Dollar” became the theme for HBO’s “How to Make It in America”. He’ll talk about that, and his new album Good Things.
March 2, 2011 - Kurt Elling and Charlie Musselwhite
Jazz singer Kurt Elling joins host David Dye. Starting with his 1995 debut, each of Kurt Elling’s albums have received a Jazz Vocal Grammy nomination. But it took until last year for Elling to finally win, with his 8th album, Dedicated To You: Kurt Elling Sings The Music of Coltrane and Hartman. On February 8th Elling released the follow up to that disc, The Gate, which draws from a variety of styles. He joins us to discuss how he reinterprets disparate genres into his own jazz style, and to reflect on how his career in the music business began as he dropped out of divinity school in Chicago.And, Charlie Musselwhite. The 67 year old blues harmonica player looks at his own Chicago start, which began on the South Side with greats like Muddy Waters. Musselwhite’s new record The Well is his most autobiographical yet- he’ll also share how his mother’s murder resulted in the song “Sad and Beautiful World” and how Grammy winning gospel singer Mavis Staples came to sing it. That and more this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
February 23, 2011 - Peter Frampton and David Bowie
Guitarist Peter Frampton joins host David Dye in the studio. Peter Frampton had record breaking sales with his 1976 album Frampton Comes Alive!. Thirty years later his Grammy win for the instrumental disc Fingerprints re-inspired the already hard working musician. Recently he released the follow-up to Fingerprints. The new record, Thank You Mr Churchill, was partially inspired by his childhood in Bromley, England. Peter Frampton will talk about it and the new album, as well as play his 70s hits “Show Me the Way” and “Baby I Love Your Way”.Plus, Frampton’s childhood friend and collaborator, David Bowie (who also hails from Bromley). We go back in to our archives to our 2002 interview with Bowie, shortly after the release of his Heathen album. That record saw Bowie renewing his collaboration with producer Tony Visconti, who had joined him on his career-defining 70s work- albums like Space Oddity, Young Americans, and Low. David Bowie will discuss his work with Visconti and share how his musical life has changed as he has gotten older. That’s this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
February 16, 2011 - The Decemberists and Girls
For the first time, The Decemberists have hit #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, thanks to the release of their new CD The King is Dead. The Portland-based group’s popularity has been steadily climbing since 2005’s Picaresque though. That disc led to their major label record deal and 2006’s The Crane Wife, an album loosely based on a Japanese folk tale. For the CD that followed, 2009’s Hazards of Love, songwriter Colin Meloy crafted a folk rock opera, taking his love of the concept album even further. For their new record the group has moved away from that, instead looking to REM for inspiration. REM guitarist Peter Buck even joined the band to record. Colin Meloy will talk about all that, and how the band decided to make the album in barn with heat or running water.Plus, Girls. The San Francisco based duo’s first album, called Album, was named among Spin, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork’s Top 10 Albums of 2009. Recently Girls released the follow up to that disc, Broken Dreams Club. Songwriter Christopher Owen will discuss the latest record, as well as detail his unusual personal story. Raised in the Children of God religious cult, he left as a teen, eventually moving to San Francisco to become painter, where he met up with collaborator JR White and decided to devote himself to music. Hear about that and more this week on Conversations from the World Cafe!
February 9, 2011 - Jeff Beck and Mavis Staples
February 2, 2011 - Old 97's
January 26, 2011 - John Mellencamp
January 19, 2011 - Black Dub
January 12, 2011 - Janelle Monae and Cloud Cult
January 5, 2011 - James
Various Artists
Live at the World Cafe, Volume 26
(World Cafe)
World Cafe with David Dye has just polished off the track list for the 26th Volume in its incredible series of live recordings from XPN's signature program. Artists including Feist, Back Door Slam, Counting Crows, Levon Helm, Joe Jackson, and many others have contributed to this stellar collection.
Here's the complete track list:
1. Sheryl Crow - Love is Free
2. Counting Crows - Come Around
3. Wilco - What Light
4. Back Door Slam - It'll All Come Around
5. Eli "Paperboy" Reed - Stake Your Claim
6. Vampire Weekend - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
7. Joe Jackson – The Uptown Train
8. Ingrid Michaelson - The Way I Am
9. Kathleen Edwards - I Make The Dough You Get the Glory
10. New Pornographers - My Rights vs. Yours
11. Rilo Kiley – Dream World
12. Feist - 1234
13. Gary Louris - Omaha Nights
14. Levon Helm - Got Me A Woman
15. Ryan Bingham - South Side of Heaven
16. Mike Doughty - 27 Jennifers
17. The Black Keys - Strange Times
18. Nada Surf - Whose Authority
19. Sara Bareilles - Love Song
U2 (3/17/09)
Bell X1 (2/18/09)
Mercury Rev (12/17/08)
The Pretenders (11/6/08)
Albert Hammond Jr. (10/15/08)
Doveman (9/17/08)
Dr. Dog (8/13/08)
Fleet Foxes (7/25/08)
Goldfrapp (7/9/08)
She & Him (6/11/08)
The Lillywhite Sessions, airs on the World Cafe third Wednesdays of the month.
Producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel) will produce music sessions for the World Cafe at the world-renowned Avatar Studios in New York City.
Steve Lillywhite entered the music scene when he was 17 as a tape operator with London's Polygram Studios and has since been working in the industry for more than 35 years. Lillywhite has produced songs and albums with bands such as U2, Dave Matthews Band, Simple Minds, Peter Gabriel, XTC, The La's, and Morrissey. He has won Grammy Awards for Producer of the Year, Best Rock Album, and Album of the year for U2's How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. Known for his ability to inspire artists, Lillywhite has been instrumental in shaping many career-making albums and songs.
The Sessions
U2
(Air Date: 3/17/09)
World Cafe host David Dye celebrates St. Patrick's Day with Steve Lillywhite, whose most recent project took him to Dublin producing U2's No Line On The Horizon. With an inside scoop on the definitive Irish rockers' new record, Lillywhite explains how he and co-producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois each contributed to the album and gives his personal insight into certain tracks.
Website: u2.com
MySpace: myspace.com/u2
Bell X1
(Air Date: 2/18/09)
The Irish pop-rock band Bell X1 has brought its catchy riffs and smart lyrics to America in recent years, long after it had already become a reliable hitmaker in its homeland. The group was initially led by singer Damien Rice under the moniker Juniper, but Rice left the group and was replaced by vocalist/drummer Paul Noonan.
Bell X1 joins host David Dye for a special World Cafe Lillywhite Session from Avatar Studios. During its visit, the group discusses how the new album marks a departure from its predecessors, with changes in both production and personnel.
Website: bellx1.com
MySpace: myspace.com/bellx1
Mercury Rev
(Air Date: 12/17/08)
An underground favorite since their distorted art pop debuted in 1991, Mercury Rev sees reinvention as the key to their creativity. With the new album, Snowflake Midnight, the psych-rock vets embraced open-source technology, allowing them to experiment with audio effects designed by people across the globe.
In this Lillywhite Session, Mercury Rev talks about discovering the sound for the latest record and the concept of a "Brain Waves Concert."
Website: mercuryrev.com
MySpace: myspace.com/mercuryrevmusic
Working with Morrissey
(Air Date: 12/17/08)
By the time Vauxhall and I came around in 1994, Morrissey had already wooed the world both in The Smiths and with a few critically-acclaimed solo albums. His fourth solo effort was a bit of a return to the jangly Smiths style, but as Morrissey has proved over and over again since then, he just keeps perfecting it.
Lillywhite gave Vauxhall and I the lush sound for which Morrissey recordings had been begging. In an interview with host David Dye, Lillywhite talks about the creation of the album and ultimately what made Morrissey ask him back for two more.
The Pretenders
(Air Date: 11/6/08)
The Pretenders released their new album called "Break Up The Concrete" on October 7, 2008. It is the ninth in the band's career and their first in 6 years. This time the bandleader Chrissie Hynde is collaborating with a new group of musicians. Recorded in 10 days, the result is a stripped down roots album, pure and raw, which highlights Hynde's timeless vocal sound. In 1978, Hynde formed The Pretenders, originally three Englishmen and an American woman, that emerged as one of the new wave's most commercially successful groups. Its focal point was Chrissie Hynde, the band's songwriter, lead singer, and rhythm guitarist, whose tough songs and stage persona put feminist self-assertion into her own distinctive hard rock. Their self-titled debut album was released in early 1980 and eventually climbed to number one in the U.K., achieving wide success in America as well. Although the long waits between LPs have dulled her group's once shining commercial career, Hynde remains an influential performer and songwriter. Hynde is also an outspoken crusader for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The Pretenders were creative with the release of their new album Break Up the Concrete, and decided to give away every track as free downloads, one song each week leading up to the record's physical release, thus creating a buzz of anticipation that no Pretenders album has had in over a decade. The album marks a reunion with producer Steve Lillywhite.
Website: thepretenders.com
MySpace: myspace.com/thepretenders
Working with Big Country
(Air Date: 11/6/08)
Big Country was a Scottish rock band who reached their critical and commercial peak in the mid 1980s, though they continued releasing music throughout the 1990s to a devoted following. The band was noted for mixing their Scottish roots into their music and also for their unique guitar sounds. The band is best known for their lone US hit, 1983's "In a Big Country", but the album that song is drawn from, the Steve Lillywhite-produced The Crossing, is considered a great forgotten album of the 1980s.
In this interview, Steve Lillywhite discusses the recording of The Crossing.
Albert Hammond Jr.
(Air Date: 10/15/08)
The Strokes' rhythm guitarist, Albert Hammond Jr., recently joined World Cafe host David Dye for a Lillywhite Session recorded at Avatar Studios in New York City. Here, Hammond and his band perform four songs from his second studio effort, Como Te Llama?, with the help of famed producer Steve Lillywhite.
Hammond still keeps his day job in The Strokes, but two years ago took on the role of frontman, which he says took time to get used to. His music retains the guitar-driven style of his main band, but also incorporates Hammond's tender, bluesy vocals.
Website: alberthammondjr.com
MySpace: myspace.com/alberthammondjr
Working with The La's
(Air Date: 10/15/08)
The La's only recorded one album, but the self-titled disc from 1990 features one infectious guitar-pop gem after another, including the classic, oft-covered hit "There She Goes." The group's main songwriter, Lee Mavers, notoriously fired multiple band members and producers because, according to Mavers, none of them got it. Steve Lillywhite came into the process later in the game, after The La's record label convinced him to finish the album. In an interview with David Dye, Lillywhite talks about the classic disc that Mavers never wanted released.
Doveman (Air Date: 9/17/08: Listen)
Doveman, the brainchild of Harlem-based keyboard maestro Thomas Bartlett, has just released a front-to-back cover of the Footloose soundtrack. While Doveman is normally a one-man act, Bartlett gets the multi-track treatment with Steve Lillywhite behind the boards at Avatar Studios for a unique Lillywhite Session.
Doveman's sophomore effort is a tribute to a friend who died at the height of the film's popularity. With Bartlett's understated delivery and beautiful piano work, he's crafted a heartfelt homage to the joys of youth. Stripped of those pop-infused dance tracks, the music has unexpected emotional depth.
Website: dovemanmusic.com
MySpace: myspace.com/doveman
Working with Peter Gabriel
(Air Date: 9/17/08)
On Peter Gabriel's third self-titled album, producer Steve Lillywhite made sense of the disparate elements that the sometimes-great second album could not. The 1980 release showcased a more song-oriented Gabriel, but also a bleak side of the former Genesis frontman.
In an interview with host David Dye, Lillywhite recalls laughing off the idea of recording an album with Gabriel, but both quickly found common ground in its musical direction. Music technology was moving quickly by 1980, and both men wanted to implement the new keyboard and sampling devices. While Gabriel would go on to make even better-selling albums, Peter Gabriel remains his finest moment.
Dr. Dog (Air date: 8/13/08: Listen)
Dr. Dog formed in 1999 in Philadelphia. Opening for My Morning Jacket in 2004 led to the beginnings of a commercial breakthrough - opening for other acts such as The Strokes and The Raconteurs. The group's fan base continued to grow with the EP Takers and Leavers and full-length debut We All Belong. Now they are headlining their own US tour for their newest album Fate.
Website: drdogmusic.com
MySpace: myspace.com/drdog
Working with the
Dave Matthews Band
(Air date: 8/13/08: Listen)
Crash is the second studio album released by the Dave Matthews Band in 1996. It has been certified 7 times platinum. Steve Lillywhite produced 3 albums the Dave Matthews Band released - Under the Table and Dreaming, Crash, and Before These Crowded Streets. Steve also produced an album for the band that was never officially released, The Lillywhite Sessions. Steve talks about working with the band for the second time and how he wanted to amp up their sound for this album.
The Fleet Foxes
(Air date: 7/25/08: Listen)
With a sound combining the baroque psychedelic pop of the '60s, sacred harp singing, gospel, and folk music, Fleet Foxes joins host David Dye for the latest in World Cafe's Lillywhite Sessions series from Avatar Recording Studios in New York City. The band's members grew up on the music of their parents: The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, The Zombies, Love, and Crosby Stills & Nash.
Robin Pecknold and Skye Skyelset are backed by some of Seattle's best musicians, including past and present members of bands such as Pedro the Lion, Seldom, and Crystal Skulls. Through the support of friends, families, and credit cards, material for both the Sun Giant EP and Fleet Foxes' self-titled debut were recorded. Both showcase an inventive, unfailingly sweet sound that spans genres and eras.
Website: subpop.com/artists/fleet_foxes
MySpace: myspace.com/fleetfoxes
Goldfrapp (Air date: 7/9/08: Listen)
Bath, England's singer-composer-keyboardist Allison Goldfrapp began exploring music as a part of her studies as a Fine Art Painting major at Middlesex University, mixing sound, visuals, and performances in her installation pieces. While she was still in college, she appeared on her friend Tricky's 1995 debut Maxinquaye, which led to appearances on albums from other cutting-edge electronic artists, including Orbital's Snivilisation and Add N to X's Avant Hard. By the late '90s, Goldfrapp began honing her own compositions; one of her friends passed some of her demos on to composer Will Gregory. Finding much in common in their musical tastes and approaches, the duo took Allison's surname as the name for their collaboration. After signing to Mute in 1999, Goldfrapp delivered their debut album, Felt Mountain, in fall 2000. Felt Mountain went on to nearly universal acclaim and spawned several singles, including the Utopia Genetically Enriched EP, which arrived in early 2001. After spending most of that year touring, Goldfrapp spent most of 2002 recording and returned with Black Cherry in spring 2003. 2005 saw the release of the "Ooh La La" single and the full-length Supernature, both of which continued the disco and glam-rock influences of the duo's previous album. 2008's The Seventh Tree moved in a calmer, more acoustic-based, but just as sonically lush direction.
Website: goldfrapp.co.uk/
MySpace: myspace.com/goldfrapp
Working with The Pogues
(Air date: 7/9/08: Listen)
Steve explains how he got the job following Elvis Costello's footsteps - producing the next The Pogues' album If I Should Fall from Grace with God and their hit duet "Fairytale of New York" with Lillywhite's then-wife Kirsty MacColl.
She & Him
(Air date: 6/11/08: Listen)
Produced by the legendary Steve Lillywhite, She & Him inaugurates World Cafe's new Lillywhite Sessions series from Avatar Studios in New York City. David Dye hosts the duo with discussion of its debut album, Volume One, while Lillywhite offers his own commentary on the music.
Since their initial collaboration on a single for the soundtrack to the film The Go-Getter, M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel went on to record a full-length collection of her demos. Volume One seamlessly combines her syrupy-sweet voice with his simplistic yet stunning instrumentals. Through songs of love both lost and found, She & Him captures timeless sounds and rhythms.
Website: sheandhim.com
MySpace: myspace.com/sheandhim
Working with U2
(Air date: 6/11/08)
In the span of three years, U2 delivered a one-two-three punch: Boy, October, and 1983's War. War begins with the legendary call to arms "Sunday Bloody Sunday." Its machine-gun guitar rhythms and Bono's passionate vocals set the tone for an album that took no prisoners. In an interview with host David Dye, War's original producer, Steve Lillywhite, talks about the creation of the landmark album.
Love the music you hear on World Cafe?
You can buy World Cafe releases at Shop.XPN.ORG or at these retail stores.
Live at the World Cafe
20th Anniversary CD Set
Become a Member of WXPN and Pick up the 20th Anniversary CD Set!
Live recordings from Vampire Weekend, Beach House, David Gray, Fleet Foxes, Coldplay, Feist, Patty Griffin, Justin Townes Earle, Dave Matthews, and many others.
Volume 31
Pick up your copy now at the Online Store!
Live recordings from Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs, JP, Chrissie & The Fairground Boys, Best Coast, Jukebox The Ghosr, KT Tunstall, The National, Ra Ra Riot and many others.
Volume 30
Pick up your copy at the XPN Music Store online!
Live recordings from Free Energy, The Hold Steady, Dr. Dog, Citizen Cope, Charlotte Gainsbourg, The Clientele, and many others.
Volume 29 Track List
Pick up your copy at the XPN Music Store online!
Live recordings from Wilco with Feist, Fanfarlo, Tori Amos, Blitzen Trapper, Moby, Mayer Hawthorne and many others.
Volume 28
Includes live recordings from The Pretenders, Bell X-1, Bat for Lashes, TV on the Radio, The Walkmen, and many others.
Volume 27
Includes live recordings from Bon Iver, Calexico, Jenny Lewis, Aimee Mann, Ra Ra Riot, Ray LaMontagne, and many others. Now available in stores
Volume 26
Volume 26 is available online and in retail stores. Featuring Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Feist, Rilo Kiley, Counting Crows, and many others.
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