World Cafe

Allison Russell won her first Grammy for “Eve Was Black”, a song from her outstanding sophomore solo album, The Returner. On the next World Cafe, Russell talks about why the record is focused on the present, what Americana means to her, and how her daughter challenged her to write some “bangers” on The Returner.

Billy Strings’ latest album answered the prayers of bluegrass fans worldwide. Highway Prayers is one of the best bluegrass records of the modern era. Strings joins us to talk about making the album, working with Kanye West and Fiona Apple producer Jon Brion, and tells the tale of a highly unusual traffic stop. It’s Billy Strings on the next World Cafe.

D’Angelo helped usher in the neo-soul movement, updating the sounds of 70s R&B for the hip-hop generation, with his debut in 1995. Five years later, he put out Voodoo – an album that musicians like Janelle Monáe and Frank Ocean still draw on today. On the next World Cafe, correspondent John Morrison talks about D’Angelo’s lasting influence as Voodoo turns twenty-five years old.

The Weather Station is the musical moniker of Canadian artist Tamara Lindeman. On the next World Cafe, you’ll hear a beautiful performance from The Weather Station and Tamara tells stories about how a toy keyboard, birds and a massive report on climate change inspired her 2021 album, Ignorance. Her new album, Humanhood, comes out at the end of this week.

For the latest installment of World Cafe’s monthly series, Acadiana Music Showcase, tune in to a mini concert with Bruisey Peets, who blends their background in the D.C. DIY scene with their Lafayette, Louisiana roots to create what some have coined as “queer swamp pop.” On the next World Cafe, hear tracks from Bruisey Peet’s unreleased, upcoming EP, Cartwheel Clown.

For years, Willie Watson was an integral part of Old Crow Medicine Show. After he parted ways with the band, the singer wiped the slate clean, releasing a pair of cover albums. On his new self-titled album, Watson’s songwriting and voice are front and center. On the next World Cafe, Willie Watson joins us to play songs from the new record, and he talks about finding the confidence to write and record in his own way.