Artist Sessions

Check out recent Words and Music from Studio A sessions along with Live Concerts. Can't find what you're looking for? View the complete archives.

The National - Words and Music - 2013

5.21.13 at 12:00am by Russ Borris

The National has steadily held our attention ever since their 2001 self-titled debut. Over the years, the band has developed a uniquely somber yet lush style. The musical arrangements ebb and flow like tides and often have an eerie and tense feel to them — as though you may get pulled into an undertow. But there are also moments of serenity and joy in their sound. It is not lighthearted, easy-listening pop; it's rousing and dramatic music with poetically dark and evocative lyrics.

Tom Jones - Words and Music - 2013

5.20.13 at 4:00pm by Rita Houston

Tom Jones is back with a new album called Spirit In The Room, and while hIs voice is unmistakable, his choice of songs might surprise you. The stripped-down sound is a new direction for Tom as well, and things got even more acoustic when he stopped by Studio A.

James Hunter - Words and Music - 2013

5.15.13 at 11:45pm by Carmel Holt

His new album, Minute By Minute, is with The James Hunter Six, but some lucky WFUV members and I were treated to a few of the songs solo when James stopped by Studio A with just his guitar in tow. He also performed an FUV favorite from his 2006 U.S. debut, the title track of People Gonna Talk.

Willy Mason - Live Concert - 2013

5.14.13 at 11:06am by Carmel Holt

Willy Mason’s career has been an amazing series of important connections and relationships (or as he put it, “accidents”). It began with his initial discovery by a friend of Conor Oberst, which led to his subsequent tour with Bright Eyes and the release of his debut, Where Humans Eat, on Oberst’s Team Love Records. Since then Willy has earned the admiration and support of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, collaborated with Lianne La Havas on her Mercury-prize nominated debut, and recorded a few of his parents’ songs with Brendan Benson in Nashville, which resulted in a Record Store Day release. Now he has been signed by Communion Records - the label of Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons - and his third album, Carry On, will be released in the U.S. in August. Willy shared material from Carry On and a couple of his parents’ songs during this intimate and engaging FUV Live performance at The Living Room.

Iron and Wine - Words and Music - 2013

5.13.13 at 12:58pm by Carmel Holt

Sam Beam is the mastermind behind Iron & Wine, and he released his first record back in 2002, called The Creek Drank the Cradle. It was an intimate and mostly acoustic affair, but over the years, Sam has expanded his sound. He's now on his fifth full-length Iron & Wine album, Ghost On Ghost, and it features backing vocals along with string and horn sections.

Sam brought his whole crew to Studio A when he recently stopped by WFUV to talk with me about the new album. See video of the live performances right here, and catch Iron & Wine at The Beacon Theatre tomorrow and The Capitol Theatre this Sunday.