Calexico - Calexico’s most recent CD, “Carried to Dust,” presents a “vivid picture of a world in which listeners can immerse themselves much as one is caught up in the tangled narrative of a Steinbeck novel or the imagery of a John Ford film.”For nearly two decades, this Tucson-based collective has centered around the talents of Joey Burns, a former classical music student, and John Convertino, an alumnus of Howe Gelb’s experimental group Giant Sand. Enlisting a rotating group of like-minded friends, Calexico has explored Southwestern culture with a unique collection of instruments and soundtrack sensibilities and backing singers ranging from Nancy Sinatra to Neko Case. The group’s influences include Ennio Morricone's spaghetti Westerns, Portuguese fado, Afro-Peruvian music, '50s and '60s jazz, country, and surf. In 2007, Calexico appeared at Lincoln Center as a part of the venue's American Songbook Series, and performed at New York's Beacon Theatre that fall as part of a Bob Dylan tribute. In summer 2008, Calexico's song "Crystal Frontier" was beamed into space as wake-up music for the astronauts on the Space Shuttle Discovery.

Jesse Winchester - For 2009's “Love Filling Station,” Memphis singer/songwriter Jesse Winchester’s first studio album in nearly a decade, he again enlisted famed dobroist Jerry Douglas to produce. The simple arrangements were tailored to Winchester’s trademark, low-key delivery. Winchester first achieved notoriety when, after receiving his draft notice in 1967, he moved to Montreal rather than serve in the military. Two years later, a friendship with the Band’s Robbie Robertson helped him launch his recording career. His debut included tunes like “Yankee Lady” which dealt with his exile. He became a Canadian citizen in 1973 and was unable to tour the U.S. until the late ‘70s when President Carter instituted an amnesty for draft resisters. Winchester’s songs have been covered by a wide range of artists including Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez, Jimmy Buffett, Emmylou Harris, Reba McEntire and Wynonna. In 2001 Winchester released a CD culled entirely from Mountain Stage performances.

Solas - When it burst on the scene in 1996, this Irish folk super-group invigorated the traditional music scene by incorporating non-traditional instruments and adding a modern flavor to Irish reels, jigs and traditional melodies. Leader Seamus Egan was a teen prodigy who recorded his first album at age 16 and toured with Ralph Stanley and Peter, Paul and Mary. He formed Solas with fiddler Winifred Horan, John Williams, John Doyle and vocalist Karan Casey. The band’s current lineup includes co-founder Horan, guitarist Eamon McElholm and, in addition to singing, Mairead Phelan who has won the All Ireland Championships on both flute and tin whistle.  Award-winning accordionist Mick McAuley joined Solas in the late ‘90s. In February 2010 they released “The Turning Tide,” a follow up to their live CD and DVD called “Reunion.”

Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers - Influenced by singer/songwriters like Jim Croce and Cat Stevens, as well as pop-metal bands like Bon Jovi, Stephen Kellogg crosses many stylistic boundaries. He issued solo releases in 2000 and 2002 but it was 2004's “Bulletproof Heart” that landed him a deal with Universal Records. The band’s 2007 release “Glassjaw Boxer” made it to the ‘Top Five of the year’ list by USA Today critic Brian Mansfield. The group’s current CD, “The Bear,” includes guest spots by Canadian stand out Serena Ryder, Josh Ritter, label mates The Alternate Routes and Whiskeytown alumnus Mike Daly.

Harper Simon - Making his singing debut at age 4, Harper Simon sang “Bingo” with his father, Paul Simon, on a segment of “Sesame Street.” By age 12, he was making appearances as a guest guitarist on his father’s Graceland tour. After attending Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Simon moved to London for several years, where he played with and wrote for the band Menlo Park. In 2009, Simon released his self-titled debut, enlisting musicians including Nashville legends Hargus “Pig” Robbins on piano, WV native Charlie McCoy on harmonica, guitarist Al Perkins along with venerable producer Bob Johnston. His father contributed to the effort, co-mixing the CD.

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For more information contact Adam Harris 304 556 4989                              

Scheduled for NPR distribution in April 9, 2010.