American Routes

American Routes at the Movies

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

This week on American Routes, we cue the music and dim the lights for great music moments in film. We’ll sit down with Joel and Ethan Coen, writers/directors of such iconic films as “True Grit,” “O Brother Where Art Thou?” and “The Big Lebowski” and discover the magical role of music in their movies. Then, conversation with cinema-verite masters D. A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus, who’ll detail the craft of their ‘glorified home movies’ such as Dylan’s “Dont Look Back” and “The War Room,” and their latest feature “Kings of Pastry.” Plus, clips from films we love, and songs that make the silver screen shimmer. read more.

Dance Your Blues Away on Mardi Gras Day

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

We’re hitting the streets this week to celebrate – what else? – Mardi Gras! We’ll meet parade float builders, visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum in Treme, discover a skull and bone gang and baby dolls, follow Mardi Gras Indians and learn why flamingos flock to Baton Rouge this time of year. read more.

Fire & Water: The Neville Brothers & Herbie Hancock

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock joins us to talk about keeping his hardcore jazz credentials while breaking the pop barrier with “Watermelon Man.” Hancock recalls famous associations with Miles and more, including those on his River: the Joni Letters, a collection of Joni Mitchell tunes. Plus the four faces of New Orleans’ Mount Rushmore — Art, Aaron, Charles and Cyril — the Neville Brothers. Since 1954, when Brother Art hit with the ultimate carnival classic “Mardi Gras Mambo,” the Nevilles have been on the scene, solo or as a group. We’ll hear their legacy of soul, funk and R & B as the brothers tell us how it all came to pass, and how the legacy lives on in the next generation. read more.

Downhome in the Big City: Norah Jones and Andy Statman

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

We’ll spend time with two eclectic NYC-based musicians who mix up country with jazz and other traditions. Multi-instrumentalist Andy Statman comes from a family steeped in Jewish musical traditions, but got the bluegrass bug playing with David Grisman and Tony Trischka. We’ll talk about his explorations of bluegrass, klezmer, free jazz and now duets with tea kettles. Then singer and pianist Norah Jones, known for her own personal stamp on jazz, shares the country side of life in her recent work with The Little Willies. Plus lots of “citified” country songs and downhome urban tunes. read more.

The Indie Gramophone

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Whether you’re spinning 45s, 78s, or LPs, you’ll discover gold in the vinyl this week on American Routes. We check in with the record label dedicated to resurrecting lost sounds for the digital age, Dust to Digital. For some soul sides, we hear from Gabriel Roth, founder of Daptone Records, who’s re-imaging classic soul with the band Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. We’ll also talk to the man who got the Bossa Nova on record and started the Impulse label, jazz producer Creed Taylor. Then it’s off to Ville Platte for a conversation with Cajun recordman Floyd Soileau of Swallow Records. Plus tunes to get the jukebox shaking! read more.

Gulf Coast Blues and More: Barbara Lynn & Belton Richard

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Tune in for the words and music of two storied artists of the Gulf South. First up, the Empress of Gulf Coast Soul, Barbara Lynn, of Beaumont, Texas. Ms. Lynn recalls her days as the Black Elvis, playing left-handed guitar and penning and recording her own first-person paeans of love lost. Accordion player, Belton Richard talks about bringing his mix of Cajun and country to dancehalls across the region and remembers his swamp pop days with the Musical Aces. Plus two hours of swampy blues, sultry country and more. read more.

Words and Music in the Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

American Routes reflects on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. in words and music. Join us as we speak with those who knew Dr. King, from music scholar Albert Murray and historian Julian Bond to musicians Harry Belafonte and Mable John. Also, Mississippi riverboat captain Doc Hawley shares a unique memory of Memphis. Plus songs of freedom, deliverance and hope to commemorate this holiday weekend. read more.

Crescent City Jam Sessions

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

American Routes samples the best live music collaborations from the 2011 Jazz Fest season in New Orleans. Each year, music from the festival at the fairgrounds spills over into the streets and clubs of our city. We’ll camp out at Preservation Hall for an evening of jazz and country with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Nashville song man Buddy Miller, with special guest Robert Plant. Then we’ll catch the Hot 8 Brass Band and Mos Def at the Howlin’ Wolf across town. Plus more musical surprises. read more.

American Routes Live on New Year's

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Ring in the new year with some of our favorite live music. We’ll have a set from New Orleans’ trumpet player, Kermit Ruffins with an all-star Crescent City band featuring vocalist Thais Clark. Lafayette, Louisiana’s Pine Leaf Boys bring rock and roll energy to their own version of traditional Cajun music. Step into a holiday soiree of reels, jigs and waltzes by French fiddlers in Westbrook, Maine. And pull up a set for a club set from singer and banjo player Don Vappie and the Creole Jazz Serenaders. It’s a festive set of live music that will keep you swinging well into 2012. read more.

Red, Green & Blue Xmas

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

American Routes has made its list and there’s no need to check it twice. Join us for our favorite holiday tunes, from the hep jive of Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis to the cool sentiments of Frank Sinatra and Elvis and the ecstatic vibe of Celia Cruz and Bela Fleck. Plus yuletide memories from Diana Krall, Solomon Burke and other special guests. Be ready to bachata, boogie and second line as we celebrate the season. read more.