WFUV's Take Five

From FUV's Rita Houston: 'I often say that I major in music with a minor in food, so putting together The Highline Sessions at Del Posto with restaurateur, winemaker and FUV Member, Joe Bastianich, has been a labor of love to say the least. The series is a benefit for FUV and a benefit to the ears and taste buds of everyone in the room. In the latest show, Joe and his band The Ramps performed as part of a line-up with John Pizzarelli, Gaetano Valic, The Lone Bellow and Josh Ritter, and here are a couple of highlights.'

London singer Jessie Ware released her debut album, 'Devotion,' in the UK last summer to a rapturous reception. Aside from Brit Award nominations and the Mercury Prize Shortlist, this sultry, elegant album has earned Jessie a devoted international following - and 'Devotion' won't even be released in the States until the Spring. Check out one of the most compelling voices to emerge from the UK in the last year, as Jessie joins host Kara Manning in FUV's Studio A.

Seasoned alt-rocker Bob Mould looked back over this three-and-a-half decades on stage in his 2011 autobiography, 'See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody,' and he returns to his signature, power-trio sound on his latest album, 'Silver Age.' On a 2012 visit to FUV with his band (Jason Narducy and Jon Wurster), Bob talked with host Darren DeVivo about struggles, self-expression, and the variety of projects that keep him satisfied. And, he turned up the volume to perform some paint-peeling live tunes too.

The Alternate Side's Eric Holland talks with the Toronto band Metz about its self-titled, full-length debut, and the balance of feedback and song structure. The band also performs songs from the new record including 'Headache' and 'Dirty Shirt,' live in WFUV's Studio A.

Christian Wargo is one of those artists that's just too creative to be contained by one band. Joining his Fleet Foxes and Crystal Skulls bandmate, Casey Wescott, and brothers Ian and Peter Murray, he founded the group Poor Moon. With a shape-shifting vibe that borrows a shimmering haze from the late '60s (and its name from a Canned Heat song), the band delivers Wargo's songs in a spectrum of moods, and the band delivered live too, in this Studio A session with FUV's Alisa Ali.

From FUV's Darren DeVivo: 'Richard Thompson has a brand new album out called 'Electric,' which was produced by Buddy Miller and recorded in Nashville in Buddy’s home recording studio. Richard is a triple threat. He’s a brilliant songwriter, an outstanding guitarist (and one of the most underrated) and a great singer. All three of those skills were very apparent when Richard made his recent return visit to WFUV.'

Portland, Oregonians are pretty lucky to have Sallie Ford and The Sound Outside as a hometown band. The quartet dedicates itself to blending the best elements of rock, roots, swing and country, with a bluesy swagger and a gospel sense of testimony. Powered by Sallie's singular voice and attitude, the band's sophomore album 'Untamed Beast' is out today, and Sallie and the guys performed songs from it, live at FUV, in a visit with host Alisa Ali.

For 30 years (with a few breaks), the guys of Camper Van Beethoven have blended punk and ska with sounds of world music and even folk. Not exactly prolific after disbanding in the '90s, Camper has nonetheless delivered some great albums since then, the most recent of which is 'La Costa Perdida.' Catch their California vibe in conversation and live tunes, in a Studio A session with host Darren DeVivo.

The Alternate Side's Alisa Ali talks with the Portland band Menomena about its latest album, 'Moms.'  The band also performs songs from the new record, including 'Plumage' and 'Capsule,' live in WFUV's Studio A.

The Scottish-born singer Angela McCluskey has a gorgeous, distinctive sound—and she's no wallflower either. Although she often has a hand in several projects at a time, Angela's latest is a solo release called 'Lambeth Palace.' Her singular voice and vibrant personality is front and center on the album, just as it was in her latest visit to Studio A with FUV's Rita Houston.

The bitter split between New Order and its founding bassist, Peter Hook, could have put an end to the legendary Manchester band, but Bernard Sumner had other ideas. Over the last year, New Order (without Hook) has toured worldwide and Sumner says new music might be next. Recently he discussed New Order's history and resurrection, his friend Ian Curtis, and much more, with FUV's Kara Manning.

Matt Costa put out 3 terrific albums before finally naming one after himself, but this unassuming singer-songwriter from Southern California really just lets the music speak for itself.  To make his new record, he left Orange County for the ancient lures of Scotland, and he also made the trip to City Winery for an FUV Live show full of new tunes and a chat with host Darren DeVivo.

Doctor by day and bandleader by night, Rupa Marya has put together quite a life. With her band of enlightened nomads, she's traveled the world and gained a perspective that's as infectious as her music. Rupa and The April Fishes' third album, 'Build,' has a political thrust backed by a heady blend of raga, rockabilly and more - which they came by to share live at FUV with host Alisa Ali.

The Alternate Side's Kara Manning talks with Jack Tatum about his band Wild Nothing and their latest album, 'Nocturne.' The band also performs songs from the new album live in WFUV's Studio A, including 'Only Heather' and the title track, 'Nocturne.'

The members of Kopecky Family Band aren't actually a family, but they've built a musical idea with a deep sense of kindred spirit. Based in Nashville, this lively sextet recently delivered its full-length debut album, 'Kids Raising Kids,' and on a visit to FUV with host Alisa Ali, they proved that family isn't just where you come from, it's what you build.