World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN

Indie-folk trio Daughter join host David Dye on World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. The three met at London's Institute of Contemporary Music Performance and recently released their full-length debut, "If You Leave," centered on the writing and vocals of Elena Tonra. Daughter showcase live songs, and they'll discuss the quick success they've found in TV and film soundtracks.

On this episode of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye welcomes Donald Fagen of Steely Dan. He's written a new memoir called Eminent Hipsters. In this wide-ranging interview, Fagen discusses jazz radio, science fiction, and how he met Steely Dan co-founder, Walter Becker.

One of America's greatest songwriters, Jimmy Webb, visits host David Dye on this episode of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Glen Campbell, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, and R.E.M. are among the artists who have covered his songs, which include chart-topping hits of the '60s like "Up, Up and Away" and "Wichita Lineman." Webb is at the piano today to talk songwriting and perform his own music from the new record, Still Within the Sound of My Voice.

David Dye hosts an extended interview with Graham Nash on this episode of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. The Crosby, Stills & Nash musician shares amazing stories today, many of which are chronicled in his new memoir, Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll Life. Nash talks about growing up in Manchester England, his work with The Hollies, and the first time he harmonized with David Crosby and Stephen Stills.

On this episode of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, host David Dye is joined by Brendan Canning. With his collective, Broken Social Scene, now on hiatus, the Canadian singer-songwriter has released a new solo album, called You Gots 2 Chill. He showcases some of the laid-back folk songs in a one-of-a-kind performance today, and Canning talks about the changing physical and cultural landscape of his Toronto hometown.

David Dye welcomes Basia Bulat on this episode of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. A songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, she plays the autoharp and charango among others in this fantastic live set drawn from her new album, Tall Tall Shadow. Plus, the Toronto native shares insights about the arts in her hometown and Bulat will discuss her approach to the new record.

Host David Dye welcomes Mayer Hawthorne on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. The Detroit native's first two retro-soul albums caught on in a big way, and now he moves toward a more eclectic '70s and '80s influence with Where Does This Door Go?. Hawthorne showcases his new disc and talks about his impressions of Motor City growing up.

On this episode of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, Shuggie Otis visits host David Dye. The blues and R&B artist has been out of music for almost forty years, ever since the release of his ahead-of-its-time record, Inspiration Information. Now comes a reissue of that disc, along with the brand new Wings of Love. Otis talks about the path that led to the new album and performs live today.

Pet Shop Boys join host David Dye on this episode of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. After thirty years together, the dance-pop duo has released some of their best work yet on the new record, Electric. They'll explain how this upbeat collection came about, and we'll hear some of Pet Shop Boys' live performance from Barcelona's Sonar Music Festival this past June.

French indie rock band, Phoenix, who broke through in 2009 with the enormously successful album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. The disc won a Grammy and included global hits Lisztomania and 1901, which we hear in this live set, along with an in depth interview and some new songs from the follow up record, Bankrupt.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club join host David Dye on this edition of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. Along with a live performance recorded at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, the veteran rockers will explain how frontman Robert Been s late father inspired their new record, Specter at the Feast.

The movie star comedian and stellar musician Steve Martin has lately garnered bluegrass awards for his work with The Steep Canyon Rangers, and most recently teamed up with Edie Brickell, formerly of the New Bohemians. She penned the lyrics to Martins gentle banjo melodies on Love Has Come For You, which the pair showcases live, and we hear how this partnership began.

Michaela Majoun gets a visit from Christopher Owens. He made two albums of 60s influenced pop rock as a member of the San Francisco duo, Girls, and the recently released Lysandre marks Owens solo debut. One of the most fascinating in the Cafes long list of guests, he had an unconventional upbringing in the Children Of God cult. We will hear Owens story, along with a live set of his very personal new songs.

Tom Jones joins host David Dye on this episode of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN. His debut single became a huge hit at the heart of the British Invasion, and "It's Not Unusual" remains his signature song. Now at age 73, Jones has just released his fortieth album, Sprit in the Room, featuring a range of blues and carefully chosen covers. The legendary artist shares stories from his early career and performs live.

Led by drummer Sunny Jain, Brooklyn based collective, Red Baraat, plays a driving blend of North Indian bhangra rhythms, mixed with jazz, funk, and hip hop. Hear a live set from Shruggy Ji, their second and latest album, and Jain will tell the story of how he first developed Red Baraats remarkable sound.