Jan 7th, 2009 · On tour with a full band, Woven Hand's David Eugene Edwards went solo at Bob Boilen's desk with his mandolin-banjo hybrid, a unique instrument made in 1897 by the Pullman Palace Car Company. He performs his fiery Americana, as well as a plaintive take on Bob Dylan's "As I Went Out One Morning."
Dec 16th, 2008 · Now embarking on a solo career, Carrie Rodriguez demonstrates her virtuoso on a slew of instruments, including the mandolin, fiddle, tenor guitar and now her voice. She performs material from She Ain't Me in a session from WXPN.
Sep 15th, 2008 · The hypnotic Canadian rock trio Land of Talk is about to release its debut full-length CD; we've got a sneak preview. For some, the first recordings of Creedence Clearwater Revival were flat, but newly-mixed versions of the albums let fans hear the band's music in rich fidelity. Hear "Born On A Bayou," from the reissued Bayou Country. Jesus H Christ and the Four Hornsmen of the Apocalypse make music that's irreverent to some, but hilarious to others. The band's new CD is Happier Than You. Also on the show: new music from Jesse Sykes, Ray LaMontagne and the remarkable mandolin playing of India's U. Shrinivas.
Aug 7th, 2008 · The celebrated West Virginia-based pickers have individually won multiple awards for their work with their respective instruments. As a unit, they've recorded several albums together. They break out their mandolin and guitar for a duo performance.
Jul 21st, 2008 · Founded by mandolin virtuoso and Nickel Creek alumnus Chris Thile, the band plays traditional bluegrass instruments while immersed in progressive compositional ideas. Hear Punch Brothers show off selections from a new suite on Mountain Stage.
Jul 3rd, 2008 · Texan Ryan Bingham embraces his country roots by telling vivid, lyrical stories supported by harmonica, simplistic guitar riffs, and mandolin. The 26 year-old crooner stops by the World Cafe with host David Dye to discuss his work.
Feb 29th, 2008 · Mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile has long been at the vanguard of progressive bluegrass music. But his new work is his most ambitious yet: Part chamber music, part song cycle, "The Blind Leaving the Blind" is a four-movement, 40-minute suite for bluegrass instruments.
Feb 25th, 2007 · Al Viola, who Frank Sinatra called "one of the world's great guitarists," died this past week of cancer at age 87. Viola played the mandolin on The Godfather soundtrack.