Tift Merritt Returns to WTMD

Singer-songwriter Tift Merritt stopped by WTMD this afternoon during our summer fund drive. In addition to recording a full performance for Morning Sessions--which we'll air at 9 a.m. Friday, June 25--she treated our staff, volunteers and listeners to a live performance of "Mixtape," a standout single from her new album See You On The Moon. (View more photos, courtesy of volunteer Cindi Jansohn, on our Facebook page.)

Tift is an incredible artist and her new work is in the good hands of Tucker Matine, whom we last heard playing and producing Laura Veirs' July Flame.

Tift's relationship to WTMD dates back to her amazing set during our 5th Birthday Party. We're thrilled to have Tift back at WTMD--and we can't wait to share the complete performance next week.

If you value this type of programming on WTMD, pledge your support by calling 410-704-8970 or making a secure online donation. 

Honey Island Swamp Band's Mix Tape

Although environmental disasters may pummel the Gulf Coast, they can never eclipse the joyous music of New Orleans.

Honey Island Swamp Band formed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina when veteran New Orleans musicians Chris Mule and Aaron Wilkinson found themselves displaced in San Francisco.

Now based back in the Crescent City, the band is touring in support of its new album Good To You. Mule and Wilkinson stopped by the studio to showcase some of their favorite songs and celebrate the resilient spirit of their hometown.

The mixtape incorporates many aspects of New Orleans' musical fabric, featuring songs from Dr. John, Lee Dorsey, and Taj Mahal. They also play Earl King's "Let The Good Times Roll," which Mule says, "sums up what New Orleans music is all about."

The New Orleans sprit even extends across the pond. Mule and Wilkinson wrap things up with a block of classic British rock n' roll, with songs from George Harrison, The Faces and the Rolling Stones.

"You can't have a show about rock n' roll without the Rolling Stones," Mule says before previewing “All Down the Line,” a track from the recently re-released Exile on Main Street. "If you are in a car while this is on, try not to speed."

Check out The Honey Island Swamp Band's mix tape tonight at 8 p.m.

Honey Island Swamp Band performs at the Federal Hill Jazz and Blues Festival on Sunday, June 6.