Anders Osborne on Morning Sessions

When you first hear the name Anders Osborne, it probably doesn't conjure images of the New Orleans music scene. But when you tune in at 9 a.m. Friday for Osborne's searing live set on Morning Sessions, it becomes clear that the Grammy award-winning songwriter and blues guitarist has become an ambassador of his adopted city. In fact, he's recently joined other Crescent City artists like Dr. John and Trombone Shorty on David Simon's HBO series, Treme, portraying the Dutch busker "Sonny."

Osborne moved from Sweden to New Orleans as a teen, embracing an artist's life and surviving the hardships of modern life in Louisiana. Years of alcohol and drug abuse led him to a crossroads that he’s mapped out in detail on the scorching new single, "On the Road to Charlie Parker." It hints of a man and a city being put back together again--and the promise of a new life waiting at home.

"Charlie Parker" is a standout track is off his new album, American Patchwork, a love letter to America and its music. "I think it's a patching together of my life, New Orleans after Katrina, my personal problems and working to become a better person," he says. "Even though I was born somewhere else, it means a lot to me to be a part of this nation . . . . It's a beautiful feeling to feel genuinely at home somewhere."

Don't miss Anders' interview and performance Friday morning!

Anders Osborne, Honey Island Swamp Band and The Bridge's Cris Jacobs perform at The 8 x 10 on Friday night.

First Thursday Concert with Joshua James and Paul Masson

Kick off the Fourth of July weekend by joining thousands of music lovers for the next installment in WTMD's free First Thursday Concert Series at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 1st, in West Mt. Vernon Park.

Joshua James is a rising star on the Americana scene. His 2009 album, Build Me This, landed on numerous year-end, best-of lists on the strength of standout tracks like "Coal War" and "Magazine." James has developed a captivating live show while touring with artists such as John Mayer, David Gray and Ani Difranco, and he's coming to perform for you on July 1st.

Baltimore's own Paul Masson kicks off the show at 5:30 p.m. The singer-songwriter has spent much of 2010 on the road, making a name for himself throughout the northeast. His vocal stylings and intensity have garnered comparisons to Ray LaMontagne. And his songwriting harkens back to the era of Neil Young's Harvest.

Masson shared the bill with Joshua James during a memorable show at the 8 x 10 in October 2009.

Joshua James - "Weeds" from Townhall on Vimeo.

Ernie Fowler Trio on Baltimore Unsigned

Ernie Fowler Trio brings their sweet three-part harmonies to Baltimore Unsigned at 8 p.m. Tuesday. The band performs selections from the Life Lessons Learned EP, the latest chapter in Fowler's songwriting. 

"This is the trio's first EP, but I've made a bunch of CDs by myself," he says. "It's crazy to hear how these songs have morphed over the years. This trio is the best representation of the music to date."

The songs also embrace elements of some of the best the 90's had to offer. "Toad the Wet Sprocket was one of my favorites," says vocalist and guitarist Mike Prout. "If you listened on headphones, you could hear all these crazy harrnonies in the background. It thickens up the music."


Ernie Fowler Trio hosts a CD Release Party with Nelly's Echo at the 8 x 10 on Friday, June 18.

ALO--and Jenny O'Grady--on Morning Sessions

Tune into Morning Sessions at 9 a.m. Friday as WTMD listener Jenny O'Grady interviews Animal Liberation Orchestra backstage at the 8 x 10. (She won the right to kick Erik out of the host chair during last year's Holiday Helper Auction.)

The band's latest album, Man of the World, was produced by longtime friend, collaborator and Brushfire Records label owner Jack Johnson, who essentially became the fifth member of the band. ALO spent two weeks recording live in Johnson's home studio in Oahu, Hawaii. Johnson's approach to recording was a radical departure for the band, who were used to building a song from the ground up.

Although Johnson is known for his laid-back lifestyle, he was all business in the studio. "He was a musical mediator," said drummer Dave Brogan.

"He kept us on our best behavior," adds guitarist Dan Lebowitz. "We only went to the beach a couple times."

You can hear Johnson's influence on the final product. Man of the World is extremely accessible, balancing pop hooks with their jam-band roots.

ALO and Jack Johnson perform at Merriweather Post Pavilion on July 17.

Colin Gowel's Superior Solo Debut

A couple months ago, afternoon host John Mathews received a copy of Colin Gawel's  EP Superior. The title track chronicles a dissolved marriage by the greatest of the Great Lakes, where the characters "break their hearts by its cool, cool waters."

After fronting the Ohio-based band Watershed for two decades (and owning and managing a coffee shop in Columbus), Gawel is launching a solo career with his EP.

John played the song twice in his office and then decided to feature it on the air during his next shift. Listener response, by phone and email, was immediate and ecstatic. And John had the opportunity to share that feedback directly with Colin.

Colin stops by WTMD at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 2nd, for an in-studio performance and conversation with John.
Colin Gawel performs tonight at the 8 x 10.