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.

The Bridge's Kenny Liner on Stuck in the Jam

Tonight at 9 p.m. on Stuck in the Jam, Bug hands over the reins to The Bridge co-founder Kenny Liner. The Bridge have become have developed quite a reputation on the jam band scene with a relentless touring schedule that includes stops at this year's Bonnaroo and All Good Festivals.

Liner's mandolin adds touches of bluegrass and Americana to the band's fusion of classic and Southern rock. Tonight he features tracks from a variety of influences, including Townes Van Zandt, My Morning Jacket, The Avett Brothers and Larry Williams.

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.

John Mancini Band on Baltimore Unsigned

As we count down to First Thursday, we're looking back at John Mancini Band's recent visit to Baltimore Unsigned. The band performed selections from their 2009 debut, JMB.

After the album release, Mancini received an honorable mention in last year's Billboard World Song Contest for his track "Buried Alive." And last month the band beat out 250 artists to become New Groove winners on Jambands.com. It's the latest chapter in a journey that started a decade ago and miles away from Baltimore.

“I’ve been writing songs for about ten years and bouncing physically all over the place, from state to state, trying out living in different areas," Mancini says. "I really started getting into songwriting in Colorado, just sort of living the camping life and writing songs, you know, out in the woods and stuff like that. Just strumming and playing with different people and different players.”

Check out the result of all those years of playing at 8 p.m. Tuesday. And don't miss the John Mancini Band when they kick off First Thursday at 5:30 p.m. June 3rd in West Mt. Vernon Park.

Sister Act CD of the Week: Court Yard Hounds

As The Dixie Chicks enter the third year of an indefinite hiatus, sisters Emily Robinson and Martie Maguire set out on their own as Court Yard Hounds.

Robison and Maguire grew up playing music together and their voices mesh beautifully on the self-titled debut, featuring standout tracks like "See You in the Spring" and "The Coast."

The duo takes the material on the road this summer with a series of dates on the revived Lilith Fair, including a TBA August 3rd stop in or around Washington, D.C. Or is that just national booking code for a date at Merriweather?

Julian Velard Does It Alone

First Thursday alum Julian Velard returns to WTMD for a special in-studio performance on Morning Sessions at 9 a.m. Friday.  

Velard's piano pop single "Do It Alone" celebrates the freedom of getting out of a failed romance. But it can also be read as his musical mantra.

"If I were to describe my music to anybody, it's kind of like a birthday party for one," he says. "I'm like that sad kid in the corner with his birthday hat and his cake; he's having a good time, but he's lonely!"

Last year Velard ducked out of the major label party early, leaving EMI without releasing an album. His independent "major label" debut, The Planeteer, arrived a few months later on his own terms.

The album's self-effacing piano pop garnered a CD of the Week feature earlier this year--and proved that Velard can certainly do it alone. Brass sections add a bit of showy flair to some tracks. And a a toe-tapping rhythm invokes the pizzazz of contemporaries, such as Jamie Cullum or Harry Connick Jr., while adding a New York state of mind. 


Julian Velard opens for Marc Broussard at Rams Head Tavern on June 16 and 17.

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.

Did Hold Steady Rip Off Mother Teresa?

Witness lyricist/singer Craig Finn and guitarist Tad Kubler of The Hold Steady get queried over the origins of the new album title, Heaven is Whenever. And after Stephen Colbert questions Finn's Catholic credentials, enjoy one of the funniest quotes you'll hear this side of Betty White's baking skit on SNL!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Hold Steady
http://www.colbertnation.com/
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Backyard Tire Fire Help Blow Out 7 Candles

Thanks to Backyard Tire Fire for helping WTMD celebrate birthday numero seven! The Illinois band rocked heavily with infectious tunes from their latest, Good to Be .

You can see why their crunchy, homespun tales play so well in Chicago and throughout the Midwest, as they did in Towson Saturday night. Thanks again guys!

And thanks also to Sandy Asirvatham and Nelson Emokpae for warming things up on the Recher Patio (even though it was a tad bit chilly outside) and to Caleb Stine continuing to support TMD!

Check out this video of Backyard Tire from the big night!



And most importantly, thanks to everyone who came out for the party! First Thursday is coming soon. Tyler will have the band lineup at noon today!

The Bridge Rock TMD's Lucky Seventh!

A million heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out to the Recher Saturday night to celebrate seven years of WTMD!

WTMD couldn't have come this far without your love of this one-of-a-kind music and support of the station's mission.

I really want to send out a special thank-you to The Bridge, for putting on a show, I know I'll never forget. (photo by Rich Barnstein)

It's no wonder they're now working with Steve Berlin! Like Los Lobos, The Bridge fire on all cylinders live, and there's really nothing like experiencing a band that you just KNOW is on the verge of something big. You can just feel the chemistry between Cris, Kenny, Dave, Patrick, Mike, and Mark when they play. And while there were plenty of improvisational moments Saturday night, the songs were performed flawlessly. Can't wait to hear more of that new tune, "Colorado Motel." And talk about a dream-jam, with the Bridge and Caleb Stine performing Paul Simon's "Gumboots?" Sweet soul music, guys. Thanks!

Good news! If you missed it, you can still catch it here. Enjoy!

Beach House Gets Kids' Chorus Treatment

They're baaaa-ack! The indie rock-covering kid's chorus from PS 22 in Staten Island, New York wasted no time learning this dreamy song from Victoria Legrand and Alex Scalley.

These talented and expressive children previously covered "Litzstomania" by Phoenix and appeared on Passion Pit's latest. Millions have viewed their videos.

Check out another wish-you-had-a-music-teacher-like this moment with this super version of this Beach House's "Zebra!"

According to Spinner, Legrand wrote on Beach Houses's Facebook and Twitter page, "This is one of the best things ever to happen to us!"

A Trucker's Deep Fried Home Remedy

Who knew that fried chicken had healing qualities for a bass guitar?





Shonna Tucker and her Drive-By Truckers bandmates play a sold out show at the Recher Wednesday night. DBT's new one The Big To-Do rocks with Southern storytelling at its novel best! Big highlights include Patterson Hood's courtroom drama, ala City Confidential, "The Wig He Made Her Wear, " and Mike Cooley's character study "Birthday Boy." Shonna steps up her songwriting and singing, sounding like a 70's-era Emmylou on "You Got Another." Cooley will join me for Morning Sessions next Friday.

New Scissor Sisters Album Announced!

And an advance track!
click here!

Important News About the Senator Theatre

Today I would like to share with you an announcement about our proposal to occupy and operate the Senator Theatre. It comes from Towson University's Vice President of Finance and Administration, James Sheehan:

"As many of you know, WTMD and Towson University responded to the Baltimore Development Corporation’s call for proposals to acquire and restore the Historic Senator Theatre in Belvedere Square.

Due to the continuing economic pressures faced by the State of Maryland and thus Towson, we have determined that it is best not to take on this complex new venture. With the added uncertainty of the economic climate that we will face the remainder of this year, we must concentrate on the needs of our students at this time.

We were pleased to be considered among the BDC's finalists and are bolstered by the outpouring of support from the community and the WTMD listeners. The enthusiasm for WTMD's proposal only reinforced what we have always known; WTMD radio is a treasured and valuable asset. We appreciate your continued support as we forge ahead with our search for the most viable option and best possible venue for WTMD."

I know this news about the Senator comes as a surprise to many of you. I want you to know that WTMD and everyone at Towson University fully believes in the station's mission, music and the need to find a new home for the station.

For now, we will focus on increasing WTMD's value in the community and we look forward to seeing you at WTMD's 7th Birthday Party and at First Thursdays Concerts in the Park.

Steve Yasko
General Manager, WTMD

Was Sinead's Challenge Prophetic?

Sinead O'Connor's infamous ripping of a papal photo during a 1992 re-worked version of Marley's "War" on Saturday Night Live, left many aghast to say the least.

But, despite seemingly near unanimous condemnation of the Irish singer's challenging, and some say, blasphemous performance, her graphic confrontation of the Catholic Church for the alleged sexual abuse of children, may be getting a little revisionist history.

O'Connor re-visited that incident and explained her relationship with the Catholic Church in a Washington Post editorial that appeared yesterday.

Whatever your feelings were then and now, there's no denying that Sinead O'Connor is an artist who challenges conventional thoughts and even taboos.

Here's my favorite from Sinead, "Black Boys on Mopeds."