Photo: Gary Miller/FilmMagic

Dave Grohl gave an inspiring and insightful Keynote Speech at last week’s SXSW [link]

Cursive and The Good Life frontman Tim Kasher came to Folkadelphia in his solo acoustic capacity for this week’s live session [link]

Mondays’ My Morning Download featured L.A. five piece The Lonely Wild and their track “Everything You Need” [link]

Florida / NYC duo The Saint Johns were highlighted for XPN’s Gotta Hear Song of the Week with their song “Your Head and Your Heart” [link]

Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five and Guster announced a date at The Mann for July 18th [link]

Purling Hiss are the focus of Unlocked this week; their major label debut Water On Mars was released on Tuesday through Drag City [link]

Philly bands Vacationer, Grandchildren, Lantern and more invaded Austin for SXSW with an impressive showing of hard work and talent [link]

Appel Farm announced a line-up for the June 1st festival that includes Brandi Carlile, Low Cut Connie and Delta Rae [link]

The Philly Drum Project will celebrate its first anniversary at World Cafe Live on April 23rd [link]

Get an exclusive listen of Amos Lee covering “Some Days Are Diamonds” from The Music Is You: A Tribute to John Denver [link]

Slingshot Dakota‘s positive, upbeat pop / punk songs shine in this week’s Key Session [link]

Below, listen to My Morning Jacket cover the classic “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” watch the trailer for the album featuring interviews with Brandi Carlile and Kathleen Edwards and watch the video of Denver singing the original version of the song, which was the title to his 1981 release.

Track Listing
“Leaving on a Jet Plane” by My Morning Jacket
“Take Me To Tomorrow” by Dave Matthews
“All of My Memories” by Kathleen Edwards
“Prisoners” by J Mascis and Sharon Van Etten
“Sunshine On My Shoulders” by Train
“Back Home Again” by Old Crow Medicine Show
“This Old Guitar” by Lucinda Williams
“Some Days are Diamonds” by Amos Lee
“Rocky Mountain High” by Allen Stone
“Annie’s Song” by Brett Dennen and Milow
“Looking For Space” by Evan Dando
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by Brandi Carlile and Emmylou Harris
“The Eagle and The Hawk” by Blind Pilot
“I Guess He’d Rather Be In Colorado” by Mary Chapin Carpenter
“Darcy Farrow” by Josh Ritter and Barnstar!
“Wooden Indian” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Pre-order the album here.

“Take Me To Tomorrow” by Dave Matthews
“Leaving, on a Jet Plane” by My Morning Jacket
“Sunshine On My Shoulders” by Train
“Wooden Indian” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
“Some Days are Diamonds” by Amos Lee
(Song selection TBA) by Lucinda Williams
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by Brandi Carlile
“Back Home Again” by Old Crow Medicine Show
“Darcy Farrow” by Josh Ritter and Barnstar
“All of My Memories” by Kathleen Edwards
“Prisoners” by J Mascis and Sharon Van Etten
“Annie’s Song” by Brett Dennen and Milow
“Looking For Space” by Evan Dando
“Eagle and the Hawk” by Blind Pilot
“I Guess He’d Rather Be In Colorado” by Mary Chapin Carpenter

Powerhouse Philly singer Ali Wadsworth just released two rocking new songs from her forthcoming full-length solo album, just in time for her free show at City Hall tomorrow. The songs feature Tim Arnold of Good Old War on drums, Jaron Olevsky of Amos Lee on piano/organ, Toy Solders’ Dominic Billett on congas and percussion, as well as fellow local musicians Phil D’Agostino on bass, and Dan Schwartz and Joe Bisirri on guitar. Below, listen to Wadsworth’s new tracks and, if you like what you hear, make sure to RSVP for her City Hall Presents performance tomorrow night. The show runs from 5:30PM to 6:30PM at the Mayor’s Reception Room (City Hall, Room 202). RSVP ahead here, as seating is limited.

Amos Lee was recently featured in concert on the Live From The Artists Den series. The concert was held at the Fox Theatre in Tucson and featured special guests Calexico. Amos recently released an EP called As The Crow Flies, a collection of previously unreleased material from Mission Bell recording sessions. Watch the concert below.

1. Amos Lee, Mission Bell (Blue Note Records)

2. Matt Duke, One Day Die (Rykodisc) Listen to Matt Duke’s Key Studio Session

3. Hoots And Hellmouth, Salt (self-released)

4. Andrew Lipke, The Plague (self-released) Listen to Andrew Lipke’s Key Studio Session

5. Dana Alexandra, Wash Your Mouth Out (self-released)

Photo by Doug Seymour

This just in from Amos Lee‘s people:

Blue Note recording artist Amos Lee will release a six-song collection of previously unheard songs as a CD, digital, and 10”-vinyl EP, entitled As The Crow Flies, on February 14th, 2012. The songs were recorded during the sessions for Lee’s critically acclaimed album Mission Bell, which was produced by Calexico frontman and multi-instrumentalist Joey Burns. The tracks on As The Crow Flies are also produced by Burns and feature musical backing by Burns and Calexico drummer John Convertino.

Mission Bell debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums and Billboard Rock Albums charts when it was released in January 2011, earning the Philadelphia-born singer-songwriter the highest chart position and best sales week of his career. Earning critical raves from scores of media outlets, the album also spawned the Triple A radio hit “Windows Are Rolled Down,” which gave Lee his first-ever No. 1 single.

You can check out our extensive coverage of Amos Lee (including his performance at the World Cafe 20th Anniversary Concert) here.

Photo by Doug Seymour

You can listen to Amos Lee’s performance in its entirety here.

Photo by Doug Seymour

You can listen to the entire performance here via WXPN’s media player.

Indigo Girls

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28th
John Hiatt + Indigo Girls, The Little Willies at World Cafe Live (6 p.m., $95–$190)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29th
It has been four years since Feist won our hearts with her Apple-approved, quirky tunes on her breakthrough album, The Reminder. Though her recently released follow up, Metals, still features the Canadian singer’s watery vocals and emphasis on guitar strumming, her latest album offers a more serious tone than the poppy cheer of songs like “1 2 3 4” and “I Feel It All.” Instead, Metals delves into more musical explosions that turn on the listener amidst the artist’s expected soft guitar picking. Tracks like “Comfort Me” introduce sudden chorus chanting after two minutes of quiet singing, while the aptly titled “A Commotion” features a fast-paced battle between strings and piano with the sudden shout of the song’s title by an angry-sounding group of men. Though much of Feist’s new material has a heavier flavor—both in lyrical content and through instrumental diversity—you can still bet she’d be able to sell a whole other batch iPod Nanos with her radio-friendly charm. Feist performs with Dawes, Lucinda Williams, and a surprise guest at World Cafe Live; tickets to the all-ages show are $100-$200. —Marielle Mondon

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30th
Campaign For The Music Party with Amos Lee + Rhett Miller, Susan Tedeschi, and Derek Trucks at World Cafe Live ($500 or larger donation to WXPN’s Campaign For The Music)

Just the other day, WXPN favorite Amos Lee announced that a November 5th show at Philadelphia’s Academy Of Music had been added to his upcoming U.S. tour. As The Swollen Fox mentioned, a fan pre-sale went up at 10 a.m. yesterday morning via AmosLee.com; however, all of those tickets are already sold out, according to the site. Tickets will become available to the general public through the Kimmel Center’s website this Friday at noon.

In the meantime, you can check out this video of Lee’s great cover of Neil Young’s “Are You Ready For The Country,” which he performed at this year’s Jazz Fest New Orleans.

Via NPR Music:

Neo-soul singer-songwriter Amos Lee makes his third visit to Mountain Stage to play songs from his new album Mission Bell before an enthusiastic sold-out audience in Charleston, W. Va. Influenced by 70′s soul of Bill Withers and folk singers like James Taylor, Lee eventually left his job an elementary school teacher to peruse songwriting full-time. After a series of high-profile opening performances for Norah Jones, Lee released his self-titled debut album on Blue Note in 2005, which was produced by Jones’ bassist Lee Alexander. For Mission Bell, which features cameos by Lucinda Williams and Willie Nelson, Amos Lee enlisted the help of Calexico’s Joey Burns to produce.

With a seven-piece band that includes longtime drummer Fred Berman, keyboard player Jaron Olevsky, electric guitarist Zach Djanikian, pedail steel, banjo and electric guitar by Andy Keenan, bassist Vicente Archer and backing vocals by Mutlu Onaral and Alecia Chakour, Lee showcases his unmistakable voice and penchant for a groove.

Left: Kuf Knotz and his cousins (courtesy of the family). Right: Kuf with his mother, Sylvia Thornton (photo by Helen Leicht)

In honor of Mother’s Day, XPN Middays host Helen Leicht has launched a five-part series called “M.O.M.s: Mothers On Musicians.” Helen spoke with the mothers of local musicians, including Amos Lee, Kuf Knotz, Mutlu, Brian Kenneth Anderson (of Fooling April) and Matt Duke. The first interview is with Sylvia Thornton, Kuf Knotz’s mom; you can listen to it here (and watch the video below). New interviews will be posted on The Key each Wednesday (after they have aired on XPN Local With Helen Leicht on Tuesday night).

Friday, June 24
Dave Matthews Band, Ray LaMontagne, The Flaming Lips, G. Love And Special Sauce, Lotus, Rebelution, The Head And The Heart, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Delta Spirit, Mariachi El Bronx, TR3, Jeff Coffin Mu’tet, David Ryan Harris

Saturday, June 25
Dave Matthews Band, O.A.R., Damian Marley, Thievery Corporation, Warren Haynes Band, Guster, Lisa Hannigan, Punch Brothers, From Good Homes, The Budos Band, Vusi Mahlasela, Bobby Long, Tangiers Blues Band, plus a special performance by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds

Sunday, June 26
Dave Matthews Band, David Gray, Bassnectar, Amos Lee, Dr. Dog, Michael Franti And Spearhead, Grace Potter And The Nocturnals, Fitz And The Tantrums, Big Gigantic, Dawes, Alberta Cross, Sarah White, Ilo Ferreira, plus a special performance by Carter Beauford

Also playing: Morning Teleportation + Nico’s Gun, Faux Slang at Johnny Brenda’s (9 p.m., 21+, $10)

WXPN Musicians On Call is a non-profit initiative that brings musicians to local hospitals to perform at patients’ bedsides. Since 2004, the program has touched the lives of more than 30,000 patients and their families in healthcare facilities throughout the Philadelphia region. The program includes 135 volunteer musicians and 38 volunteer guides who have regularly participated in the program by providing weekly performances for patients at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, the Hospital Of The University Of Pennsylvania, Our Lady Of Lourdes Medical Center, and the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. In addition to live music, the program also provides local hospitals with CD Pharmacies featuring a CD listening library and CD players for patients’ use. This past January, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children was added to the participating hospitals, bringing the total to six.

In addition to bedside visits, another element of the Musicians On Call program is an initiative called Project Playback. Local musician Scot Sax—who will perform on Sunday night—has been working with a group of long-term residents at the Philadelphia Veterans Medical Center to write and produce a song that will be recorded for a CD. WXPN’s Helen Leicht, who has attended some of these sessions says “What Scot is doing is very moving and emotional to watch. He’s working with folks who have dedicated their lives to our country and are missing limbs, vision, and in many cases their ability to communicate and mentally function. But when Scot starts a song, you see these patients start to react and move to the music. You can really see and feel the emotional connection and impact of how music can touch people through Project Playback.”

Click to watch the video of Amos Lee, Mutlu, and Adrian Reju talking about the Musicians On Call program

The 7th Annual Musicians On Call Benefit Concert featuring Josh Ritter, Lizanne Knott, Suzie Brown, Scot Sax, and Kuf Knotz begins at 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live; tickets to the all-ages show are $25. Proceeds benefit WXPN Musicians On Call.

An elementary school teacher turned musician, Philadelphia’s Amos Lee takes his inspiration from the soul and folk artists of the ’70s, including John Prine, Neil Young, James Taylor and Bill Withers.

Last Days at the Lodge came out in 2008, and reception for its alt-folk sound was enthusiastic. Lee took the feedback and brought together a standout list of people and music for his newest album, Mission Bell, released this week. The album features Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams, Priscilla Ahn, Pieta Brown and Calexico as guests.

Oh yeah, Bonnaroo! That four-day camping-and-music festival that you’d, like, totally go to—if only it wasn’t in Tennessee, it didn’t cost $224 (plus fees) for a full pass, you couldn’t see most of the bands at your own leisurely pace whenever they come through town, and you weren’t too busy talking about why you weren’t going to Coachella and All Tomorrow’s Parties. Well, now you can add Philadelphia’s own Amos Lee, Man Man, and Chiddy Bang to the list of performing acts you’d check out if you had any inclination whatsoever to go to Bonnaroo—which you don’t.

As you’re probably already aware, “The 2011 event marks the 10th year for the legendary festival, which began in 2002 as a remarkable idea to serve a passionate yet underappreciated and overlooked fanbase, and ended up becoming the premier multi-day concert destination of the summer whose dynamic and eclectic programming paved the way for the age of the great American music festival.” At least, that’s what the press release says. But when you’ve got the words “legendary,” “remarkable,” “premier,” “dynamic,” and “eclectic” all in the same sentence, you know it has to be something truly special.

Even better, “This years lineup is yet another fine example of the incomparable eclecticism for which Bonnaroo has become famous.” (Wait a minute, didn’t they already kind of use the word “eclectic”? Oh well.) The eclectic mix of incomparable acts includes Arcade Fire, Mumford And Sons, The Black Keys, The Strokes, Best Coast, Gogol Bordello, Scissor Sisters, Robyn, Ratatat, Sleigh Bells, !!!, Cold War Kids, Freelance Whales, Twin Shadow, Neon Kids, and more. Comparatively speaking, you simply can’t compare that list of bands to anything—unless you’re comparing it to Coachella’s lineup, in which case all of those bands are playing both festivals.

Photo by ellsbells

Just yesterday, we were congratulating Philly’s own Amos Lee—whose latest LP, Mission Bell, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. (As his label, Blue Note Records, mentioned in a press release, Mission Bell “earn[ed] the Philadelphia-born singer-songwriter the highest chart position and best sales week of his career.”) Coincidentally, it was only a couple of weeks ago that we chortled a bit while posting a link to an article with the headline “Cake’s chart-topping album represents new bottom for the record industry.” (“Haha, look at Cake, with his paltry 44,000 copies of Showroom Of Compassion sold,” we thought at the time.)

Well, not to burst anyone’s bubble, but—as The New York Times has pointed out—Amos officially broke Cake’s record, having sold only 40,478 copies of Mission Bell in its first week (according to Nielsen Soundscan). The good news? Amos Lee is STILL NUMBER ONE! The bad news is that he’s number one on the list of worst-selling Billboard Top 200 albums since the industry started keeping track of that kind of thing 20 years ago.

You know what? We’re just going to chalk this one up to the ever-declining state of the record industry. And we sincerely doubt Amos is going lose any sleep over selling more than 40,000 copies (and counting) of his new album. As the folks over at The Swollen Fox noted, “Mission Bell is his first #1 album and shows a tremendous jump from the 16,000 copies and #29 ranking from his previous effort, Last Days At The Lodge. I also doubt that the record will be held by Lee for too long, as record sales continue to plummet week-by-week.”

Enjoying the view from the top of the world

Finally, the rest of the world has acknowledged what fans of the Philly-based singer-songwriter have been posting in online forums and comments sections since well before his latest album dropped on January 25th: “AMOS LEE IS 1000% AWESOME!,” “HE WRITES AMAZING, INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC!,” and “OMG I <3 AMOS, LOLZ!!!” Or something to that effect.

Here it is, folks: sweet, sweet vindication, straight from Blue Note Records‘ press release:

Mission Bell, the fourth album from Blue Note recording artist Amos Lee, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart this week, earning the Philadelphia-born singer-songwriter the highest chart position and best sales week of his career.

Amos Lee’s Mission Bell first-week total sales of 40,478 represent a personal high for Lee, whose previous high through three albums was 16k.

Mission Bell also debuted at No. 1 on the Digital Albums and No. 2 on the Internet chart after topping both the iTunes and Amazon Top-Selling Albums charts at various points during the past week.

Video via

The stream will be available until the album’s official release date, which is one week from today.