A Musicians Life

When he first emerged in Britain's pub rock scene of the 1970's, Graham Parker was labeled an "angry young man." On this edition of "A Musician's Life" host Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Parker about his early reputation and his latest album "Imaginary Television."

Duncan Sheik broke on to the music scene in the mid-90's with his self-titled debut album. It contained the hit single "Barely Breathing." His subsequent albums didn't fare as well in the marketplace, but Sheik has done pretty well for himself. He's always followed his artistic muse-creating thoughtful albums with lush orchestration. Most recently Sheik won two Tony awards for his work on the Broadway musical "Spring Awakening." On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Sheik shares his ambivalence about performing and discusses his Buddhist faith.

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Exene Cervenka. Exene's poetic lyrics helped put the band X at the forefront of LA punk in the late '70's and '80's. Exene was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis last year, but it hasn't slowed her down. She continues to tour with X and make her own music. Her latest album is called "Somewhere Gone."

Tracey Thorn is best known as one half of the pop-dance duo Everything But The Girl, along with partner Ben Watt. In 1999 the outfit went on hiatus, so Tracey could raise the couple's family. In the past few years Tracey has found time to make her own music again. She's just released a meditation on mid-life called "Love and Its Opposite." Tracey Thorn joins Tracey Tanenbaum on this edition of "A Musician's Life."

Shelby Lynne is a take-charge musician. She began her career as a budding country music star, but she disliked the ways the industry tried to package her. So she reinvented herself as a roots rocker with her celebrated album "I Am Shelby Lynne." Ironically, this sixth album earned the musician a Grammy for "Best New Artist" in 2001. Now, almost ten years later, Shelby Lynne has made a bold move again, forming her own record label. Lynne's latest release is called "Tears, Lies, And Alibis." She joins Tracey Tanenbaum on this edition of "A Musician's Life."

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks to folk-rocker Josh Ritter. Ritter released his first album in 1999 and has worked tirelessly to establish himself as a singer-songwriter. His efforts have paid off. Critics have compared Ritter to the likes of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, but, after releasing his fifth album in 2007 ("The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter"), Ritter felt that he had nothing left to write about. Luckily for us, Josh's dry spell was short-lived. His new album is called "So Runs The World Away."

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Derek Trucks. At nearly 30, Derek Trucks is a veteran slide guitarist and bandleader. He began playing professionally when he was just in his teens. Rolling Stone magazine put him on its list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Times." As you'll hear, Trucks takes those kinds of accolades with a grain of salt. The Derek Trucks Band has a new album out called "Already Free."

On this edition of A Musician's Life, Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Americana musician Allison Moorer. Allison may still be best known as the wife of renegade songwriter Steve Earle and younger sister of alt-country artist Shelby Lynne. But her latest album "Crows" has been getting its share of good notices. "Crows" showcases Allison Moorer's gorgeous voice and her growing maturity as a songwriter.

On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Wendell Holmes of The Holmes Brothers. The trio - - Wendell and Sherman Holmes, and brother-in-spirit Popsy Dixon - - have been crafting a crowd-pleasing blend of gospel, blues, rock, soul and country for more than three decades. In 2008 Wendell Holmes was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He says the illness is behind him now, but it did give rise to the guys' latest album "Feed My Soul."

In the past few years the infectious pop-rock band Dr. Dog has evolved beyond its Philadelphia roots and connected with a national audience. On this edition of "A Musician's Life" Tracey Tanenbaum speaks with Scott McMicken. He and Dr. Dog co-founder Toby Leaman first met in grade school. McMicken was the new kid in town and Leaman was the hell-raiser. McMicken talks about his relationship with Toby, and why he doesn't like to write sad songs. Dr. Dog's new album is called "Shame, Shame."