Live on KEXP

Seattle composer and celebrated jazz musician Ahamefule J. Oluo’s latest work is a musical portrait of his mother, ‘Susan.’ Through the lens of humor and optimism, he shifts the focus from the story of his absent father to a celebration of the laughter and creativity his mother used to pick up the pieces. Leading a talented orchestra, Oluo joins John Gilbreath on KEXP’s Jazz Theater to perform four songs and discuss the trusting audience of Seattle, visiting his ancestral home in Nigeria, and where this project will take him next. Recorded 11/25/2019. Land Called She Anybody Out There Man From Obibi End Of Courtesy Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tijuana’s San Pedro El Cortez is known for their raw and spontaneous live performances, always interpreting and playing with their surroundings. They bring their gritty, energy-packed garage rock to the KEXP Live Room for this session hosted by Kevin Cole on the Afternoon Show. Between performing songs from their album, ‘Un Poco Más de Luz,’ they chat about immigration, mysticism, and how their varied musical taste influences their music. Recorded 11/15/2019. Fantasmas Asco Fukushima Delicuente Común Read more about "Asco" on KEXP's Song of the Day feature Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dublin’s Pillow Queens tackles topics like religion, sexuality and anxiety with precision indie rock songwriting that builds into swelling, cathartic choruses. While they certainly have their raucous and rowdy moments, the emotional core of the songs leaves the most sting. This session comes from KEXP’s 2019 Iceland Airwaves broadcast from Kex Hostel. Recorded 11/09/2019. How Do I Look Brothers Rats Child of Prague Gay Girls Liffey Watch the full Live on KEXP session on YouTubeSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band derives its name from Preservation Hall in the French Quarter of New Orleans, where the band originated in the early 1960s. Their latest album accompanying the documentary film, ‘A Tuba To Cuba,’ retraces the indigenous Cuban roots of New Orleans jazz. The legendary ensemble stops by the KEXP Live Room to perform four tracks and chat with DJ Troy Nelson about the spirit of giving, being a part of Sub Pop’s creative community and the iconic Preservation Hall. Recorded 11/18/2019.  Convergence Malecon Keep Your Head Up Sugar Plum Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Haitian group Chouk Bwa dispels racist myths surrounding their Vodou (Voodoo) religion by showcasing mesmerizing rhythms and uplifting chanting focused on healing and celebration. Brussels-based electronic duo The Ångstromers adds layers of dub-style effects for a result they call “future-leaning Vodou dub.” The group performs at La Chapelle in Rennes, France as part of KEXP's Trans Musicales broadcast. Recorded 12/05/2019. Vodou Ale Ogou Bwe Neg Ginen Negriye Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle duo NAVVI used their latest record, '2502,' as an exercise in trusting their creative instincts. Recorded in the span of one week at a remote cabin, the result is a continuous, hypnotic mix of house rhythms and ethereal vocals. Troy Nelson hosts NAVVI's Kristin and Brad in the KEXP Live Room for a performance of four songs and a conversation about their writing and recording process, Zelda and Kristin's corgi. Recorded 10/29/2019. Human Dopamine Sampaguita Human Highlight Reel Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On her fourth LP, 'Close It Quietly,' Greta Kline of Frankie Cosmos engages with the idea of rebirth and reimagining, never lingering too long on the past. This comes through in her lyrics as well as the swirling instrumental stylings of each brief track, most hovering around 2 minutes. From the KEXP Live Room, Kline plays four songs off the new record and talks with DJ Troy Nelson about her prolific writing style, her growing popularity and getting star-struck. Recorded 10/30/2019. So Blue Windows A Joke Rings (On A Tree) Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The music of Seattle-based rapper/producer Sam Brakebill-Hacke exudes Pacific Northwest with its gloomy, laid back beats, floating melodies and earnest storytelling. Brakebill joins Stas THEE Boss on Street Sounds for an intimate performance and a discussion about developing his ambient sound, the heavy themes that inspired his latest album, 'Out The Window' and what's next. Recorded 01/06/2020. Back Seat Two Weeks Cry Like A Boy Don't Call The Cops. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norwegian artist Marie Ulven, also known as girl in red, is a DIY success story. In 2015, she began releasing music on Soundcloud after writing, recording and producing everything from her bedroom. Fans quickly latched onto her unfiltered honesty about depression, queerness and teenage heartbreak, and soon her music was heard by millions. Recorded at Kex Hostel during KEXP’s 2019 Iceland Airwaves broadcast, Ulven plays six songs and brings the crowd to laughter between each. Recorded 11/08/2019. we fell in love in october summer depression bad idea! watch you sleep. girls i wanna be your girlfriend. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Icelandic composer Gabríel Ólafs is a classically trained pianist who began writing melodies of his own at a young age, often creating themes for imaginary characters. His melodic storytelling is likened to film scores, bolstered by ambient strings and a thoughtful openness. In this session from KEXP’s 2019 Iceland Airwaves broadcast, recorded at Kex Hostel, Gabriel performs six songs and tells the audience about the unexpected inspiration for his music, experimenting with sound and more. Recorded 11/07/2019. Absent Minded Bára Cyclist Waltz Lóa (variation) Staircase Sonata Filma Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.