Musical Showcase – Kimaya Diggs ‘How Am I Sposta Know’

Kimaya Diggs has mastered a genre-defying style. Inspired by the acrobatic folk renderings of Joni Mitchell, Ella Fitzgerald’s jazz stylings, and Lianna LaHavas’ soulful charisma, she draws skillfully from her lineage of musical pioneers, creating a musical lane all her own, backed by multi-instrumentalist Jacob Rosazza. With a playful presence and frank, transporting storytelling, Diggs’ mastery of her voice is the focal point of each performance, and a transfixing experience. Kimaya’s debut album, “Breastfed” (2018), is a bittersweet chronicle of growth toward the light. Recklessly urgent, irreverent and defiant in the face of the past, “Breastfed” boldly wrangles the pain and glory of a growing-up narrative, claiming its narrative with spirit and dark humor. The single “How Am I Sposta Know” made the top 10 in tastemaker radio station 93.9 The River’s Best New Songs of 2018. As a teaching artist and collaborator, Kimaya has captivated audiences around the world with her sister trio, the Diggs Sisters, and Northern Harmony, performing 21 international folk styles in 27 different languages. Kimaya has written soundtracks, libretti, and themes for several plays, operas, and podcasts.

Producer
Jack Criddle
Series
Musical Showcase
Category
Studio Shows & Interviews

Musical Showcase – The Moon Shells ‘Sleeping Giant’

The Moon Shells—Maggie Shar, Brian Slattery, Laura Murawski, Molly Merrett, and Charlie Shaw—draw from the traditional music of Appalachia, Louisiana, West Africa and elsewhere to try to make something new. Whether performing as an acoustic stringband, a stripped-down trio, or a five-piece making modern sounds on traditional instruments at clubs and festivals, the Moon Shells move hearts and feet. In 2019 they released two albums—Seaside Asylum, an album of original songs and tunes, and Screech Plank, an album of more traditional fiddle tunes. The Hartford Courant named Seaside Asylum one of its favorite regional albums of 2019. The Moon Shells are currently performing and recording their next album.

Producer
Jack Criddle
Series
Musical Showcase
Category
Studio Shows & Interviews

Musical Showcase – Wes Buckley ‘Backgammon Girl’

Musician type. Songs, thoughtfully placed wild guitar, sound sculptures, homemade gear. Traditional, weird—Weirditional. Highly Folkused. Underbilly.

Producer
Jack Criddle
Series
Musical Showcase
Category
Studio Shows & Interviews

Sincerely Yours, with Mark Stewart

In this poetic short documentary shot in North Adams, soundmaker, instrument-builder and keeper of the sandbox Mark Stewart (Bang on a Can All-Stars, Paul Simon Band) expounds on his philosophy regarding music and life.

Producer
Jack Criddle
Series
Arts Showcase
Category
Studio Shows & Interviews