From the live in-studio performance series, we’ll be recapping our favorite sessions from 2018. Part 1 features the Norwegian band Wardruna, Chicago-based duo OHMME, the dance-jazz band Sons of Kemet, porch and mountain music duo Anna & Elizabeth, and the qawwali devotional collaborative music by Junun.  

Hear the ancient Norse ritual music of Norwegian band Wardruna, and their captivating combination of old and recreated Norse historical instruments. Their music has also scored episodes of the History channel's series Vikings. Then, revisit music by the Mercury Prize-nominated supergroup Sons of Kemet led by London-based Barbados-born saxophonist and composer Shabaka Hutchings. Theirs is a dance party which may or may not touch upon techno, hip hop, grime, psychedelia, Caribbean music, and social commentary using jazz vocabulary, honoring some black women across history who were worthy of the title of queen – queens who were made, not born.

Then, listen to music by the Chicago-based duo OHMME, who are classically-trained pianists who've opted to harness the growl and fuzz of guitars. Theirs is intriguing art-rock with vocal hockets and harmonies, oh - and lots of time and feel changes. Also, hear ecstatic Sufi devotional music by Junun, a musical collaboration between India-based Israeli composer Shye Ben Tzur, a group of Indian musicians called The Rajasthan Express, and composer (and Radiohead’s guitarist) Jonny Greenwood.

Plus, listen to a mountain music meets minimalism in a song from Anna & Elizabeth, who draw on lovingly researched old-time traditions of home, porch, and kitchen music. - Caryn Havlik