Meet the Musician

Praised for the “elusive beauty” of his music, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane takes a bold step in his creative journey with his new release, "Spirit Fiction." The album features two bands, each delivering a unique, expressive urgency. Join Ravi in conversation with moderator Ashley Kahn as he discusses his latest album and the influences that shape his music.

"The Bravest Man In The Universe" is soul legend Bobby Womack’s first album of original material in eighteen years. Co-produced by Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) and XL Recordings founder/owner Richard Russell, the album is an electronic, secular, gospel collection that features one of soul’s greatest singers.

Quick-witted lyricist Joe Budden has always had a knack for introspection, taking a life he makes so public and twisting lines around it with humor and biting observation. Hear this talented artist talk about his musical journey, from his formidable Def Jam debut and his days as one-quarter of the hip-hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, to the highly anticipated solo release of "No Love Lost," an album that reflects his personal growth as well as his evolution as an artist. Joe will take a few questions and wrap up the session with a short performance.

Much has been written of Dum Dum Girls' Dee Dee Penny’s personal trials. But nothing speaks more aptly of how she handled those experiences than "End of Daze"—the group's just-released EP that offers a daring sonic example of an artist evolving in her understanding of the world. At this event, moderated by her long-time producer Richard Gottehrer, Dee Dee talks about making the album and answers a few questions.

Hear R&B crooner, songwriter, and actor Eric Benét discuss his sixth album, "The One." Appropriately named, Benét’s latest work marks a moment of positive transition in his life, and lyrically speaks to the many new beginnings developing in his career and family.

Singer-songwriter José James has established himself as a trailblazer with his intoxicating blend of jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and electronica. Join us for a moderated discussion as he talks about his Blue Note Records debut, "No Beginning No End," an album that marks a new chapter in his artistic journey. José will answer a few questions and wrap up the session with a short performance of cuts from the new release.

Faith Evans is a multifaceted creative force: Grammy Award–winning recording artist, best-selling author, TV producer, mother of four, and entrepreneur. Join us for a moderated conversation with Faith as she talks about the highs and lows of her life and storied career. She’ll take a few questions and perform a few cuts from her latest album, "R&B Divas," which debuted at #1 on the iTunes R&B Soul Albums chart.

After heading back to

the studio last year, rock group The Almost will release their third

album, "Fear Inside Our Bones," on April 16. Stop by for a moderated

discussion as they talk about how they meld their diverse musical

influences to create a whole that's much more than the sum of its

parts. The group will answer questions and give an acoustic

performance, featuring songs from their first two albums, "Southern

Weather" and "Monster, Monster," as well as their new song, “Ghost,”

off the forthcoming album.

Join award-winning composer Max Richter, celebrated British violinist Daniel Hope, and Ensemble LPR as they discuss the recomposing process for Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons." The recording is part of Deutsche Grammophon's Recomposed series that's bringing classical music to a wider audience. Then hear the group perform an excerpt from this exciting new recording.

Whether flipping through her mother’s Motown collection, singing along to Burt Bacharach classics, or accompanying her songwriter parents at their recording sessions, music was the only life Elle Varner knew growing up. Catch her in conversation at this event as she talks about her career, takes some questions, and delivers a few tracks off her debut album, "Perfectly Imperfect."