Musicians' Spotlight

Polson-born, Seattle-based string bassist and Montana jazz icon Clipper Anderson is one of the most in-demand bass players in the Northwest. 2011 saw the release of his first solo recording showcasing his talents as a composer and arranger as well as his startling talents as bassist.

Stepping away from Watercarver's Guild - the group that includes his father and brother - songwriter, singer and mutli-instrumentalist David Casey recorded his recent album,"The Reckoning Begins," in his garage studio in Helena, Montana.

The Emerson String Quartet is one of the most acclaimed ensembles in classical music, winning nine Grammy awards and recording over thirty cds since the group's formation in 1976. Violinist Eugene Drucker sat down with host John Floridis during the quartet's recent tour of Montana.

Musician's Spotlight hosts Missoula recording artist David Boone, who reflects on the recent changes in his life that inspired "DAWNS," a collaborative recording project with Coldplay producer, Danton Supple.

For over a decade, the "Texican Rock & Roll" of the Garza brothers (Henry, Jo Jo, and Ringo) has brought Los Lonely Boys multiple Grammy Award nominations and, in 2004, a win. Their sibling harmonies reflect the tightness of their bond, as brothers and as bandmates; yet all three value their role in family far more than they value success as musicians.

"If Keith Richards, Joan Jett and Ray Charles could've somehow spawned a love child, the result would be Romi Mayes." So reads the biography of "quintessential Winnipeg" songwriter and bluesy country-rock singer Romi Mayes who visits with host John Floridis on the next Musician's Spotlight.

For almost twenty years, Martin Sexton has synthesized powerful, soulful vocals with funky, folk-and-blues-inspired guitar into a style that transcends categorization. One of the most dynamic solo performers touring North America and beyond, Martin discussees his career, his inspirations and his new EP, "Falls Like Rain."

This Boston-based quintet is comprised of award-winning musicians who've honed their talents in a wide range of styles on "bluegrass" instruments. As an ensemble, they rein in their considerable skills to serve the songs, which are inspired as much by "indie rock" as by traditional music forms.

Described as a "player of exceptional poise" by the New York Times, pianist Dan Tepfer brings his remarkable talents to Musician's Spotlight. His most recent recording is "Goldberg Variations/Variations," in which he takes a jazzy turn on each of the classic Bach melodies after playing them in a traditional style.

Both an accomplished actor as well as a renowned blues musician and scholar, Guy Davis visits with host John Floridis. Though a native of New York City, he was inspired by his grandmother's stories of the rural South and the rhythm of her speech to pursue blues music as his passion.