In recent years, singer, songwriter and guitarist M. Ward has become an indie-pop superstar, releasing a string of critically adored albums (Transfiguration of Vincent, Post-War, et al), as well as high-profile collaborations with the likes of Jenny Lewis, Cat Power, Bright Eyes and My Morning Jacket. Last year, Ward even launched a popular duo with actress Zooey Deschanel, performing as She & Him. Click the link above to hear Ward perform live in concert from WXPN and World Café Live in Philadelphia, with opener John Wesley Harding. Each will perform six songs.
After an extended run recording and touring for She & Him, Ward returned to solo work late last year, recording his new sixth album, Hold Time. The disc expands nicely on Ward's warm folk-pop roots, while throwing in a couple of covers (like "Rave On," popularized by Buddy Holly) for good measure.
Folk-rock singer-songwriter and novelist John Wesley Harding has spent the last 20 years releasing a string of cultishly adored albums and performing alongside Bruce Springsteen and countless others. Harding's new album, Who Was Changed and Who Was Dead, finds him recording with The Minus 5, as well as guests such as Mike Viola and Kelly Hogan. Harding's third novel is also due later this year.
Copyright 2009 XPN
