Music And A Conversation With Joan Shelley : All Songs Considered : NPR

Joan Shelley

Amber Estes Thieneman/Courtesy of the artist

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Amber Estes Thieneman/Courtesy of the artist

Joan Shelley makes music that lulls my soul. Her new album, Like the River Loves the Sea, is a serene experience. It’s music with a deep connection to British folk music from the ’60s and ’70s but with influences from this side of the world and her home of Louisville, Kentucky.

Tiny Desk
Joan Shelley: Tiny Desk Concert

On this edition of All Songs Considered, Joan Shelley is joined by her musical partner and Louisville companion, guitarist Nathan Salsburg to play DJ. You can hear the roots of the music they make in the songs they chose to share, from American banjo legend Roscoe Holcomb to English folk singer June Tabor and the contemporary music of Bonnie “Prince” Billy.

Guitarist Nathan Salsburg is Joan Shelley’s longtime musical partner

Amber Estes Thieneman/Courtesy of the artitst

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Amber Estes Thieneman/Courtesy of the artitst

Joan Shelley tells the story of recording Like the River Loves the Sea in Iceland and how they had to forgo adding banjo to the album because they couldn’t locate one in Iceland. We also hear Joan Shelley’s early trio called Maiden Radio, Joan and Nathan’s new collaboration with Bonnie “Prince” Billy and how she met him at an ugly sweater party in Kentucky.

Hear The Songs: 1. Joan Shelley: “The Sway” from Like the River Loves the Sea

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2. Roscoe Holcomb: “Little Birdie” from The High Lonesome Sound

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3. Maiden Radio: “Sugar Babe” from Maiden Radio
Maiden Radio by Joan Shelley, Cheyenne Marie Mize, & Julia Purcell

4. Joan Shelley: “Coming Down for You” from Like the River Loves the Sea

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5. Bonnie “Prince” Billy: “Master and Everyone” from Master and Everyone

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6. June Tabor: “Where Are You Tonight?” from Aqaba

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7. Bonnie “Prince” Billy: “In Good Faith” (Single)