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World Cafe Presents: The Burgundy Stain Sessions

by Thomas Bartlett

fromWXPN

Thomas Bartlett, a.k.a. Doveman. Enlarge image i

Thomas Bartlett, a.k.a. Doveman.

Courtesy of the artist
Thomas Bartlett, a.k.a. Doveman.

Thomas Bartlett, a.k.a. Doveman.

Courtesy of the artist

Keyboardist and songwriter Thomas Bartlett performs under the moniker Doveman, and acts as both host and accompanist for the Burgundy Stain Sessions concert series.

The Burgundy Stain Sessions, held at (Le) Poisson Rouge in New York City, were inspired by salons held in the Chelsea apartment of my friends Michael and Sean, known as the Elevated Hole. Along with performances by Doveman, these intimate evenings feature a rotating cast of friends and collaborators who perform with me and my band, with minimal rehearsal and plenty of chances for the unexpected.

All week, World Cafe is airing recordings from these performances, captured at many nights during the existence of the Burgundy Stain Sessions. Download five exclusive live songs, which have become as memorable as the nights themselves.

Click here to download the five-song sampler, or explore the individual artists and tracks below.

WXPN Presents: The Burgundy Stain Sessions

  • Glen Hansard, "Races"

    Glen Hansard.
    Conor Masterson

    This is a song that Glen wrote years ago and that I'd always loved, but he'd never released it. This was at the first of the Burgundy Stain sessions, and the first time Glen played with Brad Albetta (bass) and Ray Rizzo (drums), who ended up being his core band for his latest record, Rhythm and Repose. He enjoyed playing with them so much that we booked time in a studio the day after the show and started making the record.

    Glen Hansard's Website

    Download "Races" (right click, "Save File As")

  • Hannah Cohen, "Don't Say"

    Hannah Cohen.
    Courtesy of the artist

    This was the first song of Hannah's that I ever heard. We were working together on her record, Child Bride, when this performance was recorded.

    Hannah Cohen on Facebook

    Download "Don't Say" (right click, "Save File As")

  • Sam Amidon, "I See The Sign"

    Sam Amidon. Enlarge image i
    Fastboy
    Sam Amidon.
    Fastboy

    Sam and I have been playing music together since we were 6 years old. This is the title track from his last record, which came out in 2010.

    Sam Amidon's Website

    Download "I See The Sign" (right click, "Save File As")

  • Trixie Whitley, "Morelia"

    Trixie Whitley.
    Guy Kokken

    This is a gorgeous song Trixie wrote on a trip to Mexico. We had just recorded it for her upcoming album, Fourth Corner.

    Trixie Whitley's Website

    Download "Morelia" (right click, "Save File As")

  • Loudon Wainwright III, "Motel Blues"

    Loudon Wainwright III.
    Courtesy of the artist

    This is classic song of Loudon's from the early '70s. It was such a thrill having Loudon on the show, partly because he almost never performs with a band. Brad Albetta, who is playing bass, is married to Loudon's daughter, Martha Wainwright.

    Loudon Wainwright III's Website

    Download "Motel Blues" (right click, "Save File As")

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