Patti Scialfa Plays it as it Lays

Though her schedule with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band has delayed her own solo career, when Patti Scialfa does record, it's hard not to take notice. Courtesy of Patti Scialfa hide caption

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Courtesy of Patti Scialfa

Patti Scialfa was in the midst of a busy week: Monday on The Today Show, Tuesday on Late Night with David Letterman and Wednesday on my show.

With a lot of excitement buzzing through the WFUV halls, the crew and band arrived early that morning in anticipation of a full-blown live performance in Studio-A. Notable players and familiar faces were mingling outside the studio -– Nils Lofgren, Soozie Tyrell, Larry Campbell, Steve Jordan -– all sharing coffee and conversation.

Introducing myself to Scialfa, I felt an instant connection. We traded stories about our past and present, and I began to feel that this might just be a really good session. Talking to her about the new album wasn't going to be difficult — I liked the music, and the questions would come easily. The challenge would be asking about her husband, Bruce Springsteen, without taking the focus away from her. Listening back, I think it worked out fine.

More About Patti Scialfa

Scialfa began her career by singing backup for the likes of David Johansen, The Rolling Stones, and Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes. She had been signed to Columbia Records based on her demos, but the success of Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A. took The E Street Band on an extended tour. This complicated her solo career, as did her eventual marriage to Springsteen. She's since recorded three albums: Rumble Doll, 23rd Street Lullaby and Play It As It Lays, released earlier this year.

New York City's WFUV features a wide mix of new and established artists. Its live stream, archives and podcasts can be heard at wfuv.org.