New Mix: Manchester Orchestra, Ballaké Sissoko, Faye Webster, More
Top row, left to right: Ballaké Sissoko, Lau Noah, Faye Webster; Bottom row: Manchester Orchestra Courtesy of the artists hide caption
I begin this edition of All Songs Considered with a powerful true story of a Japanese big band formed in a Wyoming internment camp during World War II. The artist singing this story is Julian Saporiti, also known as No-No Boy. He's a first-generation Vietnamese American, and he sings his song about the "Best God Damn Band in Wyoming."
The singer and songwriter from Atlanta, Faye Webster, uncharacteristically turns up the volume for a new song called "Cheers." On the humorous side, Tōth takes a diary entry from the day he learned that his ex broke up with the person she broke up with Tōth to date. The humor and the incident becomes a profound moment and a great song, and a not-to-miss video (see below.)
Ballaké Sissoko, the African kora player, has an album of exciting collaborations with artists that include African legend Salif Keita and French cellist Vincent Segal. The partnership I'll focus on is with singer-songwriter and painter Piers Faccini and a song originally performed by Ballaké's father.
A Tiny Desk contest favorite from the past, Lau Noah sings a tune in celebration of newly found freedom after a breakup. At the same time, Manchester Orchestra celebrates the longevity of love with a song and a powerful video.