Folk & Bluegrass

Bill Harley writes music for children. His songs are inspired both by different folk traditions and his experiences as a father. He performs some of his music for Fresh Air guest host Liane Hansen.

The final performance in a month-long series by fiddler Michael Doucet and two members of his Cajun band BeauSoliel.

Three members of the New Orleans cajun band BeauSoleil, led by Michael Doucet, will perform several songs.

Three members of the New Orleans cajun band BeauSoleil, headed by Michael Doucet, will perform several dance songs.

Three members of the famed New Orleans cajun band Beausoleil, headed by Michael Doucet, will perform several songs from their most recent album.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews the debut album of singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman.

Folk singer Bill Staines gives an introductory lesson in yodeling.

Ken Tucker reviews a home video documentary about Fairport Convention, one of the most eclectic folk bands of the 60s and early 70s.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews new albums by George Strait and Steve Wariner. Their music is marketed as country, but Ken says their style is similar to that of singer-songwriters of the late '60s and early '70s, like James Taylor and Bonnie Raitt.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews "Chalk Mark in a Rainstorm," the new album from Joni Mitchell.

Arthel "Doc" Watson, one of America's premier acoustic folk guitarists. His flat-pick style of playing traditional folk and bluegrass has made his sound one of the most distinctive of any folk artist. His 24 albums have earned him four Grammys. In the folk music community, Watson is best known for his part in preserving the traditional ballads and melodies of southern Appalachia.

Hammer dulcimer virtuoso John McCutcheon returns for another performance.

Banjo and pedal steel guitar player Winnie Winston will perform several pieces. A four-time world champion on the banjo at the country's top bluegrass competition, the Union Grove Old Time Fiddler's Convention in North Carolina, Winston has played with Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys, Dave Bromberg and the late Steve Goodman.

Folk singer Michael Cooney performs a song so bad that it's good.

Avant-garde accordionist and composer Guy Klucevsek. Klucevsek grew up in western Pennsylvania, where polkas were a poplar musical form. Klucevsek has since developed an alternative polka style, best exemplified in his work on `"Polka From the Fringe," 23 three-minute polkas composed by a variety of experimental artists.

John McCutcheon performs two songs on his hammer dulcimer.

Guitarist Ry Cooder. His career consisted of one-night stands until he began writing the scores for films. His credits include "Paris, Texas" and "Crossroads." He's just come out with a solo album, his fist in six years. (INTERVIEW BY LIANE HANSEN)

Accordionist William Schimmel will perform several tangos.

Guitarist Bob Brozman will perform two songs on his National Steel guitar.

Singer Judy Collins. She's just written an autobiography; it's titled Trust Your Heart.