Hr 1: Josh Ritter joins host Raina Douris; Hr 2: Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday

For some musicians, songwriting can be the salve that gets them through a difficult time, but for Josh Ritter, it was a little different. His latest album Spectral Lines sees Ritter processing the death of his mother, who passed away in 2021. On the next World Cafe, Ritter talks about finding the inspiration and clarity he needed to make his latest work. Plus, hear a live performance of the new music.

Stream the complete show here

*John Pine “It’s a Big Old Goofy World” The Missing Years

Josh Ritter “Sawgrass” Spectral Lines

Josh Ritter “Honey I Do” Spectral Lines

Josh Ritter “Horse No Rider” Spectral Lines

Josh Ritter “For Your Soul” Recorded Live For The World Cafe

John Ritter “Old Black Magic” Fever Breaks

Josh Ritter “Black Crown” Recorded Live For The World Cafe

Josh Ritter “Strong Swimmer” Recorded Live For The World Cafe

Brandi Carlile “You and Me On The Rock” In These Silent Days

Joni Mitchell “Big Yellow Taxi” Ladies Of The Canyon

Jenny Lewis “Psychos” Joy’all

Lake Street Dive “Hypotheticals” Obviously

Hour Two
*Radiohead “I Might Be Wrong” Amnesiac

Willie Nelson “Bad Breath” Last Man Standing

Willie Nelson “Last Man Standing” Last Man Standing

Willie Nelson “Hello Walls” And Then I Wrote

Willie Nelson “Something You Get Through” Last Man Standing

Willie Nelson “Heaven Is Closed” Last Man Standing

Willie Nelson “Crazy” Recorded Live For The World Cafe

Willie Nelson “Roll Me Up” Recorded Live For The World Cafe

Cake “Sad Songs And Waltzes” Fashion Nugget

Lyle Lovett & Al Green “Funny How Time Slips Away” Rhythm Country And Blues

Wednesday “Quarry” Rat Saw God

Alex G “Runner” God Save The Animals

Spoon “I Turn My Camera On” Gimme Fiction

*Optional Song