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Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison perform in the Radio Heartland studio

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Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison perform in the Radio Heartland studio.
MPR photo/Luke Taylor

Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison had very successful musical careers for almost 20 years before they finally collaborated and recorded an album together. That was in 2013. This spring, they released their second duo album, Our Year. With those two projects under their collective belt, they've decided to focus more on their individual careers again. And that was the plan all along.

Kelly and Bruce have four kids at home in Austin, Texas, and they're looking forward to spending a little more time with them.

The new album is a collection of originals and covers from artists they deeply respect, including Robin Ludwick, Walter Hyatt, T Bone Burnett and even Tom T. Hall. Kelly and Bruce spent many weeks perfecting their acoustic sound with their band to get a true, "front porch" jam-session sound — and that's exactly what they did in the Radio Heartland studio.

Kelly and Bruce are accompanied by Geoff Queen (slide guitar) and John Ludwick (bass).

Songs Performed


"Departing Louisiana"
"Motor City Man"
"A Hangin' On"
All songs off Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison's album, Our Year, out now on Premium Records. A vinyl release of the album is scheduled for release later this summer.

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