Tony Allen is a Nigerian born, self taught musician who for eleven years, was the drummer and musical director for the legendary band Fela Kuti and Africa 70. Allen along with Kuti have been credited with pioneering afrobeat music. His latest project, "Secret Agent" was released in early 2010.

No Bird Sing's Eric Blair (Joe Horton), Graham O'Brien, and Robert Mulrennan continue their bold and raw approach to hip-hop on their sophomore release Theft of The Commons. Theft of the Commons is built on more organic ground than their 2009 self-titled deubt. Recorded in a barn in rural Minnesota the band drew inspiration from the stark autumn landscape.

Throughout "Tomboy," the songs exude a sense of inner journeying, bolstered by Lennox's soaring, searching voice and the wide-open psychedelic panorama of sound.

Hip-hop artist, skilled freestyler, and producer Blueprint first received attention when he appeared on a track off of producer RJD2's Deadringer. After that, he and RJD2 formed the hip-hop duo Soul Position and came out with several albums before Blueprint struck out on his own.

Before we handed the airwaves over to Chuck, we spoke about his recent hiring at ESPN, his forthcoming book and former Guns 'n Roses axeman, Slash (with uproarious results).

Jonathan Byrd plays songs from "Cackalack" in the studio.

Chris Koza will perform another round of Works for Words on June 8, 2012 at 8 pm at the Fitzgerald Theater. Koza, along with Gabriel Douglas of 4onthefloor, Caroline Smith, and Sims will explore explore the meanings of the lyrics and importance of words in pop, rock and folk songs.

It's been nearly 10 years since Sam Beam donned the Iron and Wine moniker and released his debut "The Creek Drank The Cradle" in 2002. Since then, he's expanded the arrangements from his voice and an acoustic guitar to including a variety of other instruments, and he continues the trend on his newest album "Kiss Each Other Clean."