Mwenso & The Shakes make an energetic blend of jazz and R&B, led by the mesmerizing frontman, Michael Mwenso. Originally born in Sierra Leone, Michael grew up in Nigeria, Ghana, and England. He joins host Stephen Kallao to talk about two experiences that shaped him as a kid: being separated from his mom when she was deported from their adopted home of London, and also meeting his idol, James Brown, who took him under his wing. Plus, we’ll hear a live performance from Mwenso & The Shakes’ debut album, Emergence on the next World Cafe.

World Cafe airs weekdays at 2:00 pm on KRCB-FM Radio 91 /  streaming @ norcalpublicmedia.org  / Listen live on-the-go with the FREE KRCB Mobile App! Download it today for your favorite mobile device.

(Photo: Mwenso & The Shakes – Courtesy of the artist/via NPR)

When Edward Norton read Jonathan Lethem’s novel, Motherless Brooklyn, he knew he wanted to play the lead role of Lionel, a detective with Tourette Syndrome. But in order to adapt it for the big screen, he had to write, produce, and direct the film. He joins host Stephen Kallao today to share why the project was so important to him, and Norton talks about the film’s jazzy musical backdrop. Songs from Wynton Marsalis, Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, and a pulpy score from Daniel Pemberton, all help set a noir scene in 1950s New York. We’ll listen to some of the music and discuss with Edward Norton today. On the next World Cafe.

World Cafe airs weekdays at 2:00 pm on KRCB-FM Radio 91 /  streaming @ norcalpublicmedia.org  / Listen live on-the-go with the FREE KRCB Mobile App! Download it today for your favorite mobile device.

(Photo: Edward Norton - Carlo Allegri/Getty Images/via NPR)

Jonatha Brooke has been making music for 30 years, first as a part of the duo, The Story, and then as a solo artist since 1994. After several full-length albums, and even an off-Broadway show, called “My Mother has Four Noses,” her latest project keeps it short and sweet. The new EP, Imposter, includes just the 5 songs she loves most out of what she’s written since her last release in 2016. She joins the World Cafe’s Bruce Warren today to discuss the inspiration for the EP’s title, which may not be what you think. And she performs new music, live. On the next World Cafe.

World Cafe airs weekdays at 2:00 pm on KRCB-FM Radio 91 /  streaming @ norcalpublicmedia.org  / Listen live on-the-go with the FREE KRCB Mobile App! Download it today for your favorite mobile device.

(Photo: Jonatha Brooke - Courtesy of the artist)

The band Ranky Tanky is from Charleston, South Carolina, and their music draws on the culture of slave descendants from the region known as the Gullah <GUHL-uh>. We'll learn how the group came to be – And a bit of musical history, on the background of Gullah music and the importance of Alan Lomax. Plus, some incredible live performances, anchored by the powerful voice of Quiana Parler. Coming up, on the next World Cafe.

World Cafe airs weekdays at 2:00 pm on KRCB-FM Radio 91 /  streaming @ norcalpublicmedia.org  / Listen live on-the-go with the FREE KRCB Mobile App! Download it today for your favorite mobile device.

(Photo: Ranky Tanky - Courtesy of World Cafe)