Rockabilly, Western Swing, jazz, blues, Tejano, Cajun, Czech – the big sounds of Texas are incredibly diverse. American Routes explores that vast terrain visiting with Bandera, TX singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen, Tejano accordion master Mingo Saldivar, and the King of Western Swing, Bob Wills, who is remembered by his fiddler Johnny Gimble, daughter Rosetta Wills, Bill Malone, Ray Price and Marle Haggard. Other musical Texans on tap include Illinois Jacquet, Townes van Zandt and T-Bone Walker.

The spirit of the late Civil Rights leader informs this bittersweet, but uplifting look back and ahead. Includes jazz pianist McCoy Tyner's reflections on great  piano "professors,"  his own life in the avant-garde, and his musical and spiritual associations with the legendary late saxophonist John Coltrane. Plus a visit with jazz and classical composer/performer Hannibal Lokumbe regarding his "African Portraits" with the Chicago Symphony. 

From creation to criticism, this archive edition of American Routes explores the relationship between language and sounds, words and music. Rock and roll originator Chuck Berry, alt country traditionalist Gillian Welch, and music writer and novelist Nick Hornby give a variety of perspectives on the subject. With a mix of celebrated songwriters, storytellers, and literary heroes in American music.

American Routes combats cold, dark winter days with music and stories to keep you warm.  Virtuoso fiddler/violinist Mark O'Connor discusses his latest composition, American Seasons. Seamus Egan and Win Horan of the Irish-American band Solas take a musical journey from Philadelphia and Brooklyn to Ireland, and back.  Plus Mae Nagark on Eskimo music from the Inupiat village near Barrow, Alaska.