Mavis Staples is living, breathing history.  She is an alchemist of American music, having continuously crossed genre lines like no musician since Ray Charles. Weaving herself into the very fabric of gospel, soul, folk, pop, R&B, blues, rock, and hip hop over the last 60 years, this iconic singer has seen and sung through so many changes, always rising up to meet every road. Now in her seventh decade, with the release of her new album Livin’ on a High Note (ANTI-), she is only gaining momentum. Produced by M. Ward with songs by Neko Case, Justin Vernon, Nick Cave, Ben Harper, Tune-Yards, Aloe Blacc and others, the album serves as a summation and furtherance of her illustrious career.  Refusing to fade away, she continues to tour incessantly, remaining as vital, engaged, and true as always.  There is no persona; she is, simply and untouchably, Mavis—and Livin’ on a High Note is the symphony of her life. 
Since 1974, East L.A.'s Los Lobos have been exploring the artistic and commercial possibilities of American biculturalism, moving back and forth between their Chicano roots and their love of American rock & roll, knocking down imposing boundaries to formulate music that is distinctly a thing unto itself. Initially gaining fame as part of the early-Eighties roots-rock revival, they didn't so much strip music down as mix it up, playing norteño, blues, country, Tex-Mex, ballads, folk, and rock.  The group -- who enjoyed calling themselves "just another band from East L.A." -- have been guests on albums by Ry Cooder, Elvis Costello, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Roomful of Blues, and Paul Simon, and their music has been featured in films such as La Bamba and Desperado. While often cited as one of the great bands of Latino Rock, Los Lobos' eclectic sound in fact defined them as a vital example of America's cultural melting pot. This cross-cultural appeal has sold millions of records and garnered Los Lobos their share of Grammy Awards.