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JPR Live Session: Nicholas Edward Williams

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The singer/songwriter, who performed and recorded as Whetherman for the better part of a decade, has re-discovered his love of old time music and has shifted his focus to sharing the stories of these treasured songs.

After eight albums as Whetherman and countless miles on the road, the lifestyle of itinerant musician started to catch up with Nicholas Edward Williams. At a show in Cleveland he hit the wall, walked off stage, and spent the next year taking stock of his life, his interests, and his talents.

A chance opportunity to work in gave him the break he needed, and a chance opportunity to work in Costa Rica provided an environment that allowed Williams to figure out a different and more sustainable way of pursuing music.

What sprung to life with cultivation of a seed that had been planted years earlier - old time folk and other music that Williams felt needed to be more widely known as enjoyed. Leaving the Whetherman moniker behind, Williams started out on a new journey as singer, songwriter, and music preservationist. His performances combined songs and the stories of the songs, equal parts entertainment and education.

The success of the new venture (both internal and external) has led to a couple of traditional records released under his own name including his latest Folk Songs For Old Times' Sake, and a podcast called American Songcatcher.

He joined us from home to share a few songs and stories.

As FM Network Program Director and Music Director, Eric oversees many aspects of JPR's broadcast day. He still hosts the occasional Open Air or classical music shift, and is the driving force behind JPR Live Sessions - our popular series of live in-studio music performances and conversations.