When Sara Watkins was in New York City earlier this month, she stopped by New York public radio station WFUV's Studio A to record an episode of Words and Music, which is now available. Watkins spoke with host Claudia Marshall about her life in music and her latest album, Sun Midnight Sun, released this spring on Nonesuch Records. She is joined by her brother Sean to perform a few of the album's songs live in the studio: "You and Me," "The Foothills," and "Take Up Your Spade." You can watch their WFUV performance of the latter two tunes and listen to the complete Words and Music episode below.

"This progressive bluegrass singer, songwriter, and fiddler has always been a team player," says Claudia Marshall her guest, "but now her leadership quality is just plain undeniable." Marshall calls Watkins' new album "gorgeous."

Sun Midnight Sun features guest appearances by Fiona Apple, Jackson Browne, Sean Watkins, and more. The album, produced by Blake Mills, includes songs written by Watkins, several collaborations with Mills, songs by Dan Wilson and Willie Nelson, and a duet with Fiona Apple on The Everly Brothers' “You’re the One I Love.” To pick up a copy of the album on CD, vinyl, and digitally, head to the Nonesuch Store now.

Sara Watkins performs at the Four Corners Folk Festival in Colorado this Saturday and at Cannery Ballroom in Nashville as part of the Americana Music Festival later in the month. Watkins resumes her tour as special guest of Jackson Browne in October. For details on these and other upcoming shows, go to nonesuch.com/on-tour.

"Take Up Your Spade":

Listen to Sara Watkins on Words and Music: