NPR Music ....

FIRST LISTEN First Listen: Valerie June, 'Pushin' Against A Stone' The Tennessee singer's keening soprano shows off its twang, yet sounds totally contemporary. As she ranges across many musical paths — country blues, fiery hymns and more — June is careful to keep returning home to storytelling with just a few simple words and an acoustic guitar. Stream this album

AUTHOR INTERVIEWS Finding Redemption In The Karaoke Bar Rob Sheffield had his life pulled out from him 16 years ago when his wife died suddenly of a pulmonary embolism. He overcame his grief through singing karaoke, and tells about it in his new book, "Turn Around Bright Eyes: The Rituals of Love and Karaoke." Hear this interview

NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL Wayne Shorter Quartet With Herbie Hancock, Live In Concert Among the most influential jazz composers of all time, the saxophonist turns 80 this year. He returns to Newport with his crackerjack quartet to celebrate, and his old friend Herbie Hancock also swung through Rhode Island to mark the occasion. Hear more Newport performances

TINY DESK CONCERTS Keaton Henson: Tiny Desk Concert Henson's voice is so fragile and hushed, if you were 10 feet away from him you'd barely hear a peep. But what the London singer's music lacks in volume, it more than makes up for in feeling. Watch Henson perform three songs from his new album, Birthdays. Watch this video