Sessions at West 54th is an American television program broadcast 1997 to 2000 that featured music performances from artists in a wide range of genres. It was produced syndication by public television company American Program Service (APS) (now American Public Television, Boston) and was carried on many public television stations. Episodes were 60 minutes, most often featuring two performers each granted 30 minutes but occasionally with other configurations.
In some ways Sessions was inspired by Austin City Limits, but it featured a wider array of genres and performers. It was called Sessions at West 54th because it was taped at Sony Music Studios on West 54th Street in Manhattan. Jeb Brien and Niki Vettel developed the series after working on APS concert specials with Suzanne Vega and Ottmar Liebert. The series first aired on July 5, 1997, when it was included in the Saturday late-night lineup of stations covering about 85% of the country. After the program ended, an edited commercial television version also aired on the commercial Trio cable television network.
Host during season one was Chris Douridas of KCRW in Santa Monica, California during Season 1, while musician David Byrne took over hosting duties during Season 2, and musician John Hiatt was the host during Season 3.
Episode list
Season 1 (1997)
Season 2 (1998)
Season 3 (1999–2000)
Releases
CD releases Release date Title Artists LabelSeptember 4, 2001The Best of Sessions at West 54thSheryl Crow David Byrne John Hiatt Ben Folds Five Natalie Merchant Suzanne Vega The Mavericks Richard Thompson Ani DiFranco Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach Shawn Colvin Emmylou Harris Sinéad O'Connor Lou ReedSony July 13, 2018 The Complete Sessions at West 54thBen Folds FiveReal Gone MusicOct 7, 1997 Sessions at West 54thSuzanne VegaA&M Records
DVD releases Release date Title Artists LabelDecember 10, 1997The Best of Sessions at West 54th Volume 1Wynton Marsalis with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra Suzanne Vega Richard Thompson Shawn Colvin Ani DiFranco Nil Lara Rickie Lee Jones Daniel Lanois Emmylou Harris Ben Folds Five Keb' Mo' Sinéad O'Connor Yo-Yo Ma Patti Smith Jane Siberry Columbia Music VideoDecember 5, 2000Sessions at West 54th: Recorded Live in New YorkKeb' Mo'Sony PicturesDecember 19, 2000Sessions at West 54thNeil FinnSony PicturesMarch 13, 2001The Best of Sessions at West 54th Volume 2The Mavericks Imani Coppola Kronos Quartet Neil Finn Lyle Lovett Afro-Cuban All Stars Natalie Merchant John Hiatt Randy Newman Ozomatli Lucinda Williams Steve Earle Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach Lou ReedColumbia Music VideoSeptember 11, 2001John Prine - Live from Sessions at West 54thJohn PrineOh Boy Records Music VideoOctober 9, 2001Ben Folds Five – The Complete Sessions at West 54thBen Folds FiveEpic Music Video
VHS Releases Release date Title Artists LabelDecember 8, 1998Painted from Memory: Sessions at West 54thElvis Costello and Burt BacharachPolygram Music Video
References
Steve Behrens (June 23, 1997). With public TV's new Saturday night concerts, younger viewers can 'eavesdrop' on diverse musicians at work. Current.
External links
KET: Sessions at West 54th Episode List TV.Com: Episode guide: Sessions at West 54th