Laura Cantrell

The Allman Brothers are set to kick off its famed yearly New York City residency at the Beacon Theater tonight. To mark the occasion, we offer Soundcheck’s Guide to The Allman Brothers -- a look at the band’s long history for both beginners and big fans.

Plus, we revisit a favorite session with Gregg Allman, from back in 2011.

And: We listen back to another recent session with singer, songwriter -- and occasional Soundcheck guest host -- Laura Cantrell, who plays songs from her new album No Way There From Here live in the studio.

In this episode: The New York Times music writer Ben Sisario gives a Grammys recap -- the surprises, the no-brainers, the folks who should have won… and maybe those who shouldn’t have.

Then: Filmmaker Godfrey Reggio’s latest collaboration with composer Philip Glass is called Visitors. He tells us about the silent film’s musical and visual language.

And: Singer, songwriter, and occasional Soundcheck guest host Laura Cantrell plays songs from her new album No Way There From Here live in the Soundcheck studio.

Hers was a true blues story - unlikely success, fast living, and an untimely and tragic death. Today: A look at one of the most popular artists of the first half of the 20^th century, Bessie Smith. Plus: The Roulette Sisters draw on the sounds of early twentieth century blues and jazz on their first release in more than five years. They play live in the Soundcheck studio.