Kishi Bashi

In this episode: With the World Cup starting in Brazil this week, Soundcheck takes a listen to various styles of music coming out of the country's northeast. Scott Kettner, percussionist and leader of the Bourbon Street-meets-Brazil band Nation Beat, presents a "Soundcheck Guide To Brazil: Pernambuco."

Then: The looping violinist and singer Kishi Bashi has played with Regina Spektor and the band Of Montreal -- and won over fans with his own gorgeously layered and catchy songs. Hear him performs songs from his smart and effervescent new album, Lighght, in the Soundcheck studio.

And: The mash-up artist Girl Talk recently collaborated with the rapper Freeway for an experimental mixtape, Broken Ankles. The self-described “Pennsylvania Dream Team” talks about how the project made each of them re-think their respective styles.

In this episode: Beyoncé has has been known by many names: “Queen B,” “Foxxy Cleopatra,” and, of course, “Sasha Fierce.” Arielle Loren and Ann Powers talk with us about Beyonce's newest persona: Mrs. Carter.

Plus: Kishi Bashi, aka K. Ishibashi, used to be the go-to guy when indie bands like Of Montreal needed a violin. Now, he’s struck out on his own -- and he joins us to bring his melodic chamber-pop to life.

And: When filmmaker Jay Bulger titled his latest documentary Beware of Mr. Baker, he wasn’t exaggerating. The film stars the legendary, volatile and reclusive drummer Ginger Baker, known for his work in bands like Cream and Blind Faith -- and, more notoriously, for his drug use and temper. We talk with Jay Bulger about the making of the film, and Baker’s musical genius.