April 2018 | Folk Roots Radio

The Young’Uns – Folk Roots Radio at Folk North

Apr 25 2018

Sean Cooney, David Eagle and Michael Hughes career in music started when they decided that rather than going to the local pub for a night out, they’d check out their local folk club, in Stockton on Teeside, England in the UK. Taking their turn to sing some traditional songs in three part harmony, and, often a cappella, lead to them being affectionately christened The Young’Uns – as they were distinctly not in the same age group as the other people who attended the folk club on a regular basis. Well, the name stuck, and a desire to share their own socially conscious message in song, has lead to critical praise for their recorded work and live performances, and being named as Best Group at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards two years running (2015 and 2016) and picking up Best Album in 2018 for their latest, “Strangers” (2017, Hereteu Records). Sean, David and Michael sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the Folk North export showcase in Toronto to chat about their music, and latest album, “Strangers” (2017, Hereteu Records). Check out The Young’Uns online at younguns.co.uk. Music: The Young’Uns “Ghafoor’s Bus”, “Be The Man” and “Bob Cooney’s Miracle” from “Strangers” (2017, Hereteu Records).

Campbell Woods – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Apr 25 2018

Young Canadian singer-songwriter Campbell Woods released his debut album “Oxford Street”, produced by Brian Kobayakawa, in the spring of 2017. An album full of well-crafted story songs, it was very well-received both nationally and internationally, and made it into Folk Roots Radio’s Top 25 albums of 2017. Campbell Woods first arrived on our radar as a member of the 2014 Folk Music Ontario Youth Program (now known as the Developing Artist Program). It was clear even then, that Campbell was committed to the craft as a songwriter, with a deep desire to share his stories through song. Campbell Woods sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music and play a few songs live. Check out Campbell Woods online at campbellwoodsmusic.com. Music: Campbell Woods “Blood Is Thicker Than Water” (Live), “If She Stays” (Live) and “Van Gogh” (Live).

Glenn McFarlane – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Apr 24 2018

Glenn McFarlane is an award winning songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and one of the founders of the Brampton Folk Club. Glenn released his third album, “Time to Kill” in 2017. His well-crafted originals have a fun sing-a-long familiarity that really gets the audience going. Glenn McFarlane sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music and play a few songs live. Glenn has also created a couple of fun videos to accompany his music – a very cute puppet powered video for his song “I Wanna Hug” and, another for his anthemic sing-a-long “Hey Canada!” for Canada’s 150th birthday. Visit Glenn McFarlane online at glennmcfarlane.ca. Music: Glenn McFarlane “I Wanna Hug” (Live), “Newfoundland 9-1-1” (Live) and “Hey Canada!” (Live).

Ian Sherwood – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Apr 23 2018

Halifax singer-songwriter Ian Sherwood picked up a Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer Of The Year, for his 2012 live album “Live At The Hive”. His fifth studio album “Bring The Light”, produced by Daniel Ledwell, is filled with the same hooky cleverness that has endeared Sherwood to his audience. This time around, the deft work of Ledwell’s production brings Sherwood’s songs a new dimension of beauty and depth. Ian Sherwood sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about the new album, and play three songs live. For more information about the music of Ian Sherwood, visit iansherwood.com. Music: Ian Sherwood “Firefly” (Live), “Dig That Hole” (Live), “Short End Of The Stick” (Live) and “We’re Only Human” from “Bring The Light” (2017, Self).

Kevin Roy – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Apr 23 2018

Everyone loves a good story. Winnipeg country roots troubadour, Kevin Roy, shares his songs as if telling a story for the first time over morning coffee. He delivers poignant folk ballads, wry wit toe-tappers, and barnburners with the right balance of aw-shucks honesty and unbridled enthusiasm. Kevin released his very well received first full length long player “Heartworn Highways” in 2016. Kevin Roy sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music and play a few tunes live. It’s a great session, and definitely worth a listen. Check out Kevin Roy’s upcoming tour dates online at kevinroymusic.com. Music: Kevin Roy “The Mighty River” (live), “Taller Than The Trees” (Live) and “Gone With The Wind” (Live).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 376: Kerri Powers & New Releases

Apr 18 2018

Connecticut blues roots singer-songwriter Kerri Powers joins us on Episode 376 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her fabulous new album “Starseeds”. Kerri Powers produced one of our favourite recordings of 2014, her stunning self-titled album. It’s a great interview, and well worth checking out. And, as always, we check out more of the new music we’ve received, including new releases from The Lonesome Ace Stringband, The Lifers and Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 375L The LYNNeS & New Releases

Apr 18 2018

Lynn Miles and Lynne Hanson, join us on Episode 375 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their new project, The LYNNeS, and first album as a duo, “Heartbreak Song For The Radio”. After a very successful European visit, The LYNNeS are now heading out on their Canadian tour. We also check out new music from The Wailin’ Jennys, Kenneth Paul Cooper, Cousin Harley, Steve Sainas, Banjo Mechanics, Innes Wilson, Sue Foley and The Achromatics. It’s a great episode. I hope you’ll take a listen. Check out the full playlist below.

Jabbour – Honey

Apr 14 2018

Montreal roots swing band Jabbour have just released the video for their new single “Honey”. Honey was written by Jabbour’s Bill Collier, and arranged by the band. Performing on the single are Bill Collier (ukulele, percussion, banjo, lead vocals), Guillaume Jabbour (guitar, backing vocals), Carl Rufh (bass, backing vocals) and David Greely (fiddle). The new single was recorded at Studio Riverfield (Howick, QC) by John McColgan, with mixing by John McColgan, Paul Scriver (Square Peg Studios, Montreal, QC) and mastering by Harris Newman at Greymarket (Montreal, QC). Jabbour’s new album, the follow up to 2016’s “Round the Clock”, is due later this year. The video for Honey was produced by D’Onofrio Films and features Ottawa’s Ball & Chain – Michael Ball and Jody Benjamin, alongside a starring role for Hank the Dog. Check out our interview with Jabbour HERE. Find Jabbour online at jabbourband.com. Photo: Tanis Saucier.

The LYNNeS – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 13 2018

Two of our favourite Canadian singer-songwriters, Lynn Miles and Lynne Hanson, have a new project, recording and performing as a duo as The LYNNeS. The two Lynn(e)s have written and toured together off and on for over 10 years now and Lynn Miles has produced two Lynne Hanson albums, 2014’s “River of Sand” and the 2015 Halloween release “7 Deadly Spins”. Their first fully collaborative album “Heartbreak Song For The Radio” features 10 new co-writes and a guest appearance from the fabulous Juno Award winning guitarist Kevin Breit. The LYNNeS are just back from a European tour and they are now setting out on some Canadian dates and some summer festival appearances. We caught up with The LYNNeS – Lynn Miles and Lynne Hanson – in Sudbury as they set up for the first night of their Canadian tour. For more information on their upcoming tour dates, including April 18 – Moonshine Cafe (Oakville), April 19 – Silence (Guelph), April 20 – The Burdock (Toronto) and May 26-27 – NAC Presents (Ottawa), visit thelynnes.com. Music: The LYNNeS “Recipe For Disaster”, “Don’t Look Down”, “Blue Tattoo”, and “Heartbreak Song For The Radio” from “Heartbreak Song For The Radio” (2018, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 374: Laura Cortese & More New Releases

Apr 12 2018

Laura Cortese, originally from the San Francisco area of California and now part of the great folk and roots scene in Boston, joins us on Episode 374 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her music and great new album with her all girl band, Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards, “California Calling”. We also check out new music from The Wailin’ Jennys, Jabbour, Dom Flemons, Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches, Andrew Collins Trio, Chris LaVancher, John Muirhead and Elly Wininger. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 373: Stephen Fearing & More New Releases

Apr 12 2018

Stephen Fearing is heading out on the road this Spring for a solo tour that takes in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. We catch up with Stephen, on the road from Regina to Winnipeg, to chat about the tour and his very well received ninth solo album 2017’s “Every Soul’s A Sailor”, which took home the Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer of the Year. And among the new music on Episode 373 of Folk Roots Radio we check out the latest releases from Julie Ross, Ambre McLean, Dennis Ellsworth & Kinley Dowling, Vi Wickam & Justin Branum and Crystal Shawanda. Check out the full playlist below.

Apr 10 2018

Ottawa’s Gareth Auden-Hole grew up with his head in the city and his heart in the northern wild. Gareth studied music production in Victoria, Ottawa, and London before releasing his self-titled debut album as Jack Pine and The Fire in 2011. A solo E.P., “Lone Wolf”, a delightfully raw, live-off-the-floor recording, followed in 2015 – its four songs featuring Jack’s empathy for the underdog, deep-seated respect for nature, and wry sense of humour, as well as his mandolin… played very furiously, then very softly. The E.P. is intended to be a companion piece to the Jack Pine & The Fire full-length recording “Left To Our Own Devices” which arrived in 2017. Jack Pine sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music. Visit Jack Pine online at jackpinefire.com. Music: Jack Pine & The Fire “Cabin Fever”, “Make Or Break Up” from “Left To Our Own Devices” (2017, Self), Jack Pine “Lone Wolf” from the “Lone Wolf” E.P. and Jack Pine & The Fire “Desert Island” from “Left To Our Own Devices” (2017, Self).

Kerri Powers Starseeds – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 10 2018

Blues roots singer-songwriter Kerri Powers is getting ready to release her new album “Starseeds”. Kerri Powers produced one of our favourite recordings of 2014, her stunning self-titled album. According to Kerri, the new album was recorded during a transitional and healing phase in her life. “Songs are starseeds. Lightworkers often appearing from an inexplicable place and time with empathetic intention. Our world needs healing and connection now more than ever.” Produced with Eric Michael Lichter, Starseeds features eight original songs and two great covers – Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home” and Gene Clark‘s “Polly”. It’s clear that this new recording is again going to do very well – and, hopefully, will get Kerri Powers up on to the radar of a lot more people – she really is the real deal. To learn more about the new album, Folk Roots Radio caught up with Kerri Powers at home in Connecticut. You can find an interview with Kerri Powers recorded after the release of her self-titled album on the website HERE. Visit Kerri Powers online at kerripowers.com. Photo: Jean Molodetz. Music: Kerri Powers “Bicycle Man”, “Free Bird Flying”, “Grace and Harmony” and “Can’t Find My Way Home” from “Starseeds” (2018, Self).

Stephen Fearing Spring Tour – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 08 2018

Stephen Fearing hits the road in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario this spring. Hot on the heels of a great response to his ninth solo album, 2017’s “Every Soul’s A Sailor”, which took home the Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer of the Year, his solo career is still going strong – alongside his very busy ‘other job’ as one of the leaders of Canadian supergroup Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. We caught up with Stephen on the road in Saskatchewan to chat about this tour, his long career (his first recording, a cassette entitled “The Yellow Tape” came out in 1986) and latest solo album. Check out Stephen Fearing’s tour dates at stephenfearing.com. Music: Stephen Fearing “Red Lights In The Rain”, “Blowhard Nation” and “Every Soul’s A Sailor” from “Every Soul’s A Sailor” (2017, Lowdenproud).

Jabbour’s New Single Honey – Folk Roots Radio Exclusive

Apr 08 2018

A Folk Roots Radio EXCLUSIVE! Quebec roots swing band Jabbour will be releasing the video for their new single, “Honey”, at the Maison de la culture de Notre-Dame-de-Grâce on Friday April 13 at 8 p.m. Honey was written by Jabbour’s Bill Collier, and arranged by the band. Performing on the single are Bill Collier (ukulele, percussion, banjo, lead vocals), Guillaume Jabbour (guitar, backing vocals), Carl Rufh (bass, backing vocals) and David Greely (fiddle). The new single was recorded at Studio Riverfield (Howick, QC) by John McColgan, with mixing by John McColgan, Paul Scriver (Square Peg Studios, Montreal, QC) and mastering by Harris Newman at Greymarket (Montreal, QC). Jabbour’s new album, the follow up to 2016’s “Round the Clock”, is due later this year. Check out our interview with Jabbour HERE. Find Jabbour online at jabbourband.com. Photo: Tanis Saucier.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 372: Rosie & the Riveters and More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 372: Rosie and the Riveters & More New Releases

Apr 05 2018

Alexis Normand from Saskatoon feminist vocal group Rosie and the Riveters joins us on Episode 372 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their great new album “Ms. Behave”. Named after the World War 2 feminist labour icon, Rosie the Riveter – the band are a study in contrasts – three voices, the bright red lipstick, the curls, the post war dress, vintage harmonies and a sassy choreographed stage show – coupled with songs that whether playful or serious are deliberately intended to provoke, empower and inspire. It’s a great interview – well worth sticking around for. And, as always, we also check out more of the latest new releases including new music from Chris LaVancher, Joe Jencks, John McCutcheon, Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita, David Leask, Scott Anthony Andrews and Tom Rush. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 371: The Kelly Song Collective & More New Releases

Apr 05 2018

The Kelly Song Collective join us in the studio on Episode 371 of Folk Roots Radio. The Kelly Song Collective are a folk roots duo from Sudbury and Toronto featuring the brothers John and Joe Kelly. They released a fabulous debut album “Unless & Until” in 2017. Although they weren’t even on our radar at the time, we’ve since gotten to know them and love their music. It was a great pleasure to have John and Joe join us in the studio for an in-depth conversation and some live songs. We also check out more of the new releases, including new music from Niall Teague & The Fast Company, Kyle Carey, John Flanagan Trio, Banjo Mechanics, Big Little Lions, Christina Martin and Amelia Coburn. Check out the full playlist below.
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Laura Cortese – Folk Roots Radio at Folk North

Apr 02 2018

Laura Cortese gave up a life in California to attend the famed Berklee College of Music, before deciding to stay in Boston and immerse herself in the city’s vibrant roots scene as a side player. Returning to front her own band, Laura came together with the Dance Cards as an all girl band, featuring four string players – two fiddles (Laura Cortese and Jenna Moynihan), with Valerie Thompson on cello and Natalie Bohrn from Manitoba on standup bass. All of the band members share vocals. Their debut album as a four piece, “California Calling”, features 11 songs, most written by Laura Cortese but with arrangements that reflect the full band’s influences and exploring rhythms and sonic textures that take their music way beyond what you’d typically expect from a folk roots stringband. An inspirational songwriter, and engaging interview, Laura Cortese sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the Folk Music Canada export showcase Folk North to chat about her music and high energy live show. For more information about Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards, visit thisislauracortese.com. Photo: Natalie Champa-Jennings. Music: Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards “The Low Hum”, “Stockholm” and “California Calling” from “California Calling” (2017, Compass Records).