October 2018 | Folk Roots Radio

Folk Roots Radio Episode 404: feat. Melanie Brulée & More New Releases

Oct 31 2018

Toronto’s Melanie Brulée joins us on Episode 404 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her great new Americana album “Fires, Floods & Things We Leave Behind”, a fabulous slice of pedal steel driven country music that comes equipped with its own widescreen spaghetti western like vibe to kick things off. It’s a great conversation. I hope you’ll stick around for that. We also take a look at more of the new music we’ve received including new releases from Sarah MacDougall, Oliver The Crow, Melanie Dekker, Vishtèn, Ivan Rosenberg, Ken Tizzard and Lennie Gallant alongside a tribute to the sadly departed ‘Swamp King’ Tony Joe White. Check out the full playlist below.

Sweet Alibi – Crawling Back To You

Oct 31 2018

Winnipeg roots/pop vocal group Sweet Alibi, who feature the beautiful harmonies of Amber Rose, Jessica Rae Ayre and Michelle Anderson, have just released a new single – and a great new video. It’s their version of Tom Petty’s “Crawling Back To You” – and a fabulous job they do, too. The song is part of a new playlist “Canada Covers Tom Petty”, curated by Jadea Kelly, who supplies her own cover of “Wildflowers”, alongside covers by Matt Mays and Terra Lightfoot (“Learning to Fly”), Royal Wood (“Don’t Come Around Here No More”), Matt Epp and Christina Martin (“Stop Dragging My Heart Around”) and many more. Sweet Alibi are playing some dates in Ontario this fall and will be bringing their great live show to the Mary Webb Centre in Highgate on Saturday November 3 at 8 p.m. Visit Sweet alibi online at sweetalibi.com.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 403: feat. Moonfruits & More New Releases

Oct 30 2018

Bilingual folk duo Moonfruits join us on Episode 403 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their music and latest album “Ste-Quequepart”. Kaitlin Milroy and Alex Millaire are a tremendous live act, captivating audiences with their beautiful harmonies while using their ideals and imagination to tell stories in song, often accompanied by just a banjo or parlour guitar. It’s a great interview, and well worth checking out. We also take a look at more of the new releases we’ve received, including new music from Mike T. Kerr, Jonathan Byrd, Twas Now, Ivan Rosenberg, Shauit, Carolyn Fe and the Red Dirt Skinners. Check out the playlist below.

Karen Morand Every Flash Of Light - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 28 2018

Windsor ON based singer-songwriter Karen Morand has been pretty busy lately. After announcing the arrival of Even The Bird Was Free, her new rootsy, bluesy, gospel, Americana duo with Ukulele Bluesman Manitoba Hal (check out our great interview with Karen and Hal recorded at the Folk Music Ontario conference HERE), the Canada South Songwriting Competition winner is about to release her fourth album since 2012. The new recording, a solo E.P., “Every Flash Of Light” was recorded in St.Thomas, ON with Deni Gauthier and features five new Karen Morand songs (including co-writes with Linda McRae, Steve Hindalong, and others) and a cover of Corin Raymond‘s “That’s Life”. While retaining that warm gospel infused style we associate with Karen Morand’s music, the new songs come with powerhouse vocals, and a musical accompaniment from Deni Gauthier (acoustic/electric guitars, bass, keys, programming and percussion) and Broomsticks & Hammers‘ Paul Aitken on lead guitar and slide guitar that really makes you feel that this is Karen Morand unleashed. Karen Morand joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio to chat about the new album. Visit Karen Morand online at karenmorand.com. Music: Karen Morand “When The Smoke Clears”, “That’s Life” and “Homeward Bound” from “Every Flash Of Light” (2018, Self).

Carly Dow Comet – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Oct 26 2018

Banjo toting roots singer-songwriter Carly Dow has just released her second album “Comet”. More celestial in tone than her earthy debut “Ingrained”, Carly is still deeply connected to nature and the wildness that lives amongst us – and within us, on ten new songs written at her, mostly off the grid, backwoods retreat in the wilds of Manitoba. The new album, co-produced with Matt Filopoulus, features Carly Dow on her signature clawhammer banjo and acoustic guitar with support from some fine Winnipeg based musicians including Matt Filopoulus on electric guitar, pedal steel and dobro; Murray Jewett and Julian Bradford (strings) and Jeremy Rusu (accordion) with harmony vocals from Madeleine Roger and Logan McKillop. Carly Dow sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at Folk Music Ontario to chat about the new album. For more information about the music of Carly Dow, visit carlydowmusic.com. Music: Carly Dow “Sunlight Remembers”, “Tiger’s Eye” and “Cut & Run” from “Comet” (2018, Self)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 402: feat. David Graff & More New Releases

Oct 24 2018

British Columbia based singer-songwriter David Graff joins us on Episode 402 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his new album “Supposed To Fly”. David has just returned to writing and recording after a twenty year gap. Despite some early success, with songs placed in movies and television, and an EP called “Some Of What I Know”, David dropped out of the music business in the late nineties to pursue a career as a visual artist. However, he’s back with a truly fabulous collection of songs. You really need to hear this interview and check out this new album. We also check out the latest releases from The Maes, Claire Coupland, Melanie Brulée, Ann Vriend, The Jeremiahs, Orit Shimoni and Cheshire Carr. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 401: feat. Erin Costelo & More New Releases

Oct 24 2018

Episode 401 of Folk Roots Radio features an interview with Halifax NS based keyboard playing singer-songwriter, composer and producer Erin Costelo. Erin Costelo released the critically acclaimed “Down Below The Status Quo” in 2016 — one of our favourite albums of that year. She’s just released the follow-up “Sweet Marie”, and it’s another soulful R&B masterpiece. Erin joins us to chat about the new album before heading out on an extensive touring schedule that takes in Canada, and then the US before heading into Europe. It’s a great interview, and definitely worth sticking around for. We also have more great new releases to share with you, including new music from Moors and McCumber, Noah Derksen, John Wort Hannam, T Buckley, Miller – Macdonald – Cormier, and Kat Danser. Check out the full playlist below.

Madeleine Roger - Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Oct 24 2018

Winnipeg singer-songwriter Madeleine Roger released a fabulous album “Fairweather” in 2015 with her twin brother Lucas as part of the contemporary folk duo Roger Roger. Since that time, Lucas has decided to take a break from writing and performing to focus on his work as a luthier with Beardsell Guitars, allowing Madeleine to develop her own career as a solo artist. Madeleine Roger’s debut solo album “Cottonwood” features songs, written at home in Winnipeg and while on retreat at the family backwoods cottage, that reflect a female perspective on life and music. The album was produced with Lloyd Peterson (The Wailin’ Jenny’s, The Weakerthans, James Keelaghan) at Paintbox Recording in Winnipeg with true gender parity and equality a focus of the recording process. Madeleine Roger sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about the new album. For more information about Madeleine Roger, visit madeleineroger.com. Music: Madeleine Roger “60 Years More”, “Cottonwood” and “Soldier Song” from “Cottonwood” (2018, Self).

Drumlin Contra Dances – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Drumlin Contra Dance - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 24 2018

Contra dance is a traditional social dance style with figures similar to square dancing but taking place in longways sets. Dancing occurs with live music from the Scots-Irish, French Canadian, and Appalachian folk traditions – though often given a modern twist. A caller leads the participants through the steps for each dance. It’s an inclusive, grassroots, and lively activity, open to all ages and a lot fun! Contra dance communities can be found in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and in many other places across Canada and the US. Drumlin Contra Dances take place at St James Church Hall in Fergus every fourth Friday each month, from September thru May. They are looking to entice more people to join them, so that their group can become truly sustainable. Kris Rosar from Drumlin Contra Dances joined us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about contra dancing and their group. For more information visit drumlincontradances.ca. Check out other links for Contra Dancing at contradancelinks.com, the Country Dance and Song Society at cdss.org and The Dance Gypsy. Music: The Old Sod Band “Julia Delaney, Tam Lin and The Banshee” from “Grass Roots” (2001, Self) and Les Frères Brunet “Queue De Lapin” from “Magie” (1994, Self).

Francine Honey To Be Continued – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 23 2018

Bilingual Canadian singer-songwriter Francine Honey (formerly Francine Leclair) has just released her third album “To Be Continued”. The new album, featuring tales of heartache and hope delivered with a mix of Americana, country, rock, Canadiana and blues, was recorded in Nashville with producer Neilson Hubbard (John Prine, Jason Isbell) with some fine support from guitarists Will Kimbrough and Kris Donegan, pianist Danny Mitchell, bassist Dean Marold and fiddler Eamon McLoughlin with backing vocals on “Snowflakes On My Eyelashes” from Beth Nielsen Chapman. Francine Honey joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio to chat about the new album. For more information about the music of Francine Honey, visit francinehoney.com. Music: Francine Honey “Snowflakes On My Eyelashes”, “To Be Continued” and “Can’t Break Through To You” from “To Be Continued” (2018, Self).

Even The Bird Was Free – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Oct 22 2018

Award-winning singer-songwriter Karen Morand & Ukulele Bluesman Manitoba Hal are now making music together as rootsy, bluesy, gospel, Americana duo Even The Bird Was Free. Karen Morand and Manitoba Hall have toured together before, providing harmony vocals on each others songs. Their new acoustic live show features stripped down gospel rich roots songs written by both members individually and, now, together. On stage, with an assortment of instruments in hand, the long time friends have an easy rapport and a playful energy that’s hard to resist. They’ve just released their first self-titled EP. Karen and Hal sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about the new project and also played a couple of new songs live. For more information visit eventhebirdwasfree.com. Music: Even The Bird Was Free “Call Me Blue” (Live), “This Old World” (Live) and “Lucky Fighter” from “Even The Bird Was Free (2018, Self).

Justin Latam – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 18 2018

Born and raised in Leamington ON in the heart of Canada’s Sun Parlour, barefoot musician Justin Latam, has been making music for over thirteen years now. A hard-working singer-songwriter, Justin has made several trips to Nashville to further his craft and recently released “Six”, a stripped down six song solo acoustic E.P., the follow up to his poppy fifth album “Barefoot”. Justin is currently on his fall Home County Tour and joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio for a chat about his music. Visit Justin Latam online at justinlatam.ca. Photo credit: Jake Klassen. Music: Justin Latam “Your Love”, “D.L. Filer (Down She Goes)” and “Call Home” from “Six” (2018, Self) CDN

Melanie Brulée Fires, Floods & Things We Leave Behind – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 17 2018

“Fires, Floods & Things We Leave Behind”, the great new album from Melanie Brulée, is a fabulous slice of pedal steel driven country music that comes equipped with its own widescreen spaghetti western like vibe to kick things off. Melanie Brulée is in fine voice on twelve tracks that reflect on relationships, loss and addiction while taking us back to the golden age of country music, and joined by some great players including pedal steel player Kevin “The General” Neal who brings much of the sound to the recording, with guitars from Champagne James Robertson (Lindi Ortega, New Country Rehab), Kyle Teixeira on bass and Adam Warner on drums. This is definitely not your average country album – and a recording you must check out. We caught up with Melanie Brulée in Toronto to chat about the new project. For more information about Melanie Brulée and upcoming tour dates, visit melaniebrulee.com. Photo credit: Emma-Lee Photography. Music: Melanie Brulée “I Will”, “Pretty Wasteland” and “Whiskey & Whine” from “Fires Floods & Things We Leave Behind” (2018, Lapin Blanc).

David Graff Supposed To Fly – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 16 2018

Canadian singer-songwriter David Graff has just returned to writing and recording music with his wonderful new release ”Supposed To Fly”. Despite some early success, with songs placed in movies and television, and an EP called “Some Of What I Know”, David dropped out of the music business in the late nineties to pursue a career as a visual artist. However, his love of music as a creative outlet has brought him back with a strong collection of songs co-produced with his daughter Julia Graff and James Perrella that really deserve loads of airplay. With a voice that feels like a blend of Tom Petty, Don Henley and Joe Walsh, and some fabulous musicianship from a strong group of side players including Steve Dawson, Kirby Barber, David Barber and John Ellis, this radio friendly release has some finely crafted songs that run the gamut from reflections on life, to cautionary tales about relationships, and favourite trucks. We caught up with David at home on Bowen Island to chat about the new album. For more information, visit davidgraffmusic.com. Music: David Graff “The Only One I’ve Got”, “Supposed To Fly” and “Tough City” from “Supposed To Fly” (2018, Self).

Erin Costelo Sweet Marie – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 15 2018

Erin Costelo, the Halifax NS based keyboard playing singer-songwriter, composer and producer, is about to release another soulful R&B masterpiece, “Sweet Marie”, the follow up to 2016’s critically acclaimed “Down Below The Status Quo” — one of our favourite albums of that year. The new album (album number 5), featuring 10 songs recorded in 10 days last winter in a house by the sea in Little Harbour NS, was produced by Erin Costelo and also features Glenn Milchem (Blue Rodeo) on Drums, Anna Ruddick on bass (Randy Bachman, Ben Caplan), Leith Fleming-Smith (Matt Mays, Hawksley Workman) on organ and Erin’s long-time partner, Clive MacNutt on guitars. Leanne Hoffman and Kwento supply backing vocals, and there are also guest appearances by the Blue Engine String Quartet, Andrew MacKelvie on saxophone and flute, and Andrew Jackson on trombone. A ‘making of the album’ documentary directed by Juno-winning songwriter Amelia Curran is due to air on CBC TV this fall. We caught up with Erin Costelo on the road to chat about the new project. For more information and upcoming tour dates across Canada and the US and into Europe, visit erincostelo.com. Photo: Mat Dunlap. Music: Erin Costelo “Lights Down Low”, “All In Your Head” and “My Love” from “Sweet Marie” (2018, Venue Records).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 400: feat. Madeleine Roger & More New Releases

Oct 12 2018

Winnipeg based singer-songwriter Madeleine Roger joins us on Episode 400 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her debut solo album “Cottonwood”. Madeline produced a fabulous album “Fairweather” in 2016 with her twin brother Lucas – as duo Roger Roger. Lucas Roger has now decided to step away from writing and performing to focus on his work as a luthier, allowing Madeleine to forge ahead with her own solo career. Madeleine Roger is a great interview, and this new conversation is no exception. During our chat, Madeleine chats about the making of the new album, the importance of achieving gender balance and equality in the studio, the live experience, and why Winnipeg has such a great music scene. It’s a great interview – definitely well-worth sticking around for. We also check out more of the new music we’ve received including new releases from Georgian Bay, Sam Loaker, Lennie Gallant, Mike T. Kerr, Braden Gates, Ken Tizzard and Tragedy Ann. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 399: feat. Jack Pine & More 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominees

Oct 04 2018

Ottawa based musician Jack Pine joins us on Episode 399 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his music and 2017 album ”Left To My Own Devices”, nominated for a 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award in the New/Emerging Artist Category. We also check out music from some of the other nominees at this year’s awards taking place in Calgary the weekend of November 30 – December 1, 2018. For more information about the Canadian Folk Music Awards, visit folkawards.ca. Check out the full playlist below.