January 2019 | Folk Roots Radio

Folk Roots Radio Episode 426: feat. Peter Boyer (Same Latitude As Rome) & More New Releases

Jan 31 2019

Episode 426 of Folk Roots Radio features a great interview with Peter Boyer, from Same Latitude As Rome, who joins us in the studio to chat about their latest album “Stay The Course”, which features Sean McCann, formerly of Great Big Sea, on the title track. We also take a look at more of the new releases we’ve received, and this time around we check out new music from Claire Coupland, Benjamin William Pike, The Pairs, Judy Brown, Emilyn Stam & Filippo Gambetta, Andy Hughes, Matt Andersen and Naming The Twins. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 425: feat. Jay Aymar & More New Releases

Jan 31 2019

Toronto based singer-songwriter Jay Aymar joins us on Episode 425 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his latest recording “My Perfect Matador”, an album that is surely his most complete artistic statement to date. Drawing comparison to no less than Canadian icon Leonard Cohen, with a nod to the groundbreaking work of Tom Waits, “Your Perfect Matador” sets out to explore love and yearning, and the place of art in our society. It’s a great album, and an excellent interview – and definitely worth checking out. We also take a look at more of the new music we’ve received, including releases from Kat Danser, Kalyna Rakel, Suzanne Jarvie, Cathy Hutch, Matt Tighe, Colm Gavin, Abby Zotz and The Sturgeons. Check out the full playlist below.

Suzanne Jarvie - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jan 29 2019

Suzanne Jarvie started writing songs for her critically acclaimed debut, 2014’s “Spiral Road”, while sitting with her son in hospital, as he recovered from a devastating fall down a spiral staircase. Her new album, “In The Clear”, explores the wider impact of that accident on her family. The new recording, produced once again by Chris Brown at the Old Post Office on Wolfe Island ON, is a gorgeous slice of Americana songwriting – great songs with a lovely western feel, beautifully played by a fine supporting cast, and a crystal clear voice that comes over like Emmylou Harris in her prime. “In The Clear” is another winner – a fabulous recording , and, as far as I’m concerned, the best album of 2019 so far. We caught up with Suzanne Jarvie in Toronto to chat about the new album. Learn more about the music of Suzanne Jarvie at suzannejarvie.com. Music: Suzanne Jarvie “Headless Rider”, “Point Blank”, “In The Clear” and “One It Finds” from “In The Clear” (2019, Wolfe Island Records) CDN

Kalon Hart – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Jan 28 2019

Kalon Hart is the singer-songwriter alter-ego of Canadian film/TV composer Rob Teehan, who also played the tuba with both the Lemon Bucket Orkestra and The Boxcar Boys. Currently based in LA, Kalon Hart will release his first album, “Love Is Surrender”, a seven song meditation on love and emotion, in 2019. Kalon Hart sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music. He also played two songs from the new album live. For more information, visit kalonhart.com. Music: Kalon Hart “Song For Bill (Don’t Lose Yourself To My Mistakes)” (Live), “Come On Out Of The Rain” (Live) and “I Think You Know” from “Love Is Surrender” (2019, Self) CDN.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 424: feat. Gathering Time & More New Releases

Jan 24 2019

Long Island based folk band Gathering Time joins us on Episode 424 of Folk Roots Radio for a fun conversation about their music. They also play two songs live for us. It’s a great interview and well-worth sticking around for. We also take a look at more of the new releases we’ve received, and this time around we check out new music from Claudia Russell & Bruce Kaplan, Kalyna Rakel, Mike Plume Band, Paul & Trevor Mills, Tomorrow Bird, Ken Dunn and David Storey. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 423: Folk Music Ontario 2018 Developing Artist Program

Jan 24 2019

We’re all about the Folk Music Ontario conference 2018 Developing Artist Program on Episode 423 of Folk Roots Radio. Each year during the annual conference, a group of developing artists – youth performers are paired with mentors from the Ontario folk community to work on a showcase performance and participate in professional development activities. Join us as we chat to participants in this year’s program and check out some of their music. The program is open to residents of Ontario and the National Capital Region, between the ages 15 and 21, who are chosen for their interest, ability and experience. Learn more about the program HERE. This episode features commentary and musical contributions from program coordinator Treasa Levasseur; Mentors: Rae Spoon, Binaeshee-Quae, Amanda Rheaume, Laura C. Bates and Wesli; Youth: Chloe Lukia Pilar, Saffron A., Cassidy Houston, Jessica Wedden and Gabriel Cyr. Photo credit: Mike Bourgeault. Check out the full playlist below.

Same Latitude As Rome Stay The Course - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jan 22 2019

Same Latitude As Rome, the vehicle for masterful storytelling singer-songwriter Peter Boyer are back with “Stay The Course”, the follow-up to 2015’s “Early Days”, their very well received collection of early Canadian history in song. The new album features eight original songs about mammoth cheeses, horses, old trucks, cars and guitar players – and remaining positive in the face of adversity. Joining Peter Boyer on acoustic guitar and harmonica are producer and multi instrumentalist JK Gulley, Matt Lima/Tomas Bouda (acoustic bass), Gary Kreller (accordion), Mark Mariash (percussion), and Dale Rivard (dobro). There are also cameo appearances from Sean McCann, formerly of Great Big Sea, who shares vocals and plays the bodhran on the title track and Roly Platt with some fine bluesy harmonica on “Blue Shelby Mustang”. Peter Boyer joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio to chat about the new album. For more information about the music of Peter Boyer and Same Latitude As Rome, visit samelatitudeasrome.com. Music: Same Latitude As Rome “Stay The Course”, “Perth’s Mammoth Cheese”, “Old Guys With Guitars” and “Lost Patrol” from “Stay The Course” (2019, Self) CDN.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 422: feat. Jonathan Byrd & More New Releases

Jan 11 2019

North Carolina singer-songwriter Jonathan Byrd joins us on Episode 422 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his latest album “Pickup Cowboy”, the wonderful follow up to his great 2014 album “You Can’t Outrun The Radio”. Pickup Cowboy features ten songs, eight Byrd originals (one a co-write with Charles Humphrey III, formerly with the Steep Canyon Rangers) and two songs by fellow singer-songwriter Matt Fockler, the inspiration for the title track. We also check out more of the new music we’ve received including releases by Belle Of The Fall, Sammy Duke, Reece Sullivan, Bob MacLean, A New Ground, Marty Kolls and Dennis Roger Reed. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 421: feat. Big Little Lions & More New Releases

Jan 11 2019

We catch up with Big Little Lions on Episode 421 of Folk Roots Radio. It’s at least a couple of years since we last sat down with Helen Austin and Paul Otten from the band to chat about their music. Always a great conversation, Big Little Lions released their very well-received third full length album “Alive And Well” earlier in 2018. Full of clever hooks and great harmonies, and, in some cases, a distinct message – it’s definitely worth checking out. We also check out more of the latest new releases and this time round we include new music from Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, Lennie Gallant, Jane Yolen & 3 Ravens, Bob MacLean and Caribou Run. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 420: feat. Jesse Matas & More New Releases

Jan 03 2019

Jesse Matas joins us on Episode 420 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his great new solo album “Tamarock”, our favourite album of 2018. Jesse Matas has a great vocal style, and the album features some fine playing, with a lovely sonic palate and a production that really gives all the instruments space to breath. But, above all, it’s full of really interesting songs with great lyrical imagery – and that’s what makes this album a recording that you really need to check out. You can listen to the rest of our Top Ten favourite albums of the year on Episode 417, and The Next 15 on Episode 418. We also take a look at more of the new music we’ve received, and this time around we check out albums from Johnsmith, Paul & Trevor Mills, Youngtree and The Blooms, Rich Krueger, The Slocan Ramblers and Wes Collins. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 419: feat. Mara Levine & More New Releases

Jan 03 2019

Mara Levine from New Jersey joins us on Episode 419 of Folk Roots Radio for a wonderful conversation about her music. Mara Levine is not a songwriter, but she is a fine, fine singer, and a great interpreter of other people’s songs. She’s just released a fabulous new album “Facets of Folk”, which features 13 tracks that showcase various different faces of folk music, often with a strong social conscience, and including favourites from Gordon Lightfoot, Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen and Christine Lavin alongside some new discoveries from contemporary songwriters. And while Mara is with us, she also sings a song from Facets of Folk live. We also check out more of the new albums we’ve received including new music from Jesse Parent, T Buckley, Dave McEathron, Jenie Thai, Andrea Bettger, Niall Teague and the Fast Company, Merry Hell, Mike T. Kerr and Ben Heffernan. Check out the full playlist below.

Shawn William Clarke Topaz - Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Jan 03 2019

Shawn William Clarke is a wonderfully quirky and engaging singer-songwriter who really deserves a wider audience. His last two solo albums “William” (2014) and “Topaz” (2017) were very well-received, and both made our long list for favourite albums of the year. A second trip to Europe on tour, another visit to Iceland for some off-venue gigs at the Iceland Airwaves festival, alongside picking up Folk Music Ontario‘s 2018 Songs from the Heart award for best instrumental for “Bellwoods Park” (from the William album) and a very well-received official showcase at the FMO conference, made 2018 a year to remember. It’s always fun to chat to Shawn about his music. We sat down with him at FMO for a great conversation and a couple of live songs, including another new song. Visit Shawn William Clarke online at shawnwilliamclarke.com. Music: Shawn William Clarke “Young In Love (At The End Of The World)” (Live), “Everybody Gets Sad Sometimes” (Live) and “The Tourists” from “Topaz” (2017, Self) CDN.

Gathering Time – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Jan 02 2019

Long Island based folk band Gathering Time are an excellent harmony trio in the tradition of Peter, Paul & Mary, with a little bit of Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Byrds and Joni Mitchell thrown into the mix. The band features Stuart Markus and Gerry McKeveny on guitars and vocals, with Hillary Foxsong on percussion and vocals. Their latest album is the very well-received “Keepsake” from 2016. Gathering Time joined us in the mobile studio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference for a fun conversation about their music and a couple of live songs, with vocal support from Mara Levine. Visit Gathering Time online at gathering-time.com. Music: Gathering Time “Too Far To Turn Back Now” (Live), “You Were On My Mind” (Live) and “Westerly” from “Keepsake” (2016, Treble G Records).

Jay Aymar Your Perfect Matador – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jan 01 2019

Toronto based troubadour singer-songwriter Jay Aymar has just released a new album that is surely his most complete artistic statement to date. Drawing comparison to no less than Canadian icon Leonard Cohen, with a nod to the groundbreaking work of Tom Waits, “Your Perfect Matador” sets out to explore love and yearning, and the place of art in our society or as his publicity material describes it… The acclaimed wordsmith and performer pulls out all the creative stops on these nine tracks spinning a poetic fable of seduction, obsession and addiction — while washing it down with a narcotic cocktail of edgy post-Americana, swampy southern roots-rock and even menacing soul-funk. I think you get the picture – this vision is fully realized. Musically the new album, produced by Michael Phillip Wojewoda, is an all-enveloping sonic wonder with some fabulous support from Champagne James Robertson on electric guitar, Robbie Grunwald (keyboards), Devon Henderson (bass), Wojewoda (drums, additional keyboards), Drew Dureka (strings) and wonderful cameo vocal performances by Alejandra Ribera, Shakura S’Aida and Chloe Charles. We caught up with Jay Aymar at home in Toronto to chat about the new album. Visit Jay Aymar online at jayaymar.com. Music: Jay Aymar “Your Poet Bleeding”, “Us Wild Dogs” and “The Greatest Story Never Told” from “Your Perfect Matador” (2018, Self).

Mara Levine – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Jan 01 2019

New Jersey based Mara Levine is a fabulous singer, and a great interpreter of other people’s songs. She’s just released a lovely third album “Facets Of Folk” the follow up to “Jewels and Harmony” (2013) and her debut “Mara’s Gems” (2009) which were both well-received. A very well curated collection, Facets of Folk features 13 tracks that showcase various different faces of folk music, often with a strong social conscience, and including favourites from Gordon Lightfoot, Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen and Christine Lavin alongside some new discoveries from contemporary songwriters. Mara Levine tours across the US, often with Gathering Time (Stuart Markus, Hillary Foxsong, and Gerry McKeveny). She also performs as a duo with both Terry Kitchen, and Caroline Cutroneo. Mara Levine sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about her music, and shared a live version of Tommy Sands “Daughters and Sons”, which appears on the new album. For more information visit maralevine.com. Music: Mara Levine “You Reap What You Sow” from “Facets of Folk” (2019, Self), “Daughters and Sons” (live) and “By My Silence” (with Gathering Time) from “Facets of Folk” (2019, Self).