October 2019 | Folk Roots Radio

Abe Drennan – Iglu Sessions – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 29 2019

Abe Drennan is a Canadian folk singer, educator and social / environmental activist based in the beautiful town of Inuvik, in the Northwest Territories, and over 100 miles into the Arctic circle. Abe released the single “Spirits Soared” earlier this summer – a song written to commemorate the lives of Daniel, 9, Harrison, 5 and Milly, 2, as well as their grandfather, Gary Neville, who were all killed in a car crash, caused by a drunk driver, on September 27 2015, in Vaughan ON. Proceeds from the release of the single go to support the work of the not-for-profit Many Hands, Doing Good, a charity born out of the tragedy, which supports arts programmes for children who have experienced trauma and also provides a radio broadcasting scholarship in honour of grandfather Gary. Spirits Soared is included on Abe Drennan’s second album “Iglu Sessions”, which was recorded and produced with Jason Manns in the iconic Igloo Church in Inuvik. Folk Roots Radio caught up with Abe Drennan in Inuvik to learn more about his music. For more information about the music of Abe Drennan, visit abedrennan.com. Music: Abe Drennan “Spirits Soared”, “Way Up North”, “There For You” and “Moments In Time” from “Iglu Sessions” (2019, Self) CDN.

Tomorrow Bird – Love Is Love – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 29 2019

Tomorrow Bird are an acoustic folk duo from the UK featuring Jen Bird and Simon Driscoll, who specialize in heartfelt songs that reflect on the human experience. They sing of hope, love, loss, courage and empowerment – creating stories and melodies that are complimented by the duo’s rich vocals and seamless harmonies. Jen and Simon met while Jen was pursuing a solo career, and Simon leading the folk-rock band Burnt Tomorrow. Tomorrow Bird released their self-titled debut album in 2018. Jen and Simon have also co-written and produced four full-length musicals together; “The Island of Lost Children”, “The Best Murder Mystery Party Ever”, “The Box” and “Imagine That”. Tomorrow Bird recently released a new single “Love Is Love”, which was written to coincide with Pride celebrations in the UK. Proceeds from the sale of the single will go to support the Stonewall UK charity. Folk Roots Radio caught up with Jen and Simon at home in Reading to chat about their music. For more information about the music of Tomorrow Bird visit tomorrowbird.com. Music: Tomorrow Bird “Love Is Love” (single) (2019, Self) and “Beyond The Storm”, “Heaven Forbid” and “Get Gone” from “Tomorrow Bird” (2018, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 470: feat. Coco Love Alcorn & More New Releases

Oct 27 2019

We have a very special interview on Episode 470 of Folk Roots Radio. Coco Love Alcorn joins us to chat about her new album “Rebirth”, the follow-up to the very well-received 2016 album “Wonderland”. Like Wonderland, the new album is spiritual, but with a distinctly non-denominational message, it’s not at all preachy. Twelve new tracks that blend together Coco’s pop, jazz and gospel influences, while some of the tracks also have a lovely R&B feel to them. It’s a great album – and we know we’re biased, but it’s a fabulous interview. As usual, we wrap the episode with more of the new music we’ve received and this time around we hear from Katie Dahl, Tim Grimm, Dayna Manning, Bruce Cockburn and Robbie Smith, from Naming the Twins – who sadly passed away earlier this year. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 469: feat. Big Little Lions & More New Releases

Oct 26 2019

Helen Austin and Paul Otten make music together as Big Little Lions. They join us on Episode 469 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their sixth album “Inside Voice” – fourteen songs that take as their theme the issue of mental health with songs about dementia, depression and anxiety. It’s a great album, and Helen and Paul are always a great interview. We also check out new music from Hannah Connolly, Lizanne Knott, Lori Lynne Johnson, Anna Ludlow, The Fitzgeralds and Don Brownrigg. Check out the full playlist below.

Coco Love Alcorn - Rebirth - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 22 2019

Coco Love Alcorn is getting ready to release “Rebirth”, the follow-up to her very well-received 2016 album “Wonderland”. With a spiritual, but distinctly non-denominational message, Rebirth – like Wonderland, makes great use of Coco’s pop, jazz and gospel stylings, but with more of an R&B feel this time around. It’s a collection of songs that exhibit bravery and vulnerability with, in some cases, almost a spine-tingling fragility, as they document Coco’s own journey to spiritual growth. It’s a great recording, and one that really speaks to the importance of discovering and nurturing your own true self; and it’s an album that is sure to appeal to a growing fanbase. Coco Love Alcorn joined us on Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth conversation about the new project. Coco Love Alcorn will be on tour this fall with Ontario stops in Toronto, London, Perth, Kingston, Newmarket, and Owen Sound; Chelsea (Quebec), three concerts in Nova Scotia (Mahone Bay, Wolfville, Halifax), and then on to Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg. To learn more about the music of Coco Love Alcorn and to check out all upcoming tour dates, visit cocolovealcorn.com. Music: Coco Love Alcorn “Rebirth”, “What I Need”, “The Keeper” and “A Song To Sing” from “Rebirth” (2019, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 468: feat. Del Barber & More New Releases

Oct 19 2019

Manitoba singer-songwriter Del Barber joins us on Episode 468 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his fabulous new Americana flavoured album “Easy Keeper”. Easy Keeper may be the best thing Del Barber has ever done, although we are talking about an artist who has already been nominated for two Junos. A fine album, from a performer at the top of his game, and a great interview – we do hope you’ll stay with us to check it out. As usual, we wrap up the episode with some more of the latest new releases and this time we include great songs from Zachary Lucky, Ian & Sylvia, Don Brownrigg, Madison Galloway, Graham Lindsey, Caroline Spence, Susan Gibson and Lynne Hanson. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 467: feat. Emily Mure & More New Releases

Oct 19 2019

We’re pleased to bring you another episode of all female artists on Episode 467 of Folk Roots Radio. New York City based singer-songwriter Emily Mure joins us to chat about “Sad Songs and Waltzes”, her wonderful E.P. of reimagined cover songs. We’re big fans of Emily’s music, and it was a real pleasure to welcome her to Folk Roots Radio. We also check out more of the latest new releases and this time around we hear from Coco Love Alcorn, Jordana Talsky, Annie & Rod Capps, The Sweet Lowdown, Anna Ludlow, Katherine Fischer, West My Friend, Dayna Manning and Sharon Goldman. Check out the full playlist below.

Russell deCarle - Alone In A Crowd - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 18 2019

Former lead vocalist with Prairie Oyster Russell deCarle is heading back out on tour this fall in support of his third solo album – the wonderful “Alone In Crowd”. Warm and smokey, it’s a wonderful slice of southern soul with some jazz, blues, old school country and western swing thrown into the mix – and some great players including regular compardres – the ever wonderful Steve Briggs on guitar, Russ Boswell on bass, John Sheard (piano), Denis Keldie (accordion), Chris Whiteley (harmonica) with drums by Al Cross and Jorn Anderson and vocal support from Cindy Church, Erin Costelo, Karla Crawford and Michelle Willis. Russell deCarle is one of those performers you always want to catch live, and he’ll be playing dates across Southern Ontario this fall with stops in Grimsby (Station One Coffee House – October 19), Collingwood (CROW Bar and Variety, incl. dinner option – October 22), Oakville (Moonshine Cafe, with Steve Briggs and Paul Pigat – October 25), Toronto (Hugh’s Room Live, with Steve Briggs and Paul Pigat – October 27). He will also be in Alberta in November with shows in Edmonton (New Moon Folk Club – November 15) and Calgary (Bow Valley Music Club – November 17). Russell de Carle joined us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about his music and upcoming tour dates. For more information about Russell deCarle, and all upcoming tour dates, visit russelldecarle.com. Music: Russell deCarle “Tanqueray”, “Lock Stock and Sorrows”, “Alone In This Crowd” from “Alone In This Crowd” (2017, Red Car Music).

Skydiggers – Let’s Get Friendship Right – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 16 2019

Toronto roots rockers Skydiggers have just released “Let’s Get Friendship Right” – the follow up to the very well-received “Warmth Of The Sun” from 2017. Josh Finlayson and Andy Maize have been making music together as Skydiggers, with a variety of musical compadres, for nearly 30 years. The new project came out of a desire to use music as therapy to cope with the passing of several friends and family members – the majority of the songs on the new recording, which was originally intended to reflect on the five stages of grief, coming out of a songwriting retreat at the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity. Let’s Get Friendship Right, which features nine new songs, was recorded at The Tragically Hip’s The Bathouse Studio with engineer/producer Nyles Spencer, with support from Peter von Althen (percussion) and Aaron Comeau (guitar/bass/keyboards). Josh Finlayson joined us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about the new album. For more information about Skydiggers and their upcoming tour dates, visit skydiggers.com. Photo: Heather Pollock. Music: “If I’m Spared”, “Ineligible” and “Questions of Love” from “Let’s Get Friendship Right” (2019, Latent Recordings) CDN.

Lloyd Spiegel – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Oct 14 2019

Australian acoustic blues legend Lloyd Spiegel has been performing his hard-hitting, cutting edge brand of blues for more than 30 years. While on tour in Canada, Lloyd Spiegel sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the Folk Music Ontario conference for a chat about his music and three live songs. Believe it or not, Lloyd Spiegel first picking up a guitar at the age of four, played his first professional show at age ten and was touring the east coast of Australia at 12! Lloyd Spiegel’s tenth album “Cut and Run”, is the final part of a trilogy about personal redemption that he didn’t even realize he was writing until it was finished. Whereas his previous albums “Backroads” and “This Time Tomorrow” had Lloyd reflecting on the sins of the past and begging for forgiveness, Cut And Run finds him facing the next chapter of his life with optimism and determination. Check out the video of Lloyd Spiegel playing three songs at Folk Music Ontario HERE. You can SUBSCRIBE to Folk Roots Radio’s new Youtube channel HERE. For more information about the music of Lloyd Spiegel and upcoming tour dates, visit lloydspiegel.com. Music: Lloyd Spiegel “Life Is A Gamble” (Live), “Old Wounds” (Live) and “Mississippi Sun” (Live).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 466: feat. Russell deCarle & More New Releases

Oct 10 2019

Russell deCarle joins us on Episode 466 of Folk Roots Radio for a wonderful conversation about his career, third solo album “Alone in this Crowd” and his live show. Russell deCarle is a fabulous artist who always surrounds himself with a supporting cast of great musicians, to put on a concert experience that just seems to be getting better and better. We also check out new releases from Linda McRae, William Kuklis, Lizanne Knott, Twas Now, Paul Pigat & Boxcar Campfire, West My Friend and Ruby Muse. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 465: feat. Skydiggers & More New Releases

Oct 10 2019

Josh Finlayson and Andy Maize have been making music together as Skydiggers, with a variety of musical compadres, for nearly 30 years. Josh Finlayson joins us on Episode 465 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about Skydiggers new album “Let’s Get Friendship Right”, the follow-up to the critically acclaimed “Warmth of the Sun” from 2017. The development of Let’s Get Friendship Right came out of a desire to use music as therapy to cope with the passing of several friends and family members. Music can be great medicine for what ails you, especially when faced with life’s challenges. Let’s Get Friendship Right is a great album, and it’s an excellent interview – we hope you’ll stay with us to check it out. We also take a look at more of the latest new releases, and this time around we hear from The New Customs, Bryan McPherson, Noah Derksen, Sultans of String, Natalie MacMaster, Jennis and Gathering Sparks. Check out the full playlist below.

Jean-Paul De Roover - Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Oct 07 2019

Singer-songwriter Jean-Paul De Roover is renowned for his innovative and original approach to music, using live looping with guitars and voice as part of his performance. Although Jean-Paul was born in Thunder Bay, ON, he was raised overseas in Africa, Asia and South America before returning to Canada in 2001 – an upbringing that led him to create a post-pop style that is decidedly his own, blending ideas from rock, pop, a cappella and electronica together in his music. Jean-Paul De Roover released a great new acoustic album “Love” earlier this year. It’s actually part of a two album set, Love & Loss, with “Loss” to be released in 2020. As well as being a singer-songwriter, Jean-Paul De Roover is also a composer for film and TV, and currently artistic director at the Live from the Rock Folk Festival. Jean-Paul De Roover sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2019 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music. For more information about the music of Jean-Paul De Roover, and upcoming tour dates, visit jeanpaulderoover.com. Music: Jean-Paul De Roover “My Heart and My Head”, “I’ll Do Anything”, “I Can’t Sleep” and “Ragged Angel” from “Love” (2019, Self) CDN.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 464: feat. Lloyd Spiegel & More New Releases

Oct 04 2019

Australian acoustic blues great Lloyd Spiegel joins us on Episode 464 of Folk Roots Radio for a chat about his music and three live songs. A fantastic live performer, Lloyd Spiegel has been performing his hard-hitting, cutting edge brand of blues for more than 30 years. Lloyd Spiegel released his tenth album, “Cut & Run”, earlier this year. It’s a great interview – we hope you’ll check it out. And as always we wrap up the hour with more new releases, and this time we hear from I’m With Her, Annie & Rod Capps, Zachary Lucky, Dale Boyle, The Lifers, Jennis, Durham County Poets and Kae Shelby. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 463: feat. Tim Moxam and Stop Gap On Tour & More New Releases

Oct 04 2019

Toronto singer-songwriter and carpenter Tim Moxam joins us on Episode 463 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his music, latest album “Marlborough Hall” and the StopGap on Tour initiative – building and delivering StopGap wooden accessibility ramps to inaccessible music venues he visits while on tour. It’s a very inspirational interview, and definitely worth checking out. We also take a look at more of the new music we’ve received, and this time around we hear from Big Little Lions, Daniel Norgren, Jeremy Voltz, Linda McRae, Darling Cora, Rising Appalachia, Kevin Mitchell, Ian Reid, Peter Light and Gathering Sparks. Check out the full playlist below.