2020 | Page 2 of 5 | Folk Roots Radio

Folk Roots Radio Episode 545: We’re All About The Music! (Surf The Bad Times Edition)

Oct 19 2020

We’re all about the music again on Episode 545 of Folk Roots Radio as we hold back the interviews to bring you a great selection of new releases. Join us for new music from Last Birds, Shaye Zadravec, Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche, Jesse Brint, Chairmen Of The Boards, Allison Lupton & Craig Werth, Sinead O’Connor, Laura Mulcahy, Rachel Garlin, Tim Grimm, Harry Shearer, Loudon Wainwright III, Max Marshall and Caribou Run. Remember, if you like what you hear on this show… don’t just stream the music – BUY the music and the you’ll really make a difference to artists income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to find live shows. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 544: feat. Sultans of String - Refuge (Covid Times) & More New Releases

Oct 17 2020

We’re bringing another of our Covid Times interviews to Episode 544 of Folk Roots Radio – an opportunity for artists to chat about how the coronavirus pandemic has upended their music careers. This time around we are joined by Chris McKhool, violinist and band leader of world folk combo, Sultans of String, who released a fabulous new recording “Refuge” earlier this year – an album that highlights the extraordinary contributions that indigenous people, immigrants and refugees make to culture and life in North America. Sultans of String were supposed to be out on tour across both North America and the UK this year. None of that has been able to happen which is why we encourage all our listeners – if you like the music you hear on this show, buy the music, don’t just stream it! That way, you can really make a difference in artists lives during a period that they can’t be out on the road. We also check out more of the latest new releases, and this time around we hear from Ruston Kelly, Will Kimbrough, The Bodarks and Vi Wickam and Paul Anastasio. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 543: feat. Big Little Lions (Covid Times) & More New Releases

Oct 12 2020

Helen Austin and Paul Otten are two fabulous songwriters who make music together as Big Little Lions, even though they are actually based over two thousand miles apart. They were on tour as the coronavirus pandemic hit, and despite having to head home and into lockdown, they have continued to make great music – including the release of a pandemic inspired album “Are We there Yet?”. Big Little Lions join us on Episode 543 of Folk Roots Radio for a fun in-depth conversation about how their lives and their music have been changed by the on-going emergency. The pandemic has hit the artistic community hard, which is why we all need to do what we can to ensure it is supported during these strange Covid Times – and why we encourage our listeners to… buy the music, don’t just stream it! As always, we wrap up the episode with more new releases, and this time around we hear from Emily Barker, Lizzy Hardingham, Gillian Welch, Mo Kenney, Hauler and Mike Plume. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 542: feat. Shaye Zadravec - Now And Then & More New Releases

Oct 05 2020

We’re pleased to bring you a great interview with another artist who is new to our radar – Shaye Zadravec from Calgary Alberta, who has been creating quite a buzz for her ability to interpret other people’s songs. Shaye joins us to chat about her brilliant first full length album “Now & Then”, which covers songs by fabulous songwriters like Jesse Winchester, Ian Tyson, Lynn Miles & more. As always, we also take a look at more of the latest new releases, and this time around we hear from Piper & Carson, Ian Gill, Bill Bourne, Jeremy Gignoux and Joe Nolan. It’s a great episode. We hope you’ll take a listen. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 541: We're All About The Music! (Be Grateful Edition)

Oct 02 2020

We’re all about the music on Episode 541 of Folk Roots Radio as we step back from the interviews once again to bring you another hour of great new releases. We’re subtitling this one the “Be Grateful Edition”, because despite everything – an on-going pandemic and a lunatic in the White House, there is still much to be thankful for. Join us for new music from Brennen Leigh, Piper & Carson, Andrea Bettger, 100 mile house, Simone Romei, Twin Flames, David Leask, Kevin California, Ian Reid, Gillian Welch, Bruce T. Carroll, Chris Smither, Dione Taylor and Laila Biali. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 540: We’re All About The Music! (Be Here Now Edition)

Sep 30 2020

Join us on Episode 540 of Folk Roots Radio for another great all music hour, as we hold back the interviews to check out more of the latest new releases. We’re subtitling this one the ‘Be Here Now’ edition as a reminder to try and live ‘in the moment’ as the best way to help us get through these difficult Covid times. Stay with us for music from Heather Pierson, Black Schwartz, Jack Ingram, Kathleen Edwards, Graham Lindsey, Leahy, Lennie Gallant, Gurf Morlix, Haley K Turner, Lynn Miles, Jeffery Straker, Mike Plume, Billy Strings, Ivor Game and Rufus Wainwright with Choir! Choir! Choir! Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 539: feat. Fresh Breath - The Covid Singles & More New Releases

Sep 21 2020

Fresh Breath are a wonderful Cottam ON based duo, featuring Josh and Katie Pascoe, who are known for their upbeat attitude and a sound that blends together folk-rock, blues, pop, and country with a lot of heart and soul. They join us on Episode 539 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about how they spent their Covid-19 lockdown time – writing and releasing some great new singles, with accompanying videos, that really speak to the energy of the current moment. It’s a fun and uplifting conversation. As always, we wrap up the episode with more of the latest new releases, and this time around we include new music from The Gilberts, Rich Burnett, The Ebbs, Project Smok, Michael Lane, Loudon Wainwright III, and Darrell Scott. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 538: We're All About The Music! (This Too Shall Pass Edition)

Sep 14 2020

We’re going all about the music again on Episode 538 of Folk Roots Radio as we hold back the interviews to bring you more great new releases, and this time around we throw some excellent new political songs into the mix. Join us for new music from Big Little Lions, James Lee Baker, Ian Gill, Shaye Zadravec, Westward The Light, Robert Cray Band, Si Kahn, Spook Handy, Richard Garvey, Raye Zaragoza, Melanie Brulée, Isabel Fryszberg, Andrea Nixon, Joe Nolan, Dirk Powell, Midnight Shine and Kari Lynn Hewett (with Roger Hewett). Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 537: We're All About The Music! (Choose Joy Edition)

Sep 06 2020

We’re all about the music again on Episode 537 of Folk Roots Radio, as we hold back the interviews for another hour of great new releases with more fun Covid lockdown songs thrown into the mix. We’re calling this one the ‘Choose Joy Edition’ because during these Covid Times not only do we have to remain positive, but we need to celebrate the joy in life – wherever we can find it. Join us for new music from Crowes Pasture, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kronos Quartet & Friends, Josh Kimbrough, Moira & Claire, Haley K Turner, Kelly’s Lot, Quote The Raven, The Wilds & Family, Glenn McFarlane, Carla Ulbrich, Buddy & Julie Miller, Jamie Anderson, Josie Bello, Cootes Paradise and Byrd & Street. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 536: feat. Gathering Time - Old Friends & More New Releases

Sep 05 2020

Long Island based folk-rock harmony trio Gathering Time join us on Episode 536 of Folk Roots Radio to chat their wonderful new album “Old Friends”, which features covers of classic songs from the 60s and 70s by artists like The Byrds, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Gordon Lightfoot and more. As always, we also check out more of the latest new releases and this time around we hear from S.K. Wellington, Norma MacDonald, Annette Wasilik, Hauler, JR Moore, Jeremy Drury and Adam Karch. Check out the full playlist below.

Gathering Time - Old Friends - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Aug 31 2020

Long Island based folk-rock harmony trio Gathering Time have just released a wonderful new album “Old Friends”, which features covers of classic songs from the 60s and early 70s by artists like The Byrds, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Gordon Lightfoot and more. Old Friends also includes some socially conscious songs that have gained renewed relevance as the United States, riven by street protests against police brutality and racial injustice – and contentious and divisive politics, moves towards what may be the most important presidential election of modern times. Gathering Time’s Stuart Markus, Hillary Foxsong and Gerry McKeveny joined us on Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth conversation about the new album. For more information about Gathering Time, visit gathering-time.com. Photo: Alison Hartwell. Music: Gathering Time “Turn Turn Turn” (written by Pete Seeger), “Abraham, Martin & John” (Richard Holler), “Get Together” (Chet Powers) and “Carry On” (Stephen Stills) from “Old Friends” (2020, Treble G Records).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 535: feat. Sherman Downey – New Beautiful & More New Releases

Aug 22 2020

Newfoundland storytelling singer-songwriter Sherman Downey joins us on Episode 535 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his latest recording, “New Beautiful”, a very engaging album that’s chock full of character driven songs. With a hint of escapism and a hope for a brighter future, it’s sure to bring a smile to your face – the perfect antidote to these Covid times. As usual, we also check out more of the latest new releases and this time around we hear from Marin Patenaude, Lara Taubman, Gurf Morlix, Graham Lindsey, Keats Conlon and Kathleen Edwards alongside celebrating Toronto’s The Slocan Ramblers who picked up a Momentum Award nomination for Band of the Year, from the International Bluegrass Music Association. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio 534: Jayme Stone In Conversation - AWake

Aug 21 2020

We’re pleased to bring you a very special interview on Episode 534 of Folk Roots Radio. We’re giving over the whole of the episode to an in-depth conversation with Jayme Stone about his wonderful new recording “AWake”, an album written in the aftermath of the sudden and tragic loss of his brother, Michael. It’s quite the departure for the double Juno award winning artist, who has built some fabulous roots and world music albums around his banjo playing. This time around, Jayme sets down the banjo and embraces ambient electropop and sonic landscapes on a collection of songs that reflect on the experience of losing such an important part of his life. So, settle down and enjoy Jayme Stone… In Conversation on Folk Roots Radio. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 533: We're All About The Music! (Moving Forward Edition)

Aug 15 2020

We’re going all about the music again on Episode 533 of Folk Roots Radio as we check out more of the latest new releases with more wonderful Covid lockdown tunes thrown into the mix. Join us for new music from Lynn Miles, Marin Patenaude, William Prince, Rachael Sage, Emilyn Stam & John David Williams, Alex Cuba, Countermeasure, Ian Foster & Nancy Hynes, Jayme Stone, Fred Lessman & the Backroad Warriors (feat. Brett Levick), Tommy Byrd and Greg Tressel alongside tributes to Canada’s Queen of the Blues Salome Bey, renowned Chicago based singer-songwriter Michael Peter Smith, and Fleetwood Mac founding member and fine blues guitarist Peter Green, who all sadly left us recently. Check out the full playlist below.

Grayson Capps on Cayamo - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Aug 13 2020

Grayson Capps is a storytelling singer-songwriter from L.A. (Lower Alabama), with a wonderfully warm laidback style, that can’t help but be expressed in his songwriting and humorous on-stage banter. He landed on our radar, one morning, in the middle of the Caribbean, on the Cayamo roots music cruise. We were having a late breakfast in the pub while Grayson was in ear shot, on the atrium stage, sharing his stories and songs. His performance was so engaging we had to rush breakfast to catch the rest of the set. After the show, we sat down with Grayson to learn more about his music. Grayson Capps is the son of New Orleans based writer Ronald Everett Capps who wrote the novel “Off Magazine Street”, which was developed into the 2004 Scarlet Johanssen / John Travolta movie, A Love Song For Bobby Long – which was written and directed by Shainee Gabel (Grayson Capps wrote the title track and has several musical cameos in the film). Grayson Capps has just released a new compilation of his songs, “South Front Street – A Retrospective 1997 – 2019” (2020, Royal Potato Family). For more information, visit graysoncapps.com. Music: Grayson Capps “New Again”, “Bag Of Weed” and “You Can’t Turn Around” from “Scarlett Roses” (2017, Royal Potato Family).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 532: feat. William Kuklis – Bruises & More New Releases

Aug 10 2020

Singer-songwriter William Kuklis joins us on Episode 532 of Folk Roots Radio for a wonderful conversation about his latest album “I’ll Be Alright”, the follow up to his very well-received 2017 album “Save Me”. As well as his music career, William Kuklis is also an actor. In fact, he recently appeared in the animated TV series, LEGO Jurassic World – The Legend of Isla Nublar as the voice of Dennis Nedry. As always, we wrap up the hour with more new music, and this time around we hear from Thomas Hine, A Choir Of Ghosts, Malcolm McWatt, CW Ayon, Hauler, John Moreland, Penne Sandbeck and Crystal Shawanda. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 531: We're All About The Music! (Keep On, Keepin' On Edition)

Aug 01 2020

We have another wonderful hour of music to share with you on Episode 531 of Folk Roots Radio. More great new releases with some excellent Covid-19 lockdown songs thrown into the mix. Join us for new music from Beth Anne Cole, Alastair Moock, Amanda Colleen Williams, Craig Cardiff, Steel Rail, The Songs and Stories of Francis Gardner, The Hello Darlins, The Burying Ground, Robert Guess, Grant Peeples, Andrew Bird, Buddy & Julie Miller, Michael Logen and Jennifer Hanson, Stacey McNeill & Jonathan Smith, Rachel Beck and Jake Ian. Check out the full playlist below.
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 530: feat. Adrian Glynn – Ghostlight Sessions & More New Releases

Jul 31 2020

Singer-songwriter, member of fabulous Vancouver based folk collective The Fugitives and actor, Adrian Glynn joins us on Episode 530 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his wonderful new lockdown recording “Ghostlight Sessions”, which was recorded on the stage of an empty theatre in Kamloops BC after the play he was about to star in was put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s a great album, and an excellent, and wide-ranging interview that moves beyond the music to discuss the impact of the pandemic on people in the arts. We also take a look at more of the latest new releases, and this time around we hear from Emily Barker, Lizzy Hardingham, Kristen Grainger & True North, Monica Lee, Marie Fielding, Michael Barry and Red Wanting Blue. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 529: We're All About The Music! (Resilient Edition)

Jul 27 2020

Join us on Episode 529 of Folk Roots Radio for another all music edition of the show, with a few more Covid-19 lockdown songs thrown into the mix. There is loads of great music out there at the moment, and it’s our absolute pleasure to share more of it with you on this episode. This time around we feature new music from Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards, Kristen Grainger & True North, Ray Cardwell, Graham Lindsey, The Small Glories (Cara Luft & JD Edwards), April Verch, Joe Phillips, Ian Foster, James Lee Stanley, Michael Logen and Jennifer Hanson, Buddy & Julie Miller, Eliza Gilkyson, Silver Wolf Band, Crooked Weather, Elliott BROOD, Tragedy Ann, Death Party Playground and Sherman Downey. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 528: Guillaume Jabbour - A Sound Experience Programme at Sainte Agathe Academy

Jul 21 2020

Episode 528 of Folk Roots Radio features an in-depth conversation with Quebec folk musician, Guillaume Jabbour who was artist in residence for the ELAN ACE Sound Experience Programme at Sainte Agathe Academy in Sainte Agathe QC, this past winter. The programme took place at the school from December thru March, and then virtually from April to June, after the coronavirus pandemic lockdown. Students in the programme were able to produce a variety of different audio pieces, including video soundscapes, soundscape poems, original songs and interviews. It’s a wonderful conversation – so much so, that we’ve decided to dedicate the whole episode to it. So, settle down and enjoy Guillaume Jabbour and the Sainte Agathe Academy Sound Experience programme on Folk Roots Radio. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 527: We're All About The Music! (Stay Strong Edition)

Jul 18 2020

We’re all about the music again on Episode 527 of Folk Roots Radio, as we hold back the interviews to bring you another hour of great new music, with some Covid lockdown tunes thrown into the mix. Stay with us as we bring you new releases from Francesca Blanchard, Mattie Leon, Byrd & Street, Big Little Lions, Stéafán & Saskia, The Burying Ground, Skydiggers, Tret Fure, Kris Paul, Twin Flames, Midnight Shine, The Jerry Cans, Logan and Nathan, Mallory Chipman & The Mystics and SONiA disappear fear. Check out the full playlist below.

Ol' Billy Bob Boy - Sweltering Sun - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jul 14 2020

We included a portion of an interview with Ol’ Billy Bob Boy, discussing his debut album, “Sweltering Sun”, in Episode 523 of Folk Roots Radio. We’re now pleased to be able to bring you our full conversation. It’s definitely worth checking out. Enjoy!

Bill Simms has performed as a side musician on upright bass with a number of folk and roots musicians including Raine Hamilton, Abigail Lapell, Piper Hayes, Shawn Willian Clarke and Sarah Beatty. He’s now stepping into the limelight in his own right as his country music singing alter-ego Ol’ Billy Bob Boy and debut album “Sweltering Sun” which features 12 original songs and blends traditional country and bluegrass music together with some tongue in cheek humour and stories inspired by life in Newfoundland and beyond. An album release show for Sweltering Sun had originally been planned for late May at The Tranzac in Toronto with an opening performance by Sarah Beatty. However, due to COVID-19, that show was cancelled in favour of an online release, which also featured Sarah Beatty. A cross-Canada tour planned for this summer will be rescheduled for a later date. Ol’ Billy Bob Boy joined us from his home in Newfoundland to chat about the new album. For more information about the music of Ol’ Billy Bob Boy, visit olbillybobboy.com. Music: Ol’ Billy Bob Boy “Darlin’ You Look Great” (feat. Mallory Johnson), “Carrie Ann”, “Bathroom Floor” and “Canadian Currency Blues” from “Sweltering Sun” (2020, Self).

Adrian Glynn – Ghostlight Sessions – Folk Roots Radio interview

Jul 13 2020

Vancouver singer-songwriter and actor Adrian Glynn has just released his third solo recording, “Ghostlight Sessions” and it’s an album with a difference – it was recorded on an empty theatre stage in Kamloops BC at the start of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. At the time, Adrian was about to reprise his role as the ‘The Writer’ in Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen, which was being put on by the Western Canada Theatre. After Covid prevention protocols forced rehearsals to stop in mid-March, the theatre company generously paid out the actors’ full contracts and allowed them to remain in their Kamloops accommodation. With time on his hands, and no place to be, Adrian elected to start work on what he describes as a homemade album – nine songs from the vault recorded in a stripped down way without much more than a single mic and guitar. An introspective, acoustic folk record, the songs on the album move from a talkin’ blues about suicidal depression, to a modern satirical take on “If I Had A Hammer”, to an ode to slide-guitar guru Kelly Joe Phelps. Ghostlight Sessions is only available as a digital download from Bandcamp. A portion of the proceeds (25%) will go to the NAACP and BIPOC-Covid related organizations. Adrian Glynn (as Adrian Glynn McMorran) also takes the lead role in a new sci-fi psychological thriller, Volition (2019), from writing/directing team, the Smith Brothers. After screening at festivals worldwide and picking up many awards, including Best Feature at several festivals and a Best Actor win for Glynn at Italy’s Ostia festival, the movie is now available for on-demand viewing on streamings services. Adrian Glynn is also co-leader of Vancouver folk collective The Fugitives with Brendan McLeod. The Fugitives have just recorded a new album, “Trench Songs”, a re-imagining of songs and poems from the First World War period. Another album of original songs is also in the works. The release dates for both new projects have yet to be determined. For more information about Adrian Glynn, visit adrianglynn.com. Music: Adrian Glynn “Acting My Age”, “Hammer”, “Kelly Joe, I Heard You Sold Your Last Guitar” and “Talkin’ Suicidal Depression Blues” from “Ghostlight Sessions” (2020, Self) CDN.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 526: We’re All About The Music! (Get Together Safely Edition)

Jul 13 2020

We’re all about the music on Episode 526 of Folk Roots Radio as we hold back the interviews to bring you another hour of great new music. We still can’t get over how much wonderful music is being produced at the moment – much of it while in lockdown. We may be in the midst of some really strange times during the Covid-19 pandemic, but artistic creativity continues to flourish. We’re subtitling this one the Get Together Safely edition, as things are slowly starting to open up again in Canada. Join us for new music from Grace Potter, Ultan Conlon, Glen MacNeil, Gathering Time, ConChie, Steel Rail, Dan Penn, The Strange Valentines, Joe Nolan, Dione Taylor, Sultans Of String, The War and Treaty, Avi Kaplan and The Long War. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 525: feat. Stan Simon - Songs From Strange Places & More New Releases

Jul 12 2020

Toronto based singer-songwriter Stan Simon joins us on Episode 525 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his third album, “Songs From Strange Places”, a lovely new country folk recording that takes its lead from the great singer-songwriters and balladeers of our time, on a reflective collection of songs that explore themes of love, loss and spiritual exploration. We also check out more of the latest new releases and this time around hear from Sarah Jarosz, Chalk Horse Music, The SteelDrivers, Jake Blount, Josh Kimbrough, Lynn Jackson, Mark Erelli and Ken Tizzard & Music For Goats. Check out the full playlist below.

Archive - 2020

Folk Roots Radio Episode 545: We’re All About The Music! (Surf The Bad Times Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 544: feat. Sultans of String – Refuge (Covid Times) & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 543: feat. Big Little Lions (Covid Times) & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 542: feat. Shaye Zadravec – Now And Then & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 541: We’re All About The Music! (Be Grateful Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 540: We’re All About The Music! (Be Here Now Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 539: feat. Fresh Breath – The Covid Singles & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 538: We’re All About The Music! (This Too Shall Pass Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 537: We’re All About The Music! (Choose Joy Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 536: feat. Gathering Time – Old Friends & More New Releases

Gathering Time – Old Friends – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 535: feat. Sherman Downey – New Beautiful & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 534: Jayme Stone… In Conversation – AWake

Folk Roots Radio Episode 533: We’re All About The Music! (Moving Forward Edition)

Grayson Capps on Cayamo – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 532: feat. William Kuklis – Bruises & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 531: We’re All About The Music! (Keep On, Keepin’ On Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 530: feat. Adrian Glynn – Ghostlight Sessions & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 529: We’re All About The Music! (Resilient Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 528: Guillaume Jabbour… In Conversation – A Sound Experience Programme

Folk Roots Radio Episode 527: We’re All About The Music! (Stay Strong Edition)

Ol’ Billy Bob Boy – Sweltering Sun – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Adrian Glynn – Ghostlight Sessions – Folk Roots Radio interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 526: We’re All About The Music! (Get Together Safely Edition)

Folk Roots Radio Episode 525: feat. Stan Simon – Songs From Strange Places & More New Releases