Interviews Archives | Page 5 of 19

Jabbour – Saint Bernard – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jabbour - St Bernard - Folk Roots Radio Interview

May 02 2019

Jabbour are a bilingual contemporary roots band from Quebec with a love of musical collaboration, Cajun music and travel. Whether playing live or on record, they love to mix things up as they move from dramatic waltzes to Quebec chansonnier style tales, swinging rhythms and toe-tapping two-steps. From Guillaume Jabbour’s roots in chansonnier music from Québec and France, PEI native Bill Collier’s east coast songwriting excursions, to Bill Gossage’s Irish fiddle and the upright bass of blues and jazz player Carl Rufh – they are sure fire crowd pleasers who love making music together. They’re getting ready to release “Saint Bernard”, the follow up to their 2016 debut album “Round The Clock”. The new recording, produced by John McColgan features 12 original songs in both French & English, alongside covers from two revered chansonniers Gilles Vigneault (“J’ai pour toi un lac”) and Jean-Pierre Ferland (“Les journalistes”). We caught up with band leader Guillaume Jabbour at home in Montreal to chat about the new album. Jabbour will be releasing “Saint Bernard” at Petit Campus (Café Campus) in Montréal on Sunday, May 12 at 8 p.m. They will also be playing Montreal’s Festival Folk sur le canal on Saturday June 15 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit jabbourband.com. Photo: Tanis Saucier. Music: Jabbour “La job”, “Everywhere Wild”, “Les fruits” and “Ses pas sont lents” from “Saint Bernard” (2019, Self)

David Newland – Northbound – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 24 2019

Canadian adventurer, writer and miner of song David Newland is getting ready to release his fifth album, “NORTHBOUND: The Northwest Passage in Story and Song”, a live collection of original songs based on his travels in the Northwest Passage with Adventure Canada. Recorded live at Trinity United Church in Cobourg, the album features Uncharted Waters, a group of musicians David Newland specifically assembled for this project, featuring Sam Allison (backing vocals, acoustic bass, jaw harp), Saskia Tomkins (nyckelharpa, fiddle, viola, cello), Steafan Hannigan (whistles, flutes, Uilleann pipes, percussion), and Oisin Hannigan (percussion), joined by Inuit throat singers Siqiniup Qilauta (Sunsdrum – Lynda Brown and Heidi Langille), fiddler Alex Cheung and jawharpist Lois Suluk and more. This album is sure to please and educate – a heartfelt, engaging, and authentic tribute to the people, places and culture of Nunavut and Greenland – what European Canadians have traditionally called the Northwest Passage. David Newland will be releasing Northbound on Friday, April 26 at Hugh’s Room Live in Toronto at 8:30 p.m. with his band Uncharted Waters, close collaborators Siqiniup Qilauta (Sunsdrum) and some very special guests including Alex Cheung and Drew Gonsalves. We caught up with David Newland at home in Cobourg to learn more about the project. For more information about upcoming shows, visit davidnewland.com. Photo: David Newland with Heidi Langille Lynda Brown (Siqiniup Qilauta / Sunsdrum). Music: David Newland & Uncharted Waters “No Way To Stay Warm”, “This Moment On The Sea”, “Musk Ox Stew” and “Under Forever Skies” from “NORTHBOUND” (2019, Self).

Reid Jamieson – Me Daza – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 22 2019

Vancouver based singer-songwriter Reid Jamieson has just released his latest album “Me Daza”. The phrase me daza is actually Cork Ireland slang for ‘most excellent’ or ‘awesome’, though strictly speaking it actually means ‘I’m dying’. Dying because of brilliance, perhaps – because this recording really does feel like a special piece of work, and may be the best thing Reid Jamieson has done in his career so far. Recorded in Ireland with producer Kieran Kennedy (Maria Doyle Kennedy), the new album features seven fabulous new songs and a gorgeous instrumental, all written with music and life partner Carolyn Victoria Mill alongside a great cover “Don’t Go Down”, written by the late lamented Fergus O’Farrell (formerly of cult Irish band Interference) and Glen Hansard (Swell Season, The Frames). Reid Jamieson and Carolyn Victoria Mill will be on tour in Ontario in early May with shows in Dundas (Shawn & Ed Brewing Co, May 2), Guelph (eBar, May 3) and Toronto (Rivoli, May 5). For more information and full tour dates, visit reidjamieson.com. We caught up with Reid Jamieson and Carolyn Victoria Mill at home in Vancouver to learn more about the new album. Music: Reid Jamieson “Evergreen (Love Song For The Crone)”, “Perfect Storm”, “Don’t Go Down”, “She (#repealthe8th)” and “Lullaby For The Lost” from “Me Daza” (2019, Self).

Ariana Gillis – Roots North 2019 – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 16 2019

Ariana Gillis is a captivating live performer. She sings with such passion, with such a distinctive voice and vocal delivery, you really can’t take your eyes off her. And the songs? Well, they are always engrossing. Ariana will be appearing at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival which takes place in Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. She’ll be sharing the Friday night main stage with two other fabulous songwriters Ron Sexsmith and Rose Cousins. Ariana Gillis has produced two fabulous albums – 2009’s “To Make It Make Sense” and 2012’s “Forget Me Not”, and a 2017 E.P. “Headful Of Stars”. She’s recently been down in Nashville, recording a brilliant new album “The Maze” – live off the floor with the legendary Buddy Miller. The new album, that Buddy describes as pop-Americana, will be released this June. We caught up with Ariana Gillis at home in Niagara to chat about her Roots North 2019 appearance and the forthcoming album. For more information and upcoming tour dates visit arianagillis.com. Music: “Freedom” from “Headful Of Stars” E.P. (2017) and “The Maze” and “Dirt Gets Dirty” from “The Maze” (2019, Self).

Gillian Nicola – Dried Flowers – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 15 2019

Hamilton ON based singer-songwriter Gillian Nicola will be releasing her first full length album “Dried Flowers” in the spring of 2019. A classically trained vocalist, Gillian Nicola describes herself as a folk singer-songwriter with a textured and layered Americana sound that comes across as a bit of a mix of Kathleen Edwards and Neko Case. Dried Flowers is the follow up to her two E.P.s 2016’s “No Place to Call” and “Chasing the Wind” (2013). Her 2016 single “Oh Marie” was nominated for the 2017 Ontario Arts Council’s Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award, and the E.P. Chasing The Wind was nominated for two Hamilton Music Awards and a Toronto Independent Music Award. While working on the new project, Gillian spent the early 2018 at the Alberta’s Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity writing songs for the new album. The new album was recorded at Lincoln County Social Club in Toronto with John Dinsmore and features Gillian Nicola on vocals and guitar with support from Aaron Goldstein (pedal Steel), Gord Tough (electric guitars), Emily Rockarts (keyboards), Rosalyn Dennett (fiddle), Alison McNamara (backing vocals), Bruce Scavuzzo (bass/backing vocals), Justin Han (drums/percussion) and Drew Jureka (string arrangements). Gillian Nicola is also a community organizer, hosting Open Mic Nights and Songwriters Circles (including the Songwriters in the Round, which takes place on the last Wednesday of each month at The Painted Lady in Toronto), and lends her talents to various non-profit organizations, such as Girls Rock Camp Toronto. We caught up with Gillian Nicola at home in Hamilton to chat about the new album. For more information, visit Gillian Nicola online at gilliannicola.com. Music: Gillian Nicola “Night Comes To Call”, “She Stays Silent”, “Dried Flowers” and “Half Way” from “Dried Flowers” (2019, Self).

VK – Terms & Conditions – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 12 2019

Orillia ON based husband and wife Steve and Marni Van Kessel make music together as VK. Steve is the songwriter behind a project that they describe as a bit of a cross between Blue Rodeo and the Tragically Hip – Canadian style Americana based around strong tunes and inspirational lyrics. Their first album (from 2014) “Doin’ Just Fine” was more of a band project and credited to VK and The Narrows. Their latest, “Terms & Conditions” is a wonderful slab of Canadian tinged roots Americana and very much a duo album, with support from an excellent group of session musicians. They are already hard at work on their next project, which will be another band album, this time credited to VK and the Legends of THE DEEP. VK will be playing the 2019 Roots North Music Festival on Saturday April 27. We caught up with Steve & Marni at home in Orillia to chat about their music. VK have just released a NEW Video for their song “Radiate & Glow”. You can find it online HERE. Steve and Marni also run their own record label, 112 Records. You can visit VK online at 112records.com/vk. Music: VK “Terms & Conditions”, “Edge Of The World” and “Radiate & Glow” from “Terms & Conditions” (2017, 112 Records).

The 2019 Roots North Music Festival takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. Ron Sexsmith will be sharing the Friday night main stage with two other fabulous songwriters, Rose Cousins and Ariana Gillis, while rising star The Weather Station will be joined on Saturday evening by inspirational world music performer Alysha Brilla and Orillia based Americana duo VK. There will also be a full day of free performances throughout the day on the Saturday, at a variety of downtown venues. Check out the full schedule for the Roots North Music Festival, on their website at rootsnorthmusic.ca. Weekend passes can be picked up at Alleycats Music in Orillia or online via the website for $55.

The Weather Station – Folk Roots Radio Interview

The Weather Station - Roots North 2019 - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 11 2019

Tamara Lindeman has received rave reviews for her music, and the quality of her songwriting. If you don’t recognize the name, it’s probably because, on stage, she goes by the name The Weather Station. A fabulous songwriter, Tamara Lindeman has received rave reviews for her music. On the acclaimed “All Of It Was Mine” (2011), and follow-up “What Am I Going To Do With Everything I Know” (2014), (both for You’ve Changed Records), Lindeman established herself as a songwriter’s songwriter, earning accolades for her delicate, careful wordplay, filled with double meanings, complex metaphors, and rich details of the everyday. Her third album “Loyalty”, recorded at La Frette Studios in France in the winter of 2014 with Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas) and Robbie Lackritz (Feist) was nominated for the Polaris Prize, while her most recent album, 2017’s self-produced The Weather Station was also critically acclaimed. Tamara Lindeman will be heading back into the studio this April to start work on the follow-up, which could end up being two different musical projects. The Weather Station will be performing at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival in Orillia on Saturday April 27. We caught up with Tamara Lindeman at home in Toronto to chat about her music. For more information visit theweatherstation.net. Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez. Music: The Weather Station “Thirty”, “Complicit” and “Impossible” from “The Weather Station” (2017, Outside Music).

Pete Eastmure – Keep Your Love Steady – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 10 2019

Toronto’s Pete Eastmure has just released his latest album “Keep Your Love Steady”, a pedal steel drenched vintage Americana recording with a wonderful Texas swing that is sure to bring a smile to your face and get your toes tapping. Featuring some of Toronto’s top session players on ten new songs, the new recording is not afraid to show its influences… Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson and Stompin’ Tom Connors. Recorded at Revolution Studio in Toronto, and produced by Pete Eastmure with Burke Carroll and James Paul, the album features a final selection of players: Pete Eastmure (acoustic, electric, Nashville high string guitars and vocals), Burke Carroll (pedal steel and dobro), Kyle Charron (fiddle, mandolin), Denis Keldie (accordions), Eva Marie McCann (background vocals, vocals), James Paul (electric bass, acoustic bass, mission organ, broom, sleigh bells) and Adam Warner (drums, suitcase, percussion). We caught up with Pete Eastmure at home in Toronto to chat about the new album. Pete Eastmure has a residency at the Cameron House in Toronto on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. during May. For more information, visit peteeastmure.com. Music: Pete Eastmure “Standing By A Hole”, “Suga’ Bush” and “Tee-Tot’s Blues” from “Keep Your Love Steady” (2019, Self).

Wild Rivers – Moving Target – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 09 2019

Wild Rivers are a band that’s really starting to happen. They started life as harmonizing folk pop duo Devan & Khaild, featuring Devan Glover (vocals) and Khalid Yassein (vocals, guitar), while at Queen’s University in Kingston, before morphing into the four piece ‘Wild Rivers’ with the addition of Andrew Oliver (guitar, bass) and Julien Laferriere (drums). After two album releases and a couple of singles, the Toronto-based band are really gaining traction on streaming services, and have already developed a loyal fan base. They’re just back from their Far Departed tour of the North Eastern US, Ontario and Quebec. Before that, they opened for Australian band The Paper Kites on the North American leg of the “Where You Live” tour. In April they will be touring Western Canada with Matt Andersen and his band. We caught up with Khalid Yassein in Toronto to chat about their music. For more information, visit wildriversmusic.com. Photo credit: Aika Lau. Music: Wild Rivers ““Moving Target” (single) (2019, Self), “Howling” and “I Won’t Be Back” from “Eighty Eight” (2018, Self)

Ron Sexsmith – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 08 2019

One of Canada’s finest songwriters, Ron Sexsmith will be performing an intimate solo show at the 2019 Roots North Music Festival, at the St. Paul’s Centre in Orillia ON on Friday April 26. The songwriter’s songwriter, Ron Sexsmith has released fifteen full-length albums since his debut “Grand Opera Lane” in 1991. His most recent album, “The Last Rider” was released in 2017, shortly after making the decision to leave Toronto for Stratford. Ron is now also a published author after the release of his grown-up fairy tale “Deer Life”. Ron Sexsmith joined us on Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth conversation about his music, a possible musical version of Deer Life and a new album of original songs slated for 2020. For more information about the music of Ron Sexsmith, visit ronsexsmith.com. Music: Ron Sexsmith “Worried Song”, “The Man At The Gate (1913)” and “Who We Are Right Now” from “The Last Rider” (2017, Ronboy Rhymes) and “Love Shines” from “Long Player Late Bloomer” (2011, Ronboy Rhymes).

The 2019 Roots North Music Festival takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. Ron Sexsmith will be sharing the Friday night main stage with two other fabulous songwriters, Rose Cousins and Ariana Gillis. Alt. folk rising star The Weather Station headlines the main stage on the Saturday evening with support from inspirational world music performer Alysha Brilla who blends folk, jazz and world rhythms together and Americana duo VK. There will also be a full day of free performances throughout the day on the Saturday, at a variety of downtown venues. Check out the full schedule for the Roots North Music Festival, on their website at rootsnorthmusic.ca. Weekend passes can be picked up at Alleycats Music in Orillia or online via the website. The early bird price is currently just $45! (weekend passes go up to $55 on April 12. Don’t miss out!)

Dave McEathron – Abandoned Companions – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 01 2019

Hamilton based multi-instrumentalist Dave McEathron, the former frontman and principal songwriter of Toronto roots rockers, the much loved and sadly departed The Warped 45s, is back with a wonderful full-length solo album “Abandoned Companions” which is accompanied by a band E.P., appropriately entitled “The Abandoned Companions Companion Piece”. The new albums were mostly produced with Brian Pickett who has worked with both The Strumbellas and Ashley Condon (two tracks “The Other Side and “Luck” were produced by Hill Kourkoutis. “Luck” is a co-write with David Francey). A lovingly recorded project, both of the albums are presented in a hand crafted leather sleeve, made by Dave himself, that comes hand-stamped with the album’s logo. A songbook with lyrics and chord shapes is also included. We caught up with Dave at his cottage in the Ottawa Valley to chat about the new project. For more information about the music of Dave McEathron visit davemceathron.com. Music: Dave McEathron “His Mother Named Him Angel” and “No Better Teacher Than Time” from “Abandoned Companions” (2018, Self), “Midnight For Leadbelly” and “Hell To The Heavens” from “Abandoned Companions Companion Piece” (2018, Self).

Julian Taylor Band – Avalanche – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 27 2019

Self-described “pilgrims of funk, soul ‘n’ roll”, the Julian Taylor Band are back with their latest soulful groove “Avalanche”. Avalanche may be musical revisionist Julian Taylor’s most personal record to date, featuring eight songs written during a period of self-reflection after looking through a treasure trove of life memories stored in his mother’s attic. The new album was recorded with the band, live to tape, at Canterbury Sound in Toronto. The Julian Taylor band will be launching the new album at The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West in Toronto on Saturday, March 30, 2019. They’ll also be appearing at this year’s Mariposa Folk Festival. If you love the sound of a funky, soulful rock n’roll band, with some folk, blues, jazz, reggae and calypso thrown into the mix, you’ll love them live. We caught up with Julian in Toronto to chat about the new album. For more information, visit the Julian Taylor Band online at juliantaylorband.com. Music: Julian Taylor Band “Sweeter”, “Gone” and “Back Again” from “Avalanche” (2019, Gypsy Should Records).

Saffron A – Resilience – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 25 2019

*TRIGGER WARNING | Saffron A is an alt.folk musician and poet who describes her music as sitting where emotion and intellect intersect. Distinct from every other young musician who starts out on guitar or piano, Saffron A creates her music on octave mandolin, mandocello and other members of the mandolin family. Saffron A. first came to our notice as part of the Developing Artist Program at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference. She’s about to release her powerful new single “Resilience” which will be followed by a full E.P., of the same name, on May 4. Resilience documents the emotional fallout from a sexual assault that occurred last summer. This fall, Saffron A will release a second E.P., “Resistance” which will further document her progress since the assault. That will be followed by the release of more new songs as part of a full concept album. Saffron A will be touring Ontario and further afield this spring and summer. Saffron A joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio for an in-depth conversation about the project. For more information, visit saffronamusic.com. Music: Saffron A. “Resilience”, “No Words”, “Mind Over Mania”, “Where The Truth Lies” and “Give Me A Minute” from “Resilience” E.P. (2019, Self).

*TRIGGER WARNING: We are pleased to support this project knowing that sexual assault is an important societal topic that needs our attention and public discussion. However, we also appreciate that some listeners may be triggered by such conversations.

Allison Lupton – Words Of Love – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 24 2019

Canadian Folk Music Award nominee and Folk Music Ontario Songs from the Heart winner Allison Lupton is getting ready to release her fourth full length album “Words Of Love”, a fabulous recording that features Allison and her band – including some of the best musicians on the Southern Ontario folk scene, on a mix of self-written songs and traditional material with romantic love as a central theme, while also telling stories about Canada, the immigrant experience and the travails of itinerant labour. Words of Love, which was produced by Allison Lupton, features Jess Arrowsmith (backing vocals), Richard Arrowsmith (melodeon), Andrew Collins (mandolin, backing vocals), Shane Cook (fiddle, mandolin, feet), Tony McManus (guitar), Joe Phillips (bass, backing vocals), Ivan Rosenberg (dobro) and Craig Werth (backing vocals). Allison Lupton will be launching the album with a release show at Hugh’s Room Live on March 30 featuring Tony McManus, Shane Cook, Joe Phillips, Ivan Rosenberg, and Andrew Collins. Allison will also be playing shows in Kingston (May 24), Almonte (May 25), Goderich (May 31) and Cambridge (June 1). For more information, visit Allison Lupton online at allisonlupton.com. Music: Allison Lupton “Away”, “Words Of Love” and “What Will I Dream” from “Words Of Love” (2019, Self).

Lisa Brokop – Legendary Ladies Of Country – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 23 2019

Canadian country singer-songwriter Lisa Brokop is celebrating nearly 30 years in the music business as she brings her ‘Legendary Ladies of Country’ show to Ontario this spring. Fresh from the success of “The Patsy Cline Project”, the new performance will also feature songs from some of the other great female country singers, including Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Tanya Tucker and Emmylou Harris. The performance will be accompanied by stories about the songs and the impact that these first ladies of country have had on Lisa’s own career. Lisa Brokop will also be adding some of her own songs into the mix. Canadian country artists Patricia Conroy and Amanda Wilkinson will be joining Lisa on stage for some of the performances. The Legendary Ladies of Country show will be stopping in Kirkland Lake (Northern College Auditorium) March 31, Peterborough (Showplace Performance Centre) April 1, Nepean (Centrepointe Theatre) April 2, St. Catherine’s (First Ontario Performing Arts Centre) April 3, Guelph (River Run Centre) April 4, Kingston (Grand Theatre) April 5, Highgate (Mary Webb Centre) April 6. Get Tickets for the Highgate show at the Mary Webb Centre HERE. We caught up with Lisa Brokop in Nashville to chat about the new show. For more information about the music of Lisa Brokop, visit lisabrokop.com. Music: Lisa Brokop “Walkin’ after Midnight” from “The Patsy Cline Project” (2015, Brokop Entertainment), “Delta Dawn” and “I Will Always Love you” from “Legendary Ladies of Country” – Limited Release (2018, Brokop Entertainment).

Jamie Shea – Come Down To The Water – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 10 2019

Hamilton ON singer-songwriter Jamie Shea has just released his first album “Come Down To The Water”. Well known on the Hamilton music scene as a band guitarist playing rock, pop, blues and jazz, Jamie’s solo debut is long overdue. Come Down To The Water features 11 well-crafted songs about personal experiences, love and loss – and the triumph of the human spirit, that really draw you in. Produced by Michael Birthelmer at Pine Street Studio in Hamilton with some fine musical support, the new album has a really nice feel to it. We caught up with Jamie at home in Hamilton to chat about the solo project. For more information about the music of Jamie Shea, visit jamiesheamusic.com. Music: Jamie Shea “Think Again”, “Mercy Of The Wind” and “Come Down To The Water” from “Come Down To The Water” (2018, Self) CDN.

Roots North Music Festival 2019 – Main Stage Line-up – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 10 2019

Renowned Canadian songsmith Ron Sexsmith and alt. folk rising star The Weather Station are headlining this year’s Roots North Music Festival which takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 26 and Saturday April 27. A particular strong main stage line-up features another couple of fabulous songwriters, Prince Edward Island raised, Halifax NS based Rose Cousins and the ever intriguing Ariana Gillis who join Sexsmith on the Friday evening, while inspirational world music performer Alysha Brilla who blends folk, jazz and world rhythms together and VK, an Orillia based Americana duo featuring Steve and Marni Van Kessel joining The Weather Station on the Saturday evening. There will also be a full day of free performances throughout the day on Saturday at a variety of downtown venues. To learn more about this year’s line-up we caught up with Amy Mangan, one of the festival organizers. Check out the full schedule on the Roots North Music Festival website. Weekend passes can be picked up at Alleycats Music in Orillia or online at rootsnorthmusic.ca. The early bird price is currently just $45! (The cost of a weekend pass goes up to $55 on April 12. Don’t miss out!) Photo: Deb Halbot. Music: Ron Sexsmith “Evergreen” from “The Last Rider” (2017, Ronboy Rhymes), Rose Cousins “Chosen” from “Natural Conclusion” (2017, Outside Music) and The Weather Station “You and I on the Other Side Of The World” from “The Weather Station” (2017, Outside Music).

Logan McKillop – Anchorless – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Logan McKillop - Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Mar 07 2019

Logan McKillop is renowned for his work as a guitarist. However, he’s also a pretty fine songwriter in his own right. Logan’s just released “Anchorless” the beautiful follow-up to his debut from 2013, “Prairie Sky”, an album that focused on natural beauty and prairie life. The new album “Anchorless”, rather than focusing on landscapes and wide open spaces, shares heartfelt stories about people, life’s challenges and family members that have touched his own life. Co-produced with Scott Nolan at the Song Shop in Winnipeg, the new recording features support from some of the top players on the Manitoba music scene and a musical palette that includes a string section, piano, drums, bass, pedal steel, vibraphone, clarinet, banjo, mandolin, and some great harmonies. It’s clear that putting this album together was a labour of love. Logan McKillop sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about the new album. For more information about the music of Logan McKillop visit loganmckillop.com. Music: Logan McKillop “Mother’s love”, “Anchorless” and “There He Goes” from “Anchorless” (2019, Self).

Emily Jean Flack Throwing Shapes – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Feb 18 2019

Canadian Singer-songwriter Emily Jean Flack weaves together elements of pop and jazz and her celtic folk roots to produce a piano driven sound that is all her own. The daughter of Denise Flack from Canadian sibling Celtic folk band Leahy, Emily splits her time between Dorchester ON and Limerick in Ireland where she has been studying Traditional Irish Music, with a specialization in song. Emily is just about to release her first E.P. of original songs “Throwing Shapes”. The new album was recorded in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with producer Peter Wallace and a group of Irish musicians that included whistle and flute player Brian Finnegan from the band Flook and Limerick based guitarist Marty Barry. Emily Jean Flack joined Jan Hall in the Folk Roots Radio studio to chat about the new album. For more information, visit emilyjeanflack.com. MUSIC: Emily Jean Flack “Another Year Gone By”, “Tread Softly” and “Throwing Shapes” from “Throwing Shapes” (2019, Self) CDN.

Monika Wall – Earth – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Monika Wall - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Feb 05 2019

Winnipeg singer-songwriter Monika Wall started out singing opera before moving into a career as a singer-songwriter. Her second album, the E.P. “Earth” was released late in 2018, the first of four albums in a series (Earth, Wind, Water, Fire) exploring true happiness. With influences that range from folk to jazz to gospel blues, the new recording has an inspirational quality. Reflecting on the fact that life can feel short, and individual moments often fleeting, the songs on the album focus on the need for us all to develop a deeper and more sustainable connection to the world around us, and the earth beneath our feet – in the hope that we can leave behind a meaningful legacy for the generations to come. Earth was recorded with Juno-awarding producer Murray Pulver (Crash Test Dummies, Doc Walker). Monika Wall will be touring the new E.P. in Ontario in February with London vocal trio The Pairs and including stops in Guelph (Red Brick Cafe, Feb 8 with Mikalyn Hay), London (London Music Club Feb 9 with Marty Kolls), Toronto (The Painted Lady, Feb 10 with Darling Cora) and Ottawa (The Avant Garde, Feb 11 with Laura Gagnon). We caught up with Monika Wall at home in Winnipeg to chat about her music. For more information visit monikawall.com. Photo Credit: Luna Lily Photography. Music: Monika Wall “Let It Flow”, “Moments” and “We Will Rise” from “Earth” (2018, Self).

Amanda Rheaume The Skin I’m In – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Feb 04 2019

Juno nominated Métis singer-songwriter Amanda Rheaume is getting set to release her fifth album “The Skin I’m In”, the follow up to her very well received 2016 album “Holding Patterns”. The Skin I’m in is an upbeat Americana-pop roots recording with a central message, most powerfully stated on the title track (and first single), that it’s really okay to just be you. Check out the great new video for The Skin I’m In HERE. The new album was produced by Colin Cripps (Blue Rodeo, Jim Cuddy Band) and features nine original songs, co-written with Jason Blaine, Justin Glasco (Andrew Bird, Avril Lavigne), Tim Bovacanti, Melanie Brulée, Jim Bryson and more. Amanda Rheaume will be releasing the new album with some Ontario shows, including Ottawa (Feb 16), Toronto (Feb 21), Kingston (Feb 23) and Peterborough (Mar 1) before heading to Europe for a spring tour. We caught up with Amanda Rheaume in Toronto to chat about the new album. For more information, visit amandarheaume.com. Photo credit: Michael Hurcomb. Music: Amanda Rheaume “The Skin I’m In”, “Picture Of You”, “Friendly Fire” and “Companion” from “The Skin I’m In” (2019, Self).

Suzanne Jarvie – In The Clear – Folk Roots Radio Interview

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.

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.

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.