Episode 243: Mo’ Kauffey & Jen Lane

Episode 243 of Folk Roots Radio features our tribute to Guelph bluesman Mo’ Kauffey, who passed away recently, and an interview with Saskatoon songwriter Jen Lane who joined us in the studio for a chat and a couple of live songs last fall.

Gary Wickizer, or Mo’ Kauffey (to give him his stage name), moved to Guelph 15 years ago because of an internet romance and the love of a good woman, Rosita. Over his time in Guelph, Mo’ became a fixture in the southern ontario music community, and a perfect example of what a local music scene should be all about – local musicians getting out there and sharing their musical gifts with the community, as often as possible.

Diagnosed with cancer in 2015, Mo’ continued to gig as much as possible and despite the challenge, never lost his positive attitude or sense of humour. His determination not to let the disease interfere with his ability to make music, as often as possible, was an inspiration to many. He’ll be missed by everyone who spent time in his company and enjoyed his music, delightful sense of humour, and his gentle playful energy.

Mo’ joined us in the studio at CFRU 93.3fm in Guelph on Royal City Rag, the forerunner to this show, a couple of times. His visits were always great fun, and he obviously enjoyed the opportunity to get behind the mic, because he soon had his own show on CFRU, initially as the host of “The Wacky World of Waldo Fortunes” and later, as co-host of “Blues Around the Block” (Mondays 7-9 p.m.).

As a tribute to Mo’, we played an excerpt from our interview and session from 2011, which features a distinctly Mo’ version of our live theme (of the time), Nick Lowe‘s “What’s so Funny About Peace Love & Understanding” alongside two of his own songs “I Just Sing” (from 2003’s “Whatcha Gonna Do”) and “Scramble” (from his 2010 album “Dig It”). You can find Scramble on the new local music album Cambridge Live Music – Volume 1, which is a fitting tribute in itself. And, I’m sure that wherever Mo’ is, he’s still making music!

Jen Lane stopped by the Folk Roots Radio studio in the fall with her sideman, life partner and manager John Antoniuk, to chat about her new album “This Life Of Mine” and first single, “Shoe” – a song written when Jen was housebound with a foot in a cast in the midst of a Saskatchewan winter. You can find the interview HERE. Also, check out the great video for her new single “Movin’ On”. Jen will be on tour across Canada and the Eastern US in support of “This Life of Mine”, including showcasing at Canadian Music Week, in May. For more information, visit jenlane.com.

Nudie brings his old school country Americana to Guelph for a homeroutes.ca/concerts/guelph house concert on Wednesday April 6 at 8 p.m. (Doors 7:15 p.m.). After spending time in Toronto, Montreal, Phoenix, Austin and New York, Nudie now hangs his Gibson guitar in Charlottetown, PEI. Nudie has appeared at the Philadelphia & Ottawa Folk Festivals, Willie Nelson’s end-of-tour party in 2006, and recently featured in the support slot for Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives. For more information, check out this post or visit nudiemusic.com.

Dave Gunning is back on tour in Ontario this April, including a stop off in Leamington for a Road to Kingsville Folk Fest show at The Bank Theatre (April 15), The Registry Theatre, Kitchener (April 16), Hugh’s Room, Toronto (April 21) and The Moonshine Cafe, Oakville (April 28). He’ll also be appearing at this summer’s Mariposa Folk Festival (July 7-10). Dave will be fresh off a 13-date trip to Australia and the release of his 11th album “Lift” (2015, Wee House Of Music), a stellar collection of personal and character-driven songs featuring four Dave Gunning originals alongside co-writes with some other great Canadian songwriters including contributions from Matt Andersen, Catherine MacLellan, Thom Swift and the late Jim Dorie. There is also a fabulous tribute to the late great Pete Seeger, “Sing It Louder”. Check out all of Dave’s upcoming appearances at davegunning.com.

Dobro & Claw, the only dobro and clawhammer banjo duo act in the known universe, features Ivan Rosenberg on dobro and Chris Coole on banjo. They’re in Cambridge on Thursday March 31 for a Mill Race Folk Society show in the Galt Room at 8 p.m. A two-man folk festival, they put on a fabulous live show. Their latest album, “Return to Trion” features eleven tracks, ranging from Robbie Robertson’s “Stage Fright” and the country classic “Fool Such As I” to traditionals like “Georgie” and “Sail Away Ladies”, alongside three originals. Admission is just $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Check out millracefolksociety.com for all the details. For more information about Dobro & Claw, visit www.dobroandclaw.com.

Well, that’s all we have time for. Check out the full playlist with artist links below and share your love for all the great folk and roots music out there. Thanks to all the artists who share their music with us, and thank you for listening. We have a lot of great music to bring you on future shows. I hope you’ll join us! You can listen to this show again on Mixcloud by following the link below.

Nicolas & The Iceni (Theme)
Lucy She Rises (Demo)
Roll Right (expected 2016)

Jen Lane
Movin’ On
This Life Of Mine (2016, Self) CDN

Nudie
You Try To Be Right
Remember This (2013, Self) CDN

Dave Gunning
A Tractor
Lift (2015, Wee House Of Music) CDN

Chris Coole & Ivan Rosenberg
Farewell Trion
Farewell Trion (2010, Self) CDN

Mo’ Kauffey
What’s So Funny About Peace Love & Understanding (Live)

Interview: Mo’ Kauffey on Royal City Rag on CFRU 93.3fm in Guelph, June 25 2011.

Mo’ Kauffey
I Just Sing (Live)

Mo’ Kauffey
Scramble (Live)

Jen Lane
Shoe
This Life Of Mine (2016, Self) CDN

Interview: Jen Lane on Folk Roots Radio. Listen to the interview again HERE

Jen Lane (with John Antoniuk)
Waiting For You (Live)

Jen Lane (with John Antoniuk)
Grey Skies (Live)

Jen Lane
Tough Love
For The Night (2010, Self) CDN

Roger Roger
Another Girl’s Shoes
Fairweather (2016, Self)

Gary & Whit
Goodbye
Matches (2015, Self) CDN