Folk Roots Radio Episode 337: Peter F Light Interview & More New Releases

Guelph singer-songwriter Peter F Light released his first long player “Just For The Record”, a warm and engaging mix of folk, pop, and 70s singer-songwriter style original songs in late 2016. Earlier this year, Peter joined us in the Quantum Sound Productions studio in Kingsville Ontario to record an edition of the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions. Episode 337 of Folk Roots Radio features our interview with Peter alongside a couple of songs recorded at the session. We also include a look at some of the latest new releases. Check out the full playlist below.

Interview

Peter F Light describes himself as a mature and seasoned singer-songwriter who loves to bring variety his performances and recorded work. Some songs are just fun, others thought provoking, and most have a lot of energy and humour. After a youth spent working in bands as a keyboard player, Peter took a break from music to focus on career and family. Since returning to his music as a guitar and ukulele toting singer-songwriter, he’s released two EPs, “Only Halfway Home” (2012) and “Shady Lady” (2013) alongside his 2016 debut full length album “Just for the Record”. As well as his solo commitments, Peter also plays in a duo with Gwen Potter on viola or as a trio with Gwen and multi-instrumentalist David Lum in “Outside The Box”. For more information on his music, visit peterlightmusic.com. To learn more about the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions, visit sunparloursessions.com.

Show Notes

Notes about some of the new music on our radar that made it into Episode 337 of Folk Roots Radio.

Colorado singer-songwriter David Starr has just put out his seventh release, “The Head and Heart” (2017, Cedaredge Music). Recorded in Nashville with John Oates (of Hall & Oates fame) , who also arranged the music, in the producer’s chair, the EP features five David Starr originals and one re-imagined 1960’s classic (California Dreamin’).

Singer-songwriter Martin Kerr has been a fixture of the Edmonton music scene for the past ten years. With the release of his latest record “Better Than Brand-New”, the U.K.-born singer-songwriter is looking to take his songcraft to the next level.

“I have always wanted to take my music to the people where they are. I watched other musicians playing the same venues for the same people late at night and not making a living, so I thought I would try something different. I decided to play pretty much anywhere people gather, no matter their ages or backgrounds and performing for them when they weren’t expecting it. I think if you surprise people with something of quality, passion and sincerity, people will remember it and support it. My strategy has been to exceed people’s expectations and surprise them with something beautiful.”

“Better Than Brand-New” was recorded and produced by Juno-nominated producer Stew Kirkwood at Sound Extractor Studio in Edmonton. According to Martin Kerr working with someone with Kirkwood’s experience and pedigree helped him get the most of out of this new set of songs.

“Stew really helped me be a bit more ambitious in terms of sound. In the past I played things safe in terms of a modern folk sound with all acoustic instrumentation. He urged me to add a few layers and go bigger on some of the songs. We share an admiration for artists like Peter Gabriel and Radiohead and decided to emulate some of those more epic soundscapes that we loved from those albums. At the same time there is quite a contrast on the album. There are also a few songs that are incredibly intimate with just my guitar and voice, while others have that full band feel with synths and big drums, electric guitars and full-on production. I try to make my songs matter as well as be honest with what I am saying. I really like intimate, confessional music but also stuff with that social conscience. That’s why I fell in love with artists like Tracy Chapman and Cat Stevens; they write very personal songs about their own lives but with an aspect of social commentary; which I appreciate and try to emulate, as well as aspirations for a fairer society,”

For more information about Martin Kerr, visit martinkerrmusic.com.

Irish singer-songwriter Mary Black – widely considered to be one of Ireland’s top female vocalists has just released a 30th anniversary remastered edition of her 1987 classic “By The Time It Gets Dark”.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since the release of BY THE TIME IT GETS DARK back in 1987 – there’s certainly been a lot of water under the bridge since then. How time flies when you’re busy and having a good time! As it’s always been one of my favourite albums, I felt that it deserved to be revisited to celebrate its 30th anniversary. With that in mind we sent the old 24 track tapes to be baked (a process to preserve them), allowing us to do a complete remix and remaster of the album.”

This summer, Mary is bringing the remastered album and songs from a well-loved back catalog on what is being billed as her final North American concert tour. Mary has intended to retire from touring since she announced her “Last Call” tour in 2014. Since that time, she’s performed all over the world — the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia and her native Ireland – but there are still places that keep calling her back one more time.

The only Canadian date on the tour, is a show on Monday August 7 at the Midland Cultural Centre in Midland Ontario. For more information about Mary Black’s music, visit mary-black.net. To get tickets for the show in Midland, visit midlandculturalcentre.com.

Roots Americana singer-songwriter Tia McGraff recorded new seven song EP, “Nothin’ to Lose” earlier this year. The follow-up to the very well received “Crazy Beautiful” in 2015, Tia’s new full length album is anticipated in 2018. On this episode we play the song “Dartmoor” dedicated to the ponies found in one of the most beautiful parts of England. Fore more information about Tia McGraff, visit tiamcgraff.com.

And that’s all we have time for, this time around. Thanks to all the artists who share their music with us, and thank you for listening. We have a lot of great music and interviews to bring you on future shows. I hope you’ll join us!

Listen

You can listen to this episode again on Mixcloud by following the link below. You can also listen to episodes of Folk Roots Radio, on demand, via iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher and Tune-in Radio. (Click on the highlighted link to reach your chosen platform.)

Playlist

Nicolas & The Iceni (Theme)
Lucy She Rises (Demo)
Roll Right (Pre-release, self)

Alanna Gurr & The Greatest State
Fire And Bones
Stand Still EP (2017, Missed Connection Records) CDN

David Starr
Edge Of The World
The Head And Heart (2017, Cedaredge Music)

Jake Morley
Room In The Middle
The Manual (2016, Sandwich Emporium Records)

Phil Henry Acoustic Trio
Wqrz Radio Edit
Phat Live (2017, Phil Guitar)

MANdolinMAN
Schottische Eppegem and Elewijt
Unfolding The Roots (2017, Arc Music)

Peter F Light
The Absolutely True Story of Bob & Rose (Live)

Interview: Peter F Light recorded live at the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions

Peter F Light
Missing You (Live)

Sarah Jane Scouten
Every Song I Sing
When The Bloom Falls From The Rose (2017, Light Organ Records) CDN

Martin Kerr
The Update
Better Than Brand-New (2017, Self) CDN

Tia McGraff
Dartmoor
Nothin To Lose (2017, Self) CDN

Rachel Baiman
Never Tire Of The Road
Shame (2017, Free Dirt Records)

Mary Black
By The Time It Gets Dark
By The Time It Gets Dark (30th Anniversary Remaster) (2017, Dolphin Records)