Folk Roots Radio Episode 562: Scott Cook In Conversation – Tangle Of Souls

Edmonton Alberta’s globetrotting troubadour singer-songwriter Scott Cook joins us on Episode 562 of Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth discussion about his music and wonderful seventh album “Tangle Of Souls” – one of our favourite albums of 2020. A fabulous recording, it comes with a 240-page, cloth-bound, hardcover book of stories from the road written around the album’s songs while also reflecting on Scott’s own life-changing health crisis which he uses to draw parallels to some of the challenges we face as a society. So, settle down and enjoy… Scott Cook in Conversation – Tangle Of Souls… on Folk Roots Radio. Check out the full playlist below.

Interview

Travelling troubadour Scott Cook has put out seven albums since he decided to make his home on the road in 2007, playing more than 150 shows each year. His latest recording, Tangle Of Souls was released in August 2020, in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic. Since returning from an abruptly cancelled tour of the US, the globetrotting singer-songwriter has been adjusting to life in one place, at home in Edmonton and exploring new ways of interacting with the world through his music.

“Tangle Of Souls” is a plea for global citizenship and mutual understanding from someone who’s lived an exceptionally borderless life. It’s a vision of the human family as interwoven, and intertwined with the earth. It’s also a story of personal transition, and a case for political transformation. And in these harrowing times, it’s an unflinching look in the mirror that still sees something worth saving.

The 12-track collection comes with a beautiful 240-page, cloth-bound, hardcover book with eucalyptus leaf prints from Australian artist Cecilia Sharpley, that tells the story of a life-changing health crisis and drawing parallels to the crises we face as a society seemingly hell-bent on self-destruction. Set against the background of climate change and the coronavirus pandemic, Scott Cook draws on the goodwill and empathy gathered over his years on the road and the hard truths from his own brush with death to shine a light toward our uncertain future.

Mostly recorded in Australia with help from Scott’s intercontinental string band the She’ll Be Rights, Tangle Of Souls features Liz Frencham on upright bass, harmony vocals with fellow Albertan and long-time collaborator Bramwell Park on banjo, mandolin, guitar, and harmony vocals – with support from Australian fiddlers Esther Henderson and Kat Mear, and Aussie dobro wizard Pete Fidler.

The collection contains nine original songs, a cover of unknown Canadian legend Scotty Dunbar’s “Why Am I Leaving My Home”, a re-working of Dick Blakeslee’s 1940s activist anthem “Passin’ Through”, and Scott’s original fiddle tune “Right To Roam”.

Scott Cook’s previous album, 2017’s “Further Down the Line” (which came packaged with a 132 page book) earned him a second Canadian Folk Music Award nomination (for English Songwriter of the Year).

To learn more about the music of Scott Cook, visit scottcook.net.

Photo: Steve Teeuwsen.

That’s all we have time for. Thanks to all the artists who share their music with us, and thank you for listening. We have lots of great music and interviews to bring you on future episodes.

If you enjoy the music we play on this show and want to support the artists – many of whom aren’t able to play live at the moment because of the Covid-19 pandemic, don’t just stream their music – that earns them much less than a penny per play. Instead, buy their music – and really make a difference to their income. They’ll love you for it!

Listen

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

Playlist

Nicolas & The Iceni (Theme)
Lucy She Rises
Roll Right (2019, self)

Scott Cook
Tangle Of Souls
Tangle Of Souls (2020, Self) CDN

Interview: Scott Cook discussing his music and latest album “Tangle Of Souls”.

Scott Cook
Say Can You See
Tangle Of Souls (2020, Self) CDN

Scott Cook
What To Keep
Tangle Of Souls (2020, Self) CDN

Scott Cook
Let Love Have Its Way
Tangle Of Souls (2020, Self) CDN

Scott Cook
Right To Roam
Tangle Of Souls (2020, Self) CDN

Scott Cook
Leave A Light On
Tangle Of Souls (2020, Self) CDN