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Jabbour – Honey

Apr 14 2018

Montreal roots swing band Jabbour have just released the video for their new single “Honey”. Honey was written by Jabbour’s Bill Collier, and arranged by the band. Performing on the single are Bill Collier (ukulele, percussion, banjo, lead vocals), Guillaume Jabbour (guitar, backing vocals), Carl Rufh (bass, backing vocals) and David Greely (fiddle). The new single was recorded at Studio Riverfield (Howick, QC) by John McColgan, with mixing by John McColgan, Paul Scriver (Square Peg Studios, Montreal, QC) and mastering by Harris Newman at Greymarket (Montreal, QC). Jabbour’s new album, the follow up to 2016’s “Round the Clock”, is due later this year. The video for Honey was produced by D’Onofrio Films and features Ottawa’s Ball & Chain – Michael Ball and Jody Benjamin, alongside a starring role for Hank the Dog. Check out our interview with Jabbour HERE. Find Jabbour online at jabbourband.com. Photo: Tanis Saucier.

The LYNNeS – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 13 2018

Two of our favourite Canadian singer-songwriters, Lynn Miles and Lynne Hanson, have a new project, recording and performing as a duo as The LYNNeS. The two Lynn(e)s have written and toured together off and on for over 10 years now and Lynn Miles has produced two Lynne Hanson albums, 2014’s “River of Sand” and the 2015 Halloween release “7 Deadly Spins”. Their first fully collaborative album “Heartbreak Song For The Radio” features 10 new co-writes and a guest appearance from the fabulous Juno Award winning guitarist Kevin Breit. The LYNNeS are just back from a European tour and they are now setting out on some Canadian dates and some summer festival appearances. We caught up with The LYNNeS – Lynn Miles and Lynne Hanson – in Sudbury as they set up for the first night of their Canadian tour. For more information on their upcoming tour dates, including April 18 – Moonshine Cafe (Oakville), April 19 – Silence (Guelph), April 20 – The Burdock (Toronto) and May 26-27 – NAC Presents (Ottawa), visit thelynnes.com. Music: The LYNNeS “Recipe For Disaster”, “Don’t Look Down”, “Blue Tattoo”, and “Heartbreak Song For The Radio” from “Heartbreak Song For The Radio” (2018, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 374: Laura Cortese & More New Releases

Apr 12 2018

Laura Cortese, originally from the San Francisco area of California and now part of the great folk and roots scene in Boston, joins us on Episode 374 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her music and great new album with her all girl band, Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards, “California Calling”. We also check out new music from The Wailin’ Jennys, Jabbour, Dom Flemons, Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches, Andrew Collins Trio, Chris LaVancher, John Muirhead and Elly Wininger. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 373: Stephen Fearing & More New Releases

Apr 12 2018

Stephen Fearing is heading out on the road this Spring for a solo tour that takes in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. We catch up with Stephen, on the road from Regina to Winnipeg, to chat about the tour and his very well received ninth solo album 2017’s “Every Soul’s A Sailor”, which took home the Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer of the Year. And among the new music on Episode 373 of Folk Roots Radio we check out the latest releases from Julie Ross, Ambre McLean, Dennis Ellsworth & Kinley Dowling, Vi Wickam & Justin Branum and Crystal Shawanda. Check out the full playlist below.

Apr 10 2018

Ottawa’s Gareth Auden-Hole grew up with his head in the city and his heart in the northern wild. Gareth studied music production in Victoria, Ottawa, and London before releasing his self-titled debut album as Jack Pine and The Fire in 2011. A solo E.P., “Lone Wolf”, a delightfully raw, live-off-the-floor recording, followed in 2015 – its four songs featuring Jack’s empathy for the underdog, deep-seated respect for nature, and wry sense of humour, as well as his mandolin… played very furiously, then very softly. The E.P. is intended to be a companion piece to the Jack Pine & The Fire full-length recording “Left To Our Own Devices” which arrived in 2017. Jack Pine sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music. Visit Jack Pine online at jackpinefire.com. Music: Jack Pine & The Fire “Cabin Fever”, “Make Or Break Up” from “Left To Our Own Devices” (2017, Self), Jack Pine “Lone Wolf” from the “Lone Wolf” E.P. and Jack Pine & The Fire “Desert Island” from “Left To Our Own Devices” (2017, Self).

Kerri Powers Starseeds – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 10 2018

Blues roots singer-songwriter Kerri Powers is getting ready to release her new album “Starseeds”. Kerri Powers produced one of our favourite recordings of 2014, her stunning self-titled album. According to Kerri, the new album was recorded during a transitional and healing phase in her life. “Songs are starseeds. Lightworkers often appearing from an inexplicable place and time with empathetic intention. Our world needs healing and connection now more than ever.” Produced with Eric Michael Lichter, Starseeds features eight original songs and two great covers – Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home” and Gene Clark‘s “Polly”. It’s clear that this new recording is again going to do very well – and, hopefully, will get Kerri Powers up on to the radar of a lot more people – she really is the real deal. To learn more about the new album, Folk Roots Radio caught up with Kerri Powers at home in Connecticut. You can find an interview with Kerri Powers recorded after the release of her self-titled album on the website HERE. Visit Kerri Powers online at kerripowers.com. Photo: Jean Molodetz. Music: Kerri Powers “Bicycle Man”, “Free Bird Flying”, “Grace and Harmony” and “Can’t Find My Way Home” from “Starseeds” (2018, Self).

Stephen Fearing Spring Tour – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Apr 08 2018

Stephen Fearing hits the road in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario this spring. Hot on the heels of a great response to his ninth solo album, 2017’s “Every Soul’s A Sailor”, which took home the Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer of the Year, his solo career is still going strong – alongside his very busy ‘other job’ as one of the leaders of Canadian supergroup Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. We caught up with Stephen on the road in Saskatchewan to chat about this tour, his long career (his first recording, a cassette entitled “The Yellow Tape” came out in 1986) and latest solo album. Check out Stephen Fearing’s tour dates at stephenfearing.com. Music: Stephen Fearing “Red Lights In The Rain”, “Blowhard Nation” and “Every Soul’s A Sailor” from “Every Soul’s A Sailor” (2017, Lowdenproud).

Jabbour’s New Single Honey – Folk Roots Radio Exclusive

Apr 08 2018

A Folk Roots Radio EXCLUSIVE! Quebec roots swing band Jabbour will be releasing the video for their new single, “Honey”, at the Maison de la culture de Notre-Dame-de-Grâce on Friday April 13 at 8 p.m. Honey was written by Jabbour’s Bill Collier, and arranged by the band. Performing on the single are Bill Collier (ukulele, percussion, banjo, lead vocals), Guillaume Jabbour (guitar, backing vocals), Carl Rufh (bass, backing vocals) and David Greely (fiddle). The new single was recorded at Studio Riverfield (Howick, QC) by John McColgan, with mixing by John McColgan, Paul Scriver (Square Peg Studios, Montreal, QC) and mastering by Harris Newman at Greymarket (Montreal, QC). Jabbour’s new album, the follow up to 2016’s “Round the Clock”, is due later this year. Check out our interview with Jabbour HERE. Find Jabbour online at jabbourband.com. Photo: Tanis Saucier.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 372: Rosie & the Riveters and More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 372: Rosie and the Riveters & More New Releases

Apr 05 2018

Alexis Normand from Saskatoon feminist vocal group Rosie and the Riveters joins us on Episode 372 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their great new album “Ms. Behave”. Named after the World War 2 feminist labour icon, Rosie the Riveter – the band are a study in contrasts – three voices, the bright red lipstick, the curls, the post war dress, vintage harmonies and a sassy choreographed stage show – coupled with songs that whether playful or serious are deliberately intended to provoke, empower and inspire. It’s a great interview – well worth sticking around for. And, as always, we also check out more of the latest new releases including new music from Chris LaVancher, Joe Jencks, John McCutcheon, Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita, David Leask, Scott Anthony Andrews and Tom Rush. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 371: The Kelly Song Collective & More New Releases

Apr 05 2018

The Kelly Song Collective join us in the studio on Episode 371 of Folk Roots Radio. The Kelly Song Collective are a folk roots duo from Sudbury and Toronto featuring the brothers John and Joe Kelly. They released a fabulous debut album “Unless & Until” in 2017. Although they weren’t even on our radar at the time, we’ve since gotten to know them and love their music. It was a great pleasure to have John and Joe join us in the studio for an in-depth conversation and some live songs. We also check out more of the new releases, including new music from Niall Teague & The Fast Company, Kyle Carey, John Flanagan Trio, Banjo Mechanics, Big Little Lions, Christina Martin and Amelia Coburn. Check out the full playlist below.
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Laura Cortese – Folk Roots Radio at Folk North

Apr 02 2018

Laura Cortese gave up a life in California to attend the famed Berklee College of Music, before deciding to stay in Boston and immerse herself in the city’s vibrant roots scene as a side player. Returning to front her own band, Laura came together with the Dance Cards as an all girl band, featuring four string players – two fiddles (Laura Cortese and Jenna Moynihan), with Valerie Thompson on cello and Natalie Bohrn from Manitoba on standup bass. All of the band members share vocals. Their debut album as a four piece, “California Calling”, features 11 songs, most written by Laura Cortese but with arrangements that reflect the full band’s influences and exploring rhythms and sonic textures that take their music way beyond what you’d typically expect from a folk roots stringband. An inspirational songwriter, and engaging interview, Laura Cortese sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the Folk Music Canada export showcase Folk North to chat about her music and high energy live show. For more information about Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards, visit thisislauracortese.com. Photo: Natalie Champa-Jennings. Music: Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards “The Low Hum”, “Stockholm” and “California Calling” from “California Calling” (2017, Compass Records).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 370: Irish Mythen & Roots North 2018

Mar 29 2018

Prince Edward Island based troubadour singer-songwriter Irish Mythen joins us on Episode 370 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her fabulous live show, and a new album that’s expected this summer. A favourite on the festival scene, Irish will be appearing at this year’s Roots North Music Festival taking place in Orillia on Friday and Saturday April 20th and 21st. Amy Mangan, one of the organizers of Roots North, joins us to chat about the festival and we also include music from other artists heading to Orillia this time around, including Oh Susanna, The Wooden Sky, Joey Landreth, Jeremie Albino and Orillia’s own Danny Webster. Check out the full playlist below.

Roots North Music Festival 2018 - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 27 2018

Toronto based singer-songwriter Oh Susanna is one of the artists heading to Orillia for this year’s Roots North Music Festival. This year’s festival takes place across Downtown Orillia on Friday April 20th and Saturday April 21st. Joining Oh Susanna for the Friday evening show at the St Paul’s Centre, 62 Peter Street South in Orillia are Danny Webster and Toronto based indie folk rock band The Wooden Sky while country blues phenom Jeremie Albino, and highly rated solo singer-songwriters Joey Landreth and Irish Mythen will be appearing on the Saturday evening. There will also be late night performances on Friday and Saturday with some free shows at a variety of downtown venues throughout Saturday. To learn more about this year’s festival we caught up with Amy Mangan, one of the festival organizers. Check out the full schedule on the Roots North Music Festival website. Pick up tickets At Alleycats Music in Orillia or online at rootsnorthmusic.ca. Early bird weekend passes are currently just $35 (increases to $45 on April 2nd!) Music: Oh Susanna “Puget Sound” from “A Girl In Teen City” (2017, Stella Records) and The Wooden Sky “Riding On The Wind” from “Swimming In Strange Waters” (2017, Nevado Records).

Irish Mythen Live 2018 – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 25 2018

Global troubadour singer-songwriter Irish Mythen has had a great twelve months on the road with extensive touring across Canada, Europe, Australia and for the first time into Thailand and Cambodia. Once you’ve seen Irish in concert, you’ll be working out how to catch her again. A festival favourite, among many other performances this coming year, Irish will be appearing at this summer’s Cambridge Folk Festival in the UK, and heading back into continental Europe alongside some extensive Canadian dates that include the Vancouver Folk Festival and April’s Roots North Music Festival in Orillia. We caught up with Irish to chat about her live show, and a new album that hopefully should arrive before her summer dates. Music: Irish Mythen “Gypsy Dancer” from “Irish Mythen” (2014, Self), “The Auld Triangle” (Live at the Philadelphia Folk Festival 2015) and “Did You Ever” (2018, Live for Southern Souls at The Painted Lady in Toronto).

The Kelly Song Collective – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 25 2018

John & Joe Kelly are The Kelly Song Collective. They write songs. Canadian songs. Acoustic songs. And sing and play the way only siblings can. The Kelly Song Collective released a wonderful debut album “Unless & Until” in 2017. Featuring strong songwriting, a lovely warm vocal delivery and support from some of the best musicians on the Toronto folk scene, it’s a recording you must check out. Sit down with this album, and you’ll need to listen right through to the end! John & Joe Kelly joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio in Leamington ON to chat about their music and play three songs live. Check out The Kelly Song Collective online at thekellysongcollective.com. Music: The Kelly Song Collective “Scatter My Ashes” (Live), “Circus” (Live) and “Louis Riel” (Live).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 369: Andrew Collins & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 369: Andrew Collins & New Releases

Mar 22 2018

Five times JUNO nominee and seven times Canadian Folk Music Award winning mando-maestro Andrew Collins sat down with Jan Hall at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music. He also played an instrumental and two songs live for us. We’re very pleased to bring that interview to this episode of Folk Roots Radio. As usual, we also check out more of the new albums we’ve received including new music from Anne Janelle, The Rough & Tumble, Rosie & the Riveters, Pharis & Jason Romero, The Fugitives, Gwyneth Glyn and Suzie Vinnick. It’s a great episode. We hope you’ll check it out. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 368: Mark Martyre & New Releases

Mar 22 2018

Mark Martyre, the prolific Toronto based writer and singer-songwriter with the Tom Waits like vocal delivery, joins us on Episode 368 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his wonderful new album “Rivers”, which also features the talented vocals of Stacey Dowswell. We also check out more of the new music we’ve received including new music from Kerri Powers, I’m With Her, Elly Wininger, Kim Moberg and Grant Peeples. It’s a great episode. We hope you’ll check it out. Check out the full playlist below.

Mar 20 2018

Named after the World War 2 feminist labour icon, Rosie the Riveter, Saskatoon SK’s Rosie and the Riveters are a study in contrasts – the bright red lipstick, the curls, post war dress dress, vintage harmonies and sassy choreographed stage show coupled with songs that whether playful or serious are deliberately intended to provoke, empower and inspire. A four piece at the time of their very well-received debut “Good Clean Fun”, they’re now a three piece featuring Farideh Olsen, Alexis Normand and Allyson Reigh. Their sophomore release “Ms Behave” produced by Joshua Van Tassel (Sarah Slean, Rose Cousins, Great Lake Swimmers) is released April 6 and sees the band taking more of a political bent this time around, reflecting the tumultuous times we’re living in, as the voices raised for true gender equality get louder every day. Their song “I Believe You” was written as a response to the great many stories about sexual assault and harassment they heard from friends and family as well as through the media. Check out the song’s wonderful video HERE. Proceeds from “I Believe You” will be donated to organizations that provide support for survivors of sexual abuse. We caught up with Alexis Normand from Rosie & the Riveters at home in Saskatoon to chat about the new album. Learn more about the band and check out their upcoming tour dates online at rosieandtheriveters.com. Music: Rosie & the Riveters “I Believe You”, “Ask A Man”, “I Wanna Be King” and “Ms. Behave” from “Ms. Behave” (2018, Self).

Peter Willie Youngtree – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Mar 20 2018

St John’s NL singer-songwriter Peter Willie Youngtree specializes in gritty thought-provoking country songs that he delivers with a wonderful world weary old time country voice that feels like it comes from another place and time. His upcoming album “Ten Million Ways to Decay”, the follow up to his critically acclaimed 2015 album “Country Hymns”, is a collection of songs that are all somehow associated with death, whether directly or indirectly. The album was produced by award-winning producer and songwriter Chris Kirby. Peter Willie Youngtree joined us in the mobile studio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music, and play three new songs live. Check him out online at pwyoungtree.com. Music: Peter Willie Youngtree “Musical Chairs” (Live) , “Ten Million Ways to Decay” (Live) and “Dirt Party” (Live).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 367: Show The Love

Mar 14 2018

We’re giving over all of Episode 367 of Folk Roots Radio to a great community project in Leamington Ontario that is using the arts to support revitalization of its uptown core, and, in particular, the completion of The Bank Theatre. We have interviews with Mayor of Leamington John Paterson – who is also a musician; The Bank Theatre board president Ursula Tiessen, and local musicians Neil Quiring and Dale Butler alongside music from a new double CD “Show The Love” which features local artists sharing their music to support fundraising efforts. It’s a very inspiring episode. I hope you’ll check it out. To learn more about The Bank Theatre, and its fundraising campaign, visit banktheatre.com. Check out the full playlist below.
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 366: Leela Gilday & International Women’s Day

Folk Roots Radio Episode 366: Leela Gilday & New Releases

Mar 06 2018

Join us for another hour of special International Women’s Day programming on Folk Roots Radio. This time around we feature a great interview with indigenous singer-songwriter Leela Gilday recorded at the 2017 Folk North showcase in Toronto alongside new music from Anne Janelle, Suzie Vinnick, Emily Burgess, Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards, Elly Wininger, Afrika Mamas, Barbara Jo Kammer and Mare Wakefield & Nomad. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 365: Kristine Schmitt & New Releases

Mar 06 2018

Welcome to the first of two very special hours of International Women’s Day programming on Folk Roots Radio. On this episode we feature a great interview with Toronto based vocalist and singer-songwriter Kristine Schmitt recorded at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario Conference alongside new music from Winona Wilde, Rosie & the Riveters, Gwyneth Glyn, Kyle Carey, Emily Mure, I’m With Her and Piper Hayes. It’s a great episode and definitely worth checking out. Check out the full playlist below.

Leela Gilday - Folk Roots Radio at Folk North

Mar 06 2018

Leela Gilday is a singer-songwriter based in Yellowknife renowned for her passionate songwriting and soulful performance. A member of the Dene Nation, Leela actually trained as an opera singer, before creating her own stories in song as a way to share her heritage and northern Canadian life experience. Her latest album is 2014’s “Heart Of The People”. A new album is expected in the fall of 2018. Leela Gilday sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at Folk Music Canada’s boutique export event Folk North to chat about her music. Check out Leela Gilday online at leelagilday.com. Photo: Shawna McLeod. Music: Leela Gilday “Cold Wind” & “Bella” from “Heart Of The People” (2014, Self) and “One Drum” from “Sedze” (2007, Self).

Kristine Schmitt – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Mar 05 2018

Kristine Schmitt grew up singing musical harmony, and explored many different styles from country to rock to even punk before settling on a love of old time country, and country blues and jazz from the early part of the 20th Century. Her first solo recording “Good Dirt” from 2016 features a collection of Kristine’s playful original songs and a wonderful rootsy sound. The album was produced by Chris Coole, with support from members of the Lonesome Ace Stringband, and Simone Schmidt (Fiver) on harmony vocals. Kristine Schmitt is currently performing as part of a duo with Jesse Corrigan, although she is also much in demand as a supporting vocalist with a big voice and great stage presence. Kristine Schmitt sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about her music. Check out Kristine Schmitt online at kristineschmitt.com. Music: Kristine Schmitt “Hop On Awhile With Me”, “He Held Up His Hat (And He Kissed Her Behind It)” and “Deep In The Darkest Evening” from “Good Dirt” (2016, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 364: The Rough and Tumble & More New Releases

Mar 01 2018

Playful folk duo The Rough & Tumble live life on the road, taking their home – a sixteen foot trailer, with them, from gig to gig, as they tour North America. They’ve just released their first full length album, appropriately titled “We Made Ourselves A Home When We Didn’t Know”. The Rough & Tumble’s Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler join us on Episode 364 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their music and the new album. We also check out more of the latest new releases including new music from I’m With Her, Emily Mure, Ange Hardy, Onion Honey, The LYNNeS and Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards.

Jabbour – Honey

The LYNNeS – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 374: Laura Cortese & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 373: Stephen Fearing & More New Releases

Jack Pine – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Kerri Powers Starseeds – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Stephen Fearing Spring Tour – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jabbour’s New Single Honey – Folk Roots Radio Exclusive

Folk Roots Radio Episode 372: Rosie & the Riveters and More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 371: feat. The Kelly Song Collective & More New Releases

Laura Cortese – Folk Roots Radio at Folk North

Folk Roots Radio Episode 370: Irish Mythen & Roots North 2018

Roots North Music Festival 2018 – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Irish Mythen Live 2018 – Folk Roots Radio Interview

The Kelly Song Collective – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 369: Andrew Collins & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 368: Mark Martyre & More New Releases

Rosie & The Riveters – Ms. Behave – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Peter Willie Youngtree – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Folk Roots Radio Episode 367: Show The Love

Folk Roots Radio Episode 366: Leela Gilday & International Women’s Day

Folk Roots Radio Episode 365: Kristine Schmitt & International Women’s Day

Leela Gilday – Folk Roots Radio at Folk North

Kristine Schmitt – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Folk Roots Radio Episode 364: The Rough and Tumble & More New Releases