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Folk Roots Radio Episode 347: Remembrance Day

Nov 09 2017

We’re holding back on the interviews on Episode 347 of Folk Roots Radio as we bring you a themed hour of music for Remembrance Day. We had lots of great music choices to consider – starting with 30 songs before narrowing it down to the thirteen thought-provoking songs that we can squeeze into an hour. Heading off the beaten track we also feature a lot of fairly recent music. We hope you enjoy the mix we’ve put together. Check out the full playlist below.

Nov 04 2017

Erin Costelo from Halifax NS released a wonderful album in 2016, “Down Below, The Status Quo”. A fabulous slice of genre-bending soulful pop that skips from R&B/Soul to bluesy jazz, the album was a joy from beginning to end, and deservedly one of our Favourite Albums of 2016. We caught up with Erin Costelo at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference, to chat about the critical response to the recording, and her current musical activities. To learn more about Erin Costelo, visit erincostelo.ca. Photo credit: Kimberly Sinclair. Music: Erin Costelo, “Fighter”, “Turn It On” and “The Line” from “Down Below, The Status Quo” (2016, Venue Records).

Rob Lutes “Walk In The Dark”- Folk Roots Radio Interview

Nov 04 2017

Montreal based blues roots performer Rob Lutes released a fabulous new album, “Walk In The Dark”, early this year. Featuring twelve strong originals, a couple of co-writes with award-winning Americana songwriter Dale Boyle and a cover of John Prine‘s “Rocky Mountain Time”, the album finds Lutes, a Kerrville New Folk winner, Maple Blues and Canadian Folk Music Awards nominee exploring a wide range of subjects and paying homage to some heroes: James Cotton (on “There’s No Way to Tell You That Tonight”) and guitarist Joseph Spence (on the instrumental “Spence”). Rob Lutes soulful voice, some great fingerstyle playing and support from some of the finest blues and roots players in the business, including regular side player guitarist Rob MacDonald, keyboardist Bob Stagg, Guy Bélanger on harmonica and Joe Grass on mandolin – the album is, truly, a tour de force. I’m sure it will up there for consideration at awards time. We caught with Rob on the road to chat about the new album. Check out Rob Lutes online at roblutes.com. Music: Rob Lutes “A Little Room”, “Believe In Something”, “Rabbit” and “Walk In the Dark” from “Walk In The Dark” (2017, Self).

Raine Hamilton – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Nov 02 2017

Raine Hamilton, the Winnipeg based singer-songwriter with the ethereal voice and the wonderful string trio will release her second album “Night Sky” in March 2018. Recorded in Winnipeg with Lloyd Peterson, the album features eight new Raine Hamilton songs and two co-writes with support from, among others, her regular string trio members Quintin Bart on double bass and Natanielle Felicitas on cello. Raine joined us in the mobile studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference for a wonderful conversation about the making of the new album, plus two songs from the new album live and a first spin of the album’s first single “Lift Me Up”. You can also check out the new video for “Lift Me Up” HERE. For more information about the music of Raine Hamilton, visit rainehamilton.com. Music: Raine Hamilton “Robin Hood” (Live), “Bury My Heart” (Live) and “Lift Me Up” from “Night Sky” (2018, Self).

Piper Hayes – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Nov 01 2017

Hamilton folk singer-songwriter Piper Hayes is getting ready to release her first full-length album, “Piper & Carson”, which also features her partner Carson Ritcey-Thorpe. Produced by Chris Bartos, the album was recorded live off the floor at Thorpe’s Organic Produce farm in Millgrove, ON (near Hamilton) in the summer of 2017. Joining Piper Hayes (lead vocal, rhythm guitar) on the album are Carson Ritcey-Thorpe (vocal, lead guitar), Kevin Neal (pedal steel), Leah Ritcey-Thorpe (back-up vocals) and Chris Bartos (upright bass, piano, electric and acoustic violin, electric guitar, Moog, vocals). Album release shows take place in Hamilton, at This Ain’t Hollywood, on Thursday, December 7, 2017, doors at 8:00 p.m. (show at 9:00 p.m.) and in Toronto, at The Dakota Tavern on Friday, December 8, 2017, doors at 6:00 p.m. (show at 7:00 p.m.). The support for the Hamilton show will be the great Guelph-based folk group The Lifers, while Owen Sound folk duo Our Shotgun Wedding join Piper for the Toronto release. Piper and Carson joined Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference for a fun chat about their music and a couple of live songs. For more information about Piper Hayes, visit pipersings.com. Music: Piper Hayes “In My Bones” from “Piper & Carson” (2017, Self), “Careless” (Live), “Big Red” (Live) and “Honey” from “Goodbye Mister Nice Guy” (2016, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 346: Mayhemingways Interview & More New Releases

Oct 26 2017

Peterborough ON’s wonderful fuzz-folk duo Mayhemingways have had a fabulous couple of years since the release of their debut album “Hunter St. Blues”. Episode 346 of Folk Roots Radio features a great interview with Benj Rowland and Josh Fewings recorded at this year’s Summerfolk. And, as always, we also check out more of the new music we’ve received, including the latest albums from Sarah Hiltz, Margo Price, Tom Savage and Broomsticks And Hammers. Check out the full playlist below.

Oct 24 2017

Jabbour are Guillaume Jabbour (Lachute, QC.), Carl Rufh (Ormstown, QC.) and Bill Collier (Charlottetown, P.E.I.). Having played in various bands prior (Grouyan Gombo, Les Perroquets, Durham County Poets), the three combined their creative abilities to form a project focused on original work and an engaging live sound. Walking the line that often separates Canada’s two solitudes drives songwriting that features dramatic waltzes, tales reminiscent of Quebec chansonniers, swinging rhythms and toe-tapping two-steps. Jabbour released their debut album “Round The Clock” in 2015. They are currently working on their next album, due in 2018. Jabbour joined Folk Roots Radio in the mobile studio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about their music and play three songs live. Visit Jabbour online at jabbourband.com. Music: Jabbour “Honey” (Live), “Son Secret” (Live) and “You’re Gone” (Live).

Mayhemingways – Summerfolk 2017 Interview

Oct 24 2017

Peterborough ON’s fuzz-folk duo Mayhemingways have had a fabulous couple of years since the release of their debut album “Hunter St. Blues”. The Mayhemingways have spent a lot of 2017 on a cross-Canada tour as side players and the support act for Bill & Joel Plaskett and their new collaboration “Solidarity”. Benj Rowland (synth. bass, accordion, banjo, guitar and vocals) and Josh Fewings (Drums, backing vocals) are now working on their sophomore release, provisionally titled “Skipland”. We caught up with the Mayhemingways at Summerfolk to chat about their music. To learn more about the Mayhemingways, visit mayhemingways.wordpress.com. Photo: Michelle Fortier. Music: Mayhemingways “Hunter St. Blues” from “Hunter St. Blues” (2015, Self).

Ken Yates – Summerfolk 2017 Interview

Oct 24 2017

Ken Yates is one of Canada’s brightest young singer-songwriters. Unforgettable melodies, emotionally charged storytelling, and top-notch guitar chops are all on display on his new Jim Bryson produced album “Huntsville” – its 11 tracks capturing his artistic evolution amid extensive touring over the past three years. We caught up with Ken at Summerfolk 2017 to chat about his music. Visit Ken Yates online at kenyates.com. Photo: Michelle Fortier. Music: Ken Yates, “Roll Me On Home” from “Huntsville” (2016, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 345: We’re All About The Music!

Oct 13 2017

We’re holding back the interviews on Episode 345 of Folk Roots Radio to check out more of the best new releases we’ve received over the last few months. Join us for some great tracks from Steve Martin & The Steep Canyon Rangers, Lynn Jackson, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, Shawn William Clarke and more. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 342: Ken Dunn Interview & More New Releases

Oct 06 2017

British Columbia singer-songwriter Ken Dunn released his seventh album “Wondrous Beauty” earlier this year. Ken joined us in the studio with partner Anna Green for an in-depth discussion about his music and the new album. We’re pleased to bring a portion of that interview to Episode 344 of Folk Roots Radio alongside a look at some of the best of the latest new releases. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 342: Shawna Caspi Interview & More New Releases

Oct 05 2017

Classically trained Toronto singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist Shawna Caspi has just released her fourth album “Forest Fire” – which is more of a band project than her previous releases. Shawna joined us in the studio recently to chat about the album and record a solo set for the video series, the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions. We’re pleased to bring the interview from the session to Episode 343 of Folk Roots Radio alongside a look at more of the great new music we’ve been receiving. It’s a great hour of music and conversation. I hope you’ll check it out. Check out the full playlist below.

Shawna Caspi - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 04 2017

Toronto-based singer-songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist Shawna Caspi has just released her fourth album “Forest Fire”. The new album features seven Shawna Caspi songs alongside cover versions of Lynne Miles “Brave Parade” and the “Tennessee Waltz” (Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King). Forest Fire was produced by Don Kerr (Rheostatics, Ron Sexsmith) with musical support from Rosalyn Dennett (fiddle, backing vocals), Joel Schwartz (electric guitar, baritone guitar, rhythm acoustic guitar, mandolin, resonator, tenor banjo), Dave Matheson (piano, organ), Alyssa Wright (cello), Ben Whiteley (standup bass) and Don Kerr (drums, backing vocals, cello). Shawna recently joined us in the Quantum Sound Productions studio in Kingsville Ontario to record an episode of the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions. Musicians join us in the studio to record six songs live and sit down with Folk Roots Radio to chat about their music. We’re pleased to bring our interview with Shawna to you today. For more information about the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions visit sunparloursessions.com. To learn more about Shawna Caspi, visit shawnacaspi.com. Photo: Dale Butler. Music: Shawna Caspi “Love In A Moving Van” and “Brave Parade” from “Forest Fire” (2017, Self).

Ken Dunn – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 03 2017

Singer-songwriter Ken Dunn’s 2015 album “The Great Unknown” was one of my favourite albums of the year. An exquisite slice of beautifully played thoughtful folk with Ken Dunn’s lovely languid singing voice, it was an absolute pleasure to listen to it. His wonderful new album “Wondrous Beauty,” (his seventh,) is the start of a whole new relationship with his music. 10 new well-crafted Ken Dunn songs – with some really nice harmonies from partner and keyboard player Anna Green, some great fiddle from Tyler Beckett, and a lovely understated production from Ken himself. Ken joined us in the studio with partner Anna Green to chat about the new album. For information on Ken Dunn visit kendunnmusic.com. Photo: Michelle Fortier. Music: Ken Dunn: “Hold On”, “Hills Of Strathavon”, “Wondrous Beauty”, “Wild & Free” from “Wondrous Beauty” (2017, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 342: Brendan Scott Friel Interview & More New Releases

Sep 29 2017

Brendan Scott Friel started his music career as the lead guitarist in well-received Windsor harmony rock combo The Brilliancy, before deciding to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter. Earlier this year, Brendan joined us in the Quantum Sound Productions studio in Kingsville ON to record an edition of the video series, the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions. Episode 342 of Folk Roots Radio features our interview with Brendan alongside live versions of three songs from his debut album “Quiet Cars”. As always, we also check out more of the latest new releases including new music from David Myles, Ian Sherwood and the Skydiggers. It’s a good one! I hope you’ll join us. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 341: Coco Love Alcorn & More New Releases

Sep 08 2017

Coco Love Alcorn has had an absolutely fabulous year since the release of her latest album “Wonderland”. A gifted folk, pop and jazz singer – as well as a wonderful harmonizer and improviser, Coco sat down with us at Summerfolk to chat about her music and future plans. We’re pleased to bring that interview to you as part of Episode 341 of Folk Roots Radio alongside some of our favourite performances at Summerfolk, and more of the latest new releases including the title track of the new Kris Kristofferson album and one of the last songs that Greg Allman ever recorded. Photo: Michael McLuhan Photography. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 340: Summerfolk Youth Discoveries & More New Releases

Sep 01 2017

We’re up in Owen Sound ON on Episode 340 of Folk Roots Radio as we check out the fabulous Youth Discoveries showcase at Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival. We’re bringing you interviews with two young duos – Moscow Apartment and Bare Sierra alongside music from the other performers who made it through the audition process to perform on the big stage at the festival. And, as always, we take a look at more of the latest new releases. Photo: Paige Ballagh and Clarissa Fortin (Jan Hall). Check out the full playlist below.

Coco Love Alcorn - Summerfolk 2017 Interview

Aug 30 2017

Coco Love Alcorn lives in the moment. A gifted performer in folk, pop and jazz, and a wonderful harmonizer and improviser, Coco has had an absolutely fabulous year since the release of her latest album “Wonderland” – which came out of her non-denominational gospel song project, The Spirit Sessions. Since the album’s September 2016 release, Coco has been touring Canada extensively (including a three week Christmas tour with John McDermott) and working with choirs from all across the country. This fall she will be heading off on the Invitation to Sing tour which includes a two night stint in Vancouver where she will be joined by five choirs who will add more than 200 voices to her performance. We caught up with Coco at the Summerfolk Music & Crafts festival. Our 2015 interview with Coco, recorded at the Folk Music Ontario conference is also worth checking out. Find it online HERE. For more information, visit cocolovealcorn.com. Photo: Michelle Fortier. Music: Coco Love Alcorn “Wonderland” from “Wonderland” (2016, Self).

Bare Sierra – Summerfolk 2017 Interview

Aug 30 2017

Bare Sierra is an alt. folk duo featuring John Muirhead and Jesse Bydevaate. John and Jesse met at school in Halton Hills ON, and since that time have been part of a variety of different musical projects. John was also part of the 2016 Developing Artist Program (formerly Youth Program) at the Folk Music Ontario conference. This summer they were party of the great Youth Discoveries program at the Summerfolk Music & Crafts festival. They will be going into the studio to record their first E.P. this fall. We caught up with John and Jesse at Summerfolk to learn more about their music. Visit Bare Sierra online at baresierra.com. Photo: Michelle Fortier. Music: Bare Sierra “Domino” (Live Demo).

Moscow Apartment – Summerfolk 2017 Interview

Aug 30 2017

Brighid Fry & Pascal Padilla met while performing in The Nutcracker at the Four Seasons Centre in Toronto. Still in their mid-teens, they’re now making music together as indie-pop duo Moscow Apartment. And after just six months together, they’re already making a splash on the summer festival scene. They’ve recently been in the studio with mentor Samantha Martin from Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar and engineer Guillermo Subauste to record their first self-titled E.P. We caught up with them as part of the wonderful Youth Discoveries program at the Summerfolk Music & Crafts festival to chat about their music. For more information, visit moscowapartment.ca. Photo: Michelle Fortier. Music: Moscow Apartment “Annie” from “Moscow Apartment” E.P. (2017, self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 339: Gregger Botting Interview & More New Releases

Aug 15 2017

Gregger Botting is a young singer-songwriter from Petrolia Ontario who just released his first full length album, “Never Saw A Thing Coming”. Earlier this year, Gregger Botting joined us in the studio to record an edition of the video series, the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions. We’re pleased to bring our interview with Gregger to Episode 339 of Folk Roots Radio alongside a couple of live songs from his debut album. As always, we also check out more of the new music we’ve received. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 338: Leah Morise Interview & More New Releases

Aug 15 2017

Singer-songwriter Leah Morise joined us recently to record an edition of the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions. We’re pleased to bring that interview to Episode 338 of Folk Roots Radio, alongside three of the six songs she played live for us. And as always, we have a look at some of the latest new releases. Check out the full playlist below.

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

Jul 28 2017

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.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 336: Manitoba Hal Interview & More New Releases

Jul 28 2017

Ukulele bluesman Manitoba Hal released a great double live album “Live in Ghent” earlier this year – the perfect introduction to his music. Hal joined us in the Quantum Sound Productions studio in Kingsville Ontario to record an edition of the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions during which he chatted about the new project and played a few songs live. We’re pleased to bring that interview and a couple of songs from the session to Episode 336 of Folk Roots Radio. We also take a look at more of the latest new releases. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 335 - Summerfolk 2017

Jul 21 2017

We’re all about the Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival on Episode 335 of Folk Roots Radio. This year’s Summerfolk takes place the weekend of August 18-20 in Kelso Park, on the shores of Georgian Bay, in Owen Sound. To learn more about one of the most relaxed, family friendly and fun festivals on the Canadian circuit, we talk to Artistic Director James Keelaghan about this year’s musical line-up and all of the other great things you can do at Summerfolk. We also include music from some of the artists we’re looking forward to seeing this time around. It’s a great hour and definitely worth a listen. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 347: Remembrance Day

Erin Costelo – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Rob Lutes “Walk In The Dark”- Folk Roots Radio Interview

Raine Hamilton – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Piper Hayes – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Folk Roots Radio Episode 346: Mayhemingways Interview & More New Releases

Jabbour – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Mayhemingways – Summerfolk 2017 Interview

Ken Yates – Summerfolk 2017 Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 345: We’re All About The Music!

Folk Roots Radio Episode 344: Ken Dunn Interview & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 343: Shawna Caspi Interview and More New Releases

Shawna Caspi – Forest Fire Interview

Ken Dunn – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 342: Brendan Scott Friel Interview & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 341: Coco Love Alcorn Summerfolk Interview & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 340: Summerfolk 2017 Youth Discoveries & More New Releases

Coco Love Alcorn – Summerfolk 2017 Interview

Bare Sierra – Summerfolk 2017 Interview

Moscow Apartment – Summerfolk 2017 Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 339: Gregger Botting Interview & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 338: Leah Morise Interview & More New Releases

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

Folk Roots Radio Episode 336: Manitoba Hal Interview & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 335: Summerfolk 2017