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Ken Tizzard – The Interview

Apr 19 2016

Ken Tizzard was the bassist in top Canadian rock bands The Watchmen and Thornley (he is featured on six gold and platinum records) before developing a career as a roots-based singer-songwriter. His latest album “No Dark No Light” is Tizzard’s fifth solo recording since his 2006 debut, “Quiet Storey House… An Introduction” (2006, Audio Playground). Ken sat down with us at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October to chat about the new album, reinventing yourself in a changing music industry and touring with the late great Ron Hynes. For more information, visit kentizzard.com. Music: Ken Tizzard “Home” from “No Dark No Light” (2015, Storey House Records), Ken Tizzard “Fare The Well” (Live), “Waste Your Time” (Live), “1962” (Live), Ken Tizzard “Mud On My Boots” from “No Dark No Light” (2015, Storey House Records).

Episode 247: Leah Morise

Apr 18 2016

Singer-songwriter Leah Morise joined us at the Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about her music and latest album, “Live At The House Of Harmony”, which was released in 2015. I have to say that I really enjoyed this interview – quite lovely; it features some great conversation as well as three beautiful live songs. As usual, we also include some of the great new music we’ve received.

Apr 15 2016

We’re giving over the whole of this edition of Folk Roots Radio to the folky and bluesy UK Americana duo, Red Dirt Skinners from Sussex in England, who feature Sarah Skinner on soprano sax, with her multi-instrumentalist husband Rob on guitar and vocal. While on tour in Canada, Sarah and Rob joined us in the studio to chat about their music and their great new album “Behind the Wheel”. If you missed them on this tour, the good news is that they will be back in the fall. Photo: Emily Von. For more information visit reddirtskinners.com.

Apr 14 2016

Singer-songwriter Leah Morise released a lovely live album, “Live At The House Of Harmony” in 2015. The album, which crosses over from folk to contemporary to light jazz, features Leah’s warm voice on twelve songs that showcase her playful and charming lyrics. The album was recorded in the living room of her converted church home in Fingal, Ontario, The House of Harmony, which doubles as the perfect rehearsal space, recording studio and house concert venue. Leah joined us at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October to chat about the new album and play three songs live, two featuring trumpet from her side-man partner Mike Bourgeault. For more information, visit leahmorise.com. Music: Leah Morise “If Only He Had Known The Language” from “Live At The House Of Harmony”, “She’s A Hurricane” (Live), “Tiny Trailer” (Live), “Flowers In The Carpet” (Live) and “Two Dollar Bill” from “Live At The House Of Harmony”.

The Red Dirt Skinners – The Interview

Apr 13 2016

The Red Dirt Skinners have been taking the British roots scene by storm. The duo, featuring Sarah Skinner on soprano sax, and multi-instrumentalist Rob Skinner on guitar and vocals, became the first band to succeed at both the British Blues Awards and the British Country Music Awards, and they’ve also recently been nominated for an Americana award. Live, they are an intoxicating mix of high energy and divine harmonies, producing music that is original, unique and genre-defying as they effortlessly cross boundaries from blues, to country, to folk and all places in between. They’ve just released their fifth album “Behind the Wheel”. While on tour in Canada, Sarah and Rob joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio to chat about the new record. For more information visit reddirtskinners.com. Music: Red Dirt Skinners “Behind The Wheel”, “Thoughts Of The Past”, “Eleanor Joan”, “Daybreak” and “Home Sweet Home” from “Behind The Wheel” (2016, Self)

Episode 245: Corin Raymond & Record Store Day

Apr 12 2016

This episode of Folk Roots Radio features a great interview with singer-songwriter Corin Raymond who joins us to chat about his latest album, the fabulous “Hobo Jungle Fever Dreams”. Corin’s on tour with Jonathan Byrd in Western Canada this April. We also talk to Paul Fortune from Forch’s Record Store in Cambridge ON about Record Store Day – that day, each year, when we celebrate the independent record store! And, as always we throw some new music into the mix.

Apr 06 2016

Saturday April 16 is Record Store Day – that day each year when we celebrate the independent record store! Each year we showcase a local independent record store, and this year… it’s Forch’s Record Store in Cambridge, ON. Forch’s maintains a great section of new and previously enjoyed vinyl, CDs, videos and even cassettes alongside music mags and memorabilia. They also have a music preview lounge and occasionally host in-store live events. For more information, visit forchsrecordstore.ca. Paul Fortune from Forch’s joined us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about his store and Record Store Day. Check out all the participating stores in Canada at recordstoredaycanada.com. Music: J.D. Crowe and The New South “Some Old Day” from “J.D. Crowe and The New South” (1975, Rounder Records). Johnny Cash & Lynn Anderson “I’ve Been Everywhere” from “The Best Of The Johnny Cash TV Show” (2008, Sony BMG).

The Source of the Song – April 16

Apr 05 2016

The latest edition of the acoustic songwriters series Source of the Song takes place on Saturday April 16 from 2-5 pm in Glen Williams Town Hall, 1 Prince Street in Glen Williams and features Soozi Schlanger and David Storey alongside host Bruce Madole. Tickets are $20 and available in Glen Williams at Reeve and Clarke Fine Books, (open Thursday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m, at 521 Main Street in Glen Williams), or by contacting co-producers Bruce or Marlene Madole at 905-459-9753 (or via email HERE at [email protected]).

Apr 05 2016

April 16 is Record Store Day – that day each year when we celebrate the independent record store! Although many record stores have gone to the wall in challenging economic times in a rapidly changing industry, the ones that remain are thriving because they work hard to provide a knowledgeable customer service and a selection that doesn’t exist online or, dare I say it, Wal-Mart. You can also credit part of the success to the resurgence of vinyl, and an appreciation that it was, and probably still is, the best way to listen to recorded music.

Skydiggers – The Songs of Gene Clark

Apr 05 2016

Iconic Toronto folk-pop band Skydiggers are about to release their latest album, a tribute to Byrds songwriter Gene Clark, appropriately titled “Here Without You – The Songs of Gene Clark”. The album features eight songs written by the famed writer of such classics as “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better”, “She Don’t Care About Time”, “Set You Free This Time” and “Eight Miles High”, all delivered in the trademark, stark and intimate, Skydiggers style. The album, produced by Michael Timmins from the Cowboy Junkies, will be released on May 13 on Latent Recordings. The Skydiggers will be in Guelph for a show at the Guelph Little Theatre, 176 Morris St Guelph on Thursday May 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and available from Janus Books. Out of town tickets are available HERE. Check out the other Skydiggers dates HERE.

Corin Raymond – The Interview

Apr 04 2016

Corin Raymond is a singer-songwriter who loves a good lyric as much as a good melody. He’s just released a great new album “Hobo Jungle Fever Dreams”, which features ten songs, eight co-written with top drawer songwriters Jonathan Byrd, Sean Cotton and Rob Vaarmeyer, Rakhu Lokanathan and Jaxon Haldane alongside one Corin Raymond original, “Morning Glories” and the other, a cover of Doug Norquay‘s “Best Demented Cowgirl Face” (one of the best and most intriguing song titles out there). Hobo Jungle Fever Dreams is quintessential Corin Raymond, featuring some fabulous word craft, especially on the glorious “Morning Glories”, a standout track on an album full of standout tracks. Corin’s on tour this April in Western Canada with Jonathan Byrd, for an evening of music that should not be missed. Corin joined us from Toronto to chat about the new album. Check out all his upcoming tour dates at corinraymond.com. Photo: Justin Rutledge. Music: Corin Raymond “Morning Glories”, “The Law and the Lonesome”, “I Drink A Little” and “Two Miles Of Train” from “Hobo Jungle Fever Dreams” (2016, Local Rascal Records).

Episode 244: Dave Gunning

Mar 31 2016

On this edition of Folk Roots Radio we talk to Pictou Nova Scotia singer-songwriter Dave Gunning about his upcoming Ontario tour and latest abum “Lift”. And, as always, we throw some interesting new music into the mix.

Mar 30 2016

Dave Gunning is back on tour in Ontario this April. Dave joined us to chat about the tour and his latest album (number eleven) “Lift”. For more information on Dave’s tour dates, visit davegunning.com. Music: Dave Gunning “I Robbed the Co. Store”, “They Don’t Do That No More” and “Sing It Louder” from “Lift” (2015, Wee House of Music).

Episode 243: Mo’ Kauffey & Jen Lane

Mar 28 2016

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.

Mar 28 2016

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. Photo: Mike Melnyk.

Dave Gunning – April Ontario tour

Mar 23 2016

Acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter 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 is 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” co-written with North Carolina singer-songwriter Sally Spring. Check out all of Dave’s upcoming appearances at davegunning.com.

Nudie in Guelph – April 6

Mar 23 2016

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, visit nudiemusic.com. Photo credit: A Karpinski.

Jen Lane – Movin’ On

Mar 23 2016

Saskatoon singer-songwriter Jen Lane has just released “Movin’ On”, the second single and video from her new album “This Life Of Mine” (2016, Self). Jen joined us in the studio with sideman, life partner and manager John Antoniuk, last fall, to chat about the new project. You can find the interview HERE. 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.

Episode 242: Isabel Fryszberg and The Social Mystics

Mar 05 2016

On this edition of Folk Roots Radio we feature an in-depth interview with Isabel Fryszberg, an occupational therapist, visual artist and musician from Toronto. Isabel joined us in the mobile studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October to chat about “Hearts & Arrows”, a wonderful album of jazz tinged country-folk-pop she recorded with her band Isabel & The Uncommons in 2014. and her latest project The Social Mystics which features music created by individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness and/or addictions at the Creative Works Studio at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.

Mar 04 2016

Episode 241 of Folk Roots Radio features an interview with Toronto singer-songwriter Mark Martyre recorded at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October. Mark also played a couple of songs live for us. Mark has just released his fourth solo album, “Bluebird” and is out on tour in Ontario in March.

Mar 03 2016

Isabel Fryszberg is an occupational therapist, visual artist and musician from Toronto who produced a wonderful album of jazz tinged country-folk-pop, “Hearts & Arrows”, with her band Isabel & The Uncommons, in 2014. Her latest project, The Social Mystics, features music created by individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness and/or addictions at the Creative Works Studio at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. The Social Mystics release their CD, “Coming Out Of Darkness” at the Tranzac Club in Toronto on March 8 at 7:30 p.m., Cover: PWYC, $10 suggested or $20 with a copy of the CD. Isabel and the Uncommons will be playing The Local, 396 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto on Tuesday on March 22 from 9 p.m. Isabel Fryszberg joined us to chat about her music at the Folk Music Ontario conference, this past October. For more information about the music of Isabel Fryszberg, visit isabel-music.com. Music: Isabel & The Uncommons, “New Love” from “Hearts & Arrows” (Self, 2014), Social Mystics “Coming Out Of Darkness” and “Chill In The Air” from “Coming Out Of Darkness” (2016, Self), and Isabel & The Uncommons, “Something Sacred” from “Hearts & Arrows” (Self, 2014).

Mark Martyre – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Mar 02 2016

Toronto-based singer-songwriter Mark Martyre is heading out on his “Bluebird” tour of Southern Ontario and Montreal this March, which includes shows at Silence (Guelph) on March 4, The Artbar (Hamilton) on March 5 and The Piston (Toronto) on March 13 among others. Check out all the tour dates HERE. Mark joined us at the Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music and play a couple of songs live. For more information, visit markmartyre.com. Music: Mark Martyre “I Know What It’s Like” from “Red Letters” (2014, Self), “Long Goodbye” (Live), “The Devil On Your Back” (Live) and “Oh Luna” from “Red Letters” (2014, Self).

Fish & Bird on Tour

Feb 10 2016

Main Stage favourites from the 2014 Kingsville Folk Music Festival, alt. folk band Fish & Bird are back on tour in Ontario during February. Raised on a diet of Radiohead and classic roots music, Fish & Bird are a fabulous live band, and well worth checking out. Their fourth album, “Something in the Ether” was released in September 2014 on Fiddlehead Records to critical acclaim. Fish & Bird play Leamington (February 25), Guelph (February 26), Hamilton (February 27), Burdock (February 28), Owen Sound (February 29). The Leamington show, presented by the Sun Parlour Folk Music Society & The Sun Parlour Players Community Theatre, takes place at The Bank Theatre, 10 Erie South, Leamington on Thursday February 25 at 8 p.m (doors 7 p.m.). Advance tickets are $20 and available online HERE. In Guelph, they’re back at Silence for a Guelph Roots show on Friday February 26 at 8 p.m. (doors 7:30 p.m.). Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door). Advanced tickets may be purchased online HERE. For more information about Fish & Bird visit fishandbird.ca.

Episode 239: Winterfolk, Richard Garvey, Road to Summerfolk 2016

Feb 03 2016

This episode of Folk Roots Radio features three interviews. First up, we talk to Brian Gladstone about this year’s Winterfolk Festival, which takes place on the Danforth in Toronto from February 12 – 14. Later in the hour, singer-songwriter Richard Garvey joins us to chat about his latest E.P, “I Found A Box Of Beer In The Show” and to wrap things up, we chat to Tara MacKenzie from the MacKenzie Blues Band, about the Road To Summerfolk 2016 youth showcase opportunity.

Jan 30 2016

On this episode of Folk Roots Radio, we talk to Guelph folk and roots musician Lewis Melville about the new compilation album “Songs Of The Future” and banjo player Lotus Wight from Sheesham, Lotus and ‘Son, joins us to chat about his new solo album “Ode To The Banjo”.

Ken Tizzard – The Interview

Episode 247: Leah Morise

Episode 246: Red Dirt Skinners

Leah Morise – The Interview

The Red Dirt Skinners – The Interview

Episode 245: Corin Raymond & Record Store Day

Interview: Paul Fortune – Forch’s Record Store

The Source of the Song – April 16

Record Store Day 2016

Skydiggers – The Songs of Gene Clark

Corin Raymond – The Interview

Episode 244: Dave Gunning

Dave Gunning – The Interview

Episode 243: Mo’ Kauffey & Jen Lane

Dobro and Claw – March 31

Dave Gunning – April Ontario tour

Nudie in Guelph – April 6

Jen Lane – Movin’ On

Folk Roots Radio Episode 241: Mark Martyre

Mark Martyre – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Fish & Bird on Tour

Episode 239: Winterfolk, Richard Garvey, Road to Summerfolk 2016

Episode 238: Songs Of The Future & Lotus Wight