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Gathering Sparks at Cafe Pyrus

Oct 16 2014

Gathering Sparks, the wonderful new trio featuring Eve Goldberg, Jane Lewis, and Sam Turton will be appearing at Cafe Pyrus in Kitchener ON on Thursday October 23 at 7:30 p.m. Gathering Sparks embrace blues, gospel, folk, and pop while delivering engaging songs on acoustic and slide guitar, piano, accordion, ukulele, and banjo. Their debut 6-song CD, released in April 2014, has just been nominated for a 2014 Canadian Folk Music Award for “Vocal Group of the Year”. Whether they are singing an a capella sea shanty, busting out kazoos for a jazzy swing tune, getting down and low with the blues, or leading a well-known classic, Gathering Sparks performances make fans out of listeners with their stellar harmonies and fine musicianship. The cover is $6-10 (sliding scale) and the opening set will be by Glenn Chatten. Music: Gathering Sparks, “I Ain’t Finished With This Journey Yet’ from Gathering Sparks (2014, Self).

John Mann at Elora Centre for the Arts

Oct 15 2014

John Mann will be at the Elora Centre for the Arts for a solo performance on Saturday November 8 at 8:00 p.m. John will be playing songs from his latest album “The Waiting Room” which came out early this year. The album features a set of heartfelt songs written about his experience battling rectal cancer, a disease he successfully overcame. Tragically, however, John announced in Spetember that he has now been diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. John’s response to this turn of events has been very positive and inspiring with no indication that he will allow this new diagnosis to shape his life more than it needs to.

Trevor Gordon Hall “Mind Heart Fingers”

Oct 15 2014

Trevor Gordon Hall has just released “Mind Heart Fingers”, the follow up to 2011’s “Entelechy”. We had a chance to chat with Trevor shortly before his appearance at this past summer’s Mariposa Folk Festival. If you love rich, creative guitar music with a twist, you’ll love Mind Heart Fingers. Check out the video of Trevor playing acoustic guitar on the beautiful “The Blue Hour”. I’ll admit that my knowledge of acoustic guitar tunings is rudimentary – however, for guitar aficionados, this song is apparently played in Nashville or high strung tuning (using only octave strings from a 12 string pack). This beautiful instrumental album was recorded during the summer of 2014 by Grammy Winning Producer Will Ackerman. You can find it in all of the usual places, including, for a physical copy, on CDBaby. For more information: visit trevorgordonhall.com.

Shane Jacob Philips “Social Justice & Peace”

Oct 15 2014

Shane Jacob Philips releases his excellent new album, “Social Justice & Peace” with a show at The Cornerstone, Guelph on November 8 at 9 p.m. Social Justice and Peace features seven songs with a social conscience intended to provoke the listener to question the current direction we are moving in. As a committed social activist, Philips walks the talk, even if that means walking 102 km straight over 29 hours to deliver a message about water issues to the Ontario Minister of the Environment. Featuring Shane Philips trademark soulful vocals within laid-back folk-style arrangements that allow the lyrics to breath, it is not just a great album but also one where the lyrics deserve closer scrutiny. Music: Shane Jacob Philips, “Freedom” from “Social Justice & Peace” (2014, Self).

Playlist: Episode 170

Oct 14 2014

Folk Roots Radio on October 11 2014 (Episode 170) was broadcast live from the Guelph Farmers Market as part of CFRU 93.3fm’s annual Raise Your Voice funding drive. In honour of Thanksgiving (Canadian), this week’s show also featured a Canadian and close to home music mix alongside feature interviews with Guelph-based musicians Nicole Ensing (with The Wild Oats) and Tyler Wagler.

Oct 10 2014

The Guelph Celtic Orchestra open their 2014/15 season with a performance featuring a CD release party for one of the top fiddlers in the world, Shane Cook accompanied by Jake Charron. The show takes place on November 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Guelph Little Theatre, 176 Morris Street in Guelph. Advance tickets are $20 ($30 at the door), children $12 ($22 at the door) and are available from [email protected] and in person at Janus Books, 10 Paisley Street, Royal Plaza. The Guelph Celtic Orchestra features professional and amateur musicians who are passionate about traditional Celtic music. The ensemble features a large fiddle section, guitars, accordion, piano, flutes, whistle, and double bass, and is also accompanied by award-winning step dancers. Following the GCO performance, Shane Cook and Jake Charron will take to the stage for the CD release of their new duo album “Head to Head”. Shane Cook is a three-time Canadian Open National Champion, a three-time Canadian Grand Masters Champion, a Grand North American Champion, and the only foreign fiddler to win the US Grand National Championship. Jake Charron is continuing to build a reputation as one of Canada’s finest accompanists. For more information, visit guelphceltic.ca. Music: Shane Cook & Jake Charron, “Ontario Tunes (Sir Wilfred Laurier,/Timbertown/Snowflake Breakdown/Whitefish In The Rapids)” from “Head to Head”.

Nicole Ensing – The Interview

Oct 10 2014

Nicole Ensing is a Guelph Ontario-based pianist and vocalist. Classically-trained, in recent years she has also developed her folk side as pianist in the Celtic band The Wild Oats. Along with her love of jazz and pop, this combination of influences yields an appealing knack for catchy, well-crafted keyboard lines that draw freely on jazz stylings and folk charm. Nicole has just released her debut album based on the poetry of G.K. Chesterton “Riddles and Creeds” on Chanter Records. Backing Nicole are Sam Fitzpatrick on upright and electric bass, Brian Bork on guitar and Joel Sypkes on drums. On Riddles and Creeds, Nicole and producer Ross McKitrick have taken some of the vivid poems of English writer and poet G.K. Chesterton (29 May 1874 – 14 June 1936) , a formative influence on both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and created songs that explore themes of the magic of life, spiritual search, and friendship. The Riddles and Creeds CD release takes place on Sunday November 2 at The Albion (Upstairs) 49 Norfolk St, Guelph at 7:30 p.m., cover $10 at the door. Nicole Ensing and Ross McKitrick joined us in the studio for a feature length conversation about the new album. Music: Nicole Ensing Band, “Child Of The Snows”, “A Second Childhood”, “The Aristocrat”, “The Great Minimum” and “The Rolling English Road” from “Riddles & Creeds” (2014, Chanter Records)

Tyler Wagler – The Interview

Oct 09 2014

For over a decade Tyler Wagler has been a coveted sideman in Canadian folk, roots, reggae and rock music. He has been busy playing guitar, bass and mandolin with artists such as The Human Rights, David Sereda, Friendly Rich and The Lollipop People and many more. Since relocating to Guelph from Toronto, Wagler has performed with such prominent locals as Bry Webb, Tannis Slimmon, Alysha Brilla and Jessy Bell-Smith, as well as releasing two solo EPs and a full length disc with modern jazz trio Hammerton/Wagler/O’Neill. His latest EP, “4 Songs”, is an intimate, stripped down affair, framed by warm double bass, a creaking upright piano and contributions from some of the finest musicians in the folk and indie communities. Tyler Wagler will be appearing at Magnolia Café, 88 Yarmouth Street Guelph with David Sereda on Friday October 24. Tyler Wagler joined us in the studio to chat about his music. Music; Jessy Bell-Smith, “Deep Water” from The “Town” (2014, Self); Tyler Wagler, “Rooster” from “4 Songs EP” (2014, Self); Tyler Wagler, “Lines Written In Early Spring” from “Tyler Wagler EP” (2011, Self); David Sereda, “Beyond The Shadow” (Single) (2013, Self); Tyler Wagler, “Blazing Waters” from “4 Songs EP” (2014, Self); Tyler Wagler, “Enemy” from “4 Songs EP” (2014, Self)

Fish & Bird – Guelph CD Release

Oct 06 2014

Fish & Bird will be bringing their refreshing take on folk music to Guelph for a Folk Roots Radio promoted CD launch of their new album “Something In The Ether” at Silence, 46 Essex St on November 12 2014. The support act will be Guelph’s own Tannis Slimmon. I had the privilege of introducing Fish & Bird at the Kingsville Folk Music Festival this summer, and they put on a fabulous show. Their performance at Kingsville was especially memorable in that they earned, that rare distinction, a festival main stage encore. The Silence show starts at 8 p.m. (doors 7:30 p.m.) Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door). Advanced tickets may be purchased online here. Silence is a fully accessible concert venue. Music: Fish & Band, “Something In The Ether” from “Something In The Ether” (2014, Fiddle Head Records).

Playlist: Episode 169

Oct 06 2014

Folk Roots Radio on October 4 (Episode 169) featured interviews with Ottawa-based singer-songwriter Lynne Hanson about her new album “River Of Sand”, and California-based film & TV composer turned singer-songwriter Ernest Troost about his recent album “O Love”.

Oct 05 2014

Singer/songwriters David Sereda and Tyler Wagler will be sharing the bill at Magnolia Café, 88 Yarmouth Street in Guelph on Friday October 24. Singer/songwriter David Sereda will be playing his debut solo show in Guelph. Possessed with a captivating voice, Sereda blends folk, gospel, soul and pop with a restless flair. He will be joined for this performance by Tyler Wagler on double bass. Tyler will also perform an opening set, promoting his soon to be released solo EP 4 Songs, accompanied by Thom Hammerton on keys. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15 at the door. Magnolia Café is a licensed cafe and restaurant that also doubles as one of the area’s most intimate listening venues. Because of the size of the venue, reservations are highly recommendeded especially if you’d like to enjoy a meal before the show! Read More

Lynne Hanson – The Interview

Oct 03 2014

If you like your Americana rough around the edges you’ll love Ottawa-based singer-songwriter Lynne Hanson‘s new roots album “River Of Sand”. River Of Sand, produced by fellow singer-songwriter Lynn Miles, was four years in the making, and contains some very personal songs, that speak to the challenges we all face on this road called life. As a live artist, Lynne Hanson has been gaining rave reviews for her polished performances whether playing solo or with her band The Good Intentions. We caught up with Lynne at home in Ottawa. Music: Lynne Hanson, “River of Sand”, “Heaven and Hell” and “Trading in my Lonesome” from “River of Sand” (Continental Sound City, 2014)

Ernest Troost – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 02 2014

“If the Carter Family, Robbie Robertson and Alfred Hitchcock had written songs together, they might sound like this.” That’s how L.A. based Ernest Troost introduces himself in concert. What makes him so remarkable is that he’s a late arrival on the folk scene. After studying jazz guitar and classical music at Berklee College of Music, Ernest built a career as an award-winning TV and Film composer in Hollywood, working on the cult classic Tremors, HBO’s A Lesson Before Dying, many Hallmark Hall of Fame specials and, more recently, the Campbell Scott indie film Crashing, which features the title track from Troost’s album “All the Boats Are Gonna Rise”. Along the way he composed, arranged and produced two albums of lullabies for Judy Collins. Ernest started making a name for himself as a singer-songwriter when he picked up the guitar in 2004; and in 2009 he was named a New Folk Winner at the famed Kerrville Folk Festival. His latest album, “O Love”, is already creating quite a buzz within the folk community. An album of real Americana, it features widescreen story songs alongside beautiful and heartfelt love songs. Showcasing a variety of styles from Piedmont blues through waltzes and the odd bit of rock n’roll, O Love is an album that will surely feature in many people’s best of the year. We tracked him down for an interview, at home in California. Music: Ernest Troost, “Old Screen Door”, “Harlan County Boys” and “The Last Lullaby” from “O Love”. (Travelling Shoes Records, 2014)

Playlist: Episode 165 Redux

Sep 29 2014

Folk Roots Radio on September 27 (Episode 165) featured one of our best recent editions, our end of the festival season show from August 30 2014. Unfortunately I was struck down with a virus on the way back from a short family break to Florida. That will teach me to think about taking a holiday!

Sep 24 2014

Claude Parlour welcome Relative Harmony to Caledon on Sunday October 5 2014 for a show at Claude Presbyterian Church, 15175 Hurontario Street (Hwy 10), Caledon at 7:30 p.m. (Doors 7:00 p.m.). Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online HERE. Relative Harmony are Rick Avery, Judy Greenhill, Jonathan Avery and Judy Avery. Their most recent album “Rolling Home” (2012) features all four band members playing a plethora of instruments in a predominantly Celtic traditional style, with country and jazz stylings creeping in. For more information, visit relative harmony.com. Music: Relative Harmony “If He’s Gone Let Him Go” from “Rolling Home” (2011, Self).

Factory City – CD Release

Sep 23 2014

Cambridge ON based three piece folk/rock alternative band Factory City have a CD release on Saturday September 27 at The Burns Howff Scottish Pub, 95 Saginaw pkwy, Cambridge. The cover is $5 or free with CD purchase! Factory City have been together since 2013, although all of members are stalwarts of the local scene. They feature guitarist/vocalist Mike Meacher, Fyl Bennett on stand-up bass and drummer Mat Bowman. Stylistically they describe their music as blurring the lines between folk music and rock alternative with songs that tell stories of love, tragedy, grief and hope. For more information visit factorymusic.com. Music: Factory City, For You from Factory City (2014, Self)

Ondine Chorus – Fall Concerts

Sep 23 2014

Vocal group Ondine Chorus have several concerts this fall, visiting Port Carling on September 27 and Utopia on October 5 before heading home for a show in Guelph on October 31.

Sep 23 2014

Guy Davis is a master of both traditional and contemporary blues, and definitely worth checking out in concert. The good news is that he will be touring in Ontario this fall. Guy will be playing nine Ontario dates during the tour including Hugh’s Room in Toronto (October 3), The Acoustic Grill in Picton (October 7) and NEAT Bursntown Schoolhouse (October 12). As well as regular shows, he’ll also be be playing a Wellesley and District Lions Club fundraiser at the Wellesley Community Centre, 1000 Maple Street in Wellesley on October 8 at 7 p.m. Advance tickets for the fundraiser are $20 ($25 at the door). The proceeds will support the construction of an accessible playground in Wellesley. Advance tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased by e-mailing Peter van der Maas at [email protected]. Guy’s latest album, the fabulous “Juba Dance”, from 2013, features Fabrizio Poggi on harmonica, the Blind Boys of Alabama and Lea Gilmore. For more information on all the Ontario shows, visit guydavis.com. Music: Guy Davis, “Love looks Good On You” from “Juba Dance” (2013, Red House Records).

Playlist – Episode 168

Sep 22 2014

DJ MacDee was again keeping my chair warm on September 20 (Episode 168) while I was in Florida for a short vacation. You enjoyed DJ MacDee on Folk Roots Radio. Now enjoy his playlist!

Sep 15 2014

Fearing & White are back on tour in Ontario and Alberta. Stephen Fearing & Andy White released their second album as a duo, “Tea & Confidences” earlier this year. We caught up with Andy White prior to their barnstorming appearance at the 2014 Hillside Festival. You can check out that interview on the website HERE. As it seemed only fair that we check in with the other half of this pair of wandering minstrels, we caught up with Stephen Fearing at home while on a short touring break. During our fun and wide-ranging conversation we tackled such topics as balancing solo and band commitments, recording and touring “Tea & Confidences”, why Gary Craig is such a great drummer, music as a business for independent artists 101 and the ‘Manzer guitar / Air Canada incident’. It’s a great interview and well worth checking out. Music: Fearing & White, “Emigrant Song”, “Tomorrow Takes A Long Time”, “We Came Together” and “To The Great Unknown” from “Tea & Confidences” (2014, Lowdenproud).

Jesse Winchester – New Album

Sep 15 2014

When Jesse Winchester passed away early in 2014 I think many people thought that the music had died with him. Well, the good news is that is not the case. A new album, “A Reasonable Amount Of Trouble”, has just been released on Appleseed Recordings. The album was recorded while Jesse’s cancer was in remission and features nine Jesse compositions alongside three cover versions.

The self-written songs on the album are all quintessentially Jesse Winchester – songs that cover the whole gamut of life experiences from transient pleasures (“All That We Have Is Now”), to tongue-in-cheek rockers (“Never Forget to Boogie”), and an uneasy peace (the heartwrenching “Just So Much”). Never maudlin, A Reasonable Amount of Trouble is inevitably tinged with an awareness of mortality but not a drop of self-pity. The covers are all sweet oldies, “Rhythm of the Rain”, “Devil or Angel” and “Whispering Bells”. Jesse plays acoustic guitar and keyboard and sings in his uniquely weightless tenor, there’s an attuned rhythm section, and guest appearances by “newgrass” country Grammy winner Jerry Douglas on lap steel and legendary saxophonist Jim Horn, among others. The new album was produced by Mac McAnally (Jimmy Buffet’s producer), who also plays lead guitar. Buffet, a huge Jesse fan wrote the liner notes.

Its an excellent album, one that really grows with you. We’ll be playing songs from the album on Folk Roots Radio. In the meantime, here is Jesse Winchester with the easy on the ear and relentlessly upbeat “All That We Have Is Now” (2014, Appleseed Recordings). For more information visit jessewinchester.com.

Playlist: Episode 167

Sep 14 2014

Folk Roots Radio on September 13 (Episode 167) featured interviews with British Americana duo Plumhall, who’ve just release a great album of moody British Americana, “Thundercloud” and Guelph-based singer-songwriter Jane Lewis, who releases her new album “Stay With Me” on September 26. We wrapped it all up in lots of great music including a highly topical mystery theme and this week’s guilty pleasure.

Sep 13 2014

Teal & Joyce will be in Guelph for a show at Magnolia Café, 88 Yarmouth St. on Saturday September 20 for a show at 8 p.m. Carol Teal and David Joyce write delightful songs about life’s challenges and the funny moments we all have. They also put on an engaging and fun show. Their most recent album (their third) is 2013’s “Has It All Been Said”. Magnolia is the perfect place for a meal and a show. Due to the intimate size of the venue, reservations are recommended. Call 519-766-4663 to reserve. For more information visit tealandjoyce.ca. Music: Teal and Joyce, Same Damn Door from Has It all Been Said (2013, Self)

Jane Lewis – Stay With Me

Sep 12 2014

Guelph-based singer songwriter Jane Lewis releases her first solo album, “Stay With Me” on September 26, 2014 at Dublin St United Church in Guelph. The show starts at 8 p.m. Stay With Me is a piano-based folk-pop-roots album that blends engaging melodies and well-crafted lyrics, with gorgeous production that allows the vocals to stand up against the beautifully well-balanced musical accompaniment. The album features Jane Lewis on piano joined by a stellar core band of Sam Turton (guitar), Jesse Turton (bass) and Adam Bowman (drums & percussion). Special guests on the album include Jason Fowler, Eve Goldberg, Katherine Wheatley, Tannis Slimmon and Doug Wilde among others. The album was produced by Sam Turton and engineered by Nik Tjelios. The release show promises to be a very special night. You can buy tickets online here. Jane Lewis joined us in the studio to chat and play tracks from the album. For more information, visit janelewis.ca.

Playlist: Episode 166

Sep 07 2014

Folk Roots Radio on September 6 (Episode 166) featured interviews with Lynn Jackson, Hannah Shira Naiman and Pharis & Jason alongside our mystery theme, guilty pleasure and, as usual, lots of great music.

Gathering Sparks at Cafe Pyrus

John Mann at Elora Centre for the Arts

Trevor Gordon Hall “Mind Heart Fingers”

Playlist: Episode 170

Guelph Celtic Orchestra with Shane Cook & Jake Charron

Nicole Ensing – The Interview

Tyler Wagler – The Interview

Fish & Bird – Guelph CD Release

Playlist: Episode 169

David Sereda & Tyler Wagler

Lynne Hanson – The Interview

Ernest Troost – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Playlist: Episode 165 Redux

Relative Harmony in Caledon

Factory City – CD Release

Ondine Chorus – Fall Concerts

Guy Davis in Ontario

Playlist – Episode 168

Stephen Fearing – Fearing & White Interview

Jesse Winchester – New Album

Playlist: Episode 167

Teal & Joyce

Jane Lewis – Stay With Me

Playlist: Episode 166