Folk Music Ontario Archives | Page 2 of 5

Mara Levine – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Jan 01 2019

New Jersey based Mara Levine is a fabulous singer, and a great interpreter of other people’s songs. She’s just released a lovely third album “Facets Of Folk” the follow up to “Jewels and Harmony” (2013) and her debut “Mara’s Gems” (2009) which were both well-received. A very well curated collection, Facets of Folk features 13 tracks that showcase various different faces of folk music, often with a strong social conscience, and including favourites from Gordon Lightfoot, Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen and Christine Lavin alongside some new discoveries from contemporary songwriters. Mara Levine tours across the US, often with Gathering Time (Stuart Markus, Hillary Foxsong, and Gerry McKeveny). She also performs as a duo with both Terry Kitchen, and Caroline Cutroneo. Mara Levine sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about her music, and shared a live version of Tommy Sands “Daughters and Sons”, which appears on the new album. For more information visit maralevine.com. Music: Mara Levine “You Reap What You Sow” from “Facets of Folk” (2019, Self), “Daughters and Sons” (live) and “By My Silence” (with Gathering Time) from “Facets of Folk” (2019, Self).

Ellen Froese – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Ellen Froese - Folk Roots Radio at Folk Music Ontario

Dec 05 2018

Multi-instrumentalist Ellen Froese grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan, and describes herself as a young hip-swinger who is not Joan Baez or a sheep, but the vibrato in her voice may suggest otherwise – which provides a big hint as to how much fun she is on stage. Ellen, who is also a member of folk trio In With The Old (currently on hiatus), released her second solo album “Ellen Froese” in Fall 2017. She’s now working on the follow-up with her backing band ‘The Hot Toddies’. Ellen Froese sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about her music. Visit Ellen Froese online at ellenfroese.com. Music: Ellen Froese “New Year’s”, “Oh Alice” and “I Wish I Had A Foot Long Cigarette” from “Ellen Froese” (2017, Self) CDN.

Big Little Lions – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Dec 02 2018

The Big Little Lions are Helen Austin and Paul Otten. A remarkable songwriting duo, they actually live in two different places – Helen on Vancouver Island, and Paul in Cincinnati OH, and send song ideas back and forward as they work on them, individually and together. Big Little Lions released their latest album “Alive And Well” in February 2018 – a very well received folk pop recording chock full of poppy songs with clever hooks and great harmonies, and, in some cases, a distinct message. Helen and Paul from Big Little Lions sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about their music. Visit Big Little Lions online at biglittlelions.com. Music: Big Little Lions “Against The Wall”, “Static” and “Find Your Tribe” from “Alive And Well” (2018, Self) CDN.

Moonfruits – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Nov 20 2018

Moonfruits are a bilingual folk duo featuring the beautiful harmonies Kaitlin Milroy and Alex Millaire, who captivate audiences with their songs and stories, often accompanied by just a banjo or parlour guitar. Moonfruits released their sophomore recording “Ste-Quequepart” in 2016, a French language folk concept album about a magical little town – that celebrates the lives of its inhabitants in song, and through those souls, the lives of everyday people living in small towns or communities the world over. Moonfruits bring an emotional passion and authenticity to their music that truly makes their music come alive, especially when they are telling stories about Ste-Quequepart. Kaitlin Milroy and Alex Millaire sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference. For more information about Moonfruits and their upcoming tour dates, visit moonfruits.ca. Music: Moonfruits “Les Marins”, “Ste-Quequepart”, “La Légende De Roustabout” and “Roustabout” from “Ste-Quequepart” (2017, Self) CDN

Folk Roots Radio Episode 407: feat. Gathering Sparks & More New Releases

Nov 13 2018

Gathering Sparks are the graceful collision of Jane Lewis and Eve Goldberg – musical friends who bonded over finely tuned harmonies and the craft of songwriting. Their inclusive approach embraces folk, pop, blues and gospel influences tastefully played on acoustic guitar, piano, accordion, and ukulele. Eve and Jane join us on Episode 407 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their music. They also play three live songs for us. It’s a great interview, and definitely worth checking out. We also check out new music from Belle Plaine, Zoe Speaks, Rachel Baiman, Kate Campbell, Childsplay and Lucy Wainwright Roche. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 405: feat. Jory Nash & More New Releases

Nov 08 2018

Jory Nash joins us on Episode 405 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his latest album “Wilderness Years”, and the challenges of making a living as a singer-songwriter in a world where online streaming is rapidly becoming the primary way people listen to music. He also plays two songs from the new album live for us. It’s a great interview and definitely worth sticking around for. We also hear from Guelph based singer-songwriter Doris Folkens who has just released a new single for Remembrance Day, “All Our Roses”, and check out more of the new music we’ve received including new releases from Kaia Kater, Missy Raines, Kathy Kallick Band, Kittel & Co. and Jenie Thai. Check you the full playlist below.

John Muirhead Foundational - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Nov 01 2018

London based singer-songwriter John Muirhead first landed on our radar as a member of the Developing Artist Program (formerly the Youth Program) at the 2016 Folk Music Ontario conference. John released his second solo EP “Foundational” (the follow up to “Yesterday’s Smile”) earlier this year. John will be releasing a series of singles throughout the winter, with the first, “I Can Sleep Anywhere” due November 8. John Muirhead sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music. For more information, visit johnpmuirhead.com. Music: John Muirhead “Ambition”, “Foundational” and “Passenger’s Side” from “Foundational” (2018, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 403: feat. Moonfruits & More New Releases

Oct 30 2018

Bilingual folk duo Moonfruits join us on Episode 403 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their music and latest album “Ste-Quequepart”. Kaitlin Milroy and Alex Millaire are a tremendous live act, captivating audiences with their beautiful harmonies while using their ideals and imagination to tell stories in song, often accompanied by just a banjo or parlour guitar. It’s a great interview, and well worth checking out. We also take a look at more of the new releases we’ve received, including new music from Mike T. Kerr, Jonathan Byrd, Twas Now, Ivan Rosenberg, Shauit, Carolyn Fe and the Red Dirt Skinners. Check out the playlist below.

Karen Morand Every Flash Of Light - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Oct 28 2018

Windsor ON based singer-songwriter Karen Morand has been pretty busy lately. After announcing the arrival of Even The Bird Was Free, her new rootsy, bluesy, gospel, Americana duo with Ukulele Bluesman Manitoba Hal (check out our great interview with Karen and Hal recorded at the Folk Music Ontario conference HERE), the Canada South Songwriting Competition winner is about to release her fourth album since 2012. The new recording, a solo E.P., “Every Flash Of Light” was recorded in St.Thomas, ON with Deni Gauthier and features five new Karen Morand songs (including co-writes with Linda McRae, Steve Hindalong, and others) and a cover of Corin Raymond‘s “That’s Life”. While retaining that warm gospel infused style we associate with Karen Morand’s music, the new songs come with powerhouse vocals, and a musical accompaniment from Deni Gauthier (acoustic/electric guitars, bass, keys, programming and percussion) and Broomsticks & Hammers‘ Paul Aitken on lead guitar and slide guitar that really makes you feel that this is Karen Morand unleashed. Karen Morand joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio to chat about the new album. Visit Karen Morand online at karenmorand.com. Music: Karen Morand “When The Smoke Clears”, “That’s Life” and “Homeward Bound” from “Every Flash Of Light” (2018, Self).

Carly Dow Comet – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Oct 26 2018

Banjo toting roots singer-songwriter Carly Dow has just released her second album “Comet”. More celestial in tone than her earthy debut “Ingrained”, Carly is still deeply connected to nature and the wildness that lives amongst us – and within us, on ten new songs written at her, mostly off the grid, backwoods retreat in the wilds of Manitoba. The new album, co-produced with Matt Filopoulus, features Carly Dow on her signature clawhammer banjo and acoustic guitar with support from some fine Winnipeg based musicians including Matt Filopoulus on electric guitar, pedal steel and dobro; Murray Jewett and Julian Bradford (strings) and Jeremy Rusu (accordion) with harmony vocals from Madeleine Roger and Logan McKillop. Carly Dow sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at Folk Music Ontario to chat about the new album. For more information about the music of Carly Dow, visit carlydowmusic.com. Music: Carly Dow “Sunlight Remembers”, “Tiger’s Eye” and “Cut & Run” from “Comet” (2018, Self)

Madeleine Roger – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Oct 24 2018

Winnipeg singer-songwriter Madeleine Roger released a fabulous album “Fairweather” in 2015 with her twin brother Lucas as part of the contemporary folk duo Roger Roger. Since that time, Lucas has decided to take a break from writing and performing to focus on his work as a luthier with Beardsell Guitars, allowing Madeleine to develop her own career as a solo artist. Madeleine Roger’s debut solo album “Cottonwood” features songs, written at home in Winnipeg and while on retreat at the family backwoods cottage, that reflect a female perspective on life and music. The album was produced with Lloyd Peterson (The Wailin’ Jenny’s, The Weakerthans, James Keelaghan) at Paintbox Recording in Winnipeg with true gender parity and equality a focus of the recording process. Madeleine Roger sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about the new album. For more information about Madeleine Roger, visit madeleineroger.com. Music: Madeleine Roger “60 Years More”, “Cottonwood” and “Soldier Song” from “Cottonwood” (2018, Self).

Even The Bird Was Free – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Oct 22 2018

Award-winning singer-songwriter Karen Morand & Ukulele Bluesman Manitoba Hal are now making music together as rootsy, bluesy, gospel, Americana duo Even The Bird Was Free. Karen Morand and Manitoba Hall have toured together before, providing harmony vocals on each others songs. Their new acoustic live show features stripped down gospel rich roots songs written by both members individually and, now, together. On stage, with an assortment of instruments in hand, the long time friends have an easy rapport and a playful energy that’s hard to resist. They’ve just released their first self-titled EP. Karen and Hal sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about the new project and also played a couple of new songs live. For more information visit eventhebirdwasfree.com. Music: Even The Bird Was Free “Call Me Blue” (Live), “This Old World” (Live) and “Lucky Fighter” from “Even The Bird Was Free (2018, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 392: feat. Peter Willie Youngtree & More New Releases

Jul 26 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. Peter Willie joins us on Episode 392 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his forthcoming album “Musical Chairs” with his band The Blooms, the follow up to his critically acclaimed 2015 album “Country Hymns”. Peter Willie also plays three new songs live for us. It’s a great interview – definitely worth sticking around for. We also have new music from Jon Brooks, Jory Nash, Kellie Loder, The Jeremiahs, Tim O’Brien, Andrew Collins Trio, Annie Lou, Ian Reid, David Stone and David Davis & the Warrior River Boys. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 388: Campbell Woods and New Releases

Jul 04 2018

Young Canadian singer-songwriter Campbell Woods released a fabulous debut album, “Oxford Street” in 2017. An album full of well-crafted story songs, Oxford Street was very well-received both nationally and internationally, and made it into our favourite albums of 2017. Campbell Woods joins us on Episode 388 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his music. He also plays three songs live for us. We also check out more of the latest new releases including new music from Winter Wilson, Molly-Anne, Noah Zacharin, Ilaria Graziano & Francesco Forni, Sarah McQuaid, Grant Peeples, Joe Jencks, Fink Marxer Gleaves, Rebekah Long and Bruce T. Carroll. Check out the full playlist below.
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Folk Roots Radio Episode 378: Ian Sherwood Live & New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 378: Ian Sherwood & New Releases

May 02 2018

Halifax singer-songwriter Ian Sherwood joins us in the studio on Episode 378 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his music and latest album “Bring The Light”. He also plays three songs live for us. And, as always on Folk Roots Radio, we check out more of the latest new releases, including new music from The Bodarks, The Young Novelists, John Gorka and The Once. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 377: Kevin Roy & New Releases

May 02 2018

Winnipeg country roots troubadour singer-songwriter Kevin Roy joins us on Episode 377 of Folk Roots Radio for a chat about his music and three live songs. It’s a great session and definitely worth checking out. We also take a look at new music from Dana Sipos, Manitoba Hal, Gordie Tentrees and Jaxon Haldane, Ambre McLean, Vi Wickam and Justin Branum, Anne Janelle, Billy Strings, Norm Brunet, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar and Marie Knight. Check out the full playlist below.

Campbell Woods - Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Apr 25 2018

Young Canadian singer-songwriter Campbell Woods released his debut album “Oxford Street”, produced by Brian Kobayakawa, in the spring of 2017. An album full of well-crafted story songs, it was very well-received both nationally and internationally, and made it into Folk Roots Radio’s Top 25 albums of 2017. Campbell Woods first arrived on our radar as a member of the 2014 Folk Music Ontario Youth Program (now known as the Developing Artist Program). It was clear even then, that Campbell was committed to the craft as a songwriter, with a deep desire to share his stories through song. Campbell Woods sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music and play a few songs live. Check out Campbell Woods online at campbellwoodsmusic.com. Music: Campbell Woods “Blood Is Thicker Than Water” (Live), “If She Stays” (Live) and “Van Gogh” (Live).

Glenn McFarlane – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Apr 24 2018

Glenn McFarlane is an award winning songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and one of the founders of the Brampton Folk Club. Glenn released his third album, “Time to Kill” in 2017. His well-crafted originals have a fun sing-a-long familiarity that really gets the audience going. Glenn McFarlane sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music and play a few songs live. Glenn has also created a couple of fun videos to accompany his music – a very cute puppet powered video for his song “I Wanna Hug” and, another for his anthemic sing-a-long “Hey Canada!” for Canada’s 150th birthday. Visit Glenn McFarlane online at glennmcfarlane.ca. Music: Glenn McFarlane “I Wanna Hug” (Live), “Newfoundland 9-1-1” (Live) and “Hey Canada!” (Live).

Ian Sherwood – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Apr 23 2018

Halifax singer-songwriter Ian Sherwood picked up a Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer Of The Year, for his 2012 live album “Live At The Hive”. His fifth studio album “Bring The Light”, produced by Daniel Ledwell, is filled with the same hooky cleverness that has endeared Sherwood to his audience. This time around, the deft work of Ledwell’s production brings Sherwood’s songs a new dimension of beauty and depth. Ian Sherwood sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about the new album, and play three songs live. For more information about the music of Ian Sherwood, visit iansherwood.com. Music: Ian Sherwood “Firefly” (Live), “Dig That Hole” (Live), “Short End Of The Stick” (Live) and “We’re Only Human” from “Bring The Light” (2017, Self).

Kevin Roy – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Apr 23 2018

Everyone loves a good story. Winnipeg country roots troubadour, Kevin Roy, shares his songs as if telling a story for the first time over morning coffee. He delivers poignant folk ballads, wry wit toe-tappers, and barnburners with the right balance of aw-shucks honesty and unbridled enthusiasm. Kevin released his very well received first full length long player “Heartworn Highways” in 2016. Kevin Roy sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music and play a few tunes live. It’s a great session, and definitely worth a listen. Check out Kevin Roy’s upcoming tour dates online at kevinroymusic.com. Music: Kevin Roy “The Mighty River” (live), “Taller Than The Trees” (Live) and “Gone With The Wind” (Live).

Jack Pine – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

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).

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.

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 365: Kristine Schmitt & International Women’s Day

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.

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).

Tag - Folk Music Ontario

Mara Levine – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Ellen Froese – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Big Little Lions – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Moonfruits – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Folk Roots Radio Episode 407: feat. Gathering Sparks & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 405: feat. Jory Nash & More New Releases

John Muirhead – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Folk Roots Radio Episode 403: feat. Moonfruits & More New Releases

Karen Morand Every Flash Of Light – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Carly Dow Comet – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Madeleine Roger – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Even The Bird Was Free – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Folk Roots Radio Episode 392: feat. Peter Willie Youngtree & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 388: Campbell Woods & New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 378: Ian Sherwood Live & New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 377: Kevin Roy Live & New Releases

Campbell Woods – Folk Roots Radio at FMO