Folk Music Ontario Archives | Page 5 of 5

The East Pointers – Secret Victory – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Nov 10 2015

The East Pointers – banjoist Koady Chaisson, fiddler Tim Chaisson, and guitarist Jake Charron, all have strong musical careers in the own right yet they’ve come together as a trio to bring a contemporary spin to traditional maritime folk, with an exhilarating live sound that can’t help but get the audience clapping, stomping and bouncing along. They’ve just released their debut album “Secret Victory” (2015, Self) which features ten original tunes and songs, and are about to head out on their CD release tour. We caught up with Koady, Tim and Jake at the Folk Music Ontario conference. For more information visit eastpointers.ca. Music: East Pointers, “Secret Victory”, “Cold” and “Woodfordia” from “Secret Victory” (2015, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 222: Benjamin Dakota Rogers

Nov 07 2015

This week’s new release hour features new music from Trent Severn, Gary & Whit and Anne Walker and more, alongside a 100% a cappella version of the Gordon Lightfoot classic “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” from Cadence. We also talk to one of the most exciting talent’s on the contemporary folk and roots scene, Benjamin Dakota Rogers.

Carly Thomas - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Nov 04 2015

Singer-songwriter Carly Thomas was born in Thailand and raised in Argentina and France, before returning to her family roots in London Ontario. Carly Thomas first came to our attention through “I Remember You”, her beautiful and thought-provoking song written for the How We Survive teen suicide awareness campaign. Check out the very impactful video that accompanys the song here. Known as much for her powerful lyrics as her engaging live performance, Carly has played everywhere from street festivals in Paris to the folk circuit in Manhattan. Carly Thomas sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2016 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about her music. For more information, visit carlythomas.com. Music: Carly Thomas “Sink or Swim” and “Lightning Bolts” from “Explode E.P.” (2014, Self) and “Drive Me Home” from “Up This High” (2009, Self).

Benjamin Dakota Rogers – The Interview

Nov 03 2015

A multi-instrumentalist, singer songwriter and composer, Benjamin Dakota Rogers pushes the boundaries of traditional folk. Combining fiddle, guitar and mandolin with his unique voice and strong lyrics he is creating music that demands attention. Benjamin earned a Young Performer of the Year nomination at the Canadian Folk Music Awards for his E.P. “Wayfarer” (2014, Self) and his latest, the full-length album “The Strong Man’s Address to the Circus Crowd” (2015, Self). Benjamin joined us at the Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music and play a new song live. For more information visit benjaminrogersmusic.com. Music: Benjamin Dakota Rogers “The Strong Man’s Address to the Circus Crowd” from “The Strong Man’s Address to the Circus Crowd” (2015, Self), Benjamin Dakota Rogers “Whiskey & Pine” (Live) and Benjamin Dakota Rogers “Ashes to Ashes” from “The Strong Man’s Address to the Circus Crowd” (2015, Self).

Qristina & Quinn Bachand – The Interview

Oct 28 2015

Qristina & Quinn Bachand have been making music together for most of their lives and making waves on the celtic music scene for their creativity and musical virtuosity – Qristina building a reputation for her fiddle and vocal work while Quinn has been making a name for himself as a celtic acoustic guitarist and fiddler, and pushing boundaries through his work with the duo and Brishen, his gypsy-jazz combo. Their latest album and their third together, “Little Hinges” (2015) has been very well-received. Qristina & Quinn joined us at the Folk Music Ontario conference for an in-depth conversation and impromptu session. For more information visit qbachand.com. Music: Qristina & Quinn Bachand “Crooked Jack” from “Little Hinges” (2015, Beacon Ridge), “What You Do With What You Got” (Live), “The Welcome Farewell Set” (Live), “Truly Understand” (Live) and “Never Goodbye/Three Little Babes” from “Little Hinges” (2015, Beacon Ridge).

James Bruce Moore – The Interview

Oct 23 2015

Toronto-based singer/songwriter James Bruce Moore has just released his second album, the mystical and soul-stirring “Soul’s Journey Home”. Whereas his well-received debut, 2012’s Lisbeth (named after his late wife) featured a folk, country, and jazz palette; the beautiful and inspiring new album is more folky but includes the prominent use of a nine-piece string section, with arrangements by Aaron Davis. The album was produced by renowned bassist George Koller (Loreena McKennitt, The Shuffle Demons) with musical support from, among others, Steve Briggs, Denis Keldie, Mark Mariash, Kirsten Rea, and David Piltch. James Bruce Moore stopped by our mobile studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about the new album. Music: James Bruce Moore “Soul’s Journey”, “Roy Benavidez” and “Sigh Unto The Universe” from “Soul’s Journey Home” (2015, Self).

Suzie Vinnick – The Interview

May 14 2015

Blues-roots songstress Suzie Vinnick is one of those performers who sounds as good live as on disc. In 2011, Suzie recorded her first solo acoustic blues album, “Me ‘n’ Mabel” accompanied by her parlour guitar “Mabel”. Sending a copy of that album to Bill Wax, lead Suzie to recording a session live off the floor in Nashville that became her most recent release, the stellar “Live at Bluesville” (2012). Over her career, Suzie has won 10 Maple Blues Awards and been nominated for three Junos. Suzie joined us in the studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference for a feature length conversation and a few live songs. For more information about Suzie Vinnick visit suzievinnick.com. Music: Suzie Vinnick “Calling Out Your Name” from “Live At Bluesville” (Self, 2012); Suzie Vinnick “Beautiful Little Fool” (Live); Suzie Vinnick “Drift Away” (Live) and Suzie Vinnick “Oreo Cookie Blues” from “Me ‘n’ Mabel” (2011, self).

Coco Love Alcorn – The Interview

Apr 20 2015

Folk, pop and jazz singer Coco Love Alcorn is renowned for compelling vocal delivery, fantastic improvisation skills and extraordinary ability to engage the audience, and equally comfortable fronting her own music or providing backing vocals for others. She is about to head out on a spring and summer tour of Canada prior to returning to the studio to record her next project the intriguingly titled “Spirit Sessions”. Coco stopped by our mobile studio at this past October’s Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about her music, and play a couple of songs live on her instrument of choice, the ukulele. Like everything that Coco gets involved in, the interview was a lot of fun, and very in the moment. We hope you enjoy it. Music: Coco Love Alcorn, ‘Best Part Of My Day’ from ‘Play’ (2011, Self); Coco Love Alcorn, ‘The River’ (Live); Coco Love Alcorn, ‘Wonderland’ (Live); Coco Love Alcorn, ‘Joyful’ from ‘Joyful’ (2011, Self).

Trent Severn – The Interview

Apr 17 2015

Emm Gryner and Dayna Manning had successful careers in their own right as singer-songwriters before joining fiddler Laura C Bates to form Trent Severn, the Southern Ontario based folk super-group known for a love of Canadiana, plaid, fine harmonies and outstanding musicianship. Their debut album, the self-titled ‘Trent Severn’ became a firm favourite with many from the first listen, their live shows a must-see based on a burgeoning reputation. They sat down with us as the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October to chat about their music past, present and future. Music: Trent Severn, ‘Bluenose on a Dime’, ‘Mulroney Times’ and ‘Road Less Travelled’ from Trent Severn (2012, Outside Music).

Emily Millard – The Interview

Feb 24 2015

Emily Millard (formerly Miss Emily Brown) inhabits the space where poetry and song meet. Whether accompanied by auto harp or tenor guitar she sings with a beautiful ethereal quality that invites the listener into a world of wonder. Currently working on the follow up to her 2012 E.P., “Wire Wood Wind”, she stopped by our studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October to chat about her music and Emily chats with us about her home and her music and sings a couple of new songs live, accompanying herself on tenor guitar.. Photo credit: Kendall Green. For more information about Emily’s music, visit emilymillard.ca. Music: Emily Millard (Miss Emily Brown), “Back to the Woods” from “Wire Wood Wind E.P.” (2012, Self), Hunter (Live), Paradise (Live), “Man On Wire” from “Wire Wood Wind E.P.” (2012, Self)

Playlist: Episode 182

Feb 13 2015

This week’s Folk Roots Radio featured an interview with Ottawa area singer-songwriter Jim Bryson who chats about his music, his struggle with depression and upcoming album “The Depression Dance”, alongside a new mystery theme, guilty pleasure, and lots of new music.

Dec 17 2014

Dennis Ellsworth lives to write songs. The P.E.I based singer-songwriter released “Hazey Sunshine” in 2013, and (the limited release) “Love Knows Love” in 2014 and yet he’s already hard at work on a follow-up. Dennis joined us for a chat and a couple of live songs at the recent Folk Music Ontario conference. For more information visit dennisellsworth.com. Photo credit: Leigh Elliott. Music: Dennis Ellworth “Valentine” from “Love Knows Love” (2014, Busted Flat Records), “Beauty Is Sad” (Live), “Silver Tears” (Live) and “Perfect Storm” from “Dusk Dreams” (2012, Busted Flat Records).

Irish Mythen – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Dec 17 2014

Irish Mythen travelled the world as a singer-songwriter before settling in Canada and making Prince Edward Island her home. Irish, who is just about to release her new album – the self-titled “Irish Mythen”, joined us for an interview and impromptu session at the recent Folk Music Ontario conference. For more information visit irishmythen.com. Music: Irish Mythen “Gypsy Dancer” from “Irish Mythen” (2014, Self), “These Walls” (Live), “Their Waltz” (Live) and “Take Me To The River” from “Irish Mythen” (2014, Self).

Joanna Chapman-Smith – The Interview

Nov 08 2014

Joanna Chapman-Smith may be based in Toronto, but with familial roots in Canada, the U.S., New Zealand, Italy and Brazil, and a touring schedule that has taken her across the world she has a diversity of life experience that not only comes through in her body of recorded work but also points towards an exciting and very creative future. Her most recent album “Love Me Deeply” only came out in 2013, however she is already preparing to head back into the studio to record a folk-tale album with Ken Whiteley in the producer’s chair. As well her own career as a singer-songwriter, Joanna is also the founder of Songbirds Travelling Music School, which delivers music, vocal and creative workshops into far-flung under-supported communities of Canada. We caught up with her at the recent Folk Music Ontario conference. Music: “Pick Me Up” (Live), “Cry For The Departed” (Live), “Goose Girl” (Live), “Melodies” (Live), “Paris” from “Love Me Deeply” (2013, Wound Up Records).

Folk Music Ontario Youth Program 2014

Nov 01 2014

In this audio documentary we step inside the Youth Program at the 2014 Folk Music Ontario (FMO) Conference. The program is open to residents of Ontario and the National Capital Region, between ages 15 and 21, who are chosen for their interest, ability and experience. The selected youth members are paired with experienced mentors from the Ontario folk music community for the duration of the weekend conference, while developing a showcase performance and participating in professional development activities. The documentary features commentary and musical contributions from programme coordinator Treasa Levasseur, mentors David Newland, Melanie Brulée, Drew Gonsalves, Tannis Slimmon and Brian Kobayakawa; as well as youth members Jazmine Wykes, Campbell Woods, Martine Fortin, Annie Sumi and Benjamin Rogers. For more information on the Folk Music Ontario Youth Program visit folkmusicontario.ca. Photo credit: Mike Bourgeault. Music: Treasa Levasseur “Shine Your Light” from “The Memphis Sessions” (2013, Self), David Newland “I Saw the Light” from “Give It A Whirl” (2012, Self), Melanie Brulée “Wonder” from “Sucré/Salé” (2012, Self), Kobo Town (Drew Gonsalves) “Mr. Monday” from “Jumbie In The Jukebox” (2012, Cumbancha), Tannis Slimmon “Do What You Do” from “In & Out Of Harmony” (2013, Self), Brian Kobayakawa “Indeed Indeed” (Demo), Jazmine Wykes “Laura’s Song” (Demo), Campbell Woods “Mad Trapper” (Demo), Martine Fortin “Qui est c’est fille?” (Demo), Annie Sumi “Life Like That” (Demo), Benjamin Rogers “Wayfarer” & “Pendulum” from “Wayfarer” (2014, Self).

The MacKenzie Blues Band – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

MacKenzie Blues - Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Oct 23 2014

The MacKenzie Blues Band are one of the hottest bands out of Owen Sound. Featuring the powerhouse vocals of Tara MacKenzie alongside the guitar of Trevor MacKenzie with Joel Dawson on bass and Mike Weir on drums they were voted best new artist or group at the 2014 Maple Blues Awards. They released their sophomore album, “Slam! Bam!”, an album of dark and spiritual but ultimately uplifting blues earlier this year. We caught up with band members Tara MacKenzie, Trevor MacKenzie and Mike Weir at the Folk Music Ontario conference for a feature length conversation. Photo: Jason Ruznak. Music: MacKenzie Blues Band – “Down With Love (Slam! Bam!)”, “Move On”, “Bone Cage”, “Spiritual Power” and “Higher Road” from “Slam! Bam!” (2014, Self)

Ariana Gillis

Feb 25 2014

Ariana Gillis is in Guelph on March 1 2014 at 8:00 p.m. for a show at Silence, 46 Essex St in Guelph. If you’ve not seen her in concert you really need to check her out. She writes really strong songs and is an amazing live performer. Her latest album is Forget Me Not. We had a chance to talk to Ariana at Folk Music Ontario in October. We’re happy to share this interview again.

For more information on Ariana Gillis, visit www.arianagillis.com.

The Sweet Lowdown

Oct 25 2013

The Sweet Lowdown are Amanda Blie on guitar, Shanti Bremer on banjo and Miriam Sonstenes on fiddle. Equally comfortable in trad, celtic and bluegrass genres; live they exude such brightness and exuberance that you wish that you could sit and listen to them all day. Their second album, the Canadian Folk Music Award nominated May was released in 2012. We caught up with them at Folk Music Ontario in October 2013.

For more information visit www.thesweetlowdown.ca.

David Ross MacDonald – The Interview

Oct 25 2013

David Ross MacDonald is a guitarist and singer-songwriter with an interesting past. A trained geologist, he is also a jazz turned folk-roots drummer for acclaimed Australia band, The Waifs. He’s equally well-known for his gorgeous finger-picking instrumentals as for thought-provoking lyrics and a languid vocal style that can give you goose bumps. His most recent album is Thorns to Sleep (2010). He also has an mp3 album “Live at the Elora Acoustic Cafe” available via his website. He may hail from Australia but he’s no stranger to Canada. We caught up with him at Folk Music Ontario in October 2013. For more information, visit www.davidrossmacdonald.com. Music: David Ross MacDonald, “Rocks & Snow” and “Till I’m Gone” from Live at the Elora Acoustic Cafe (2013, self).