Jan Hall Archives | Page 22 of 27

Folk Roots Radio Episode 331: O Canada!

Jun 26 2017

We’re celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday on Episode 331 of Folk Roots Radio. As Canada celebrates this important milestone, we’ve put together a very special edition of the show that celebrates the history and diversity of the country we’re proud to call our home, while recognizing the fact that Canada’s first nations inhabited this land long before the settlers came. Joining us on this episode are Asani, Tudjaat, Andrea Menard, Same Latitude As Rome, Cotillion, Bruce Cockburn, Maria Dunn, Mike Ford, James Gordon, Stompin’ Tom Connors, Jason Collett, Marc Jordan & Ian Thomas and Toronto Children’s Chorus with Jean Ashworth Bartle & Ruth Watson Henderson. We hope you enjoy the mix we’ve put together. Happy Canada Day everyone! Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 329 - Home County 2017

Jun 22 2017

We’re all about the 2017 Home County Music & Art Festival on Episode 330 of Folk Roots Radio. The 44th edition of the festival takes place July 14 – 16, 2017 in Victoria Park, London ON. Admission is by donation, and because the festival is held in a downtown London park, it is, also, totally accessible. Alongside a fabulous musical line-up, the festival also features some great art and craft vendors. To learn more about the festival and its 2017 line-up we talk to artistic director Darin Addison. We also check out music from artists heading to London this time around. Check out the full playlist below.

Summerfolk 2017 - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jun 21 2017

The 2017 version of one of our favourite festivals, Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival takes place the weekend of August 18-20 in Kelso Park, on the shores of Georgian Bay, in Owen Sound. One of the things that Summerfolk does very well is to bring a great variety of wonderful music together. This year’s festival features more than 40 musical acts from across Canada and across the world representing genres from folk, country and bluegrass, to blues, to hip-hop and funk. Like any great folk festival they also have lots of children’s activities, community workshops, artisan booths, dozens of food vendors… and two licensed areas. To learn more about this summer’s festival we caught up with artistic director James Keelaghan. Check out the full line-up HERE. GET TICKETS. For more information about Summerfolk, visit summerfolk.org. Music: Ken Yates “Madeline’s Table”, recorded live in L.A. (2015, Youtube).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 329: Hillside Festival 2017

Jun 16 2017

Episode 329 of Folk Roots Radio is all about the 2017 Hillside Festival taking place the weekend of July 14-16 at beautiful Guelph Lake, just outside Guelph, in Southern Ontario. Each year, Hillside – a true community festival, brings together a line-up that promises something for every taste, and constantly surprises. To learn more about this year’s festival, we caught up with festival artistic director Sam Baijal. We also feature a chat and a couple of live songs from Irish Mythen – an absolutely fabulous live performer, who’ll be making her Hillside debut this year – alongside music from other artists heading to the festival this time around. Listen to the episode and check out the playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 328: We're All About The Music

Jun 15 2017

We’re all about the music on Episode 328 of Folk Roots Radio as we hold back the artist interviews to check out a great mix of the latest new releases. This time round we include first plays for new albums by Stewart Legere, Robbie Bankes, Moonfruits, Harpdog Brown, Alanna Gurr, Montgomery Delaney, Kim Doolittle and Peter Calo alongside more tracks from recent albums we’ve really been enjoying. Listen to the episode and check out the playlist below.

Hillside Festival - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jun 13 2017

The 34th Hillside Festival takes place the weekend of July 14-16 2017, at beautiful Guelph Lake just outside Guelph in Southern Ontario. With more than 60 different acts in this year’s lineup, Hillside brings together a list of performers that promises something for every taste and this year an acknowledgement of how the artistic and activist communities intersect. “In keeping with the strong spirit Hillside has cultivated, we have programmed a line up of artists who are gifted and ambitious. Our 2017 line-up is packed with enablers and disrupters, enabling new ideas to come into consciousness and culture and disrupting the worn channels of thought and feeling upon which we rely. In one-way or another, so many of these artists challenge the status quo, whether through their musical or literary experimentation or their activism, be it political, environmental, race- or gender-based.” To learn more about this year’s festival and the musical line-up, we caught up with artistic director Sam Baijal. Check out the full line-up HERE. Learn more about Hillside and buy tickets HERE. For more information visit hillsidefestival.ca. Music: Billy Bragg & Joe Henry, “Gentle On My Mind” from “Shine A Light: Field Recordings From The Great American Railroad” (2016, Cooking Vinyl).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 327: Mariposa Folk Festival 2017

Jun 08 2017

We’re all about the 2017 Mariposa Folk Festival on Episode 327 of Folk Roots Radio. The Grande Dame of Canadian Folk Festivals 57th edition takes place the weekend of July 7, 8 and 9 in beautiful Tudhope Park in Orillia, on the shores of scenic Lake Couchiching. Mariposa artistic director, Mike Hill, joins us on this episode to chat about this year’s lineup and his new book “The Mariposa Folk Festival – A History”, out now on Dundurn Press. We also feature an excerpt from a great interview & live studio appearance by Coco Love Alcorn, recorded at the Folk Music Ontario conference, alongside music from other artists who’ll be heading to Mariposa this year. Listen to the episode and check out the playlist below.

Mariposa Folk Festival - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Jun 05 2017

Summer festival season is just about with us, and the Mariposa Folk Festival, the Grande Dame of Canadian Folk Festivals, is getting ready for its 57th edition which takes place the weekend of July 7, 8 and 9, in beautiful Tudhope Park in Orillia, on the shores of Lake Couchiching. As always, they’ve put together a very strong line-up that is designed to appeal to all tastes, and all ages and includes headliners The Barenaked Ladies (Friday night), Ruth B (Friday), Whitehorse (Saturday), Matt Andersen (Saturday), The New Pornographers (Saturday) and Bruce Cockburn (Sunday) and The Last Waltz – A Musical Celebration of The Band LIVE (Sunday) alongside many others. You can check out the full line-up, learn about all of the performers and buy tickets HERE. We caught up with Mike Hill, artistic director at the Mariposa Folk Festival to chat about the festival and his new book “The Mariposa Folk Festival – A History”, out now on Dundurn Press. Music: Ruth B “Lost Boy” from “Safe Haven” (2017, Columbia).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 326: Montreal Folk Fest sur le Canal 2017

Jun 02 2017

We’re all about the Montreal Folk Fest sur le Canal on Episode 326 of Folk Roots Radio. The 10th edition of the festival takes place on the banks of the Lachine Canal in Montreal from June 14-18 2017. Starting out as a day long festival attracting just 500 festival goers, it’s since evolved into a five-day event of free outdoor programming and ticketed indoor concerts that brings some of the best folk, roots and bluegrass music into the heart of Montreal. Festival co-founder Matt Large joins us to chat about the history of the event and this year’s lineup. We also hear from Guillaume Jabbour, leader of Quebec band Jabbour. We’re also including something very special… an excerpt from a great live studio appearance by the wonderful Birds of Chicago featuring JT Nero and Allison Russell. We round out the hour with music from some of the other performers heading to Montreal this time around. This episode is a great introduction to a festival that continues to grow – and still manages to make all its outdoor programming free to enjoy. You may not be able to get to the festival this summer, but hopefully our review may encourage you to try and make it there another year. For more information about the Montreal Folk Festival sur le Canal, visit montrealfolkfest.com. Listen to the episode and check out the playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 325: We're All About The Music

Jun 02 2017

We’re all about the music on Episode 325 of Folk Roots Radio as we check out more of the latest new releases. And this time around we’re a bit more bluesy than on recent episodes and we also include more music from albums we’ve really been enjoying lately plus new music on our radar from Terry Gillespie and a political single from England’s Oysterband. Listen to the episode and check out the playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 324: Kevin Roy Interview & More New Releases

May 25 2017

Winnipeg singer-songwriter Kevin Roy, joins Jan Hall on Episode 324 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his great 2016 album “Heartworn Highways” and his upcoming Canadian tour dates. And, as usual, we also take a look at some of the latest new releases. Listen to the episode and check out the playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 323: Ian Foster Interview & More New Releases

May 18 2017

Singer-songwriter Ian Foster from St John’s NF joins us on Episode 323 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his latest album, “Sleeper Years”, the follow up to the very well received “The Great Wave” from 2014. We also check out more of the latest releases on the folk and roots scene. Listen to the episode and check out the playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 322: We're All About The Music

May 18 2017

We’re all about this music on Folk Roots Radio Episode 322 as we check out a great selection of new releases on the folk and roots scene, including new music from Alice Howe, Joe Jencks and Rachel Baiman and the Tunes from David Holt’s State of Music Volume 2 compilation. Listen to the episode and check out the playlist below.

May 16 2017

St John’s NL singer-songwriter Ian Foster has just released his latest album “Sleeper Years”, the follow-up to his very well-received album from 2014, “The Great Wave”. Sleeper Years is quintessential Ian Foster featuring song stories like the excellent “The Stinging Nettle” and “Postcards” alongside issue related appeals “Feels Like It Wants To Rain” or “New Rush For An Old Town”. Ian Foster’s growing interest in film is clearly evident with many of the songs having more of a indie cinematic feel than some of his earlier efforts. The album also contains a beautiful tribute to the late great Ron Hynes who passed away in 2015. We caught up with Ian at home in Newfoundland to chat about the new album. For more information about Ian Foster and upcoming tour dates, visit ianfoster.ca. Photo: Chris LeDrew. Music: Ian Foster “Our Love Was”, “The Stinging Nettle” and “You Left A Song (for Ron Hynes)” from “Sleeper Years” (2017, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 321: Emily Millard Interview & More New Releases

May 09 2017

We’re back at the Folk Music Ontario conference on Episode 321 of Folk Roots Radio for another in our interview series Folk Roots Radio at FMO. This time around, we talk to art folk songstress Emily Millard about her new album “By Heron & By Season”. Emily also plays two songs live for us. And, as always we check out more of the latest new releases. Listen to the episode and check out the playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 320: We're All About The Music

May 09 2017

We’re all about the music on Episode 320 of Folk Roots Radio as we catch up on some of the great new music we’ve received recently. Among the new and upcoming releases we check out is the third album from highly rated roots singer-songwriter Sarah Jane Scouten, and Rescue Me!, a great new compilation that’s all about cats and dogs, and the people that love them. (Disclaimer: we’re cat people so we play cat songs on this episode, though the dog songs are pretty good too!). Listen to the episode and check out the playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 319: Bobby Dove Interview & More New Releases

May 04 2017

On Episode 319 of Folk Roots Radio, we’re back at the Folk Music Ontario conference for another in our interview/mini-session series Folk Roots Radio at FMO. Country roots singer-songwriter Bobby Dove joins us to chat about her music and play a couple of songs from her great debut album “Thunderchild” live. As always, we also check out more of the latest new releases. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 318: Mike McKenna Jr. Interview & More New Releases

May 04 2017

Montreal Singer-songwriter Mike McKenna Jr. is our special guest on Episode 318 of Folk Roots Radio. Mike joined us in the mobile studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference for an in depth conversation about his music and also plays three songs live. We also take a look at more of the latest new releases on the folk and roots scene. Check out the full playlist below.

Apr 27 2017

Singer-songwriter Scott Shea started out in music in the 90s, singing songs with his brother in Toronto, before giving it up in favour of a successful career building custom homes. In 2008, Scott found himself re-evaluating his life choices when his father, Red Shea, former lead guitarist for Gordon Lightfoot passed away. Relocating to Vancouver Island with his family, Scott returned to songwriting in 2013. Since then, he has released two albums – “Let It Storm” (2015), recorded in Austin, and his latest, 2016’s “Pendulum” which was recorded in both LA and Toronto with producer Bill Bell, and a band featuring Kenny Aronoff (drums), James “Hutch” Hutchinson (Bass) and Chris Joyner (Keys). Pendulum features some great songs about life and relationships, that while at times introspective and reflective, also have an optimistic feel for the future. It’s also a perfect companion for the long car ride. With a music career that’s now firmly based on giving back, all the proceeds from sales of Pendulum go to support Scott’s favoured charity, SOS Children’s Villages. Scott Shea joined us at the Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music. For more information visit scottsheasongs.com. Music: Scott Shea “Crazy Love” from “Pendulum” (2016, Self), “Shine” (Live), “Vanity” (Live), “Scattering Crows” (Live) and “(Gone) Too Young” from “Pendulum” (2016, Self).

Mike McKenna Jr. – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Apr 25 2017

Growing up in Cape Breton, you’d expect Mike McKenna Jr. to have celtic music coursing through his veins. Indeed he has – his first instrument was a fiddle, but he also fell in love with the storytelling aspect of being a troubadour singer-songwriter with east coast grit in his voice. After leaving Cape Breton for a new home base in Montreal, Mike released his first E.P., “Travelin Man” in 2016. He’s currently readying his first full length album, “Pacific Northwest Bound”, for release in May 2017. Mike joined us in the studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music, and play three songs live. For more information about Mike McKenna Jr., visit mikemckennajr.com. Music: Mike McKenna Jr. “Travelin Man” from “Travelin Man” (2016, Self), “The Highway” (Live), “Little Things” (Live), “Die In The West” (Live) and “Take Me Home” from “Travelin Man” (2016, Self).

Bobby Dove – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Apr 24 2017

Montreal based troubadour singer-songwriter Bobby Dove released her debut full length album “Thunderchild” in October 2016. Recorded in Peterborough, Ontario with producer James McKenty (Blue Rodeo, Gordon Lightfoot), the album harks back to the golden age of country music, and features a mix of broody ballads, honky-tonkin two steps and reflections on the what-ifs of life. Bobby joined us in the studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about her music and to play a couple of songs live for us. For more information about Bobby’s music, visit bobbydove.com. Music: Bobby Dove, “Thunderchild” from “Thunderchild” (2016, Self), “Gridlock” (Live), “Another Doggone Day” (Live), “Too Late To Go Home” from “Thunderchild” (2016, Self).

Greenbank – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Apr 22 2017

At first glance you might think they’d just stepped out of a time machine… Clad in denim and bellowing in three-part harmony, Thunder Bay ON’s Greenbank produce a sound that appears to come straight out of Laurel Canyon circa 1968. Equipped with smiling faces, socially conscious lyrics and some great stories from the road, these northern troubadours deliver a performance you won’t want to miss! Featuring mainstays Jimmy Breslin (guitar, vocals) and Craig Smyth (keyboards, vocals) with support from Jean Paul De Roover, and Alex Cummins and Chad Kirvan (when the gig calls for a five piece), they put on a superb live show. Jimmy, Craig and Jean-Paul joined us in the Folk Roots Radio mobile studio at the 2016 Folk Music Ontario conference for a fun conversation about their music, and a few live tunes. Greenbank released their first long player “Money Machine” in 2015. They are now working on the follow-up, “Glory Days”. For more information, visit greenbankband.com. Music: Greenbank “Live Off The Land” from “Money Machine” (2015, Self), “Far Away” (Live), “The Long Ride To Nowhere” (Live), “The Captain” (Live) and “Money Machine” and “Money Machine” (2015, Self).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 317: Carly Dow Interview & More New Releases

Episode 317: Carly Dow & More New Releases

Apr 22 2017

Manitoba singer-songwriter Carly Dow is as comfortable on the banjo as the guitar, and playing solo as much as playing with a band. Carly joined us at the Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about her music and to play three songs live – including two that are yet to be recorded. We also take a look at some of the best of the latest new releases. Check out the playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 316: Shawn William Clarke & More New Releases

Apr 20 2017

Episode 316 of Folk Roots Radio features an interview with Toronto singer-songwriter Shawn William Clarke recorded at the Folk Music Ontario conference. Shawn also plays three songs live for us, including two songs that are yet to be recorded. As always, we take a look at some of the latest new releases. Check out the full playlist below.

Apr 17 2017

As a touring artist, Manitoba roots singer-songwriter Carly Dow is as comfortable on the banjo as the guitar, and playing solo as much as playing with a band. Carly arrived on the solo scene with her 2015 debut “Ingrained”. With a songwriting style that’s not afraid to tackle important issues – without sounding preachy, her music has been likened to that of Neko Case, with some Gillian Welch added into the mix. Carly Dow stopped by our mobile studio at the Folk Music Ontario conference this past October to chat about her music and play three songs live, including a couple of songs that are yet to be recorded. This summer, Carly Dow will be playing the Hillside Festival (July 14-16 2017) at Guelph Lake in Ontario. For more information about her music, visit carlydowmusic.com. Music: Carly Dow “Soil To Dust” from “Ingrained” (2015, Self), “Too Much To Go Back” (Live), “Something Lost” (Live), “The Coyote Song (working title)” (Live) and “Down This Road” from “Ingrained” (2015, Self).

Tag - Jan Hall

Folk Roots Radio Episode 331: O Canada!

Folk Roots Radio Episode 330: Home County 2017

Summerfolk 2017 – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 329: Hillside Festival 2017

Folk Roots Radio Episode 328: We’re All About The Music!

Hillside Festival 2017 – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 327: Mariposa Folk Festival 2017

Mariposa Folk Festival 2017 – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 326: Montreal Folk Fest sur le Canal 2017

Folk Roots Radio Episode 325: We’re All About The Music!

Folk Roots Radio Episode 324: Kevin Roy Interview & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 323: Ian Foster Interview & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 322: We’re All About The Music!

Ian Foster – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Folk Roots Radio Episode 321: Emily Millard Interview & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 320: We’re All About The Music!

Folk Roots Radio Episode 319: Bobby Dove Interview & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 318: Mike McKenna Jr. Interview & More New Releases

Scott Shea – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Mike McKenna Jr. – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Bobby Dove – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Greenbank – Folk Roots Radio at FMO

Folk Roots Radio Episode 317: Carly Dow Interview & More New Releases

Folk Roots Radio Episode 316: Shawn William Clarke & More New Releases

Carly Dow – Folk Roots Radio at FMO