Jeff Bird Archives | Folk Roots Radio

Sue Smith – Tonight We Sail – Folk Roots Radio Interview

Mar 15 2021

Guelph singer-songwriter Sue Smith has just released a wonderful new album with the Potion Kings, “Tonight We Sail”, a gorgeous blend of rock, jazz, blues and roots. The new recording features nine Sue Smith original songs plus a song each by Tom Petty (“Swingin'”) and Robbie Robertson (“Ophelia”). Recorded live off the floor at Scott Merritt’s studio, The Cottage in Guelph ON, it features Sue Smith (vocals, organ on several tracks) with the Potion Kings – Jeff Bird on bass, Kevin Breit on guitar, Randall Coryell on drums and Howie Southwood on percussion. Vocalists Nick Craine and Gwen Swick also guest on the recording, which was produced by Sue Smith with partner Jeff Bird. To say we love this album is a bit of an understatement… great songs, amazing musicians and a fantastic groove. It’s sure to figure in our favourite albums of 2021! Sue Smith & the Potion Kings will be playing a FREE live-streamed performance direct from the River Run Centre in Guelph ON on Friday March 26 at 8 p.m…. with special guest Gwen Swick. If you’d like to register for the livestream (all you need to do is sign up for the River Run Centre Spotlight newsletter) you can do that HERE. They’ll send you you the link on the day of the show. For more information about the music of Sue Smith, visit suesmith.ca. Photo credit: Dean Palmer. Music: Sue Smith and the Potion Kings “Night Skies”, “1 Step, 2 Step”, “If I am Sleeping” and “Met Him On A Train” from “Tonight We Sail” (2021, Self) CDN.

Episode 259: Shawna Caspi

Jun 03 2016

This episode features an interview and a couple of live songs from Toronto based singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi alongside tracks from some of the current new releases.

Dec 02 2015

Vocal group The Ondine Chorus are gearing up for the winter solstice with concerts at the Wellington County Museum in Elora on December 13, the newly-renovated Art Gallery of Guelph (formerly MacDonald Stewart Art Centre) (December 17) and at the beautifully-situated Paul Morin Gallery in Alton on December 18. If you’ve not yet seen Ondine Chorus in concert, you’re in for a treat – their performances are fantastic, with a repertoire that features some stunning original work alongside gorgeous reinterpretations of traditional songs. Check out the event and ticket information below. Check out all the details below.

Nov 22 2015

Toronto-based singer-songwriter, Jay Aymar joins us this week to chat about “The Chicken Came First”, his new book/live CD and his show at Hugh’s Room on Thursday November 26. We also have something very special, new music from Scott Merritt. Scott has just released his new album “OF” and will be on tour across southern Ontario through December.

Nov 05 2015

Colorado bluesman Mo’ Kauffey moved to Guelph 15 years ago, and since then he’s become a stalwart of the Guelph music scene, and a perfect example of what a local music scene should be all about. Local musicians getting out there and sharing their musical gifts with the community as often as possible. Well, unfortunately Mo’ has been diagnosed with cancer. And for that reason all of his friends – and they are legion, are getting together to raise money so that Mo’ can get access to the best treatments available, in Canada – and beyond. Join the Mo’ Town team for a very special fundraiser on Tuesday November 17 at the Royal Electric Bar & Public Eatery.

Dec 12 2014

Acapella vocal group Ondine Chorus are gearing up for their traditional Winter Solstice concert tour. If you’ve not yet seen Ondine Chorus in concert, you really should check them out. Their performances are fantastic – featuring stunning original works, gorgeous reinterpretations of traditional songs and mesmerizing sonic thematic improvisations, it’s a magical journey of subtle and rich harmonies that will live long in the memory. Ondine released their debut E.P., “Towards A Little Light” earlier this year. The E.P. featuring two original compositions and three arrangements of traditional songs has been called “stunningly beautiful with an ancient and wise feel”, and “a beautiful and wondrous thing”. This time around Jeff Bird, Gary Diggins and Robert Kingsbury will be the featured special guests. Check out the event and ticket information below.

Aug 28 2014

One of the best things about heading off to another summer music festival is knowing that you have the perfect fill-in to keep your studio chair warm. DJ MacDee sat in for me while I was at the Eaglewood Folk Festival on August 23 (Episode 164) You enjoyed DJ MacDee on Folk Roots Radio. Now enjoy his playlist!

Mar 23 2014

Sue Smith and Shannon Kingsbury joined us in the studio on March 22 2014 to chat about “Towards A Little Light”, the new E.P. from Ondine Chorus. The E.P. features two original compositions and three stunning arrangements of traditional tunes. E.P. launch takes place on Saturday March 29 at 2 p.m. at Guelph’s MacDonald Stewart Art Centre. Tickets are $20 in advance (from The Bookshelf) and $25 at the door. Please note that seating is limited. The CD release will feature Ondine Chorus with special guests Jeff Bird, Gary Diggins, Robert Kingsbury, and Alden Hadwen. For more information on the release party, visit the Facebook event page. (Photo credit: Aidan Ware)

Ondine Chorus

Mar 15 2014

Guelph based Ondine Chorus are releasing their first EP, “Towards a Little Light”. The E.P. features two original compositions and three stunning arrangements of traditional tunes. The CD release party will take place at the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre on Saturday March 29 2014 at 2:30 p.m. (Doors at 2:00 p.m.)

Mar 15 2014

Fearing & White release their second album, Tea and Consequences on March 4 2014. The album, recorded at The Cottage in Guelph in January 2013, features Stephen Fearing and Andy White with Gary Craig on drums/percussion alongside special guests Guelph-based multi-instrumentalist Jeff Bird on harmonica and Lee Harvey Osmond’s Ray Farrugia (drums). Fearing and White are on tour in Western Canada during March and April, and will surely be coming through southern Ontario later in the year. Check out the tour dates online at www.fearingandwhite.com.

Home Is Where The Honey Is

Feb 05 2014

The Season Singers, a theatrical choir for children, present their new musical “Home Is Where Your Honey Is” on Sunday, February 23 2014, at the Guelph Little Theatre. The Guelph Youth Dance Apprentice Company will also be featured during the performance.