Jon Brooks Archives | Folk Roots Radio

Folk Roots Radio Episode 613: Peter Chapman in Conversation – Fallen Tree Records

Dec 29 2021

Ever wondered what it takes to run a record label? Peter Chapman joins us on Episode 613 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about Fallen Tree Records, the fantastic Edmonton AB based boutique label he founded in 2018, who specialize in folk, roots and alternative music. We have been really impressed by the way Fallen Tree Records support their artists. It seemed only natural, therefore, that we find time to chat to the people behind the label. Join us as we learn how they pick the artists they sign, and how they go about promoting the music they release. Peter Chapman also talks about how they are coping – not just with life in Covid times, but also as part of an industry that, in just a short space of time, has moved so heavily into streaming as the primary way people listen to music. It’s a fascinating conversation and well worth checking out. We also include music from Fallen Tree Records artists T. Buckley, Joe Nolan, Jon Brooks, Vivienne Wilder, Bùmarang, Silent Winters and 100 mile house. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 486: Our Favourite Albums of 2019

Dec 31 2019

It’s that time of year… we’re holding back the interviews on Episode 486 of Folk Roots Radio as we check out our ten favourite albums of 2019. One of the best things about doing a radio show is getting loads of great music to listen to each week. One of the hardest things to do is to take all that fabulous music and narrow it down to your ten favourite recordings of the year. You can check out The Top 10 on this episode. We’ll be playing more of our favourite albums on upcoming episodes of Folk Roots Radio. If you don’t see an album you really loved, maybe it didn’t make it up on to our radar, or perhaps we never received a copy. Please consider sharing your favourite albums in the comments – we might even spin them on a future episode of the show. Listen to The Top 10 and check out the full playlist below. Enjoy!

Folk Roots Radio Episode 462: feat. David Francey & More New Releases

Sep 13 2019

Three-time Juno award winning singer-songwriter David Francey‘s musical world fell apart when he was told by his doctors that he must rest his voice. At the time, he was all set to head out on an extensive tour to promote his 2018 album “The Broken Heart Of Everything”, which had also been nominated for a Juno. David Francey joins us on Episode 462 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about having to take a break from singing, and how with a bit of help from his other creative outlet – his visual art, he was able to get through it. The good news is that David Francey will be back on the road this fall, though taking it a little easier as far as his touring schedule is concerned. It’s a great interview – we hope you’ll stay with us to check it out. We also take a look at more of the new music we’ve received, and this time around we hear from Dale Boyle, Ariana Gillis, Den Of Ashes, Jon Brooks, Sussex, Emily Mure and Jessica Rhaye and the Ramshackle Parade. Check out the full playlist below.

Jon Brooks - Moth Nor Rust II - Folk Roots Radio Interview

Sep 11 2019

Toronto singer-songwriter Jon Brooks is getting ready to release his seventh album, “Moth Nor Rust II”- a re-imagining of his 2009 solo album “Moth Nor Rust”, and this time around, he brings his band ‘The Outskirts Of Approval’ along for the ride. The Outskirts of Approval feature Neil Cruickshank (guitars, bass, organ), John Showman (fiddle) and Vivienne Wilder (bass, vocals). Moth Nor Rust II was produced by the original engineer, Jason LaPrade with Neil Cruickshank. A Kerrville New Folk winner (2010), Jon Brooks has been nominated for English Songwriter of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards more times than any other artist. He says that he writes songs to calm those who’ve looked into and seen what is in their hearts; he also writes songs to terrify those who’ve not. That’s pretty accurate as far as we’re concerned – his lyrics deserve to be poured over, as no word is EVER wasted. He’s an artist who pushes you to reflect on what you’re listening to, and in the case of Moth Nor Rust to ask what it means to be human. When Jon Brooks decides it’s time to revisit an album to reflect on his own artistic maturity and with a new band in tow, then it’s definitely time for another conversation. Jon Brooks joined us on Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth interview about his music and the new album. A must-see performer, Jon Brooks will be releasing the new album at The Moonshine Cafe, Oakville (September 12) and The Dakota Tavern, Toronto (September 13). For more information about Jon brooks and upcoming tour dates, visit jonbrooks.ca. Photo: Kevin Kelly. Music: “When We Go, “What’s Within Us”, “The Crying of the Times #3” and “There Is Only Love” from “Moth Nor Rust II” (2019, Fallen Tree Records) CDN.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 461: feat. Jon Brooks & More New Releases

Sep 06 2019

Toronto singer-songwriter Jon Brooks joins us on Episode 461 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his seventh album “Moth Not Rust II” – a reimagining of his 2009 solo album of the same name, but this time around, with his band ‘The Outskirts of Approval’. Jon Brooks is one of those performers that is a must see – and an artist who pushes you to reflect on what you’re listening to, and in the case of Moth Nor Rust – to ask what it means to be human. I know we’re biased, but it’s a fabulous interview with an artist who really brings out the fan in me. Rounding out the episode this time around, we also check our new music from The New Customs, Nelson Sobral, Lloyd Spiegel, Bruce Cockburn, Sharon Goldman and Emily Mure. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 460: feat. Winter Wilson & More New Releases

Aug 30 2019

We’re bringing a fabulous interview with UK folk duo Winter Wilson to Episode 460 of Folk Roots Radio. Winter Wilson have just released a new live album “Live & Unconventional”, which was recorded on tour with folk rock legends Fairport Convention. Join us for a fabulous discussion about their music and live show, with a side order of great British humour thrown into the mix. We also check out new music from Jessica Rhaye and the Ramshackle Parade, Jean-Paul De Roover, Marla & David Celia, Si Kahn & the Looping Brothers, Darling Cora, Jon Brooks and Jerry Leger. We’re biased, but we think it’s a great episode. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 456: feat. Sarah Smith & More New Releases

Aug 01 2019

We’re changing things up on Episode 456 of Folk Roots Radio as we bring you London ON singer-songwriter Sarah Smith and her band live from an under renovation Bank Theatre in Leamington ON, as part of a wonderful session recorded for our video series, the Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions. Four songs from a fabulous live performer and her band, and an opportunity to chat to Sarah while on stage. We also check out new music from Jon Brooks, Logan and Nathan, Jessica Heine, Leaf Rapids, Vishtèn, Mark Martyre and Hugo Alley. Check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 418: The Best of 2018 - The Next 15

Dec 28 2018

There are no interviews on Episode 418 of Folk Roots Radio as we check out more of our favourite albums of the year. We’ve already released The Top 10 on Episode 417 of Folk Roots Radio. This time around we check out The Next 15, featuring some of our favourite tracks from those albums. It’s a great privilege to bring lots of great music and interviews to you each week on Folk Roots Radio, something we’re looking forward to continuing throughout the next year. Listen to tracks from The Next 15 and check out the full playlist below.

Folk Roots Radio Episode 395 feat. Tia McGraff & More New Releases

Aug 09 2018

Canadian Americana/folk singer-songwriter Tia McGraff joins us on Episode 395 of Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth conversation about her wonderful seventh album, “Stubborn In My Blood”. Recorded with partner Tommy Parham and some top class support, the new recording has already garnered some great reviews. We also check out new music from Oliver The Crow, Alan Barnosky, Jon Brooks, Sam Bush & Bela Fleck, and the Kris Lager Band. It’s a great episode. We hope you’ll check it out. Check out the full playlist below.

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 347 - Remembrance Day

Nov 09 2017

We’re holding back on the interviews on Episode 347 of Folk Roots Radio as we bring you a themed hour of music for Remembrance Day. We had lots of great music choices to consider – starting with 30 songs before narrowing it down to the thirteen thought-provoking songs that we can squeeze into an hour. Heading off the beaten track we also feature a lot of fairly recent music. We hope you enjoy the mix we’ve put together. Check out the full playlist below.

Jun 14 2017

Chicago based singer-songwriter Joe Jencks has built his music career around a fabulous baritone voice and a reputation for well-crafted songs that speak to a human experience fraught with challenge, and injustice, yet, also offering hope for a brighter future. His latest solo album, “Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers” includes 11 original songs about such topics as prison ships, veterans and PTSD, solstice renewal and the testimony of Pete Seeger before the Un-American Activities Committee in 1955, alongside some well-chosen covers that include a lesser known Phil Ochs song and a Jon Brooks classic, “Mercy”. We caught up with Joe Jencks on tour to chat about the new album. To learn more about Joe Jencks, visit joejencks.com. Joe Jencks is also a member of harmony trio Brother Sun, (with fellow singer-songwriters Pat Wictor and Greg Greenway). Brother Sun will be going on hiatus at the end of 2017. If you want to catch the group performance one last time, you can check out their dates at brothersun.com. Music: Joe Jencks “Let Me Sing You A Song”, “One Piece At A Time”, “Everybody Sings The Blues” and “Going Home” from “Poets, Philosophers, Workers & Wanderers” (2017, Turtle Bear Music).

Mike Hill – Mariposa Folk Festival 2016

May 09 2016

The grande dame of Canadian Folk Festivals, the Mariposa Folk Festival is getting set for it’s 56th edition which takes place the weekend of July 8-10 2016, in beautiful Tudhope Park in Orillia, on the shores of Lake Couchiching. Performers announced so far include Ahmed Knowmadic Ali, Benjamin Dakota Rogers, Beth McKean, Big Little Lions, Brother Sun, Campfire Crew, Cat Clyde, Catherine MacLellan, Colin Linden, Dave Gunning, David Amram, Dirty Dishes, Fortunate Ones, Gathering Sparks, Georgian Bay, Hunter’s Corners, Ivan Coyote, James Hill, Jeffrey Foucault, Jen Schaffer and the Shiners, Jon Brooks, Josh White Jr., Keith Kendrick and Sylvia Needham, Ken Whiteley and the Beulah Band, Leonard Sumner, Lori Yates, Lorraine Sutton, Meredith Moon and the Oldest Man I Know, Melanie Brûlée and Anique Grianger, Moulettes, Murder Murder, Next Generation Leahy, Notre Dame de Grass, Quique Escamilla, Rita Coolidge, Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar, Sheesham and Lotus & ‘Son, Shred Kelly, Slow Leaves, Sussex featuring Rob Lutes, Ten Strings & a Goat Skin , Terry Savage and the Wonky Honkees, The Fitzgerald Family Band, The Good Family, The Imbayakunas, The Laws, The Milk Carton Kids, Rita Cox, Three Women and the Truth (Eliza Gilkyson, Gretchen Peters and Mary Gauthier) and Vance Gilbert. To learn more about this year’s festival, we caught up with artistic director, Mike Hill at work in Orillia. Mariposa Folk Festival 2016 Passes are now on sale. Children 12 & under are admitted FREE if accompanied by a ticket-bearing adult. You can buy your tickets online HERE. Music: Brother Sun “So Far To Come” from “Weights & Wings” (2016, Self) and Milk Carton Kids “Wish You Were Here” (2016, Anti).

Folk Roots Radio Episode 231: Our Favourite Albums of 2015

Folk Roots Radio Favourite Albums of 2015

Dec 14 2015

Well, It’s that time of year… Time to pick our favourite albums of 2015. And you know what, it doesn’t get any easier. There’s just so much great music out there, and it’s been our great privilege to bring lots of it to you each week on Folk Roots Radio. Like last year, most of the albums on this list aren’t a surprise as I raved about them during the year. This time around though I selected a twenty-five album long list, then narrowed it down to the Top 10 you can read about below.

Sep 25 2015

This week’s Folk Roots Radio features interviews with two artists who have produced wonderful new albums, Brenda McMorrow joins us to chat about her latest western folk meets Kirtan (Indian devotional music) album “My Heart Bows Down To You” and we talk to Ange Hardy, direct from Somerset England, about “Esteesee”, her great new album inspired by the life and work of English romantic poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge. As usual we include a selection of the new music we’ve received and continue our on-going feature on the nominees for the 2015 Canadian Folk Music Awards. I really enjoyed putting this show together. I hope you enjoy it.

Jun 03 2015

This week’s Folk Roots Radio featured an interview with singer-songwriter Jon Brooks who released his fifth record, an album of murder ballads, “The Smiling & Beautiful Countryside” late last year. Jon makes his first trip to Guelph for show at Silence on Friday June 5. And, as usual we have lots of new music alongside our mystery theme and guilty pleasure.

May 28 2015

This week’s Folk Roots Radio featured an interview with Hamilton-based singer-songwriter Sarah Beatty. Sarah Beatty describes herself as being both a musician and a scientist. While completing a Ph D in environmental science, she found time to release an off the floor debut album, the stripped down girl and a guitar “Black Gramophone” in 2012. Black Gramophone blurs the lines between rootsy blues and the singer-songwriter genre, while Sarah’s playful and imaginative lyrics and soulful and passionate vocal delivery draws comparisons with Regina Spektor, Ani DiFranco and Billie Holiday. Sarah is now hard at work on the follow-up. As usual, we found time to include some new music we’ve received alongside our mystery theme and guilty pleasure.

May 27 2015

Toronto singer-songwriter Jon Brooks makes his first visit to Guelph for a Folk Roots Radio presents… show at Silence on Friday June 5 at 8 p.m. For Jon Brooks, Kerrville New Folk Winner and a three-time “Songwriter of the Year” nominee at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, social commentary is as much a part of his being as is being a songwriter. His critically acclaimed 2012 album ”Delicate Cages” focused on themes of love and fear; and freedom and imprisonment. For his latest, “The Smiling and Beautiful Countryside”, Jon buried his trademark social commentary in an album of rural Canadian murder ballads that holds a mirror up to contemporary society and encourages the listener to reflect on what it all means. We caught up with Jon at home in Toronto. Music: Jon Brooks, “Gun Dealer”, “Highway 16” and “People Don’t Think Of Others” from “The Smiling & Beautiful Countryside” (2014, Borealis Records).

An Evening With Jon Brooks
Friday June 5 2015 at 8 p.m. (Doors 7:30 p.m.)
Silence, 46 Essex Street, Guelph, ON
Tickets $20 available online HERE ($25 at the door)

Episode 187: Eliot Bronson

Mar 14 2015

This week’s Folk Roots Radio features an interview with Atlanta singer-songwriter Eliot Bronson, who joins us to chat about his new self-titled album and his tour of Ontario with Jonathan Byrd. Jonathan Byrd and Eliot Bronson will be in Guelph on Friday March 20 for a Folk Roots Radio hosted show at the great listening venue, Silence. Check out all the event details here. As always, the show also contains a lot of new music and our mystery theme and guilty pleasure.

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.

Nov 13 2014

Folk Roots Radio on November 8 2014 was all about the music… lots of it, and, much of it new. As usual we also featured a new mystery theme and guilty pleasure.