Folk Roots Radio... With Jan Hall

Fiddler Emilyn Stam from Balfolk Toronto joins us on Episode 396 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about "Balfolk", that’s the modern revival of traditional, predominately Western European, social folk dances and the upcoming Big Branch Festival, a three day Balfolk festival/camp taking place the weekend of September 7-9. We also check out new music from Alan Barnosky, David Davis & The Warrior River Boys, The Furious Seasons, Steve Dawson, Laüsa, Duo Rivaud Lacouchie, Steve Howell & The Mighty Men, Bobby Sweet and Chuck Brodsky. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-396-feat-the-big-branch-festival-more-new-releases/

Toronto-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Noah Zacharin released one of our favourite albums of 2016, the genre defying electric album "Strange Rider", a widescreen production that moved effortlessly between blues, jazz, folk, pop and r n' b, and even threw some doo-wop into the mix. Noah's just released the follow-up, "A Startle Of Wings", which sees Noah playing almost strictly solo acoustic guitar on 14 songs that show the depth and quality of his songwriting - a stripped down recording he describes as best enjoyed in a quiet space with headphones. This is an album that deserves to be explored and savoured. We caught up with Noah Zacharin at home in Toronto to learn more about the new album. Visit Noah Zacharin online at http://noahsong.com. Music: Noah Zacharin "Morning Comes On", "Starlings" and "Wood And Wire" from "A Startle Of Wings" (2018, Self).

The Big Branch Festival is a three day “Balfolk” festival/camp hosted by Balfolk Toronto taking place September 7-9, at Unicamp Ontario, in Honeywood near Shelburne ON (along the Bruce Trail). “Balfolk” is a modern revival of traditional, predominately Western European, social folk dances. Dances range from simple partner dances like the waltz, mazurka and schottishe, to hypnotic chain dances like the andro, gavotte, and ride from Bretagne as well as energetic mixer dances. Balfolk dances are simple and easy to learn, and leave lots of room for improvisation. The intent of a Balfolk session is simple – relax and lean into the music and see where it takes you! The Big Branch Festival will feature dance and music workshops, with performers from France (Laüsa, Duo Rivaud Lacouchie, Duo Le Bour Bodros), Italy/Canada (Filippo Gampetta & Emilyn Stam) and dance instructor Louise Marius from the Netherlands. We caught up with one of the organizers, fiddler Emilyn Stam, to learn more about Balfolk Toronto and The Big

Hard to categorize British roots duo Red Dirt Skinners will be releasing their new album “Under Utopian Skies” this September. Featuring multi-instrumentalists Sarah Skinner and Rob Skinner, the band have become big favourites on both the British blues and country scene, but with influences that range from Pink Floyd and Supertramp to Crosby Stills & Nash and John Prine they really do have an across the board appeal. Renowned for their soaring choruses, fabulous soprano sax solos and clever thought provoking lyrics, the title of the new project reflects on their love for their new home in Canada, after emigration in 2017. We caught up with Sarah and Rob Skinner at home in Ontario to chat about the new album. For more information about the music of the Red Dirt Skinners and upcoming tour dates, visit http://reddirtskinners.com. Music: Red Dirt Skinners “Hey Crawford”, “Blossom & Rain”, “Lay Me Down” and “This House” from “Under Utopian Skies” (2018, Self).

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 Alan Barnosky, Jon Brooks, Sam Bush and Bela Fleck, and the Kris Lager Band. It’s a great episode. We hope you’ll check it out. You can find the full playlist with artist links on the website. Check out the full playlist with artist links on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-395-feat-tia-mcgraff-more-new-releases/

We’re getting set for the 2018 Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival which takes place the weekend of August 17-19 in Kelso Park, on the shores of Georgian Bay, just outside Owen Sound. One of the friendliest festivals out there and now in its 43rd year it’s always a fabulous weekend. Artistic Director James Keelaghan joins us to Episode 394 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about the role of the AD and some of the artists he’s excited to see at the festival. We also check out music from Summerfolk 2018 performers Rose Cousins, Bahamas, Suzie Vinnick, Susan Aglukark, Goitse, Calan, Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer and Vishtèn. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-394-summerfolk-2018-preview/

There’s nothing better than having a new album come in, you play it once, and then want to play it again... and again... and again. Canadian Americana/folk singer-songwriter Tia McGraff has just released a fabulous seventh album, "Stubborn In My Blood". The new album is her most personal album to date, and features 11 thoughtful and reflective songs - most written with her partner Tommy Parham alongside co-writes with Wood Newton, Pete Riley, Henry Priestman and Devon O'Day and a cover of the classic "One Tin Soldier". It's an album that's clearly intended to move and inspire her growing worldwide audience. With some great musicianship and support from some of the industry's top players, powerful lyrics and strong vocals, and an album cover that features Tia in boxing gloves, its clear that this time around, she's not holding anything back! As well as the new album, Tia is now also a published author having released a children's book, "Jake The Road Dawg", based on her dog Jake's adventures on the road with a

The 2018 Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival takes place the weekend of August 17-19 in Kelso Park, on the shores of Georgian Bay, just outside Owen Sound. A beautiful site - it's the perfect situation for a summer festival. Each year, Summerfolk prides itself in putting together a wonderful musical line-up, and the 2018 edition is no exception. To learn more about this summer's festival we caught up with artistic director James Keelaghan. For more information about Summerfolk, visit http://summerfolk.org. Music: Calan, "Senwir Solomon" from "Solomon" (2017, Sain Recordiau Cyf.), Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer "Get Ready" from their latest album 2017's "Apocalipstick" (2017, self) and Vishtèn "Figeac" from "Vishtèn Live" (2009, Sandbar Music).

Toronto singer-songwriter and activist Duane Forrest joins us in the studio on Episode 393 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his music. He also plays three songs live. Its a very inspiring interview, and definitely worth checking out. We also have new music from Lucy Ward, Sarah McQuaid, Laurie MacAllister, Andrew Collins Trio, Ali McCormick, Rory Block, Cris Cuddy, The Barra MacNeils and Laura Mulcahy. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-393-feat-duane-forrest-more-new-releases/

St John’s NF 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 Youngtree 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 on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-392-feat-peter-willie-youngtree-more-new-releases/

We're giving over the whole of Episode 391 of Folk Roots Radio to some great artist interviews we recorded at the 2018 Hillside Festival. Stay tuned as we chat with Frank Evans from The Slocan Ramblers, Martin Harley, the Fortunate Ones and Cécile Doo-Kingué. We also squeeze in music from Hillside 2018 favourites, Rev. Sekou and female latino vocal group LADAMA. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-391-hillside-2018-interviews/

One of our favourite singer-songwriters Dana Sipos joins us on Episode 390 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her great fourth album “Trick Of the Light” which was recently released on Miranda Mulholland’s boutique record label Roaring Girl Records. It's a great interview, and well worth checking out. We also check out new music from Lucy Ward, Jupiter Owls, Jory Nash, The Ennis Sisters, Steve Dawson, Fink Marxer Gleaves, David Davis & The Warrior River Boys, Ronnie Bowman & Lou Reid, The Jeremiahs, Laurie MacAllister, Emerald Rae and Saor Patrol. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-390-feat-dana-sipos-more-new-releases/

Highly regarded Canadian singer-songwriter Dana Sipos was enjoying the 2018 Hillside Festival as a patron when we bumped into her, and decided we had the perfect opportunity for an interview. Dana recently released her fourth album “Trick Of the Light” on Miranda Mulholland’s boutique record label Roaring Girl Records. Dana Sipos grew up in Hamilton ON, and spent her formative years in Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, before heading out for a life on the open road in pursuit of her art. Trick of the Light features ten songs that were developed during extensive travels across North America and Europe in support of her very well-received 2015 album “Roll Up The Night Sky”, which received a nomination for the Canadian Folk Music Awards in the Pushing the Boundaries category. In making Trick of the Light, Sipos worked with experimental Toronto producer Sandro Perri. The album also features Mary Margaret O’Hara, Jesse Zubot and Doug Tielli. Check out Dana Sipos online at http://danasipos.com. Music: Dana

Toronto’s Slocan Ramblers are one of Canada’s finest bluegrass bands. Rooted in the tradition, they’re as comfortable with their own songs as they are with the bluegrass canon. They’ve just released a great new album “Queen City Jubilee”. The Slocan Ramblers are Frank Evans on banjo, Adrian Gross on mandolin, Darryl Poulsen on acoustic guitar and Alastair Whitehead on bass. Frank Evans joined Folk Roots Radio while at the 2018 Hillside Festival to chat about the band, and their new album. Check out The Slocan Ramblers online at http://slocanramblers.com. Music: The Slocan Ramblers, "Mississippi Heavy Water Blues" from “Queen City Jubilee” (2018, Slomusic).

British acoustic roots and blues guitarist Martin Harley, who plays a 100 year Weissenborn Hawaiian acoustic lap guitar, released one of our favourite albums of 2017, “Static In The Wires”. Static in the Wires was his second album recorded with Nashville based stand-up bassist Daniel Kimbro who also joined Martin on the fabulous “Live From Southern Ground” (from 2015). Martin Harley sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Hillside Festival to chat about his music. Check out Martin Harley online at http://martinharley.com. Music: Martin Harley “Gold” from “Static In The Wires” (2017, Del Mundo Records).

Newfoundland’s Fortunate Ones feature the fine musicianship and close harmonies of Catherine Allan and Andrew James O’Brien. Known for their fabulous live performances, their critically acclaimed 2015 album “The Bliss” earned them a Juno nomination, and took home the 2015 Canadian Folk Music Award for Vocal Group of the Year. They describe their new album “Hold Fast” (2018) as a study in resilience and partnership in the face of adversity, and features songwriting collaborations with Alan Doyle (Great Big Sea), Tim Baker (Hey Rosetta!), and Meg Warren (Repartee) alongside in studio support from Jim Bryson, Good Lovelies, Alexa Dirks (Begonia) and Kinley Dowling (Hey Rosetta!). The new album was recorded in Lake Echo, Nova Scotia with Daniel Ledwell. Catherine and Andrew joined Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Hillside Festival to chat about their music, and the new album. Check out the Fortunate Ones online at http://fortunateones.ca. Music: Fortunate Ones “Hold Fast” from “Hold Fast” (2018. Old Far

A fabulous live performer, Cameroonian Canadian guitarist and singer-songwriter Cécile Doo-Kingué blends together blues, afro-roots and soul with some jazzy overtones, to create a sound that is very much her own. Cécile Doo-Kingué is two thirds of the way through a trilogy “Anybody Listening”. “Part 1: Monologues” (2015), was a solo acoustic recording exploring the blues and roots of everyday life while “Part 2: Dialogues” (2016) featured a full band and special guests on a similar set of songs. Cécile will compete the project with “Part 3: Communion” (expected 2019-20), a live recording showcasing her exceptional guitar playing, soulful vocals, and powerful songwriting. Cécile Doo-Kingué sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio to chat about her music after an exhilarating show at the 2018 Hillside Festival. Check out Cécile Doo-Kingué online at http://cdkmusik.com. Music: Cécile Doo-Kingué “Thankful” from “Anybody Listening: The Dialogues” (2016, Self).

The 2018 Home County Music & Art Festival takes place the weekend of July 20-22 in the beautiful confines of Victoria Park in London ON. Celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, it’s an important part of the Southern Ontario folk calendar. Home County features more than 40 musical acts on 7 stages, over 120 juried Canadian craft artisans, over 30 food vendors serving a variety of international cuisines, craft demonstrations, a community/open stage, and an interactive family area. Main stage headliners this year are Jim Cuddy from Blue Rodeo, Harrow Fair and Irish Mythen. Also on the bill this year are Tom Wilson, Valdy, Donovan Woods, Rose Cousins, Kris + Dee, Alysha Brilla, Sultans of String, Russell deCarle and many more. To learn more about this year's festival we caught up with artistic director Darin Addison. For more information, visit http://homecounty.ca. Music: Jim Cuddy “While I Was Waiting” from “Constellation” (2018, 5 Corners Productions); Harrow Fair “Told A Lie to My Heart” from “Call To Arm

We're all about the 2018 Hillside Festival on Episode 389 of Folk Roots Radio. This year’s festival takes place the weekend of July 13-15 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 everyone, and this year is no exception. This episode features some of the artists we’re looking forward to catching at the festival including A Tribe Called Red, Jeremy Dutcher, Iskwé, Cris Derksen, nêhiyawak, Cécile Doo-Kingué, Martin Harley, Les Tireux d’Roches, Poor Man’s Whiskey, The Slocan Ramblers, Ken Whiteley, Fortunate Ones, Jeremy Fisher, Sarah MacDougall and Annie Sumi. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-389-hillside-2018/

Young Canadian singer-songwriter Campbell Woods released a fabulous debut album, “Oxford Street” in 2017, one of our favourite albums of the year. Campbell Woods joins us on Episode 388 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his music and 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 on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-388-campbell-woods-new-releases/