Folk Roots Radio... With Jan Hall

We’re giving over the whole of Episode 576 of Folk Roots Radio to the 2021 Hillside Festival Girls & Guitars Songwriting Course. We are joined by facilitators: Marie Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Hillside Festival and Guelph based singer-songwriter Doris Folkens and three of their students: Halley McKeown, Missy Bauman and Tania Joy who also share their songs with us. Girls & Guitars is a longstanding feature of Hillside Inside and part of an on-going project designed to address gender imbalance in the music industry and thus further Hillside's mission of encouraging inclusion and equality. The songwriting course is a very special part of that initiative. If you like the artists you hear on this show, don’t just stream their music – BUY their music and then you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to find live shows. Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy this episode, please consider giving us a 'LIKE'

We’re all about the music again on Episode 575 of Folk Roots Radio as we hold back the interviews to bring you another Covid Times edition of the show featuring a great selection of new releases, with some Covid tunes, and social justice songs added into the mix. Join us for music from Tiffany Williams, The Rainbow Snakes, Rocks & Salt, The Promise Is Hope, Jarkka Rissanen & Sons Of The Desert, Amythyst Kiah, Tony Joe White, Fox and Bones, Michael Menegon, Paul Hoffman, Susan & Ray, Charlie Barnett, Melanie Peterson, Chris Ronald, Craig Cardiff, Sue Smith with the Potion Kings. If you like the artists you hear on this show, don’t just stream their music – BUY their music and then you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to find live shows. Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy this episode, please consider giving us a 'LIKE' and leaving a review/comment on your podcast provider and sharing the episode on socia

We have another great performance from our sister video show – The Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions to bring you on Episode 574 of Folk Roots Radio. This time around we’re joined by Windsor ON based singer-songwriter Philip Scott Poli. Actually, we should say songwriter Philip Scott Poli because Phil is adamant that songwriting is what he loves to do and that he’s not that much of a singer or performer – but we’re going to let you be the judge of that. Phil gave us a great session late last year, and we’re pleased to bring part of that to you on this episode. As always, we also take a look at more of the latest new releases and this time around – it’s all by Canadian artists, as we hear from Bùmarang, Jean-Paul De Roover, Susan Ellenton, Craig Cardiff, Stéafán & Saskia, Scott MacKay, Shane Pendergast, David LaFleche. If you like the artists you hear on this show, don’t just stream their music – BUY their music and then you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time when it’s muc

New Jersey based singer-songwriter Loretta Hagen has built a great reputation for the quality of her songwriting, and the warm rich alto voice she brings to her delivery. Loretta has just released a wonderful new single that reflects on the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has been having on individuals, families and communities - and like much of her songwriting, it includes a strong message of hope. Loretta joined us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about her music. Music: Loretta Hagen "Lucky Stars" from "Lucky Stars" (2017, Bearfort), "Not Now" (single) (2021, Bearfort), "Hello Mountain (Ode to Bearfort Mountain)" from "Sundown Till Dawn" (2008, Bearfort) and "Welcome Spring" from "Lucky Stars" (2017, Bearfort). Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy this episode, please consider giving us a 'LIKE' and leaving a review/comment on your podcast provider and sharing the episode on social media. We'll love you for it!

Windsor ON based singer-songwriter Karen Morand joins us on Episode 573 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about a musician’s life during Covid Times. The pandemic has hit artists very hard as pretty much all live work has dried up. Fortunately that hasn't stopped them being creative. Karen Morand has been spending her time in lockdown working on new music with a new album slated for release early next year. She joins us on this episode to talk about the project and the wonderful lead-off single “Never Enough”. As always we wrap up the hour with more new music, and this time around we hear from Bonnie Light Horseman, Peach & Quiet, Sarah McQuaid, Stella Prince, Katie McNally Trio, Sunflower Thieves and Spencer Burton. If you like the artists you hear on this show, don’t just stream their music – BUY their music and then you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to find live shows. Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy

It's been a while since Tecumseh ON Glen MacNeil has put out an album, which is why the arrival of his wonderful self-titled EP in 2020 was such a pleasant surprise. Glen is a fabulous songwriter. Indeed, his last album, 2015's "Where The Heart Remains" was included in our favourite albums of that year. Work on the new EP started during the early days of 2020 when Glen hooked up with Belfast Northern Ireland based producer Peter McVeigh - and then continued into the coronavirus lockdown. Alongside Glen MacNeil on voice and guitar, the EP also features John McCullough on keys and Dale Rivard on pedal steel and dobro. Music: Glen MacNeil "Car Window", "The Quiet" and "Just A Memory" from the "Glen MacNeil E.P." (2020, Self). Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy this episode, please consider giving us a 'LIKE' and leaving a review/comment on your podcast provider and sharing the episode on social media. We'll love you for it!

We're all about the music on Episode 572 of Folk Roots Radio, as we hold back the interviews to bring you another Covid Times edition of the show with some excellent Covid Tunes and social justice songs thrown into the mix. Join us for new releases from Moira Smiley and VOCO, Crys Matthews, Ellen Bukstel, Tim Grimm, Lizzy Plotkin & Natalie Spears, Dan Hill, Eliot Bronson, Tara MacLean (with Tim Chaisson, Hubert Francis, Gilbert Sark and Dennis Ellsworth), Paul Weber, Big Little Lions, Cootes Paradise, Forest Sun, Calico and Dan Cimaglio. If you like the artists you hear on this show, don’t just stream their music – BUY their music and then you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to find live shows. Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy this episode, please consider giving us a 'LIKE' and leaving a review/comment on your podcast provider and sharing the episode on social media. We'll love you for it! Check o

Vancouver based singer-songwriter Leah Barley's first full-length recording "Bring Out Your Dead" is an album of light and dark that feels right at home within the folk genre. The eight original songs on the album, which were written for both guitar and banjo, range from rousing boot stompers like “I Wish” and “Drinkin’” to the chill-inducing “Rise” and "The Doctor" (which recounts a recent period of severe illness, from which she has thankfully recovered). An accomplished self-taught banjo player, as well as guitarist, Leah Barley is joined on the album by a full band featuring her longtime collaborators violist John Kastelic and multi-instrumentalist Ross Christopher Fairbairn. Because of the on-going coronavirus pandemic, Leah has not been able to tour the new album, or even play a real release show. She hopes that she will be able to remedy that in 2021. For more information about the music of Leah Barley, visit https://leahbarleymusic.com. Music: Leah Barley, "Mountains", "Bring Out Your Dead", "The Do

Juno Award winning singer-songwriter Justin Rutledge joins us on Episode 571 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his new compilation “Islands”. A retrospective with a difference, all of the songs chosen for the project were re-recorded in the way they were originally conceived - that's pretty much solo voice and guitar with minimal accompaniment, which leaves the listener feeling like they're listening to the songs for the first time. It's a beautiful album, and if you’re not familiar with the music of Justin Rutledge, it’s a wonderful way to get acquainted with a great songwriter. As always, we check out more of the latest releases, and this time around we hear from Lizzy Plotkin and Natalie Spears, Anya Hinkle, Tim Grimm, Chairmen Of The Boards, Spencer Burton and Glass Cabin. If you like the artists you hear on this show, don’t just stream their music – BUY their music and then you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to find live shows. Fol

This is our full interview with Guelph singer-songwriter Sue Smith, chatting about her brilliant new album "Tonight We Sail". 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 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 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! For more information about the music of Sue Smith, visit https://suesmith.ca. Musi

Terra Spencer joins us on Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth conversation about her wonderful wintery themed second album "Chasing Rabbits" which has a lovely storytelling feel to it, and reflects on life, relationships, travel, going away to college and above all... the joy of getting to come home again. Joining Terra Spencer (guitar, piano) on the new recording are The Bombadils' Sarah Frank (harmony vocals & fiddle), Luke Fraser (harmony vocals & mandolin), Adam Fine (double bass, electric bass), Lil Thomas (electric guitar), David Campbell (pedal steel), Jordi Comstock (drums), Scott Ferguson (djembe), Kimm Kent (deer spirit drum) and The Kasprzaks (home choir). For more information about the music of Terra Spencer visit https://terraspencer.ca. Music: Terra Spencer "In The City", "Lunenburg Moon", "Chasing Rabbits" and "Melt" from "Chasing Rabbits" (2020, Self). Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy this episode, please consider giving us a 'LIKE' and leaving a review/co

Singer-songwriter Angie Nussey's beautiful new album “I Have No Idea What I’m Doing” grew out of an intense focus on her spiritual well-being, after an emotional breakdown in 2007. Mostly piano driven, the new recording took two and a half years to complete - recording at home with support from musical friends. Angie gave a wonderful Tedx talk on music and spirituality in Sudbury in 2014 which is an excellent introduction to both her music and spirituality. As well as her solo career, Angie is also a member of songwriting trio Boreal, with fellow singer-songwriters Tannis Slimmon and Katherine Wheatley. The trio tours 'Songs For The Snowy Season' annually each December. Angie is currently releasing a song and story from I Have No Idea What I'm Doing on a monthly basis. For more information about her music, visit http://angienussey.com. Music: Angie Nussey “All Your Courage”, “Forgotten Names”, “Former Me” and “Count Me Out” from “I Have No Idea What I’m Doing” (2020, Self) CDN. Folk Roots Radio is a labour

Juno award winning singer-songwriter Justin Rutledge's ninth album "Islands" was not only a chance to look back at twenty years as a working musician, but an opportunity to revisit some of the songs in his catalogue, strip them back to their essence and deliver them in the way they were originally created - just voice and guitar, with lots of space and minimal accompaniment. For the listener that means that you get an aural experience that feels very much like it would if you were sitting in the room with the songwriter during a late night writing session. For more information about the music of Justin Rutledge, visit https://justinrutledge.com. Music: Justin Rutledge "Good Man", "Out Of the Woods", "Federal Mail" and "Jellybean" (2021, Outside Music). Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy this episode, please consider giving us a 'LIKE' and leaving a review/comment on your podcast provider and sharing the episode on social media. We'll love you for it! Photo credit: Paul

We included an excerpt from our interview with Rick Fines, discussing his wonderful new album “Solar Powered Too”, in Episode 550 of Folk Roots Radio. Rick Fines has now been nominated for a Juno for this fabulous album - which makes this the perfect time to release the full interview. Enjoy! When Canadian roots and blues artist Rick Fines started work on his new project “Solar Powered Too”, his intent was simple – to make a new recording at his solar powered cottage in the Kawartha Highlands as a follow-up to his very well received “Solar Powered” album from 2006. Initially intended to be just a guitar and voice solo recording, this album has grown into something rather special with some nicely judged guest appearances from some of his friends and a beautifully sympathetic production from Rick with Alec Fraser. Truly a joy for the ears, this is one of those albums you put on, and listen right through to the end. An album that needs to be heard and one that we think will bring comfort to many during these st

Singer-songwriter Sue Smith joins us on Episode 570 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about “Tonight We Sail”, her wonderful new album with amazing band, The Potion Kings. A gorgeous blend of rock, jazz, blues and roots, Tonight We Sail is a truly fabulous recording and destined to be one of our favourite albums of 2021. We wrap up the rest of the episode with more music from female artists as we continue to celebrate International Women’s Day, and this time around we feature Tekla Waterfield & Jeff Fielder, Cinder Well, Loryn Taggart, Laura Mulcahy, Sarah McQuaid and Sloan Wainwright. If you like the artists you hear on this show, don’t just stream their music – BUY their music and then you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to find live shows. Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy this episode, please consider giving us a 'LIKE' and leaving a review/comment on your podcast provider and sharing the episode on soc

We're celebrating International Women's Day on Episode 569 of Folk Roots Radio with an hour of great new music by female artists. Join us for new releases from The Weather Station, Rosier, Brigid O'Neill, Becky Buller, Katie McNally Trio, Lyn Koonce, Sara Thomsen, Colleen Kattau, Allison Russell, La Légende de Calamity Jane, Bobby Dove, Lisa Jeanette, Jaspar Lepak, Susan Ellenton and Liz Simmons. If you like the artists you hear on this show, don’t just stream their music – BUY their music and then you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to play live shows. Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy this episode, please consider giving us a 'LIKE' and leaving a review/comment on your podcast provider and sharing the episode on social media. We'll love you for it! Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-569-were-all-about-the-music-international-womens-day/

Singer-songwriter and motivational speaker Angie Nussey joins us on Episode 568 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her latest recording “I Have No Idea What I’m Doing”, an album that grew out of an intense focus on her own spiritual well-being. It’s a really engaging project with loads of jumping off points into a wonderful conversation. As always, we also check out more of the new music we've received and this time around we hear from Rachel Walker, Jeffrey Straker, Sarah McQuaid, Kim Richey with Linda McRae & Doug Cox and Julie Title. If you like the artists you hear on this show, don’t just stream their music – BUY their music and then you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to find live shows. Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy this episode, please consider giving us a 'LIKE' and leaving a review/comment on your podcast provider and sharing the episode on social media. We'll love you for it! Check out

We’re pleased to bring you another performance from our sister video show – The Sun Parlour Coffee House Sessions on Episode 567 of Folk Roots Radio. Cottam ON singer-songwriter Brad Ouellette joined us in the studio for a session late last year. We have four songs and a short interview to share with you. We also check out more of the latest new releases and this time around we hear from Lizzy Plotkin & Natalie Spears, Maria Dunn, Wes Weddell & Ailisa Newhall, Bet Smith, François Couture & Quatuor 4-30 sous, Richard Garvey & Friends, Born On A Wednesday, Norrie MacIver & The Glasgow Barons and Ontarians. If you like the artists you hear on this show, don’t just stream their music – BUY their music and then you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to find live shows. Folk Roots Radio is a labour of love - a full time hobby. If you enjoy this episode, please consider giving us a 'LIKE' and leaving a review/comment on your podcast provider and

We have another great interview to share with you on Episode 566 of Folk Roots Radio. We're big fans of multi-instrumentalists Mallory Graham and Scott Tyler, and their self-styled 'teeny tiny travelling folk band', The Rough & Tumble. Their fabulous live show features loads of instruments, great songs and more fun than anyone is supposed to have during a house concert. Mallory and Scott join us on this episode to chat about their powerful new album “We’re Only Family If You Say So” which reflects on what it takes to be family... and what it means to lose it. It’s a fabulous recording and an excellent interview, which is why we’ve decided to dedicate the whole of this hour to it. So, settle down and enjoy… The Rough & Tumble in Conversation… on Folk Roots Radio. If you like the artists you hear on this show, don’t just stream their music – BUY their music and then you’ll really make a difference to their income during this difficult time when it’s much more challenging to find live shows. Folk Roots Radio

We’re holding back the interviews again on Episode 565 of Folk Roots Radio to bring you another hour of great new music with some fine Covid Times singles thrown into the mix. Musicians and music industry employees have seen their livelihoods severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. For that reason, we have chosen to use the Canadian Live Music Association awareness campaign slogan 'For The Love Of LIVE' (#fortheloveoflive) to subtitle this episode. Music helps us all get through tough times. It's time for us to give back and do what we can to help artists and the live music industry weather the current crisis. Join us for new music from Allison Russell, Mati Haskell (with JK Gulley), John Smith, The Treeline, Seamus Egan, Joy Zimmerman, Lizanne Knott, Larry Folk, Jaime Michaels, Francine Honey, Luke Concannon, The Brother Brothers, Jerry Leger, Justin Rutledge and Keith Goodwin.  If you like the artists you hear on this show, don’t just stream their music – BUY their music and then you’ll really mak