Folk Roots Radio... With Jan Hall

According to Steve Earle, his critically-acclaimed new album with his long time band The Dukes, Ghosts of West Virginia, which focuses on the 2010 Upper Big Branch mining disaster, is the record he had to make at this time. Although he has made political records in the past, those preached to the converted. This time around Steve wanted to reach out across the political divide to those that don't vote like he does, in advance of the November US election. The Upper Big Branch Mine disaster took place in West Virginia in 2010, and killed twenty-nine miners – making it one of the worst mining disasters in American history. Seven songs on the new album are taken from the off-Broadway play Coal Country written by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen. Jessica and Erik approached Steve to write and perform some original songs in the show - drawn from interviews and testimonials with surviving miners and the families of those who died. The new album also includes three more songs about West Virginia: "Black Lung", "Fastest

We have another hour of great new music to bring you on Episode 516 of Folk Roots Radio. We’ve heard people say that new releases have slowed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. That may very well be the case for the major labels, but fantastic independent music just keeps on coming - including many brand spanking new songs recorded in lockdown. Join us for great new music from Big Little Lions, David Berkeley (from Son of Town Hall), Richard Garvey, Cheshire Carr, Project Smok, Michael McDermott, Kim Moberg, Lynn Harrison, John & Sheila Ludgate, SONiA disappear fear, Lynn Jackson, Joshua Wood Orchestra and Eliza Gilkyson alongside a great spoken word piece from poet Bob Jensen. Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-516-were-all-about-the-music-seeds-of-reflection-edition/

Ottawa based singer-songwriter Jack Pine describes himself as an anything goes singer-songwriter with a heavy-handed string band. His 2017 album band with his band The Fire “Left To Our Own Devices” picked up a 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for New/Emerging Artist of the Year and a 2019 Juno nomination for best art work. An incredible live performer with a wonderful energy, and a very engaging style, Jack Pine sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music. In 2019, we had a follow up conversation at FMO, and this time around he played some songs live for us. For more information about the music of Jack Pine visit https://jackpinefire.com. Music: Jack Pine “You’ll Find Me Waiting” (Live), “Rich In Time” (Live) and Jack Pine & The Fire “Desert Island” from “Left To Our Own Devices” (2017, Self). BONUS TRACK: Jack Pine “Cabin Fever” (Live).

We're all about the music on Episode 515 of Folk Roots Radio as we bring you more Covid-19 lockdown inspired tunes and more great new releases. We've actually included a lot more singles on this episode than usual - many written during lockdown, which is why we’ve decided to subtitle this one 'The Covid Times Edition' of Folk Roots Radio. Join us for great new music from Andy Comley, Melanie Peterson, Fresh Breath, Don Johnston, Hamish Napier, Martyn Joseph, Tomorrow Bird, The Worldwide Shanty Project, Castanea & Rising Appalachia, Becky Buller, Jason Wilber, Chicks With Dip, Jeff Orson and Francine Honey (with Robert Gray). Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-515-were-all-about-the-music-covid-times-edition/

Steve Earle joins us on Episode 514 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his critically-acclaimed 20th studio album, “Ghosts of West Virginia” which tells the story of the Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion in West Virginia, in 2010, which killed 29 out of 31 miners - making it one of the worst mining disasters in American history. It's a great interview. We hope you'll stick around to check it out. We also include more of the new music we've received, and this time around we hear from Evangeline Gentle, Norma MacDonald, Kieran Begbie, Adam Karch, Mike Scott, Julian Taylor, Scott Cook and David Clayton-Thomas. Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-514-feat-steve-earle-more-new-releases/

We included an excerpt from our great in-depth interview with Lynn Harrison in Episode 498 of Folk Roots Radio. You can now check out the full interview here. Enjoy! Lynn Harrison is a wonderful storytelling singer-songwriter with a fine turn of phrase. Her sixth recording “Something More”, which was produced by Douglas September and Noah Zacharin, features 12 thoughtful and reflective songs about life, love and the power of the human spirit. It’s a beautiful album, and a joy from beginning to end. As befits the production team behind the project, this album has a wonderful feel to it, and includes some excellent players – Noah Zacharin on electric guitar, Douglas September on lap steel, George Koller on bowed bass, Ian de Souza on electric bass and Adam Warner on drums and percussion with cameos from Ed Michael Roth on a bouncy accordion, Denis Keldie on Hammond organ, and Alexander Brown on trumpet. Lynn Harrison is also an ordained Unitarian Universalist (UU) minister and currently serving at First Unitar

We’re holding back the interviews on Episode 513 of Folk Roots Radio as we bring you another hour of great new music. We're including more Covid-19 tunes and songs from isolation alongside some great new releases. Live performances may have been curtailed by the current crisis, but the new music just keeps on coming. Join us for great new songs from Big Little Lions, Sofia Talvik, Stan Simon, Liona Boyd, Westward the Light, Sherman Downey, Kristen Martell, 100 Mile House, Peter Rowan & Don Edwards, Hello Darlins, Christina Hutt, Elles Bailey, Danny Schmidt and Noah Reid. Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-513-were-all-about-the-music-social-distancing-edition/

Acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Jerry Leger was supposed to be on tour in Europe this spring in support of his ninth studio album “Time Out For Tomorrow”, but unfortunately, like the rest of us, he is sheltering at home as we wait out the first wave of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. Jerry's been keeping busy playing some livestream shows, and he's just released a surprise 10 track lo-fi collection "Songs From The Apartment", recorded solo at home. These are songs that Jerry had written, quickly demoed but never released. They are out in the world now, and some of them, like a lot of Jerry's music, are really, really good. Join us on Episode 512 of Folk Roots Radio… as we go 'In Conversation' with Jerry Leger to chat about his music, and both new albums. Check out the full playlist on the website:

We're bringing you another hour of great new music on Episode 511 of Folk Roots Radio. This time around we're including more new Covid-19 tunes, some songs recorded during the coronavirus lockdown, alongside some fine new releases. Join us for new music from Martyn Joseph, Chip Taylor, Crys Matthews & Heather Mae, Gillian Nicola, Shawn Clarke, Bill Bourne, Katie Dahl, Doris Folkens, Pharis & Jason Romero, Claudia Nygaard, Leeroy Stagger, Maggie Duffy, Nelson Sobral, Donovan Woods, Carolyn Anele and Shelley Posen. Stay safe and well everyone! We will get through this... together and apart. Check out the full playlist on the website.

Miranda Mulholland joins us on Episode 510 of Folk Roots Radio for a wonderful in-depth conversation about her solo work, and second solo album, the JUNO-nominated "By Appointment or Chance". Miranda is also a member of the duo Harrow Fair with the Sunparlour Players' Andrew Penner. Harrow Fair released their second album "Sins We Made" a few weeks ago. Outside her own musical creativity, Miranda Mulholland runs the record label "Roaring Girl Records" and the Muskoka Music Festival, and continues to travel the world advocating for fair remuneration for creators. Needless to say, there was a lot to talk about, which is why we've devoted the whole of this episode to an hour plus of Miranda Mulholland... In Conversation, on Folk Roots Radio. Check out the full playlist on the website.

One of Canada's finest songwriters, Connie Kaldor joins us on Episode 509 of Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth interview about her career in music. A three time Juno award winner, and a member of the Order of Canada, Connie Kaldor has forged a great career that, alongside some great albums, has also included CD books for children, musicals and music for both film and web-series - and all achieved while remaining proudly independent. Her latest album, her sixteenth, "Everyday Moments" was released in the fall of 2019, however the Covid-19 pandemic has severely limited her ability to tour in support of the new recording. Connie Kaldor joined us from her home in Montreal where she is staying safe with the rest of her family, in what she likes to call 'the isolation station'. A fabulous performer with a very engaging live show, we're pleased to be able to bring you Connie Kaldor... In Conversation on Folk Roots Radio.

We’re holding back the interviews on Episode 508 of Folk Roots Radio as we bring you another hour of great new releases. We may all be continuing to self-isolate in the midst of the on-going Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, but artists are still producing fabulous music. So settle down and enjoy songs from Parkland, Heather Styka, Andrea Ramolo, Jesse Cook, Stuart Markus, Grae J Wall, Michael Logen, Tara Thompson, Rachael Sage, Sara Thomsen, Lara Herscovitch, Deborah Holland, Julian Taylor, Alex Lauzière and Erik Balkey. Stay safe everyone. We will get through this… together and apart. Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-508-were-all-about-the-music-together-apart/

Jen Bird and Simon Driscoll make music together as acoustic folk duo, Tomorrow Bird. They specialize in heartfelt songs that reflect on the human experience – and sing of hope, love, loss, courage and empowerment. Jen and Simon were due to be Canada this Spring but because of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic they’ve had change their plans and are now keeping themselves safe at home. Because they can’t be with us this year, we’re pleased to bring an interview we recorded with them last year to Episode 507 of Folk Roots Radio. We also check out more of the great new music that’s come into the studio, and this time around we hear from Raina Krangle, Forest Sun, Brent Mason, Raye Zaragoza, Ewen Henderson, Jeffrey Straker, Mattie Leon and Ayla Brook & The Sound Men. Stay safe and well everyone! We’ll get through this… together and apart. Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-507-feat-tomorrow-bird-new-releases/

We’re all about the music on Episode 506 of Folk Roots Radio as we bring you a Covid-19 isolation edition of the show. We’re in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, and we’re all social distancing, but artists are still making great music. Join us for new songs written especially for these strange times from Julia Appleton, Tara MacLean & Catherine MacLellan, Shawn Erker and Mark Perry alongside some great new releases we just had to share from Valerie Smith, David Foley & Jack Smedley, Deborah Holland, Tomo, David Madras and Midnight Vesta. We also include a special four song tribute to the late great John Prine, who sadly passed away after contracting the coronavirus. Stay safe and well everyone! We'll get through this together... and apart. Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-506-were-all-about-the-music-covid-19-edition/

Sara & Ryan Fontaine make music together as The Fontaines. They join us on Episode 505 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their music and self-titled debut album. Sara and Ryan met while pursuing separate musical careers; Sara in theatre and vocal performance, and Ryan as an upright bass player. With a sound that they describe as 'folk with a modern twist', they affectionately call every gig 'date night'. We're in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic emergency and so we caught up with Sara & Ryan over Zoom, rather than live in the studio. Stay safe and well everyone - and settle down and enjoy The Fontaines... In Conversation, on Folk Roots Radio. Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-505-feat-the-fontaines-in-conversation/

Miranda Mulholland and Andrew Penner make music together as Harrow Fair, a fabulous Americana roots duo with a huge sound and an exhilarating live show. They join us on Episode 504 of Folk Roots Radio, direct from their Covid-19 emergency self-isolation, for a fun chat about their music and their wonderful sophomore release "Sins We Made". It's an excellent interview which reaches far beyond the album, to talk about what it feels like to put everything on hold and stay home while you are supposed to be out touring a great new album. We wrap up the rest of the episode with more great new music from David Shurr, Rob Murphy, David Keenan, David Foley & Jack Smedley and The Rough & Tumble. Stay safe and well everyone! Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-504-feat-harrow-fair-more-new-releases/

Michelle Plum and Nick Hall are from Bradford in England and make music together as Plumhall. They join us on Episode 503 of Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth conversation about their second album, “The Ghost Of Noise”, a wonderful Americana / Folk recording that also includes a little electronica and some found sounds. It’s a great album, and the follow up to the very well received “Thundercloud” from 2014 - one of our favourite albums of that year. Michelle and Nick are always a great interview, so kick back and enjoy Plumhall in conversation on Folk Roots Radio. Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/episode-503-feat-plumhall-in-conversation-the-ghost-of-noise/

We have a very special coronavirus isolation edition of Folk Roots Radio to bring you on Episode 502. We’re featuring a great interview we taped a few weeks ago with Kelowna BC based Kerrville Folk finalist Jane Eamon. Jane is a fantastic songwriter, but one who had almost fallen out of love with the music business. That all changed when her husband had a stroke and then was diagnosed with cancer, and her father died suddenly. That would be enough to break many people – but all this family turmoil pushed Jane back into songwriting and led to her fabulous 2019 album “Pieces of Me”. We’re obviously biased but it’s a truly wonderful and inspirational interview, and perhaps a bit of an antidote for all of us who are struggling in the strange social distancing times we’re living in. We’re continuing the Covid-19 emergency theme on the rest of the show as we include brand spanking new songs about social distancing from John & Sheila Ludgate and Jesse Parent, a song about unheralded essential workers from Dale Boyle

Quebec based singer-songwriter Doug McArthur joins us on Episode 501 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his latest project "The Horses of the Sea", a beautiful collection of songs and stories about Ireland. It's a wonderful album, and one that has become a fast favourite on this radio show. This is another of our in-depth conversations recorded during the coronavirus Covid-19 emergency. Stay safe and healthy everyone - we'll get through this together! Check out the full playlist on the website: https://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-501-feat-doug-mcarthur-in-conversation-the-horses-of-the-sea/

It is always a pleasure to sit down with Nashville based singer-songwriter Steve Poltz to chat about his music - especially so, when you're in the middle of the Caribbean on the Cayamo roots music cruise. His third time on Cayamo, Steve was joined by partner Sharon, sister Kathy and Dad Joe; Steve and Sharon actually tied the knot on the boat, surrounded by 500 of their closest friends! For more information about the music of Steve Poltz, visit https://poltz.com. Music: Steve Poltz "Silver Lining" from "One Left Shoe" (1998, UMG Recordings), "Sewing Machine" (Live) (2014, Live At Oasis House Concerts, San Diego CA, YouTube) and "Pharmacist" from "Shine On" (2019, Compass Records).