Folk Roots Radio... With Jan Hall

Sean Cooney, David Eagle and Michael Hughes career in music started when they decided that rather than going to the local pub for a night out, they’d check out their local folk club, in Stockton on Teeside, England in the UK. Taking their turn to sing some traditional songs in three part harmony, and, often a cappella, lead to them being affectionately christened The Young’Uns – as they were distinctly not in the same age group as the other people who attended the folk club on a regular basis. Well, the name stuck, and a desire to share their own socially conscious message in song, has lead to critical praise for their recorded work and live performances, and being named as Best Group at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards two years running (2015 and 2016) and picking up Best Album in 2018 for their latest, “Strangers” (2017, Hereto Records). Sean, David and Michael sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the Folk North export showcase in Toronto to chat about their music, and latest album, “Strangers” (2017,

Canadian singer-songwriter Campbell Woods released his debut album “Oxford Street”, produced by Brian Kobayakawa, in the spring of 2017. An album full of well-crafted story songs, it was very well-received both nationally and internationally, and made it into Folk Roots Radio’s Top 25 albums of 2017. Campbell Woods first arrived on our radar as a member of the 2014 Folk Music Ontario Youth Program (now known as the Developing Artist Program). It was clear even then, that Campbell was committed to the craft as a songwriter, with a deep desire to share his stories through song. Campbell Woods sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music and play a few songs live. Check out Campbell Woods online at campbellwoodsmusic.com. Music: Campbell Woods “Blood Is Thicker Than Water” (Live), “If She Stays” (Live) and “Van Gogh” (Live).

Glenn McFarlane is an award winning songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and one of the founders of the Brampton Folk Club. Glenn released his third album, “Time to Kill” in 2017. His well-crafted originals have a fun sing-a-long familiarity that really gets the audience going. Glenn McFarlane sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music and play a few songs live. Glenn has also created a couple of fun videos to accompany his music – a very cute puppet powered video for his song “I Wanna Hug” and, another for his anthemic sing-a-long “Hey Canada!” for Canada’s 150th birthday. Visit Glenn McFarlane online at glennmcfarlane.ca. Music: Glenn McFarlane “I Wanna Hug” (Live), “Newfoundland 9-1-1” (Live) and “Hey Canada!” (Live).

Halifax singer-songwriter Ian Sherwood picked up a Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer Of The Year, for his 2012 album "Live At The Hive". His fifth studio album “Bring The Light”, produced by Daniel Ledwell, is filled with the same hooky cleverness that has endeared Sherwood to his audiences. Ian Sherwood sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music, and play three songs live. For more information about the music of Ian Sherman, visit http://iansherwood.com. Music: Ian Sherwood "Firefly" (Live), "Dig That Hole" (Live), "Short End Of The Stick" (Live) and "We're Only Human" from "Bring The Light" (2017, Self).

Everyone loves a good story. Winnipeg country roots troubadour, Kevin Roy, shares his songs as if telling a story for the first time over morning coffee. He delivers poignant folk ballads, wry wit toe-tappers, and barnburners with the right balance of aw-shucks honesty and unbridled enthusiasm. Kevin released his very well received first full length long player "Heartworn Highways" in 2016.  Kevin Roy sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music and play a few tunes live. It's a great session, and definitely worth a listen. Check out Kevin Roy online at http://kevinroymusic.com. Music: Kevin Roy "The Mighty River" (live), "Taller Than The Trees" (Live) and "Gone With The Wind" (Live).

At first glance you might think they’d just stepped out of a time machine… Clad in denim and bellowing in three-part harmony, Thunder Bay ON’s Greenbank produce a sound that appears to come straight out of Laurel Canyon circa 1968. Equipped with smiling faces, socially conscious lyrics and some great stories from the road, these northern troubadours deliver a performance you won’t want to miss! Featuring mainstays Jimmy Breslin (guitar, vocals) and Craig Smyth (keyboards, vocals) with support from Jean Paul De Roover, and Alex Cummins and Chad Kirvan (when the gig calls for a five piece), they put on a superb live show. Jimmy, Craig and Jean-Paul joined us in the Folk Roots Radio mobile studio at the 2016 Folk Music Ontario conference for a fun conversation about their music, and a few live tunes. Greenbank released their first long player “Money Machine” in 2015. They are now working on the follow-up, “Glory Days”. For more information, visit http://greenbankband.com.

Connecticut blues roots singer-songwriter Kerri Powers joins us on Episode 376 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her fabulous new album “Starseeds”. Kerri Powers produced one of our favourite recordings of 2014, her stunning self-titled album. It’s a great interview, and well worth checking out. And, as always, we check out more of the new music we’ve received, including new releases from The Lonesome Ace Stringband, The Lifers and Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar. Check out the full playlist: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-376-kerri-powers-new-releases/

Lynn Miles and Lynne Hanson, join us on Episode 375 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their new collaboration as The LYNNeS, and their first album as a duo, “Heartbreak Song For The Radio”. After a very successful European tour , The LYNNeS are now heading out on a Canadian tour. We also check out new music from The Wailin' Jennys, Kenneth Paul Cooper, Cousin Harley, Steve Sainas, Banjo Mechanics, Innes Wilson, Sue Foley and The Achromatics. It's a great episode. I hope you'll take a listen. Check out the full playlist: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-375-the-lynnes-new-releases/

Two wonderful Canadian singer-songwriters Lynn Miles and Lynne Hanson have a new project, The LYNNeS. The two Lynn(e)s have written and toured together off and on for over 10 years now and Lynn Miles has produced two Lynne Hanson albums, 2014’s “River of Sand” and the 2015 Halloween release “7 Deadly Spins”. Their first album as a duo "Heartbreak Song For The Radio" features 10 new co-writes and a guest appearance from fabulous Juno Award winning guitarist Kevin Breit. The LYNNeS are on tour in Canada this spring. We caught up with Lynn Miles and Lynne Hanson, in Sudbury, as they set up for the first night of the tour.

Laura Cortese joins us on Episode 374 of Folk Roots Radio for a fabulous conversation about her music and great new album with her all girl band, Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards, “California Calling”. We also check out new music from The Wailin’ Jennys, Jabbour, Don Flemons, Banjo Nickaru & Western Scooches, Andrew Collins Trio, Chris LaVancher, John Muirhead and Elly Wininger. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-374-laura-cortese-more-new-releases/

Stephen Fearing is heading out on the road this spring for a solo tour that takes in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. We catch up with Stephen on the road from Regina to Winnipeg to chat about the tour and his very well received ninth solo album 2017's "Every Soul's A Sailor", which took home the Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer of the Year. And among the new music on Episode 373 of Folk Roots Radio we check out the latest releases from Julie Ross, Ambre McLean, Dennis Elsworth & Kinley Dowling, Vi Wickam & Justin Branum and Crystal Shawanda. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-373-stephen-fearing-new-releases/

Ottawa's Gareth Auden-Hole grew up with his head in the city and his heart in the northern wild. Gareth studied music production in Victoria, Ottawa, and London before releasing his self-titled debut album as Jack Pine and The Fire in 2011. A solo E.P., "Lone Wolf", a delightfully raw, live-off-the-floor recording, followed in 2015. Its four songs featuring Jack's empathy for the underdog, deep-seated respect for nature, and wry sense of humour, as well as his mandolin... played very furiously, then very softly. The E.P. is intended to be a companion piece to the Jack Pine & The Fire full-length recording "Left To Our Own Devices" which arrived in 2017. Jack Pine sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music. Visit Jack Pine online at jackpinefire.com. Music: Jack Pine & The Fire "Cabin Fever", "Make Or Break Up" from "Left To Our Own Devices" (2017, Self), Jack Pine "Lone Wolf" from the "Lone Wolf" E.P. and Jack Pine & The Fire "Desert Island'

Blues roots singer-songwriter Kerri Powers is getting ready to release her new album "Starseeds". Kerri Powers produced one of our favourite recordings of 2014, her stunning self-titled album. Produced with Eric Michael Lichter, Starseeds features eight original songs and two great covers - Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home” and Gene Clark's “Polly”. It's clear that this new recording is again going to do very well - and, hopefully, will get Kerri Powers up on to the radar of a lot more people - she really is the real deal. To learn more about the new album, Folk Roots Radio caught up with Kerri Powers at home in Connecticut. Check out Kerri Powers at http://kerripowers.com. Visit Folk Roots Radio online at folkrootsradio.com. Music: Kerri Powers "Bicycle Man", "Free Bird Flying", "Grace and Harmony" and "Can't Find My Way Home" from "Starseeds" (2018, Self).

Stephen Fearing hits the road in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario this spring. Hot on the heels of a great response to his ninth solo album, 2017’s “Every Soul’s A Sailor”, which took home the Canadian Folk Music Award for Contemporary Singer of the Year, his solo career is still going strong – alongside his very busy ‘other job’ as one of the leaders of Canadian supergroup Blackie & The Rodeo Kings. We caught up with Stephen on the road in Saskatchewan to chat about this tour, his long career (his first recording, a cassette entitled “The Yellow Tape” came out in 1986) and latest solo album. Check out Stephen Fearing’s tour dates at http://stephenfearing.com. Visit Folk Roots Radio online at http://folkrootsradio.com. Music: Stephen Fearing “Red Lights In The Rain”, “Blowhard Nation” and “Every Soul’s A Sailor” from “Every Soul’s A Sailor” (2017, Lowdenproud).

Alexis Normand from Saskatoon feminist vocal group Rosie and the Riveters joins us on Episode 372 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their great new album "Ms. Behave". Named after the World War 2 feminist labour icon, Rosie the Riveter - the band are a study in contrasts – three voices, the bright red lipstick, the curls, the post war dress, vintage harmonies and a sassy choreographed stage show - coupled with songs that whether playful or serious are deliberately intended to provoke, empower and inspire. It’s a great interview - well worth sticking around for. And, as always, we also check out more of the latest new releases including new music from Chris LaVancher, Joe Jencks, John McCutcheon, Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita, David Leask, Scott Anthony Andrews and Tom Rush.

The Kelly Song Collective join us in the studio on Episode 371 of Folk Roots Radio. The Kelly Song Collective are a folk roots duo from Sudbury and Toronto featuring the brothers John and Joe Kelly. They released a fabulous debut album “Unless & Until” in 2017. Although they weren’t even on our radar at the time, we’ve since gotten to know them and love their music. It was a great pleasure to have John and Joe join us in the studio for an in-depth conversation and some live songs. We also check out more of the new releases, including new music from Niall Teague & The Fast Company, Kyle Carey, John Flanagan Trio, Banjo Mechanics, Big Little Lions, Christina Martin and Amelia Coburn. It's a fun episode. I hope you'll take a listen. Check out the full playlist with artist links and notes on our website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-371-the-kelly-song-collective-more-new-releases/

Prince Edward Island based troubadour singer-songwriter Irish Mythen joins us on Episode 370 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her fabulous live show, a new album that’s expected this summer and her 2018 tour dates including appearance at the Cambridge Folk Festival in the UK, the Vancouver Folk Festival and the Roots North Music Festival, taking place in Orillia on Friday and Saturday April 20th and 21st. Amy Mangan, one of the organizers of Roots North, joins us to chat about the festival and we also include music from other artists heading to Orillia this time around, including Oh Susanna, The Wooden Sky, Joey Landreth, Jeremie Albino and Orillia's own Danny Webster. Check out the playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-370-irish-mythen-roots-north-2018/

Five times JUNO nominee and seven times Canadian Folk Music Award winning mando-maestro Andrew Collins sat down with Jan Hall at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music. He also played an instrumental and two songs live for us. We’re very pleased to bring that interview to this episode of Folk Roots Radio. As usual, we also check out more of the new albums we’ve received including new music from Anne Janelle, The Rough & Tumble, Rosie & the Riveters, Pharis & Jason Romero, The Fugitives, Gwyneth Glyn and Suzie Vinnick. It’s a great episode. We hope you’ll check it out. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-369-andrew-collins-more-new-releases/

Mark Martyre, the prolific Toronto based writer and singer-songwriter with the Tom Waits like vocal delivery, joins us on Episode 368 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his wonderful new album “Rivers”. We also check out more of the new music we’ve received including new music from Kerri Powers, I’m With Her, Elly Wininger, Kim Moberg and Grant Peeples. It’s a great episode. We hope you’ll check it out. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-368-mark-martyre-more-new-releases/

Episode 367 of Folk Roots Radio is all about a great community project in Leamington Ontario that is using the arts to support revitalization of its uptown core, and, in particular, the completion of The Bank Theatre. We have interviews with Mayor of Leamington John Paterson - who is also a musician; The Bank Theatre board chair Ursula Tiessen, and local musicians Neil Quiring and Dale Butler alongside music from a new double CD “Show The Love” which features local artists sharing their music to support fundraising efforts. It's a very inspiring episode. I hope you'll check it out. Check out the full playlist on our website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-367-show-the-love/