thatdanguy's Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dan St.Yves
My introduction to the musical world of Scott Cook was enhanced by surfing through his social media sites. He is certainly a gifted writer - open and honest, capable of crafting insightful lyrics that convey that honesty, and he shows an easy flair for humour that I also quite enjoyed discovering.
In this phone interview, we arc over his everything from his music and hardy touring calendar, in addition to commenting on influences and peers - he is well connected in the Canadian folk/roots community.
Scott Cook
A follow-up to a 2014 email interview, I catch up with the latest goings-on with Dala from one-half of the group, Amanda Walther.
Together with Sheila Carabine they have graced some of the most impressive musical and festival stages, not only on their own but with some rather legendary artists.
In this delightful conversation, Amanda shares what they've been up to since I last caught them live, as well as talks to the importance of songs that have compelling stories, why certain classic songs endure, and we drop a few names along the way.
Dala
Amanda Walther
Sheila Carabine
Kennedy Road
Listen to the interview here, or download it for free from iTunes, ThatDanGuy's Podcast
It feels short looking at the running time, but this phone interview with the bassist from The Slocan Ramblers covers a lot of ground - between chatting about their music and influences, and the big tour they are on (at the time of this interview).
We also touch on the fact this was just days after being at The JUNO awards, where they were nominated for the 2019 Juno Award for Traditional Roots Album of the Year, regarding their latest album Queen City Jubilee.
The Slocan Ramblers are a progressive bluegrass act that has been racking up acclaim and notice far and wide, as mentioned in this interview.
Listen here, or you can also download it for free from iTunes, ThatDanGuy's Podcast!
The Slocan Ramblers
Oliver The Crow is a critically-acclaimed collaboration between singers/songwriters/musicians Kaitlyn Raitz and Ben Plotnick that has caught the attention of NPR, and others.
In this phone conversation with Mr. Plotnick, I try and cover the background of Oliver The Crow, via his own arching musical career - which has spanned a wide variety of styles and musical alliances. That a house band with The Calgary Folk Club, and the award-winning Canadian folk roots act The Fretless.
But there's also plenty of mentions about his work with Kaitlyn, and their songwriting skills. You will definitely want to check out their recordings and live performances after you've had a chance to listen to this episode!
Oliver The Crow
Kaitlyn Raitz
Ben Plotnick
These two gentlemen might be a bit early in their careers as of this interview, but Nick Earle & Joe Coffin are already nabbing top awards, nominations, and prestigious appearances at some of the most impressive blues events in North America.
Earle & Coffin actually have quite a few years in the trenches already, and are just about to release their latest album A Week In July, more of the acoustic blues that have propelled them along a career path that they clearly excel in.
In this episode, we talk about their career, their recordings, and many of the heavyweight venues and artists they've already been associated with.
Earle & Coffin
One of the longer running Canadian trios of comedic songwriters and vocalists, The Arrogant Worms have been combining those elements along with a compelling stage presence to entertain audiences far and wide since 1991.
From a 2013 blog review I wrote after seeing them perform at The Calgary Folk Club, "there's plenty of vocal and musical talent to back up the silly. Which is why they continue to slay listeners with hilarious tracks like "The Guy Who's Always Out Of Tune", "Uncle Lou", and "Jesus' Brother Bob".
I chat here with Chris Patterson about the wide range of venues they have played for over a quarter of a century, the current murky waters of both the music business and humour in the age of social media, and discover a bit about the 2017 release The First Farewell Album.
The Arrogant Worms are Chris Patterson, Mike McCormick, and Trevor Strong.
Calgary's alternative bluegrass champions Rotary Park meld timeless Americana (or Canadiana - that's a thing!) sounds with influences from metal and classical music to amazing effect - and have strengthened those musical chops on the road, as well from years of busking around the city.
As a young band, there have been personnel changes, and plenty of experimentation but if you're a fan of Irish music you'll find plenty to appreciate in their sound.
Collaborators, innovators, trailblazers...member Liam Testa brings me up to speed on everything Rotary Park in this feature.
Rotary Park
There aren't many awards that singer/songwriter/artist David Francey HASN'T snapped up in his career so far, but among them you can count numerous JUNO awards and a John Lennon Songwriting Contest win. That is in addition to high praise from reviewers, critics and peers as well.
In this interview we cover his career and roots, the brief pause he had to set to recuperate from the rigors of his performing, and even a bit about his artistic eye, which gave him another opportunity to showcase his gifts while he was out of the musical spotlight.
He also offers up high praise for some of his peers, offers up one of the most insightful musings on songwriting I've heard yet, and as a fellow Canadian, considers how that can influence your views.
David Francey
Winnipeg's renaissance man Don Amero has enjoyed a lengthy career arching over country and folk music, but he also branches out into efforts such as his annual Amero Little Christmas, and the speaking engagement series Music As Medicine.
Along the way, he has drawn in impressive collaborators as producers, songwriting partners and friends.
We talk about all of that and much more in this episode, he is as gracious as he is talented, I promise you'll learn a lot in just under 30 minutes...
Don Amero
Apologies for a few technological challenges on this episode, but overall there's plenty of updates from the talented vocalist and guitarist for The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra, as he updates listeners on the latest tour and release from this exotic roots band.
Kurt Loewen talks about the influences for the wide-ranging styles incorporated into their recordings and performances, how they came up with the name for their latest EP (We Make Really Party), and gives some insight into the background of one of their enduring songs (Bella Ciao).
The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra
To go a bit further back, listen to our earlier interview from 2015:
ThatDanGuy's Podcast
At the time of this interview, the band is about to head out on tour - visit their website link (above) to find out when they're in YOUR area!
If you only ever listen to one of these podcasts (but don't do that - give them all a listen!!), don't miss my time-traveling conversation with Son Of Town Hall's Ben Parker & David Berkeley.
Forgive a few drop-offs in the sound, as this was conducted live Hangouts - from here in Calgary, over to Texas, and on to London - all the while capturing just a wee bit of the musical and comedic aura that these two gentlemen purvey.
Stunning vocalists and harmonizers, earnest and engaging songwriters - there aren't enough superlatives to heap appropriate praise on what these two cohorts collude to provide entertainment far and wide.
Son Of Town Hall
Along with fellow key components Nancy Laberge and Joni Delaurier (plus a few other dedicated fellow songwriters), Troy Kokol is at the heart of an amazing collective dedicated to encouraging and educating songwriters here in Calgary.
Meeting monthly at a coffee shop to offer open mics that shine a light on original compositions from beginners and veterans alike, they also bring in speakers, music industry experts, and incredible musical guests to inspire and inform their members - and all this without any fee to attend!
We mention a couple of times during this conversation how to connect with this group, but if you're a songwriter in Calgary - join their Calgary Songsmiths Facebook page, or check out their hashtag on Instagram.
Quite often once the "tape" has stopped rolling, I have ample conversation material from before and after the actual interview that I regret not being able to use.
In the case of my interview with Saskatchewan's Belle Plaine, I had enough for another feature - it was entirely a pleasure to find out about her process and her roots.
For the material that didn't hit the cutting room floor, we touched on her small-town roots, her musical influences, the vast community of equally gifted fellow artists that rally to each other's aid, and the added joy she is feeling as a very recent newlywed.
Belle Plaine
I must confess, I had a lot of fun chatting with this accomplished Calgary fiddler. Scott Duncan has been a fixture with acts like Staggered Pints, Barrage, and Calgary Fiddlers plus he has collaborated with other artists like John Wort Hannam, Matt Patershuk and Ian Tyson.
Growing out of a desire to explore more original compositions, Delta Whisky includes Duncan, Seán Sabraw and Chad Cook - but based on our conversation, you'll still enjoy Celtic influences form this latest project.
Their website is still in progress, but they are on Twitter and Facebook.
To forewarn you, we are both VERY fast talkers! But we do cover a lot of ground regardless...
Each accomplished both on their own and/or with OTHER collaborations, Caitlin Hanford, Gwen Swick,Cindy Church and Sylvia Tyson form the juggernaut that is Quartette. Stunning vocal harmonies propel their original songs, and reinvent classics they chose to include in their repertoire.
In this conversation with Hanford, we talk about the early days of the group, some career high-water marks, and their upcoming Canadian tour dates.
If you're a fan of country roots music, this foursome needs to be in your music collection...
Quartette
Checking back in after a few years since our last conversation, the award-winning singer/songwriter and Celtic instrumentalist Lizzy Hoyt brings us up to date on her latest projects ahead of a Western Canadian tour.
Gifted in her chosen musical path, and comfortably composed in conversation, we talk this time out about her Christmas album (good timing I think on that front), the joy she finds in reworking traditional sounds and melodies, and she takes part in a little trivia segment I pilfered from her website - but we get to learn lots from that as a result!
Lizzy Hoyt
I allude to our earlier conversation in this latest interview, so please click here to listen to that episode. You can also download them both for free in iTunes, thatdanguy's Podcast...
Re-defining the term "renaissance man", Korby Lenker binds a roots music career with a passion for writing (as in published author), and even writes and produces a charming web series for Vimeo called Morse Code.
I caught up with Korby over the phone to talk about some of the high marks along the way in each of those efforts, as his empire continues to expand. It never ends for a hard-working indie artist!
I also get a little nugget about a Canadian folk artist that played a role in his early career - small world!
Korby Lenker
Despite articulating the relocation from a large Canadian city to a small Canadian town, The Eisenhauers have crafted a haunting, ethereal album in The Road We Once Knew, that sounds like it could have been written and recorded anywhere in the wide world of Americana, folk, roots and blues.
Jeremy Eisenhauer and Sheree Plett Eisenhauer have merged their individual music careers into a sound you have to stop and listen to. In this interview I chat with Jeremy about that sound, touring now as a couple AND with their children, and there is a nod to Canadian/Nashville producer and recording artist Steve Dawson, not the first time in many of these interviews!
The Eisenhauers
You can also download this interview and dozens more in iTunes (thatdanguy's podcast).
Having had a lengthy and extended conversation with the multi-talented singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Oliver Swain back in 2015, I will confess to being a bit nervous filling my allotted time during this conversation. I need not have worried, we went overtime and I learned more about this gentleman's accomplished career than I had even researched ahead for BOTH interviews!
Oliver Swain plays string bass, guitar, banjo, and composes primarily in folk roots music, but he also recently has undertaken scores for theatrical productions. He has played with some of the most creative forces in the music business, and travelled the world to inspire those diverse sounds.
In this conversation we catch up on his latest projects, his 2015 album, and discover what is right around the corner in his musical world.
Oliver Swain
Check out our earlier interview by clicking here.
In my latest feature for The Calgary Folk Club, I chat with the force of musical nature that is Shari Ulrich.
From her earliest work with Pied Pumkin String Ensemble, as part of The Hometown Band (Valdy), and on to solo work as well as collaborative ensembles such as UHF, BTU and The High Bar Gang, Ulrich has navigated a music industry that often provides as many barricades as it does opportunities.
In this conversation, we talk about many of those collaborations, I fail miserably pitching a joke about groups with initials, and we get some insight into her upcoming new album.
Give the episode a listen here, or download it for free from iTunes (ThatDanGuy's Podcast)
Shari Ulrich
Blending a wide variety of folk, roots, rockabilly, country and even a bit of world influences, The BelleRegards output that musical stew into tight harmonies, stellar musicianship, and even quite a few catchy hooks for their listeners.
Chatting over the phone with Melanie Hilmi & Matthew Kingsley, we talk about the band's transition from a four-piece to a more intimate duo, and quite a bit about each of their four recordings to date.
The BelleRegards
Rawlins Cross has been part of the fabric of roots and Canadian folk music for decades, bringing an unmistakable blend of their East Coast Celtic roots alongside rugged pop influences. Along the way, they have carved out a faithful fan base that continues to sell out their shows to this day.
On tour in support of their latest release, I chatted over the phone with co-founding member Dave Panting about that distinct sound, the songwriting, their enduring popularity, and how Rawlins Cross is working with young artists sure to make their own mark.
We also hear a bit about some of the amazing world-class acts they've shared stages with.
Rawlins Cross
Listen to the episode here, or download it for free in iTunes, ThatdanGuy's Podcast.
"Accomplished" is rather apt as a description for the award-winning East Coast singer, songwriter and producer that swims in impressive musical circles, apropos in that she is just an impressive talent herself.
In today's conversation with Erin Costelo, we chat about her current U.S. tour, an upcoming swing through Alberta, and the 2016 album Down Below, The Status Quo.
Sounding as much like Mavis Staples as she does Joss Stone or Adele, Costelo crafts insightful songs that can rumble with her soulful delivery, yet are also haunting and affecting when that skill is showcased.
She's also preparing to release a new album (fall of 2018), along with an accompanying documentary film on the process.
Erin Costelo
If you want to watch someone doing what they love, and/or what they were born to do, find some of Jory Nash's live performance YouTube videos.
Better yet, go see him perform live, or buy his music. You'll discover (if you don't already know his work) a gentleman with a deep well of textures and nuances as a songwriter, similarly captivating as a vocalist.
In this freewheeling conversation, we chat about his upcoming new album, his prior recording work, and several ongoing music projects that he and his colleagues (impressive company there as well) put together - including his annual tribute to Gordon Lightfoot.
Jory Nash
I've chatted with members of Winnipeg's Red Moon Road before, and I'll post links to those earlier conversations down below, but you'd be hard pressed to find more gracious and welcoming folks anywhere.
Even while out on tour, one of the two Daniels (Jordan) took quite a bit of time to catch me up on what the band has been doing for the past few years.
Listen to this latest episode for an update on their new recording, an extensive cross-country tour, and a terrific tale of sharing the stage with a musical Canadian icon.
Red Moon Road
Check out our 2015 interview here.
Read our email interview that appeared in The Calgary Herald here.
The son of church musicians, Billy Crockett has segued from a career in Christian music, to being recently listed as "one of 10 new country artists you need to know" in a Rolling Stone Magazine feature.
In our conversation, he chats about the business of music, the structure of sounding like a singer/songwriter even with a full band backing up a recording, and learning to produce music from RCA Records legend Bill Porter (Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Roy Orbison and many more).
On top of all that, Billy and his wife Dodee have hosted countless legendary artists in performances at their Blue Rock Artist Ranch and Studio, an official Folk Alliance house concert site.
Listen in, we cover a lot of territory here...
Billy Crockett
Blue Rock Artist Ranch & Studio
Decades ago, I discovered music on my parents' living room floor, diverse offerings from their own different tastes.
Perla Batalla grew up to pay homage to discovering music in her own parents' record store, naming her Discoteca Batalla album after that inspirational introduction.
Along the way, and at the encouragement of the legendary Leonard Cohen, she recorded many more of her own albums, and paid tribute to her mentor with the Grammy-nominated Bird On The Wire.
In this conversation, we talk about highlights of that career, her outreach activities in marginalized communities in America, and I mangle many a Spanish phrase or song title.
All this punctuated by her infectious sense of humour and laughter.
Perla Batalla
I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that there will soon be a time where Nancy Laberge is cross-referenced as "Canada's Mary Gauthier", although her original work already stands tall in and of itself.
A songwriter of captivating roots, folk and country music, Laberge chats in this interview about some of her influences, some of her Calgary musical colleagues, and how some of her songs came to be.
All of those diverse threads come together to make an impressive whole cloth both in her recording, and (based on some live music videos) her stage performances.
I also took the liberty of creatively editing in a pre-interview conversation with respect to her name's spelling and pronunciation, it was just too warm and funny to leave out!
Nancy Laberge
Together with cellist Anne Janelle, ukulele master James Hill keeps traditional sounds of folk and other varied genres fresh with their modern, diverse influences.
In this conversation, we talk about how a mandated music program introduced him to his instrument, his development from instrumentalist to full-blown songwriter, and the captivating enchantment of his music together with Anne.
Oh, there's more - Christmas music, the ongoing "rebirth of the ukulele", and thoughts on how to refresh old chestnuts for new audiences. He is an eloquent ambassador for the tiny instrument...
James Hill and Anne Janelle
Talk about living up to your name as artists! This Alberta trio all have worked (one still does) as national park wardens, and their vibrant stories in song reflect the backwoods countryside along with experiences forged from their lengthy careers.
Keeping alive the most traditional style of folk country mountain music, their collaboration has grown from events within the park service, to stages as far as Alaska, and alongside artists such as Blue Rodeo and Paul Brandt.
I talk to Scott about all those aspects and a few more varied items that came up along the way.
The Wardens are Scott Ward, Bradley Bischoff and Ray Schmidt.
The man writes from his heart, and speaks just as warmly and enthusiastically from the same place.
Whether he is chatting about his songwriting craft (with insight from the unlikeliest of prompts), the inspiration afforded within the residency programs at Banff Centre, or his upcoming new album, John shares plenty in our latest conversation.
John Wort Hannam
Listen to our earlier conversation as well, from my archived episodes:
Sept 2015
Check out my feature on his annual fundraiser for ALS, "Songs For Ken" as well!
Finally, watch for Michael B MacDonald's 2017 documentary titled "John Wort Hannam Is A Poor Man" which has been selected to screen at the Central Alberta Film Festival Feb 23-25 (2018) in Red Deer, Alberta.
Since moving to Alberta several years ago, I quickly became familiar with Calgary's musical chameleon Steve Pineo.
Steve's career hasn't been limited in any capacity by size or scope. I've seen him live in an R & B big band, a blues band, a trio and solo.
He's been part of The Co-Dependents, an iconic Calgary band helmed by Billy Cowsill.
He even hosts annual Elvis birthday bashes - a hot ticket I may add!
His latest project is Prohibition Hall, even more diverse than all the other combos combined.
Somehow, much like how he finds time to do all these things, we find time to talk about ALL of that in this podcast...
Check him out on Facebook: @stevepineoband
Between them all, there is an ACMA award for "Group Of The Year", a 2012 nomination for CCMA Keyboard Player Of The Year, and many more accolades and career milestones. There are also connections to top Canadian artists like Shania Twain, Tom Jackson, Johnny Reid, and Gord Bamford - to name but a handful.
Then there's those signature harmonies. The Travelling Mabels are a force to be reckoned with whenever they join together, be that live on stage or in the studio.
My first podcast interview feature for 2018 features "Unstable Mabel" - Keith Floen as he discusses the band has come from his position as band leader.
Plucking observed or personally experienced snippets from his life in Cape Breton, and inserting those into his songs that further illustrate life in that part of Canada, Jason MacDonald has garnered a vast assortment of nominations and awards, even as far as an honourable mention in 2010 from the 17th Annual Billboard World Song Contest.
In this interview, we talk about his life in Eastern Canada, his songwriting influences, along with a few warm stories about a song he wrote for his wife, his meeting with iconic fellow singer/songwriter Murray McLauchlan, and a note on perfecting the jig strum.
Jason MacDonald
Always great to catch up with an artist of Joe Jencks' calibre. Along with an ongoing solo career extending his top-in-category rankings on music charts, his collaborations have included the similarly acclaimed 8-year trio Brother Sun.
I caught up with Joe by phone while he was on the road - over our wide-ranging chat we discussed the power of folk as a force for change and community, Brother Sun, and his upcoming collaboration with Greg Greenway and Reggie Harris for The Calgary Folk Club (he's a big fan!).
I mentioned an earlier conversation within this interview that we had back in 2015, so feel free to check that out by clicking on this link.
Joe Jencks
Greg Greenway
Reggie Harris
Catching up again for the first time in a few years, this feature focuses on Jeffery's newest release Dirt Road Confessional.
Filled with the wide variety of musical styles that shape the Straker sound, those diverse influences are guided along with this recording by a galaxy of top-notch co-writers and producers - including Daniel Ledwell, Jay Semko, Karen Kosowski and Royal Wood, and more!
If you're already a fan, you won't be disappointed. If you're new to this talented Canadian - you'll be looking for his back catalogue after you've listened to this album!
Jeffery Straker
Our prior interview (October 2014)
North Star Falling review
Three powerful voices joined together to create compelling alt-folk/roots music with alternately powerful rhythms, and captivating ballads.
Today's episode is my conversation with The Lion - Christopher Arruda about the band's beginnings, what they've been up to recently, and their spectacular 2017 self-titled release (PS: go buy this album immediately).
If Canada's The Tenors were folkies, they would be Lion Bear Fox. (If you think I'm fawning in this intro, wait till you hear the interview - you'll also know what I'm talking about after you've listened to the album I told you to go buy...)
As a bonus, hear me mispronounce Tønder!
Lion Bear Fox
In this episode, I catch up once again with Vancouver-based songwriter Chris Ronald.
Chris has just released his latest album"Fragments", which we discuss in detail - as well as upcoming tour plans.
"Fragments" features reflective tracks like "Sons Of Summer", and driving, Celtic infused sounds on "Rain City Blues".
As always, he is a genuine pleasure to chat with, and I will steer you back as well to an episode we recorded back in September of 2015, where we talked about his "Timeline" album, and to more detail about his early influences, along with so much more.
Chris Ronald
In this wide-ranging interview with Australian roots musician Kevin Bennett (Kevin Bennett & The Flood, Bennett Bowtell Urquhart), I discover more than I had unearthed in my homework ahead of the feature, including his recent collaboration with Lyn Bowtell and Felicity Urquhart (he's planning on recording with them again soon).
Along the way, Mr. Bennett discusses his early influences, colleagues that he has performed with, and confirming a long-held family suspicion of their origins.
As a delightful bonus, he also opens and closes the episode with two original songs, making this a wonderful way to spend some 25+ minutes!
Halifax-based singer and songwriter Gabrielle Papillon will be releasing her sixth album Keep The Fire, mid-October 2017.
In this phone interview, we talk about that new album, her prior work, and how those combined works have expanded the depth of her sound.
Along the way, we talk briefly about Neil Young, the benefits of having a French-language song in your repertoire, and imbuing folk with a dash of pop influence...
GabriellePapillon.com
A free-wheeling conversation with Alberta roots songwriter Carter Felker, on his career to date. He keeps busy throughout Alberta from his base in Calgary, even appearing at The Calgary Folk Festival in 2016.
We chat about his cd/digital download Everyday Life, his musical influences, and more!
Ginger St. James channels a wide swath of influences, funnelling them out in an intoxicating blend of roots, country, and rockabilly for her sound. Original, yet authentic.
I caught up with her ahead of her western Canadian tour swing, and we discussed her latest release on Busted Flat Records, One For The Money.
We also delved into her songwriting, showmanship, the band she'll be out with on the tour, and more.
Ginger St. James
This podcast will also link to a companion feature in my online Calgary Herald space.
Photo courtesy Judi Willrich
Hailing from Rocky Mountain House, sisters Shelby & Jenna Leigh are The Doll Sisters, proponents of modern Celtic sounds. Think Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart fronting a Rankin Sisters session...
In a relatively short career so far, the ladies have been awarded the 2015 Edmonton Folk Music Festival’s 'Emerging Artist of the Year' Award, and are two-time nominees for ACMA's Duo/Group of the Year award (in 2013 & 2014).
We chat about their career, and their musical heritage in this conversation - their enthusiasm is infectious!
The Doll Sisters
This podcast will also link to a companion feature in my online Calgary Herald space.
Corin Raymond takes songwriting seriously, and it certainly shows in his latest release "Hobo Jungle Fever Dreams".
Textured stories, grand adventure, and keen observations, but not surprising given his inspiration for writing, listening to stories his father read to him for years.
In this conversation, we talk about his new album, discuss some standout techniques he has layered into the production, and I bring up the elephant in the room - Canadian Tire money.
Corin Raymond
This podcast will also link to a companion feature in my online Calgary Herald space.
Murray Kinsley & Wicked Grin have a knack for garnering awards. The band received the 2014 Maple Blues Award for Best New Group, and Shame On Me was named Best Canadian Blues Rock Album of 2014 and 2015 by The Blues Underground Network. Bassist Leigh-Anne Stanton recently received the 2015 Maple Blues Award for Bassist of the Year.
Bringing road-proven (and often written) tracks to their latest album Stormy Water, there are sure to be plenty more kudos to follow.
I chatted at length with Murray about the new album, musical influences, and more.
Murray Kinsley & Wicked Grin
This podcast also links to a companion feature in my online Calgary Herald space.
David Roth has connected with audiences far and wide with his music. In one case a song has even left our planet - "Rocket Science" went up on the Space Shuttle Atlantis in May, 2009!
He's an award-winning songwriter, a singer, as well as a workshop leader and an instructor.
I caught with him while he was still out on the road (safely, he was the passenger), and the conversation was rather far-ranging, including a terrific recollection of his early career collided with Peter Paul & Mary.
David Roth
This podcast also links to a companion feature in my online Calgary Herald space.
Husband and wife Graydon James and Laura Spink comprise The Young Novelists, an exciting roots duo that can on occasion grow to include a few more members.
I described at least one of their songs as Jeff Lynne meets Wilco, but they truly add a wide variety of sounds and influences to their sound - which has paid off. They picked up the 2015 Canadian Folk Music Award for New/Emerging Artist of the Year.
In this conversation, I chat with Graydon about influences, songwriting, and the power of simplicity in affecting an audience.
The Young Novelists.
This podcast also links to a companion feature in my online Calgary Herald space.
In February of 2013, I had my first opportunity to see the amazing storyteller and grace-sharing songwriter that is Austin's Sam Baker perform live. With no less a pairing than Nashville songwriting Hall of Famer Gretchen Peters & Barry Walsh!
I'll be seeing him live again soon, and he spent a good twenty minutes chatting over the phone about some new releases he has coming out, his philosophy as a person and a songwriter, and generally anything that came to both our minds.
He also raves about the Banff Centre, where he spent time not too long ago as part of a creative residency.
The attached pic is one I took back in 2013.
Sam Baker
This podcast interview will links to a companion feature in my online Calgary Herald blog space.
Don't miss my reviews of The Calgary Folk Club, and The Banff Centre!
Mary Gauthier's Wikipedia page (which she confirms in this interview speaks pretty accurately to her life and career) has plenty of bleak entries for her early life, but music helped turn that around. More than turn it around, she has come to be known as one of the best songwriters you're likely to hear.
She has a clear philosophy as a writer - you are dealing in valuable real estate, so make the most of what you put into your efforts. That has produced stunning songs, like Mercy Now.
There is a lighter side too though, as you'll hear when I ask her about a somewhat dubiously famous bed/room in Holland...
Mary Gauthier
This podcast interview also links to a companion feature in my online Calgary Herald space.
Don't miss my reviews of The Calgary Folk Club, and The Banff Centre!
Banjoist, composer and instigator Jayme Stone threads together influences he has collected from around the globe to build another, even more vibrant musical world.
With his most current Lomax Project (nominated for a 2016 JUNO Award), he introduces world music into traditional folk songs that go deep - back into Bahamian sea shanties, African-American a cappella singing from the Georgia Sea Islands, ancient Appalachian ballads, fiddle tunes, and work songs - most all collected by folklorist and field recording pioneer Alan Lomax.
The end result is a stunning listen, and even more of an experience live.
I chatted with him ahead of his most recent Alberta tour stop.
Jayme Stone
This podcast interview also links to a companion feature in my online Calgary Herald space.