Folk Roots Radio... With Jan Hall

Toronto’s Melanie Brulée joins us on Episode 404 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her great new Americana album “Fires, Floods & Things We Leave Behind", a fabulous slice of pedal steel driven country music that comes equipped with its own widescreen spaghetti western like vibe to kick things off. It's a great conversation. I hope you’ll stick around for that. We also take a look at more of the new music we've received including new releases from Sarah MacDougall, Oliver The Crow, Melanie Dekker, Vishtèn, Ivan Rosenberg, Ken Tizzard, Lennie Gallant alongside a tribute to the sadly departed 'Swamp King' Tony Joe White. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-404-feat-melanie-brulee-more-new-releases/

Bilingual folk duo Moonfruits join us on Episode 403 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their music and latest album "Ste-Quequepart". Caitlin Milroy and Alex Millaire are a tremendous live act, captivating audiences with their beautiful harmonies while using their ideals and imagination to tell stories in song, often accompanied by just a banjo or parlour guitar. It’s a great interview and well worth checking out. We also take a look at more of the new releases we’ve received, including new music from Mike T. Kerr, Jonathan Byrd, Twas Now, Ivan Rosenberg, Shauit, Carolyn Fe and the Red Dirt Skinners. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-403-feat-moonfruits-more-new-releases/

London based singer-songwriter John Muirhead first landed on our radar as a member of the Developing Artist Program (formerly the Youth Program) at the 2016 Folk Music Ontario conference. John released his second solo EP "Foundational" (the follow up to "Yesterday's Smile") earlier this year. John will be releasing a series of singles throughout the winter, with the first, "I Can Sleep Anywhere" due November 8. John Muirhead sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about his music. For more information, visit http://johnpmuirhead.com. Music: John Muirhead "Ambition", "Foundational" and "Passenger's Side" from "Foundational" (2018, Self).

Sara Gougeon is a twenty year old singer-songwriter from Sudbury, Ontario and a student at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Sara was part of the Developing Artist Program that took place at the 2017 Folk Music Ontario conference, where she was mentored by Kaia Kater. Sara released her first EP “Home Again” this past August. Her song ”Home Again” was a finalist in the folk music category of the 2018 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. We caught up with Sara in Boston to chat about the new E.P. For more information about the music of Sara Gougeon, visit http://saragougeon.com. Music: Sara Gougeon "Michigan & Friends" and "Home Again" from "Home Again E.P." (2018, Self).

Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Karen Morand has been pretty busy lately. After announcing the arrival of Even The Bird Was Free, her new rootsy bluesy gospel Americana duo with Ukulele Bluesman Manitoba Hal, Karen is now getting set to release a new solo EP “Every Flash Of Light”. The new album was recorded in St.Thomas, ON with Deni Gauthier and features five new Karen Morand songs and a cover of Corin Raymond's “That’s Life” with musical support from Deni Gauthier (acoustic/electric guitars, bass, keys, programming and percussion) and Broomsticks & Hammers' Paul Aitken on lead guitar and slide guitar. Karen Morand joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio to chat about the new album. Check out Karen Morand online at http://karenmorand.com. Music: Karen Morand "When The Smoke Clears", "That's Life" and "Homeward Bound" from "Every Flash Of Light" (2018, Self).

Banjo toting roots singer-songwriter Carly Dow has just released her second album “Comet”. More celestial in tone than her earthy debut “Ingrained”, Carly is still deeply connected to nature and the wildness that lives amongst us - and within us, on ten new songs written at her mostly off the grid, backwoods retreat in the wilds of Manitoba. The new album, co-produced with Matt Filopoulus, features Carly Dow on her signature clawhammer banjo and acoustic guitar with support from some fine Winnipeg based musicians including Matt Filopoulus on electric guitar, pedal steel and dobro; Murray Jewett and Julian Bradford (strings) and Jeremy Rusu (accordion) with harmony vocals from Madeleine Roger and Logan McKillop. Carly Dow sat down with Folk Roots Radio at Folk Music Ontario to chat about the new album. For more information about the music of Carly Dow, visit http://carlydowmusic.com. Music: Carly Dow “Sunlight Remembers”, “Tiger’s Eye” and “Cut & Run” from “Comet” (2018, Self).

British Columbia based singer-songwriter David Graff joins us on Episode 402 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his new album “Supposed To Fly”. David has just returned to writing and recording after a twenty year gap. Despite some early success, with songs placed in movies and television, and an EP called “Some Of What I Know”, David dropped out of the music business in the late nineties to pursue a career as a visual artist. However, he’s back with a truly fabulous collection of songs. You really need to hear this interview and check out this new album. We also check out the latest releases from The Maes, Claire Coupland, Melanie Brulée, Ann Vriend, The Jeremiahs, Orit Shimoni and Cheshire Carr. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-402-feat-david-graff-more-new-releases/

Episode 401 of Folk Roots Radio features an interview with Halifax NS based keyboard playing singer-songwriter, composer and producer Erin Costelo. Erin Costelo released the critically acclaimed “Down Below The Status Quo” in 2016 — one of our favourite albums of that year. She’s just released the follow-up “Sweet Marie”, and it’s another soulful R&B masterpiece. Erin joins us to chat about the new album before heading out on an extensive touring schedule that takes in Canada, and then the US before heading into Europe. It’s a great interview, and definitely worth sticking around for. We also have more great new releases to share with you, including new music from Moors and McCumber, Noah Derksen, John Wort Hannam, T Buckley, Miller – Macdonald – Cormier, and Kat Danser. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-401-feat-erin-costelo-more-new-releases/

Winnipeg singer-songwriter Madeleine Roger released a fabulous album "Fairweather" in 2015 with her twin brother Lucas as part of the contemporary folk duo Roger Roger. Since that time, Lucas has decided to take a break from writing and performing to focus on his work as a luthier with Beardsell Guitars, allowing Madeleine to develop her own career as a solo artist. Madeleine Roger's debut solo album "Cottonwood" features songs, written at home in Winnipeg and while on retreat at the family backwoods cottage, that reflect a female perspective on life and music. The album was produced with Lloyd Peterson (The Wailin' Jenny's, The Weakerthans, James Keelaghan) at Paintbox Recording in Winnipeg with true gender parity and equality a focus of the recording process. Madeleine Roger sat down with Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about the new album. For more information about Madeleine Roger, visit madeleineroger.com. Music: Madeleine Roger "60 Years More", "Cottonwood" and "Soldie

Contra dance is a traditional social dance style with figures similar to square dancing but taking place in longways sets. Dancing occurs with live music from the Scots-Irish, French Canadian, and Appalachian folk traditions - though often given a modern twist. A caller leads the participants through the steps for each dance. It's an inclusive, grassroots, and lively activity, open to all ages and a lot fun! Contra dance communities can be found in Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and in many other places in Canada and the US. Drumlin Contra Dance takes place at St James Church Hall in Fergus ON every fourth Friday each month, from September thru May. They are looking to entice more people to join them, so that their group can become truly sustainable. Kris Rosar from Drumlin Contra Dance joined us on Folk Roots Radio to chat about contra dancing and their group. For more information visit http://drumlincontradances.ca. Check out other links for Contra Dancing at http://contradancelinks.com and the Country Dance an

Bilingual Canadian singer-songwriter Francine Honey (formerly Francine Leclair) has just released her third album "To Be Continued". The new album, featuring tales of heartache and hope delivered with a mix of Americana, country, rock, Canadiana and blues, was recorded in Nashville with producer Neilson Hubbard (John Prine, Jason Isbell) with some fine support from guitarists Will Kimbrough and Kris Donegan, pianist Danny Mitchell, bassist Dean Marold and fiddler Eamon McLoughlin with backing vocals on "Snowflakes On My Eyelashes" from Beth Nielsen Chapman. Francine Honey joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio to chat about the new album. For more information about the music of Francine Honey, visit http://francinehoney.com. Music: Francine Honey "Snowflakes On My Eyelashes", "To Be Continued" and "Can't Break Through To You" from "To Be Continued" (2018, Self).

Award-winning singer-songwriter Karen Morand & Ukulele Bluesman Manitoba Hal are now making music together as rootsy bluesy gospel Americana duo Even The Bird Was Free. Karen Morand and Manitoba Hall have toured together before, providing harmony vocals on each others songs. Their new acoustic live show features stripped down gospel rich roots songs written by both members individually and, now, together. On stage, with an assortment of instruments in hand, the long time friends have an easy rapport and a playful energy that’s hard to resist. They’ve just released their first self-titled EP. Karen and Hal sat down with Jan Hall from Folk Roots Radio at the 2018 Folk Music Ontario conference to chat about the new project and also played a couple of new songs live. For more information visit http://eventhebirdwasfree.com. Music: Even The Bird Was Free “Call Me Blue” (Live), “This Old World” (Live) and “Lucky Fighter” from "Even The Bird Was Free" (2018, Self).

Born and raised in Leamington ON in the heart of Canada’s Sun Parlour, barefoot musician Justin Latam, has been making music for over thirteen years now. A hard-working singer-songwriter, Justin has made several trips to Nashville to further his craft and recently released “Six”, a stripped down six song solo acoustic E.P., the follow up to his poppy fifth album “Barefoot”. Justin is currently on his fall Home County Tour and joined us in the Folk Roots Radio studio for a chat about his music. Visit Justin Latam online at http://justinlatam.ca. Photo credit: Jake Klassen. Music: Justin Latam “Your Love”, “D.L. Filer (Down She Goes)” and “Call Home” from “Six” (2018, Self) CDN

"Fires, Floods & Things We Leave Behind", the great new album from Melanie Brulée, is a fabulous slice of pedal steel driven country music that comes equipped with its own widescreen spaghetti western like vibe to kick things off. Melanie Brulée is in fine voice on twelve tracks that reflect on relationships, loss and addiction while taking us back to the golden age of country music, and joined by some great players including pedal steel player Kevin "The General" Neal who brings much of the sound to the recording, with guitars from Champagne James Robertson (Lindi Ortega, New Country Rehab), Kyle Teixeira on bass and Adam Warner on drums. This is definitely not your average country album - and a recording you must check out. We caught up with Melanie Brulée in Toronto to chat about the new project. For more information about Melanie Brulée and upcoming tour dates, visit http://melaniebrulee.com. Photo credit: Emma-Lee Photography. Music: Melanie Brulée "I Will", "Pretty Wasteland" and "Whiskey & Whine" from

Canadian singer-songwriter David Graff has just returned to writing and recording music with his wonderful new release ”Supposed To Fly". Despite some early success, with songs placed in movies and television, and an EP called "Some Of What I Know", David dropped out of the music business in the late nineties to pursue a career as a visual artist. However, his love of music as a creative outlet has brought him back with a strong collection of songs co-produced with his daughter Julia Graff and James Perrella that really deserve loads of airplay. With a voice that feels like a blend of Tom Petty, Don Henley and Joe Walsh, and some fabulous musicianship from a strong group of side players including Steve Dawson, Kirby Barber, David Barber and John Ellis, this radio friendly release has some finely crafted songs that run the gamut from reflections on life, to cautionary tales about relationships and favourite trucks. We caught up with David at home on Bowen Island to chat about the new album. For more informatio

Erin Costelo, the Halifax NS based keyboard playing singer-songwriter, composer and producer, is about to release another soulful R&B masterpiece, “Sweet Marie”, the follow up to 2016’s critically acclaimed “Down Below The Status Quo” — one of our favourite albums of that year. The new album (album number 5), featuring 10 songs recorded in 10 days last winter in a house by the sea in Little Harbour NS, was produced by Erin Costelo and also features Glenn Milchem (Blue Rodeo) on Drums, Anna Ruddick on bass (Randy Bachman, Ben Caplan), Leith Fleming-Smith (Matt Mays, Hawksley Workman) on organ and Erin’s long-time partner, Clive MacNutt on guitars. Leanne Hoffman and Kwento supply backing vocals, and there are also guest appearances by the Blue Engine String Quartet, Andrew MacKelvie on saxophone and flute, and Andrew Jackson on trombone. A ‘making of the album’ documentary directed by Juno-winning songwriter Amelia Curran is due to air on CBC TV this fall. We caught up with Erin Costelo on the road to chat abo

Winnipeg based singer-songwriter Madeleine Roger joins us on Episode 400 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about her debut solo album “Cottonwood”. Madeline produced a fabulous album “Fairweather” in 2016 with her twin brother Lucas - as duo Roger Roger. As Luke Roger has now decided to step away from writing and performing to focus on his work as a luthier, Madeleine is now forging ahead with her own solo career. Madeleine Roger is a great interview, and this new conversation is no exception. During our chat, Madeleine chats about the making of the new album, the importance of achieving gender balance and equality in the studio, the live experience, and why Winnipeg has such a great music scene. It’s a great interview - definitely well-worth sticking around for. We also check out more of the new music we’ve received including new releases from Georgian Bay, Sam Loaker, Lennie Gallant, Mike T. Kerr, Braden Gates, Ken Tizzard and Tragedy Ann.

Ottawa based musician Jack Pine joins us on Episode 399 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about his music and his 2017 album ”Left To My Own Devices”, nominated for a 2018 Canadian Folk Music Award in the New/Emerging Artist Category this time around. We also check out music from some of the other nominees at this year's awards taking place in Calgary the weekend of Nov 30 - Dec 1, 2018. For more information about the Canadian Folk Music Awards, visit http://folkawards.ca. Check out the website for the full playlist: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-399-feat-jack-pine-more-2018-canadian-folk-music-award-nominees/

Toronto-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Noah Zacharin released one of our favourite albums of 2016, the genre defying electric album "Strange Rider". His latest album "A Startle Of Wings" is a stripped down and intimate affair, and features Noah playing almost strictly solo acoustic guitar on a collection of 14 songs that really shows the depth and quality of his songwriting. It's a recording that Noah describes as best enjoyed in a quiet space with headphones, and an album that really deserves to be explored and savoured. Noah Zacharin joins us on Episode 398 of Folk Roots Radio for an in-depth conversation about the new release. We also check out new music from Sugar Brown, Judy Brown, Sue Foley, Cousin Harley and Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-398-feat-noah-zacharin-more-new-releases/

The hard to categorize British roots duo with the wide appeal, Red Dirt Skinners join us on Episode 397 of Folk Roots Radio to chat about their wonderful new album “Under Utopian Skies”. It’s a great interview and well worth sticking around for. We also check out more of the new music we’ve received including new releases from Rob McHale, Oliver The Crow, Laurie MacAllister, Kris Lager Band, Brooks Williams and Cris Cuddy. Check out the full playlist on the website: http://folkrootsradio.com/folk-roots-radio-episode-397-feat-the-red-dirt-skinners-more-new-releases/