All Americana/Singer-Songwriter Episodes

Jackie has been long one of our favorites, because he represents a kind of songwriting and storytelling we appreciate and his talent as a singer and player are significant. Lots has changed in his life since his appearance on our show back in October of 2017, he’s mostly moved back west and is now a father. He's also released a second installment of The Modern Lives EP and Live from Town Hall which was recorded back in October 2018 with a very hot band aptly named The Modern Lives Band. So it only made sense to catch up with Jackie Greene now. For more on Jackie, including tour dates and some cool videos, visit jackiegreene.com.

For the unaware, Frasco is a lifetime music industry type who began as a promoter and talent booker in LA at the age of 16. Through a series of circumstances, Frasco decided to try his own hand at being a performer, and in 2014 released his first record Half a Man. Some 5 years later, this latest record, sees Frasco pour out a cathartic series of well written songs at a time when the serial party boy needed a literal change of pace both personally and indeed professionally.  As you’ll soon hear this podcaster, performer, and pontificator is as real as they come, and Change of Pace will be your favorite record this year. It’s mine already. For more on Andy Frasco & The UN visit andyfrasco.com where you can also check out his podcast.

I first heard about Ida Mae, when I actually heard them open for the Marcus King Band here in Toronto back in November. I was impressed by the duo, who combine an acoustic rock sound with a gentler country blues thing. The couple's chemistry is something to be hold, and before any rumours start, Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean are in fact married. They have received critical acclaim already from Rolling Stone magazine and other media outlets. Their debut record Chasing Lights isn't out until June, but in the interim, they are on the road opening for Blackberry Smoke. You definitely will want to check them out on the road, and check out their album when it comes out. It's best if you follow Ida Mae or social media or check their website at idamaemusic.com for more information.

Greg Loiacono of The Mother Hips, has a new solo album in the works, and recently released its first single San Felipe a song which he sings with Jamie Drake. It's very removed from anything he'd do with the Mother Hips, and having an additional outlet for creativity is probably what every artist needs. We've posted the video for San Felipe on our facebook page, so check it out. Aside from working on solo material, Greg is also a member of the Green Leaf Rustlers who begin a short tour tonight, and yes, he is already gearing up for plans with Tim Bluhm on a new Mother Hips records. Luckily, we were able to catch up with Greg before he hit the road, and our conversation started when I asked about his new record due out soon on Blue Rose music. For more, visit GregLoiacono.com.

Cris Jacobs has been on our radar since his 2016 record Dust to Gold, because, well, it was awesome. Cris is as eclectic as he talented. That is to say, both are diverse and interesting. It's hard to peg this singer-songwriter down, because although his music is true to an Americana, country tradition, the dude has soul and is equally adept at writing love songs as he is at writing beautiful stories of the human condition. Certainly the latter is of great concern these days, given the socio political climate. He paints his words with an eloquent brush full of meaning, and his musical chops, and those of his band, enhance his works real charm. His new record Color Where You Are is due out April 12, and we were excited to get in touch.

When I heard Tim Bluhm was releasing a “country” solo record, his seventh if you count his Ball Point Birds stuff, we were eager to get him on. It’s true, Sorta Surviving, has a country feel, which made us even more curious about the project. While the album isn’t out until March 29th, we were eager to unpack the record with Tim, since we’ve been playing it quite a bit in the studio. You should definitely refer to timbluhm.com for tour dates, news about the record’s release, and more.

When we were first were notified that Hayes Carll was releasing a new record, we needed to get in touch with him. He’s absolutely one of our favorite songwriters because he paints such vivid pictures and blends excellent words-smithing with a very dry sense of humor. That isn’t to say though that he doesn’t have a lot to say about the human condition, socio-political issues or love, what is true though, is that he does it in a very genuine and authentic way without ramming his perspective down your ears. “What It Is” is out February 15th, and when you do get a chance to hear the record, pay particular attention to his carefully crafted phrasing, tremendous use of language and indeed the vivid way he paints a picture. You can learn more about Hayes’ other recordings and his upcoming tour at HayesCarll.com.

The Michigan Rattlers are a four piece, originally as the band name would suggest, from Michigan. They are currently on tour opening for the Lil’ Smokies, and that’s a pretty big break for them, this early on. Rather than telling you about their sound and story, we caught up with Graham Young the band’s primary song writer, vocalist and guitar player. You really need to hear all of their debut Evergreen to get the full scope of Graham’s songwriting ability. For more visit michiganrattlers.com.

While you may not have heard of Ben Sparaco and The New Effect yet, no doubt in the coming year you will. Ben, a Florida native, has played in a Grateful Dead cover band and has performed with Butch Trucks amongst other jam band notables. The New Effect came together in 2017 as a trio with Berklee College grads Anthony Quirk and Adam Discipio in Nashville. The trio has spent a lot of time on the road and plan to get at it in an even bigger way in 2019. I recently sat down with Sparaco to learn more about the New Effect, their music and their plans. You can learn more about Ben Sparaco and the New Effect at bensparaco.com.

Donna the Buffalo, are in fact a band beyond description, blending all a host of genres, into a hodge podge of styles from folk, to country to zydeco to everything in between. The band has had a rotating cast of characters, but the principle songwriters and vocalists, Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear have been at the helm of the herd since day one. Since the release of the White Tape in 1989, they have managed to host festivals, put out records, and tour extensively. Thats impressive for any band, let alone one that relies so heavily on touring for revenue. We caught up with Tara and Jeb on the road with the release of their latest record, Dance in the Street now a few weeks in the rearview mirror. Our conversation started when I asked if they ever get tired of the work that is an active touring band.

Joe Firstman has been a guy who has toiled in near obscurity but has had a fairly high profile career in the music business for almost two decades now. I suspect that’s about to change. He was, for almost a decade the band leader for Carson Daly’s late night show where he enlisted the likes of Kamasi Washington and Thundercat, and also put together other bands with people like Carl Broemal of My Morning Jacket and Slim Gambill of Lady Antebellum before we knew who they were. He’s opened for Sheryl Crow, Jewel and Willie Nelson. All of this is to say, that this native North Carolinian has been developing his chops, both as a songwriter and a bass player, all this time, and he’s about to bust out large with The Cordovas. They’re a little bit country, a little bit southern rock, and a lot Bakersfield sound.

The Skiffle Players are some what of a hodge podge of terrific California players including singer-songwriter, Cass McCombs, Neal Casal of Chris Robinson Brotherhood and Circles Aaround the Sun, Dan Horne also of Circles Around the Sun and Grateful Shred, Aaron Sperske of Beachwood Sparks along with the incomparable and outstanding Farmer Dave of Beachwood Sparks. Together they play a sort of Skiffle music that blends jazz, blues, folk and American folk all together. Its an extraordinary sound, and SKIFF their second full length album is a tremendous delight. Fortunately, we were able to catch up with Farmer Dave, the skiffle music historian of the group, and the glue that holds the enterprise together. We dig these guys a lot, and SKIFF is a hoot. For more on the Skiffle Players visit skiffleplayers.com or check them out on Facebook.

You may remember Elliott Peck’s name from Midnight North the band she fronts with Grahame Lesh. This project however is more personal and the songs are mostly her own. The record features an all-star cast of a backing band, a who’s who of the San Francisco music scene. We’ve always been big fans of Elliott’s sound, but hearing her sultry twangy stylings as the sonic focal point is a tremendous treat. Elliott’s sound combines a lot of the things we enjoy about music. Solid songwriting, excellent performances, and genuine personality. There is no doubt she wears her influences on her sleeve, but what’s exciting is that she makes each song her own. We’re sure that Elliott has a long career ahead of her both with Midnight North and as a solo artist. While she is our first time three time guest, we know doubt will hear lots more from her. You can too, by visiting elliottpeck.com and listening to her music, catching her live or following her on social media where she is fairly active.

Keller is one of those guys we’ve been dying to have on the show, because he is so unique in his musical approach, while performing so many different types of music. He is an artist in the truest sense of the word, and we’re always impressed when we see him play, or hear what he has to offer the community. We were particularly intrigued by his latest effort, an album, without words, and for an artist that has a lot to say, well, its quite the feat. While some of the work on Sans is a rework of some of older material, the album, is very fresh and exciting. With a packed tour ahead and lots of great music on board, you’ll want to check out kellerwillams.net.

Lindsay Lou and her band the Flatbellys have been mainstays of the current neo-bluegrass revival. Her recognizable sound is both memorable and refreshing. As a woman on the newgrass scene, there are no doubt hurdles she has to overcome to be part of the gang. We recently caught up with Lindsay to talk about her tour, the band’s more contemporary sound, and indeed being a woman in a male dominated environment. Our conversation started when I asked Lindsay how the audience is taking to a more eclectic sound, that keeps much of the Bluegrass tradition, but ads new flavours and textures to her sonic tapestry.

I think you’ll agree that Sister Sparrow’s voice is absolutely incredible, and this songstress’s past efforts with her band mates the Dirty Birds have all been awesome soulful efforts. This record though, GOLD, marks a change, having written all of the songs with a team of writers including producer Carter Matschullat and not the band. The album, recorded in Brooklyn at Matschullat’s studio DOOM, is a bit of a departure with a strong pop and hip-hop influence. We sat down with Arleigh AKA Sister Sparrow to get the low down on the record and her plans moving forward. We really dig the new sound, and still find time to listen to some of her older material which you definitely check out wherever you listen to music. For more on Sister Sparrow, you can visit her website at sistersparrow.com.

Amy Helm’s sophomore release, This Too Shall LIght is a gorgeous record, that taps into Amy’s wonderful spirit, her undeniable voice and a selection of songs that are both personal and important. Though this is only her second solo record, she has an extensive recording background having recorded with her father Levon Helm, and so many other incredibly talented musicians. For her sophomore release she pegged Joe Henry as the producer, which ultimately meant she would have to travel away from the studio and barn her family built in Woodstock, New York to LA to record with Henry. The harmonies, the lyrics, and indeed the stories behind the songs are all so brilliant and intertwined. Amy is carrying on the massive musical tradition laid by her father and his bandmates in a very earnest way, and for that we are grateful. You can catch Amy on the road, or at “The Barn” in Woodstock, New York, for details visit Amyhelm.com

Though not a household name to many, decker. has been toiling as a singer songwriter for just under a decade in Sedona, Arizona. It’s from that vibrant landscape that his words and playing are fused into a sort of alt.country/country/rock hybrid on acid. Those aren’t my words, as you soon will hear, those are his. His latest effort Born to Wake Up combines the aesthetic for which he is known with a much more personal approach to the themes of his music this go around. For more on decker. visit deckermusic.com.

In 1972, Ray Charles released "A Message for the People", a record, that combined his soul and R&B style with some distinctly country nuance. The album, now out of print is filled with really important, socially conscious songs delivered in a way only Ray could. Almost 50 years later, the stories of these songs still resonate, so much so, that the Band of Heathens decided to cover the album in its entirety, of course putting their own more modern, classic rock and country spin on it. We recently sad down with Ed Jurdi, to talk about A Message for the People - Revisited and its relevance today. Both A Message for the People and A Message for the People Revisited are two incredible albums you should check out. The former, the original from Ray Charles may be harder to find, but the Revisited record is available on all your favorite streaming services and of course to purchase at bandofheathens.com. Band of Heathens continues to be one of my favorite bands out their on the road, and they…

We first heard about Liz Cooper and The Stampede from our pal Steve. He sent us a link to an AudioTree Live session, and we liked it and so too did over 220,000 people. We’ve been jonesing to get her on the show ever since, and luckily with the release of her record “Window Flowers” we indeed got a chance to chat. Given her life on the road, the talented people she hangs with, and the songs she writes and performs, I suspect we will be hearing a lot more from Liz. She has an absolutely unmistakeable sound, and her guitar playing along with the talent of the stampede will take her even further. For tour dates, album info and more visit lizcooperandthestampede.com.

After talking to Grahame and Elliott of Midnight North about that record, I decided to check out where they were playing after Peach Festival. Turned out that they would be only 4 hours away in Canandaigua, New York, so technical producer Adam Karch and I hopped in a car and drove out to one of my favorite venues in North America. We indeed booked an opportunity to talk with members of Midnight North, and to our great amazement members of Twiddle. So picture it, me, Adam, and a roundtable that included Grahame, Ellliott of Midnight North, and Mihali, Gubb and Ryan of Twiddle. A few others interjected, but you get the basic idea. Our conversation started when I asked Mihali about hooking up with Midnight North a few years ago. For more midnight north info and dates visit midnightnorth.com, and for more Twiddle info visit twiddlemusic.com

Just over a year ago, we chatted with Grahame Lesh about the release of Midnight North’s record “Under the Lights”. Since that time, Midnight North has been reasonably busy, playing tour dates, festivals, and making various media appearances. With news that Midnight North was releasing a live record, “Selections from the Great American Hall”, we reached out to not only get Grahame on the show, but also Elliott Peck who shares lead vocal, songwriting and harmonies with Grahame. For more on “Midnight North Selections from the Great American Music Hall” visit midnightnorth.bandcamp.com.

I’ve been following Rayland Baxter’s career ever since his debut Feathers and FishHooks, an album I wore out, if you could do such a thing to a CD or digital files. What I appreciate most about Rayland is his attention to detail in his writing regarding the human condition. His thoughts, are your thoughts, and while he is serious about his personal craft, he isn’t disjointed from the reality we all live in. I sat down with Rayland to unpack this new record, one I think you should listen to. “Wide Awake” is definitely one of my favorite records of the year thus far. The outstanding song writing is matched by the absolute magical production value and playing by the entire cast. For more on Rayland visit raylandbaxter.com.

Ben Caplan recently released “Old Stock” a collection of songs that he wrote with fellow collaborators for a musical called “Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story”. As you heard, this baritone voiced artist is a songwriter, performer and wild entertainer. His infectious stage presence and ability to get everyone standing is always something to behold. We caught up with Ben, on the road, to talk about “Old Stock” and literally everything and anything he is up to. For tour dates and much more about Ben Caplan visit bencaplan.ca.