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This year, like other years, the Folk Alley staff came up with our personal Favorite
CDs for 2010 lists ( - click to here see our lists)
but we also invited other Folk DJ's and folk music writers to share their lists with us.
You will hear from many of these individuals when we launch our "Best of 2010" side stream in early January!
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| |  Bill Revill | Bill Revill WESU, 88.1 in Middletown, CT
Bill Revill has been a fan of the broad genre that encompasses folk, Americana, bluegrass and more for decades and had his first radio show while in college on WICB in Ithaca, New York. After 30+ years being off the air, he returned to the air in May 2010 hosting Acoustic Blender on WESU, 88.1 in Middletown CT (www.wesufm.org). Being a college station (Wesleyan University) the schedule of his show varies by semester (right now Tuesdays at 7:30) but always includes a blend of fine new and old roots oriented music.
View Bill Revill's Top Picks1. Darrel Scott A Crooked Road I found this album deeply moving, both musically and lyrically. There is a richness and melancholy to this collection, all written by Darrel Scott and all instruments played by him. I knew his songwriting before this but not the power of his own soulful performance. Label: Full Lights 2 Caroline Herring Golden Apples of the Sun The first time I played "Tales of the Islander" from this CD, I was, to use a much overused phrase, blown away. Simple and spare, Herring just cuts to the chase with her own material and her covers. She knocks the stuffing out of much-recorded "Long Black Veil." A really sweet voice with touching vibrato. Label: Signature Sounds 3 Justin Townes Earl Harlem River Blues He's had a troubled year which may have overshadowed this fine album a bit. Great rootsy material, Earle does the family name proud. It is both nostalgic of another time and contemporary. Label: Bloodshot Records 4 Bob Dylan The Whitmark Demos These recording by this 23 year old kid show great promise. Hope he makes something of himself. It really is a thrill to hear some of the songs so ingrained in our psyche recorded when Dylan was pretty much an unknown trying to sell his songs. Label: Columbia 5 The Honey Dewdrops These Old Roots I never heard of this duo until the CD showed up at the station, but when I put the CD on, I felt like I was listening to them play on the front porch on a summer evening. They remind me a bit of Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, but with their own voice. Sweet, sweet music. (Label: self release) | | |  Dennis Brunnenmeyer | Dennis Brunnenmeyer KVMR-FM, Nevada City, CA
Dennis grew up in the heart of Illinois, back in the days when the music of Bill Monroe, Flatt and Scruggs, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, and the WLS Barn Dance were the main sources of radio entertainment. In keeping with his rural background and tastes in music, Nevada City Limits features traditional and contemporary folk music steeped in the traditional hand-me-down style. Nevada City Limits airs bi-weekly on Fridays from 10am - 12noon (pacific); streaming at KVMR.org View Dennis Brunnenmeyer's Top Picks| Artist | CD | Notes | | The Honey Dewdrops | These Old Roots | Self-produced, this is one of the finest all-acoustic, roots-based CDs in recent years. It is a fitting follow-on to their first release, titled If The Sun Will Shine. Timeless acoustijnc folk music never sounded better than this. | | Red Molly | James | An incredible collection of songs by a collection of incredible artists, performed incredibly well. | | Joy Kills Sorrow | Darkness Sure Becomes This City | Progessively-styled folk music has never sounded better. | | Lynne Hanson | Once The Sun Goes Down | Lynne's third CD shows just how good a singer/songwriter can be. | | Black Prairie | Feast Of The Hunter's Moon | I can't wait to hear their next project. This is an eclectic mix of instruments in the hands of talented folk musicians. | | | |  Ellen Stanley | Ellen Stanley 90.3 FM Minneapolis/106.7 FM St. Paul; streaming online at KFAI.org - the radio station to listen to in the Twin Cities!
Ellen Stanley began her radio journey while a student at Oberlin College, in Ohio where she hosted a women's music program for four years. She has been hosting the long-running Womenfolk program on KFAI Fresh Air Radio in Minneapolis, Minnesota since Fall, 2002. As a banjo player, publicist and music writer, Ellen brings an insider's perspective to the music with exclusive interviews, live guests, eclectic roots music and tasty bits of fun folk trivia. Womenfolk is heard every Tuesday from 2 pm-4 pm (central) on 90.3 FM Minneapolis/106.7 FM St. Paul; streaming online at KFAI.org - the radio station to listen to in the Twin Cities! View Ellen Stanley's Top Picks1 Anais Mitchell Hadestown Righteous Babe - A brilliant and beautiful re-telling of the Eurydice/Orpheus myth with great guest appearanes by NYC’s top jazz instrumentalists and vocalists Greg Brown, Ani Difranco, Bon Iver and more! 2 Lizz Wright Fellowship Verve Forecast - An album I found in the jazz section but with its crossover folk, gospel and roots elements, I consider it folk and play it on my show. Infectious and full of positive energy, this disc makes you feel like dancing, singing and clapping your hands. Co-produced by Toshi Reagon and featuring powerhouse vocalists Meshell Ndgegeocello, Anglique Kidjo, Joan as Policewoman and Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon. 3 Lucy Wainwright Roche Lucy Self - The first full-length album for this rising star, featuring seemingly simple yet deep songwriting and nice stripped-down production that showcases Lucy’s crystal clear vocals. Special guests include Indigo Girls, Girlyman and parents Loudon Wainwright III and Suzzy Roche. 4 Ruth Moody The Garden Red House - The founding member of The Wailin’ Jennys releases her first full-length solo album. A garden of riches, this album is a beautiful and introspective collection explores love in the warmest and coldest times of the year. 5 Frazey Ford Obadiah Nettwerk - Another solo outing from one of Canada’s biggest roots bands, this album is from Be Good Tanya Frazey Ford and is a great mix of quiet folk and hip indie-rock. Great catchy songs sounding even better than the Tanyas’ recent albums. 6 The Chapin Sisters Oh, Hear the Wind Blow Self - This 2010 EP was my introduction to The Chapin Sisters (the daughters of folk legend Tom Chapin). They have released a full-length album called Two, but I prefer this sweet old-fashioned sounding collection of pop and folk. 7 Amelia Curran Hunter Hunter Six Shooter Records - My third Canadian songwriter to make my Best of 2010 list and a nice surprise. Didn’t know anything about this songwriter until I got this album in the mail. Really interesting songs that keep me coming back again and again. 8 Red Horse Red Horse Red House - With 3 of folk’s top songwriters, there is no way this album couldn’t make the list. Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka and Lucy Kaplansky team up for this laid-back folky collection. They each contribute a cover and an original and take turns on each other’s songs--great concept and fun record. 9 Devon Sproule Don’t Hurry for Heaven! Black Hen Music - A quirky album from one of today’s most interesting and eclectic songwriters with hilarious songs about God, family and relationships. | | |  Jeff Boudreau | Jeff Boudreau WCUW in Worcester,MA
With Russ Bellemer, Jeff produces and co-hosts "In the Tradition" on Worcester community radio WCUW. For Grafton Community Television, Jeff produces and hosts "Blackstone Valley Folk, the Grafton Sessions." As notloB Folk Concerts, Jeff Boudreau has produced since 2007 more than 75 not-for-profit acoustic concerts in the greater Boston area. View Jeff Boudreau's Top Picks| Artist | CD | Notes | | Annalivia | The Barrier Falls | 5-String Productions. The members of Annalivia - Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen, Emerald Rae, Brendan Carey - Block and Stuart Kenney are equally at home playing a set of traditional Scottish tunes as they are performing a ballad from the Appalachian mountains | | Blue Moose and the Unbuttoned Zippers | Rousted | Independent. ”Blue Moose and the Unbuttoned Zippers is an extraordinary group of wonderful young musicians who play a wide range of intoxicating music with instruments that you don’t hear everyday. There are a lot of young bands out there, but these folks are really my favorite!” -Matt Glaser, Artistic Director of the American Roots Music Program
Berklee College of Music | | Crooked Still | Some Strange Country | Signature Sounds. When my list is comprised mostly of old time music, traditional folk and string bands, it is no surprise that Cambridge-born Crooked Still is at the eye of this perfect storm. | | David Rovics | Troubador, Peoples' History in Song | Independent. Think of "Troubador" as a companion to the similar work by Howard Zinn. | | Della Mae | acoustic e.p. | “So refreshing to see a band of 'ladies' but that's not what it's about... These gals can also get down and are not messing around." -Mike Marshall | | Grant Gordy | Grant Gordy | Independent. FLATPICKING PHENOM Grant Gordy is an emerging voice in the world of contemporary string band music. Gordy started out playing roots and bluegrass, and was eventually drawn to the sounds of jazz, classical, and “Dawg” music—a term used by mandolin legend David “Dawg” Grisman to describe his distinctive blend of bluegrass and Gypsy jazz. Since then, Gordy has dedicated himself to honing his technique and developing an original voice that effortlessly and convincingly merges seemingly unrelated genres of music. | | Hanneke Cassel | For Reasons Unseen | Cassel Records. See review here. | | Jenee Halstead | The River Grace (CD) and Hollow Bones (EP) | Independent. "In just ten songs, Halstead manages to say and do so much, in ways few other artists can. Her spirit and her voice reveal a singer/songwriter who seems to have been around the block many times before and has both a voice and stories that are wise beyond her years. These are the kind of songs that send artists to legendary status and place themselves in museums. That this is just her debut is remarkable. Her tender alto has the same tenderness and sensitivity that folk stalwarts Patty Griffin, Emmylou Harris and Shawn Colvin have worn to prominence and that future seems almost certain for Halstead." --Gregory Robson, AbsolutePunk.net | | Jeremy Kittel Chasing Sparks | Chasing Sparks | Compass Records. "Over an hour of fiddle music, from the devilish to the divine, played by a consummate musician whose style and repertoire sit somewhere between Nashville and Nairn
." Folk World | | Laura Cortese Acoustic Project | Acoustic Project | Cortese Music. When one combines the talents of Laura Cortese, Natalie Haas, Brittany Haas and Hanneke Cassel watch out for explosive exellence! | | Lissa Schneckenburger Dance | Dance | Footprint Records. Following her 2008 release "Song", which was a collection of songs gathered from down east fishermen and loggers, "Dance" is a compilation of nothern New England traditional dances given new and interesting arrangements. | | Matt Brown | My Native Home | 5-String Productions. With original songs performed "in the tradition" plus interpretations of old-time classics, done solo and with the fine accompanyment of Mark Schatz, Brittany Haas, Ben Krackauer, "My Native Home" is my personal selection for tradtional album of the year. | | Neptune's Car | Strawberry Moon | Independent. My favorite CD by a local artists Holly Hansen and Steve Hayes, "Strawberry Moon" has done very well on the Folk DJ, Whole Wheat and Americana DJ lists. An excellent first effort, keep Neptune's Car on your radar. | | Sandra Wong and Dominick Leslie | Sandra Wong and Dominick Leslie | Independent. A CD of original tunes and folk music from around the world featuring Sandra Wong- Nyckelharpa and Fiddle, Dominick Leslie-Mandolin, Grant Gordy-Guitar, Eric Thorin-Bass and special guests Jayme Stone-Banjo, Ian Hutchison-Bass, and Ty Burhoe-Tabla. | | Si Kahn | Courage | Strictly Country Records. As if Si's works could not stand alone, he has assitance from Jens Kruger (plays all instruments), Kathy Mattea (harmony vocals) and Tom Chapin (co-wrote "Otis is Flying"). | | The Deadly Gentlemen | Carry Me To Home | Independent. If Sam Bush is recognized as the father of newgrass, these five talented men should be considered the fathers of 21st century grass. | | | |  Jimmie Wilson | Jimmie Wilson WRUW in Cleveland, Ohio: host of Roll Away the Dew
Jimmie Wilson has been playing folk and acoustic music for listeners in the Cleveland area for nearly 30 years. His Saturday morning show Roll Away the Dew touches on the old and the new, and he stretches the term "folk music" rather broadly. He also records many folk concerts that take place around the area. His recordings can be heard on the Live From Folk Alley page. Roll the the Dew is heard in the Cleveland area on Saturdays from 9:00 - 11:30a.m. (eastern); streaming online at WRUW.org .
View Jimmie Wilson's Top Picks1 Natalie Merchant Leave Your Sleep This stunning collection is made up of songs for children with an incredibly eclectic mix of supporting musicians, including the Fairfield Four, Lunasa, the Ditty Bops, and many many more. 2 Darrell Scott A Crooked Road Darrell Scott's latest collection is 2 CDs of some of his best work to date. 3 Jimmy Webb Just Across The River Jimmy Webb does some of his best known songs here in duet form with friends like Lucinda Williams, Linda Ronstadt, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson and many more. The band is an all-acoustic ensemble led by guitarist Bryan Sutton. 4 The Waybacks and Friends Abbey Road live at the Merlefest Hillside Album Hour The Waybacks brought many friends to the Merlefest Hillside stage this year to perform the Beatle's "Abbey Road" album in its entirety. The performance was wonderful, featuring Sarah Dugas (of the Duhks) as lead singer and Jens Kruger (of the Kruger Brothers) among the featured instrumentalists. Other "friends" included Jerry Douglas, Byron House, Elvis Costello, Shannon Whitworth, and Jim Lauderdale. 5 Red Horse Red Horse Eliza Gilkyson, Lucy Kaplansky and John Gorka get together to sing each other's songs. 6 Crooked Still Some Strange Country It took some time for the latest edition of Crooked Still to fully gel, but this collection shows them at their best. 7 Ruth Moody The Garden Ruth Moody (founder of the Wailing Jennys) goes solo for a lovely collection of new songs. 8 Hey Mavis Hey Mavis Cleveland's "Hey Mavis" team up with veteran producer Don Dixon for a great debut CD 9 Carolina Chocolate Drops Genuine Negro Jig This wonderful band keeps the tradition of black string band music alive
. and well! 10 Molly O'Brien and Rick Moore Saints & Sinners Tim's big sister Molly is at her best in this wide-ranging collection of songs from many writers 11 Red Molly James This New York trio formed at Falcon Ridge a few years ago and just keep getting better. 12 Willie Nelson Country Music T-Bone Burnett is in the producer chair for Willie's first Rounder recording. The result is unlike anything he's done before. 13 Si Kahn Courage Si Kahn is back with an inspirational collection of story-songs, backed by the incredible Jens Kruger and Kathy Mattea 14 Mary Chapin Carpenter The Age of Miracles Chapin is better than ever now that she no longer has to send hits up the country charts 15 Carpenter and May Carpenter and May These two incredible pickers cover everything from the purely traditional to acoustic versions of the Beatles and other pop songs. | | |  Mary Sue Twohy | Mary Sue Twohy Host on The Village on Sirius XM
With three CDs (1998, 2001 and 2005) and one tape (1996), Mary Sue Twohy toured regionally and earned awards from the Washington Area Music Association and various national song contests and currently calls Takoma Park, Maryland her home. As a lot of musicians do, Mary Sue found herself involved with many sides to the music business - programming local folk festivals by committee, public relations, emcee, guest speaker, open mic host, stage manager and more. Mary Sue opened her own boutique acoustic music public relations firm for four years, BTM Communications, with assisting clients including Tom Paxton, The Barns of Wolftrap in Vienna, VA. As a publicist, she soon met her future boss Robert Aubry Davis, Program Director of The Village, the folk channel on Sirius XM. Robert welcomed a hand with the contemporary side of folk for The Village. After hosting a show for a short while, the ratings for the folk channel improved and Mary Sue was hired to host 40 hours a week on The Village. Mary Sue celebrates 5 years of on air broadcasting with over 6,000 broadcast hours logged in October 2010. View Mary Sue Twohy's Top Picks1 Chris Kokesh October Valentine I am a sucker for a well contrsucted song that is sung with the heart flung open. 2 Tim O'Brien Chicken & Egg Completely charmed! And a Woody Guthrie lyric included locking this one down for me! 3 Luka Bloom Dreams in America This CD hung out in my car CD player for quite sometime - soundtrack for my movie for at least a month. 4 Darrell Scott A Crooked Road Got under my skin - had to listen to this CD more. 5 Dala Everyone is Someone the lyric was so moving and intimate - this CD amazed me. 6 Grace Pettis Grace Pettis Wow! Great record! 7 Meg Hutchinson The Living Side Incredible writing 8 Patty Larkin 25 I fell in love with Patty's songs again -love this CD! 9 Le Vent Du Nord La Part de Feu This album made my year! 10 Ray Wylie Hubbard A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment (Hint: There is no C) Mezmerized joy. | | |  Karen Impola | Karen Impola Iowa Public Radio
Karen Impola has been hosting folk music on Iowa Public Radio (and its precursor stations) since 1990 in a variety of time slots. Her current show, "The Folk Tree" is heard from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. central time on Sundays. The Folk Tree features music that is rooted in tradition, but spreads out in a variety of modern directions, including blues and bluegrass; singer-songwriters new and old; rockers getting back to their acoustic roots; plus excursions into Celtic and world music. The show also features exclusive recordings made at venues throughout the IPR listening area, and occasionally, live musical guests in IPR's very own studios. View Karen Impola's Top Picks1 Tim O’Brien Chicken and Egg (Howdy Skies) Tim O’Brien couldn’t make bad music if he tried. On his last album, “Chameleon”, he played all the instruments himself; for “Chicken & Egg”, he went into the studio with a bunch of great musicians, and they recorded pretty spontaneously, without a lot of rehearsal. 2 Grada Natural Angle (Compass) This one was produced by Tim O’Brien, and he plays banjo on this track. Grada is an Irish band, but they branch out quite a bit. 3 Annie Gallup Weather “Weather” is subtitled “A Collection of Songs Arranged for Voice and String Quartet” Annie Gallup is an outstanding poet. 4 Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band Legacy (Compass) Peter Rowan has the ultimate bluegrass credential - he was part of Bill Monroe’s band for a brief time in the 1960’s. He also was part of Old & in the Way, with Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and Vassar Clements, and the folk-rock bands Earth Opera and Seatrain. His current band features Jody Stecher (another one of my favorites) on mandolin, Keith Little on banjo, and Paul Knight on bass. 5 The Cottars Feast (Rounder) From Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, where there’s a strong Celtic music tradition. This band in the early 2000’s, when its members were teenagers. This is their fourth album, but only the second released in the U.S. 6 Amelia Curran Hunter, Hunter (Six Shooter) From Halifax, Nova Scotia, but definitely non-celtic. I think she sounds like a cross between Gillian Welch and Tom Waits. 7 Stephanie Bettman & Luke Halpin It All Comes Back to Love (Fiddlin' Lizard) Based in Los Angeles. Their website describes them as bluegrass, but the tracks I like best on this album are distinctly non-bluegrassy. Stephanie does most of the songwriting, and you can’t hear it on this track, but she’s also a contest-winning fiddler and a trapeze artist (!) 8 Carolina Chocolate Drops Genuine Negro Jig (Nonesuch) Three young musicians who are exploring and perpetuating the black string band tradition. This album also includes a Tom Waits song, a rap/r&b cover, and an English ballad. Wow. 9 Genticorum La Bibournoise (Roues et Archets) This one actually came out in 2008, but we got hold of it when the band played in Iowa earlier this year. Genticorum (it’s a nonsense word) is a three-piece young French-Canadian band - usually, fiddle, guitar, and bass, with the bass player occasionally doubling on flute. Excellent vocal harmonies, too. 10 Claudia Schmidt Promising Sky (Pragmavision) Claudia Schmidt is a quintessentially midwestern folksinger who’s been around since the 1970’s. With her Fun-tet, she veers into jazzy territory. Fun indeed. | | |  Kim Ruehl | Kim Ruehl No Depression Community Manager; About.com Folk Music Guide
After dedicating her 20s to the pursuit of a career in folk music, Kim Ruehl began working as a writer in 2004. Since then, she's written features on folk and roots music for publications as variant as Billboard and Seattle's Sound and CityArts magazines. She's the Folk Music Guide for About.com (part of The New York Times Company) and Community Manager at NoDepression.com. She currently lives in Asheville, NC, and is writing a book about the life and work of Zilphia Horton ("This Little Light of Mine," "We Shall Overcome," etc). View Kim Ruehl's Top Picks1 Crooked Still Some Strange Country Signature Sounds - Crooked Still have always been a terrific bluegrass-informed stringband, but there was something about 'Some Strange Country' which pulled them to a new level. Imaginative arrangements and unexpected turns make this record one you must stop what you're doing and hear start to finish. A rare feat in the age of single-song downloads. 2 Justin Townes Earle Harlem River Blues Bloodshot - Few would argue that Justin Townes Earle posesses a gift for songwriting which belies his years. While a first listen makes this disc sound like a tribute to the Big Apple, a second time through, you hear songs so honest and raw, it hurts. 3 Punch Brothers Antifogmatic Nonesuch Records - Punch Brothers are, quite surely, one of the finest, most creative stringbands at work these days, and 'Antifogmatic' is just further proof. Fuzing styles from jazz to rock bluegrass, and ragtime, the disc spotlights the fact that these five players defy definition in favor of making music that just sounds great. 4 Anais Mitchell Hadestown Righteous Babe Records - This ambitious record placed the Orpheus myth in the context of a post-apocalyptic depression, using a contemporary folk aesthetic to tell the story. The fact that Mitchell also employed the vocal skills of Justin Vernon, Ani DiFranco, and Greg Brown certainly helped make it memorable, but it was Mitchell's vision and songwriting which brought it home. 5 Bob Dylan The Bootleg Series Vol. 9: The Wittmark Demos 1962-64 Sony/Legacy - It's been quite some time since Bob Dylan came on the scene as a folksinger, and he's since veered in every other direction. But, this collection reminds us of what it was about his work in the first place, and where his early songs helped to steer the folk revival. 6 Carolina Chocolate Drops Genuine Negro Jig Nonesuch Records - The CCDs' debut was an excellent assertion through old timey stringband music, but 'Genuine Negro Jig' seems far more fully realized. It's songs are each energetic, dexterous, and relevant despite the fact many of them were pulled from deep in history. 7 Laura Veirs July Flame Raven Marching Band Records - Veirs's previous album - 'Saltbreakers' - was a large band effort full of ambitious, cacophanous arrangements. This time around, she stripped the songs down to their simplest essence, letting her folkie roots show. 8 Jakob Dylan Women + Country Columbia Records - Dylan steers into the more precarious side of love with this richly produced (by T Bone Burnett) collection of songs. Backing vocals by Neko Case and Kelly Hogan add a certain arful lushness to his Dylan's often hesitant lyrics about optimism and heartbreak. 9 Patty Griffin Downtown Church Credential Recordings - Though I'm not typically a fan of gospel music, Griffin's approach (produced by Americana darling Buddy Miller) is creative and stirring. She manages to steer directly to the core of these songs, drawing out their universal messages. 10 Ben Sollee & Daniel Martin Moore Dear Companion SubPop - Sollee and Moore tackled the issue of mountaintop removal by presenting this stirring collection of songs from and about those affected by the practice. Certainly the most arresting topical album of the year. | | |  Mark Michaelis | Mark Michaelis WGDR in Plainfield, Vermont: host of Acoustic Harmony
Mark Michaelis has been hosting Acoustic Harmony on WGDR since 1990. He first discovered the joy of free format programming in the late 70s while hosting an on campus college radio show and now appreciates that same free format freedom at WGDR where he plays the music of contemporary folk artists and singer songwriters, often featuring live guests and recorded interviews. Acoustic Harmony is heard on alternating Saturdays at 4:30 PM-07:30 PM (eastern); streaming at WGDR.org
View Mark Michaelis's Top PicksSherry Austin Live Still Remains; Barking Topiary Records; Sherry keeps Kate Wolfs music alive and fresh in this loving tribute in which she wrote one original as well as the music for two of Kates lyrics. Beautifully produced, a must have for Kate Wolf fans. Mary Chapin Carpenter The Age Of Miracles; Zoe/Rounder; A true exploration, looking inward and outward, a superb collection of deeply personal songs. Mary Chapin Carpenter never disappoints. Amelia Curran Hunter, Hunter; Six Shooter Records; Haunting melodies paired with perceptive lyrics that with one listen will become cemented in your mind. A sparsely produced stellar classic. Krista Detor Chocolate Paper Suites; Tightrope Records; An arresting and mesmerizing collection of stunning songs which present something new with each listen. Rex Fowler & Tom Dean Imangined: The John Lennon Song Project; Red Engine Records; An incredible acoustic treatment and interpretation of Lennon/McCartney songs. These Beatle songs opened up to me in a whole new way with this record. Keith Greeninger & Dayan Kai Make It Rain; Waimele Music; Rarely will you hear two exquisite musicians share voices and musical sensibilities that blend into a record as brilliant and cohesive as this. Recorded live in the studio, this record perfectly captures the spirit and beauty of Keith and Dayans harmonies and playing. Chris Kokesh October Valentine; Fiddlestein Music; How can a voice sound so sweet and hopeful and yet so sad and forlorn at the same time? Chriss poignant vocals surrounded by sparse acoustic arrangements provide a stellar combination on this record. Ruth Moody The Garden; Red House Records; Ruths gorgeous vocals shine throughout this lovely record. A delightfully intimate record. Carrie Newcomer Before & After; Rounder; A master storyteller with a gift for noticing the simple things that so often touch our everyday lives, a wonderful acoustic record. Tom Pacheco Ill Leave A Light On For You; Trackattack Records; A beautifully produced record from one of the most prolific singer/songwriters around, anchored by the fabulous title track, a touching tribute to Toms good friend and former member of the band, Rick Danko. Suzanne Vega Close-Up Vol 1, Love Songs; Suzanne Vega Amanuensis Productions; An acoustic reworking of some of Suzannes best. A collection of Love themes in various settings runs through this marvelous stripped down acoustic gem.
| | |  Ron Olesko | Ron Olesko WFDU in Teaneck, New Jersey: host of Traditions
Ron Olesko is host of WFDU-FM's longest running radio show Traditions, a program that he created in 1980. Ron has appeared on Sirius XM Satellite Radio's folk channel's Village Liberation series and hosted the channels New Years Eve show to welcome in 2011. Ron has written for Sing Out! magazine and is also the President of the Hurdy Gurdy Folk Music Club in Fair Lawn, NJ; and chairperson for the Northest Regional Folk Alliance formal showcase committee. Traditions can be heard on Sundays from 3-6pm (eastern); streaming online and archived at www.WFDU.fm
View Ron Olesko's Top Picks1 Carolina Chocolate Drops Genuine Negro Jig (Nonesuch) The second CD from this North Carolina trio is a continuation of their immersion with the Piedmont string band music, bringing the tradition to center stage and carrying it to the future by mixing in songs from Tom Waits and Blu Cantrell. 2 Crooked Still Some Strange Country (Signature Sounds) The nu-folk band has seen some changes on the road to creating their 4th CD, and they come through with their finest recording to date. 3 Eliza Carthy & Norma Waterson Gift (Topic) Hard to believe that this is the first time that mother and daughter teamed up to record a duo CD. A fitting collection marked with class, humor and incredibly rich music. More than a gift - a treasure!! 4 Gilkyson, Gorka & Kaplansky Red Horse (Red House) The term supergroup gets tossed around too frequently, but this trio fits the definition. A unique perspective as each artist takes on songs from other members of the trio. 5 Mumford & Sons Sigh No More (Glass Note) Anyone who feels that folk music is just a niche style should listen to this CD. Mumford & Sons show how the folk scene is vibrant and alive - and they hit the Billboard pop charts to spread the news! 6 Red Molly James (self) The trio's finest CD to date, and a fitting "goodbye" as founding member Carolann Solebello left the group shortly after the CD's release. 7 Rex Fowler & Tom Dean Imagined: The John Lennon Song Project (self) When I first heard "Imagined: The John Lennon Song Project", I experienced the same feelings that I recall upon first listening to the Beatles "White" album. Rex and Tom honor John Lennon with a touching re-visit to classic songs, proving the music of the Beatles belong in the folk canon. 8 Suzanne Vega Close Up: Volume 1 Love Songs (self) Suzanne Vega revists some of her finest work, and adds new depth and beauty to songs that were already deeply moving. 9 Terence Martin The Last Black and White TV (Good Dog Music) A powerful songwriter, Terence Martin takes us on a musical roadtrip that creates some great images and memories. 10 The Once The Once (Borealis) The Canadian trio is a new entry on the folk scene, but their outstanding debut CD delivers a mix of songs that satisfies my trad jonesing while offer something new and fresh. 11 Two Man Gentleman Band ¡Dos Amigos Una Fiesta! (Serious Business) Harkening back to the days when song titles and lyrics had more than one meaning, the Two Man Gentleman band offer a lighthearted collection of raucous and sweet tunes with the double entrendre cleary evident - in fact down right obvious! Great fun and great music from the best dressed band in NYC | | |  Steve Clarke | Steve Clarke Erin Radio ~ CHES in Erin, Ontario: host of Acoustic Planet
As the volunteer host of Acoustic Planet on Erin, Ontario's community radio station for the past five years, Steve has developed a growing and loyal audience with his diverse musical selections and regular interviews with artists from all over. Acoustic Planet can be heard Thursday 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.(eastern), and rebroadcast on Monday at 11 p.m.; streaming at Erin Radio View Steve Clarke's Top Picks1 Jack Marks Lost Wages Unsigned Toronto based indie artist (myspace.com/jackmarksmusic). Think of John Prine wrapped in a layer of Dylan. Robust singing and superb support from the band produce the best from well crafted and insightful songs. 2 Ron Hynes Stealing Genius Borealis Records. A compelling collection inspired by and based on the work of authors and poets from Mr. Hynes' native Newfoundland. 3 Mavis Staples You Are Not Alone ANTI Records. Inspired gospel by the inspired and inspiring Mavis Staples. 4 Justin Rutledge The Early Widows Six Shooter Records. Like sunlight pushing through the crack in a doorway, this album is a study in light and shadow. It comes out of collaboration with renowned author Michael Ondaatje; the songs are anchored in Rutledge's meticulously crafted lyrics and are buoyed by superior performances from the band and other supporting cast. 5 John McVey Unpredictable Independent relase (www.johnmcvey.com). It’s been a decade since singer/songwriter John McVey released his last album,but its been worth the wait. Boulder CO based McVey has produced a front-loaded 10-track collection of contemporary folk that makes for an enjoyable listen. 6 Si Kahn Courage The 16th album from ther long time folkie, community organizer and seeker of social justice. Stories that had to be told. Hopes that spring from a caring heart. 7 Robinella Fly Away Bird Indie artist Robinella Contreras (www.robinella.com) has provided her usual eclectic mix of roots and jazz based melody. Doesn't tour much but you can catch her in and around eastern Tennessee. 8 Matt Andersen (1) Live at the Phoenix (2) The Spirit of Christmas Busted Flat Records. The Canadian bluesman's strong singing and guitar come to the fore in his Live at the Phoenix CD, capturing why people flock to a Matt Andersen performance. Matt's Christmas album is simply superb and will be a seasonal standby for years to come. 9 Rosemary Phelan What Sings in the Blood Indie release. Toronto based Rosemary Phelan crafts exquisite songs that demand to be heard. 10 Matt Watroba Shine Right Through the Dark Yellow Room Records. Fellow folk DJ Matt Watroba has assembled a well crafted musical set on his latest CD. An excellent supporting cast of other Detroit area musicians. 11 Ernie Hawkins Whinin' Boy www.ernie hawkins.com Old timey blues in the style of the Rev. Gary Davis. 12 Jane Eamon Caught in Time Janey Girl Records. Songs of discovery crafted by a superior writer whose sultry alto wins you over immediately. 13 The Once The Once Borealis Records. Tight harmonies, excellent arrangementss and terrific supporting instruments from this Newfoundland trio. 14 Tribes Hill Tribes Hill Indie release: www.tribeshill.com. A compilation double CD featuring more than 2 dozen musicians from the Hudson Valley and southern New York state. Tribes Hill is a nonprofit organization uniting musicians of the lower Hudson Valley region and their patrons in support of a music community that aspires to common goals and beliefs. The music is phenomenal. 15 Lynn Miles Fall For Beauty True North Records. Lynn's ability to craft and articulate the emotion in her songs gets better and better in this latest release.
| | |  Steve Harris | Steve Harris KRCC in Colorado Springs, Colorado: hosts Grass Roots Revival
Steve hosts Grass Roots Revival on KRCC, Colorado Springs - a member-supported public radio station affiliated with Colorado College. Each week he plays an eclectic mix of contemporary roots music, with the primary emphasis on bluegrass, folk, Americana, alt-country and roots rock. Grass Roots Revival is heard Wednesday nights from 8-10 pm (mountain) on KRCC; streaming online at KRCC.org
View Steve Harris's Top Picks1 The Infamous Stringdusters Things That Fly Sugar Hill 2 Darrell Scott A Crooked Road Full Light 3 The Haunted Windchimes Honey Moonshine Blank Tape 4 Keller & The Keels Thief SCI Fidelity 5 John Hiatt The Open Road New West 6 Roy Schneider Erleichda Shiny Gnu 7 Crooked Still Some Strange Country Signature Sounds 8 Head for the Hills Head for the Hills Self 9 Nora Jane Struthers Nora Jane Struthers Self 10 Red Horse Red Horse Red House 11 Andrew & Noah Van Norstrand All the Good Summers Great Bear 12 Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band Legacy Compass 13 Robert Plant & the Band of Joy Band of Joy Rounder 14 Mary Chapin Carpenter The Age of Miracles Zoe 15 Cherryholmes Cherryholmes IV: Common Threads Skaggs Family | | |  Steve Jarrett | Steve Jarrett KOPN in Columbia, Missouri: host of Sunday Morning Coffeehouse
Steve Jerrett has been involved in music for most of his life and in folk music particularly since 1962 when he learned the guitar. As a performer he has played in venues from the New England area and the Midwest. In 1994 Steve began volunteering at KOPN. He inherited The Sunday Morning Show when its host moved away to Colorado. In July of 1994 KOPN's Sunday Morning Coffeehouse was born. Sunday Morning Coffeehouse is heard every Sunday from 9:00 to noon (central) on KOPN; streaming at KOPN.org
View Steve Jarrett's Top Picks1 Cathy Barton & Dave Para Sweet Journeys Roustabout 2 Ruth & Max Bloomquist Turn Back A Page Ruby 3 Ellis Paul The Day After Everything Changed Black Wolf 4 Krista Detor Chocolate Paper Suites Tightrope 5 Sarah McQuaid Double CD Sarah McQuaid 6 Andina And Rich Two Guitars, A Dulcimer And An Attitude DulciYodel 7 Grada Natural Angle Compass 8 Cloudstreet Circus Of Desires Cloudstreet 9 Red Horse Red Horse Red House 10 The Cottars Feast Rounder |
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