efolkMusic Song of the Week

Tom Martin: Twisting In the Wind

chris@efolkmusic.org — Mon, 5 Sep 2011 12:48:48 -0400

Here's a lovely song from Tom Martin. Tom comes from Ireland and his music covers a wide range of styles. Tom Martin...Widely regarded as one of the finest guitarists to come out of Ireland, but primarily a brilliant songwriter of longstanding cult status...Easy to listen to, hard to define with a melodic touch of Paul Simon and lyrical insight of a John Prine, but with a sound and a songwriting skill that is undeniably his own. - Belfast Telegraph

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 21:00:21 -0400

From John Palmes' "Small Voices" Album- John's release is the product of almost 40 years of figuring out what the world's first stringed instrument can do. This is a fine example of the real folk process, interesting and fun, showing an amazing range.

Fallon Cush: Tiny Town

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 8 May 2011 15:28:53 -0400

Alexia Spieler: "Fallon Cush is an album that cannot be set into one genre or stereotyped under one category and features a diversity of styles from simple acoustic to classic rock and brings it all to the table and serves up an exceptional album."

This is an excellent Australian band fronted by one Steve Smith, who also penned the songs. This is smart stuff, hope this band gets to the States!

Fairport Convention: One More Chance

chris@efolkmusic.org — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 22:05:56 -0400

Much to the excitement of Fairport Convention and Sandy Denny fans around the globe, Philadelphia's ItsAboutMusic.com has released ultra rare recordings of the famed UK group recorded live at Ebbets Field in Denver, Colorado May 23/24, 1974. Produced and digitally remastered by Fairport Convention's Jerry Donahue, the 1974 line-up of Fairport Convention on these recordings feature Sandy Denny (Vocals, Piano), Dave Mattacks (Drums), Jerry Donahue (Lead Guitar, Vocals), Dave Pegg (Bass,Vocals), Trevor Lucas (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar) and Dave Swarbrick (Vocals, Violin). This historical audio documentation catches the band at the height of their career performing to an ecstatic audience. Exclusive efolkMusic download, thanks to itsaboutmusic.com!

We Steal Flyers: Our World

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 6 Feb 2011 22:04:29 -0500

We Steal Flyers is a catchy acoustic duo touring out of Northumberland in the UK, and they offer up the title track from their new album, this is very cool: Our World is a Celtic flavored power-ballad of the first water, click and download....thanks, Derek & Shaggy!

David Roon: Sphere

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 9 Jan 2011 13:40:22 -0500

David Roon offers up "Sphere" from Skies full of Seas, his first recording of original material. Living in northern Idaho, David makes his music "in the interstitial spaces between canoeing and exploring wild places, romping with family and friends, and reading to exhaustion." Lovely playing and singing with a Celtic flavor, listen and download this free track:

Linq: Oh Bully

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 20:51:17 -0500

Linq offers a powerful song dealing with the devastating effects of bullying on our youth. “As an indie music writer, I feel seriously outclassed here. Linq has no business being on an indie site. She should be opening for Bob Dylan. Or Joni Mitchell. Janis Ian would love her too. It’s not just Linq’s talent that puts her on this level. As a protest folk singer/songwriter and activist, she somehow manages to avoid the 'Everything Sucks' sub-genre that so many indie protest folkies fall into.” Indie-Music.com

Weathered Pages: When He Calls

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sat, 6 Nov 2010 08:52:23 -0400

Weathered Pages is composed of artist's Jeff Bresee & Brian Thalman, who met while seeking help with the struggles with addiction and depression. Jeff, a published poet, turned his work over to Brian, an accomplished musician, and one by one...poems began to transform into songs

Bennett Brier: Scorpio and Me

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 12:19:37 -0400

Here is the title track from veteran Texas songwriter Bennett Brier's latest album. Well-produced and sung by Jay Sims with Stephen Doster on guitar.

Andy May: Blackberry Jam

chris@efolkmusic.org — Mon, 6 Sep 2010 21:54:28 -0400

Americana pioneer Andy May is an exceptional songwriter, singer, and performer and an award-winning guitarist and mandolinist. He’s played venues from honky-tonks to Carnegie Hall, coffee houses to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and is a regular at MerleFest and Winfield. As a teacher, workshop leader, and record producer, Andy also helps others express themselves musically.

"A taste of summer," set to the traditional fiddle tune, "Blackberry Blossom," which Andy adapted for the lyric. On Andy's "Blackberry Jam" CD (Swift River Music/BMI). Written by Lauren LeCroy May & Andy May

"Haggard Had It Right" by McAdoo Perkins

chris@efolkmusic.org — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:30:10 -0400

McAdoo Perkins: Here's a well-deserved tribute to the great Merle Haggard by songwriting partners Jim Perkins and Mike McAdoo. Perk and Mike met in 1990 when they both worked onstage with the Shoji Tabuchi Show in Branson, Missouri. The musical chemistry was evident from the beginning and the two began writing songs together as well as playing their own shows. Their latest album, The River, is smart, entertaining, country music- more on their artist page
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David Porteous: A Day In the Life

chris@efolkmusic.org — Tue, 6 Jul 2010 20:20:29 -0400

David Porteous is a Canadian singer/songwriter and documentary filmmaker who currently resides in Toronto, Canada. Now 26-years-old, David began writing music at age 11 and making his own films at the age of 12. Since 1999, he has produced and recorded 20 independent music releases, including ten LPs and ten EPs, had his first radio play on CBC Radio 2 at the age of 14, released the World's First Video Album for the iPod video player, written numerous film scores, which includes an HBO pilot, music for a nationwide run television commercial, has been nominated as an Olympic Torchbearer, was a CBC Sunday "Spotlight" artist, a NOW Magazine "Critic's Pick", has a Honours Diploma in Sound Engineering and a Degree in Documentary Filmmaking.

Mike Whellans: Shake It

chris@efolkmusic.org — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:12:48 -0400

Recorded in one-take, 'Shake it' is a raw, gritty, slide guitar & harmonica number from the Scottish bluesman, which gives more than a passing nod to one of his long time heroes & influences, the great John Lee Hooker; from Mike's new release on Temple Records.

John Bowlin's Groundhog Strut (featuring George Clinton), by Mary Z Cox

chris@efolkmusic.org — Wed, 7 Apr 2010 11:04:30 -0400

Mary Z. Cox on her John Bowlin 1865 fretless banjo, Yazid on djembe, congas, pots and pans and car keys, and George Clinton (PFUNK) singing "Old Groundhog." The rough version of this tune fell out of the Bowlin banjo on the day it arrived--then Mary Z and Yazid had fun playing it on drums and banjo. Then, our recording engineer/producer, Gordy Cox, threw the pots and pans in front of Yazid--then George and his recording studio heard the raw mix and began dancing to it and George graciously agreed to sing "Old Groundhog. " Yazid and I are honored and pleased to be his back up singers on this cd. :)

Trouble Is As Trouble Does by Marti Jones & Don Dixon

chris@efolkmusic.org — Fri, 5 Mar 2010 16:28:30 -0500

Long-time efolkMusic artists Marti Jones & Don Dixon have a new album just about ready to go, and Don just dropped by with a sneak preview. For your immediate edification, Marti's favorite track, Trouble Is As Trouble Does, and they should know... Free download, no membership required >>

Higham Special by Ghost Of a Dog

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:02:16 -0500

From Monmouthshire and the west of England, the five piece band Ghost of a Dog have quickly established themselves as being at the forefront of the Americana/Alt-country/Folk Roots movement in South Wales & the West, hot on the heels of other contemporary Roots bands in the area and across the country. They are led by Tamzin Powell, a front woman variously described as everything from a female Ryan Adams to a country Kate Bush and also "one of the finest voices to come out of Wales in recent history”."

Bright Red Road by Ellsworth

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 12:35:07 -0500

He has played nightclubs, bars, cafes, coffeehouses, libraries, bookstores, barges & backyards throughout the land sharing a stage or two with Leon Russell, Jonathan Richman, Pete Seeger, Graham Parker, Levon Helm, Maria Muldaur, Ronnie Earl, Bill Kirchen, "Spider" John Koerner, Bill Morrissey and Mary McCaslin to name a few. He sings plays guitar, piano, harmonica and taps his foot. He can be funny.....

The Weatherman by Alasdair White

chris@efolkmusic.org — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:46:18 -0500

Alasdair White is already well known as Battlefield Band's virtuoso fiddle player. In these past four or five years, his musicianship and tune making have had a great influence on the bands repertoire and continuing success, and playing with Battlefield Band has given him that wider audience that his music deserves.

Ivases Lament by Dark Patrick

chris@efolkmusic.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:17:30 -0500

Founded by Ukrainian Eva and Englishman Paul, musicians with experience touring in Great Britain and Ukraine, international ethnic-fusion project Dark Patrick is gaining speed, taking part in all the biggest Ukrainian folk festivals. Each member of the group has mastery of several modern and folk instruments (often playing more than one at once!)

Spy Hill Jail - Mick Daniel and the Raynmen

chris@efolkmusic.org — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:55:04 -0400

A tongue-in-cheek ditty about a young fellow who needs to clean up his act or end up in the slammer! Spy Hill Jail is an actual institution near Calgary, Alberta, Canada (where Mick is from) and the places referenced in the song are actual locations in and around the Calgary area.

Journey Home - Birdy

chris@efolkmusic.org — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:47:50 -0400

Title track from Birdy's new 2009 CD of the same name. BIRDY performs a variety of music in beautiful two-part harmony. When you attend one of their shows, you can expect to hear Birdy originals, traditional folk tunes, Celtic selections, contemporary music in a stripped down earthy BIRDY style, a random Beatles tune, and a few other things thrown in for good measure.

A Bigger Plan - Malcolm Holcombe

chris@efolkmusic.org — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:21:31 -0400

For the Mission Baby is a brilliant adventure into stimulating stories of unvarnished life expression full of heart, soul and mystery from a master. - Ray Kennedy, producer (Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Delbert McClinton, Willie Nelson)
Born and raised in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, Malcolm Holcombe is being recognized by the contemporary U.S and European folk/americana community as a performer of national stature, and an uncommonly unique guitarist/vocalist about whom Rolling Stone Magazine says: "Haunted country, acoustic blues and rugged folk all meet here..." Download this preview MP3 from Malcolm's September 29 release.

Our Town - John Lefebvre

chris@efolkmusic.org — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 14:49:24 -0400

John Lefebvre made his debut CD, the 29-song opus, Psalngs (pronounced songs) while he was out on bail. Unable to leave Los Angeles for an indefinite period of time, after his arrest in 2007 by the US Justice Department, the Canadian-born Lefebvre made the best of what could have been an unpleasant situation. He assembled a dream-team of musicians, guided by legendary Nashville producer Brian Ahern (Anne Murray, Emmylou Harris, Johnny Cash), spent three weeks putting down live tracks at Village Recorder studios and gave life to a collection of songs that range in tone from romantic to rant and speak to his deepest-held ideals: love, truth, respect and honesty. The entire project, plus videos of select songs and a 30-minute documentary on the making of Psalngs is available for free download on Lefebvre’s web site: www.press.Psalngs.com.)

Airport Goodbye - John Zambricki

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:09:11 -0400

This song of John's is about love-lost and long distance suffering, and was featured in the film Paper Heart(2009) starring Charlyne Yi(Knocked Up) and Michael Cera(JUNO, Superbad)

Smiles of Summer Love, Moira Nelson

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 2 Aug 2009 18:22:41 -0400

This is an original song with a rather wistful view of a summer love that came and went, as so many do. It's the first track on Moira Nelson's second CD "After the Fall", released in June 2001. The arrangement includes Elena Jubinville (cello), Rick Lazar (percussion) and Moira (vocals, harp and guitar)

Oh, Baby Lie Down

chris@efolkmusic.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:12:40 -0400

Alright Dynamite is an extrordinary new album from 24-year-old Canadian singer/musician and fiddler Kendal Carson. Born in Canada, Carson studied the fiddle and was performing by the age of three with the Victoria Symphony. She also became a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. At the age of nine she performed with the BC Fiddle Orchestra.

Kendal generously offers a free track from the album - enjoy!

If I Become Rich

chris@efolkmusic.org — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 10:25:08 -0400

Kyota Sugai is a Japanese singer/songwriter new to the efolkMusic roster, with an "original" sound. He says ""If I Become Rich" is a simple love song, that has a very beautiful melody, soulful vocals, and realistic lovely lyrics. Should I explain the jazzy folk song? It is a very unique unprecedented guitar arrangement. Maybe this song is a good song."

Maire Bheag O by Dark Patrick

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:45:16 -0400

Dark Patrick performs music and songs from Ukrainian, Irish, Scottish and Breton traditions. Whilst having their own individual style, Dark Patrick seeks to maintain the integrity of music that is deeply rooted in tradition. All the members of the group are active in folklore expeditions which take them to villages in the Carpathian Mountains.

While You Sleep

chris@efolkmusic.org — Mon, 8 Jun 2009 14:34:00 -0400

Anne Hills and Almond Greenway performing Anne's song While You Sleep from the album "I'm the Boy Who Played Tom Paxton's Guitar". Almond is back at it full time after a fortuitous gig with the great Tom Paxton inspired him to re-take the stage!

Hiway Home

chris@efolkmusic.org — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:50:29 -0400

Mike has worked with some of the top acts, pickers and writers in the business as a Stage Manager. Eric Clapton, ZZ Top, David Bowie, Kiss, Garth Brooks, The Firm, Stevie Wonder, Genesis, Phil Collins and James Taylor to name a few. This is a nice track with fiddle, guitar and vocals.

Buffalo Gals

chris@efolkmusic.org — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:07:57 -0400

Thanks to the great folks at Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, we offer a track from the new 5-CD Pete Seeger collection "American Favorite Ballads". Happy 90th Birthday, Pete!

My Rainbow Race

chris@efolkmusic.org — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:19:24 -0400

Halie Loren is a singer/songwriter who is already carving out a distinctive musical niche with her own jazz-infused breed of intelligent vocal and musical interpretations that can cover everything from piano-based pop/rock to jazz and folk in its purest form. Showing great range on her new album, They Oughta Write a Song, here's her version of a Pete Seeger song. Cool...

This Train

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sat, 4 Apr 2009 14:57:55 -0400

A classic track from the Copper Creek Records archive, here's the Blue Sky Boys in top form-- Earl and Bill Bolick. Born and raised in East Hickory, NC, the brothers made their first recordings in 1936 and had considerable success over their 40-year career. This recording is from live radio transcriptions done in the 1940's, issued on a series of 4 albums.

Is It Love?

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:16:12 -0400

Before hearing the unique style of Joni Mitchell’s music, as a young child Colleen O’Grady was originally drawn to the power and passion expressed in both Italian opera and Irish folk music. At the age of twelve, she picked up her first guitar, and with few diversions, has been playing ever since, starting with Joni. Coffee houses, dorm stairwells, house concerts, and an occasional radio gig, (KUHF, KPFT); Colleen’s music resounded everywhere. Here's a track from her "Hidden Treasures" album.

Earthly Diamonds

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 11:58:28 -0400

Uniform Motion Pictures is a Multimedia Internet series created by musician Uniform Motion, illustrator Reuno, with the support of fellow musician, Trevor O’Neil, CDM Studio, and filmmaker, Soline Rampillon. Every two weeks, a new ‘episode’ is launched on the Uniform Motion Pictures website.

Slow Train

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 11:05:13 -0500

Arkansas native Bradley West performs meaningful songs of humor, inspiration and hope. This song, from Bradley's "Slow Train" album, has been high on the Euro charts- Check it out!Contempory & Traditional Country and Bluegrass.

I'm On My Way

chris@efolkmusic.org — Fri, 6 Feb 2009 14:42:27 -0500

Here's Joel Mabus' "Download of the Moment", as he says, here now, maybe gone tomorrow. This is a remastered track from his "Omnibus" album, which contains tracks from Firelake and Short Stories. Thanks, Joel! Enjoy!

Old Yeller Dog

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 09:38:11 -0500

Here's the title track from Old Yeller Dog's latest album. Old Yeller Dog is a four piece acoustic string band with a passion for old time Appalachian-style dance music. Dave Marshall, Andy Imms, John O'Connell and Fiona Cameron

One Last Time

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 4 Jan 2009 11:18:09 -0500

From David DiGiuseppe's "Welcome to Heaven" album, one of the most beautiful waltzes you can imagine. Sometimes heard as "button music" on NPR news

Kentucky Mandolin

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:29:47 -0500

From the Workman Bluegrass Band's 2002 lineup- tasty pickin throughout, what we call the "mighty fine" around here....

Please Emmalene

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:29:54 -0500

From Steve Robinson's "Undercurrent", the second solo Sunshine Drenchy Records release from the ex-Roger McGuinn sideman and former voice of Florida's folk-rock darlings, the Headlights. Originally from Northern England, Steve has been writing and performing in the U.S. for the past 20 years.

Misery and Happiness

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 7 Dec 2008 11:09:00 -0500

A swampy efM MP3 Single from Kenny Edwards- Kenny Edwards was a founding member of The Stone Poneys with Linda Ronstadt. After a time with the band Bryndle (with Karla Bonoff, Andrew Gold & Wendy Waldman), he returned to work with Linda Ronstadt on her ground-breaking album, Heart Like A Wheel. He subsequently spent many years with her as a sideman, singer, arranger and touring band member. Edwards also became a noted producer and was responsible for masterminding Karla Bonoff's hit albums. He has worked with such other acts as Emmylou Harris, Stevie Nicks, J.D. Souther and Don Henley, Brian Wilson, Warren Zevon, Art Garfunkel, Vince Gill, Mac McAnally, David Lee Murphy, Jennifer Warnes, Danny Kortchmar, and Lowell George.

Take Me Away

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:51:41 -0500

From Curt Yagi's album "What's Come Over Me"- Imagine waking up on a Sunday morning, not wanting to get out of bed and craving something for your mind, body and soul. With percussive guitar licks, breathy vocals, rhythmic beats and driving bass lines, Curt's music will get you started on the right foot and keep you going for the entire day.

The Forest Flower

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:18:53 -0500

Guy Libido (sic) performs a lovely Finnish waltz learned from the Boys of the Lough. The elusive Mr. Libido has not been seen at a gig in years- says he can't find a "tight" band to play with. He comes to rehearsals, but then never shows up for the gigs. The band continues to perform his music, as though he were there and actually cared, a tribute to their professionalism. And do you think they ever get as much as a thank you from Guy? No, he just says, "It's about the music, boys- not about me."

Paperback Writer March

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 14:47:11 -0500

From Brian Herbert & Friends "Any Time At All", Irish session player teams up with legendary octave mandolin champion and Berklee professor John McGann and virtuoso bodhran (Irish drum) player Joey Sullivan to create a unique musical blend of The Beatles and Traditional Irish and American Flatpicking tunes. Includes 26 morphed Beatles songs arranged as Jigs, Slip Jigs, Reels, Hornpipes, Slow Airs, and instrumental covers. With guest performance by Irish piper Pelham Norville.

Where Everything Is Music

chris@efolkmusic.org — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:11:55 -0500

From Peter Gevisser's "Where Everything is Music", an album of love and loss and refinding. An eloquent howl, reminiscent of a young Leonard Cohen.
Born to a Jewish family in South Africa, Peter now lives in Los Angeles and is an established actor as well as a musician.

Cette Simple Toile

chris@efolkmusic.org — Mon, 3 Nov 2008 13:18:13 -0500
From Acoustibluerock- From a soft acoustic vocal to a fine tuned high or low note to a raspy tone, Gerry Gareauoffers fine tuned versatile singing, folksy bluesy rocking guitar playing and spot on topical lyrics (in a poetic kind of way).

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 14:14:53 -0400

From John Palmes' "Small Voices" CD and Digital Album- John's latest release is the product of almost 40 years of figuring out what the world's first stringed instrument can do. This is a fine example of the real folk process, interesting and fun, showing an amazing range.

Little Maggie

chris@efolkmusic.org — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:36:57 -0400

From Clothesline Revival's "Native Land"- Conrad Praetzel and Robert Powell stake out their claim in the Americana landscape with post-modern mix of ambient folk and acid/alt country. Clothesline Revival blends electronic and acoustic beats with dobro, mandolin, guitars, lap and pedal steel guitar, ebow, atmospherics and more to create a captivating new sound with a haunting old-time quality.

The Mooncoin Jig/The High Reel/The Plover's Wing

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:24:44 -0400
From Touchstone's "Jealousy" album- A magnificent follow-up to this group's stunning debut. Skip Parente, on fiddle, joins Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, et al., making this band a quintet that tears through an incredible array of Irish, bluegrass, Breton, and old-timey selections with abandon. Skip Parente, Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, Zan McLeod, Mark Roberts, Claudine Langille, Micheal O Domhnaill, John Larson

Our Love Will Last

chris@efolkmusic.org — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 11:55:20 -0400
From Arrogance, by Don Dixon, from their first LP "Give Us a Break"