Swedish folk supergroup Väsen celebrates 30 years with the release of a new album on April 19. The title “Rule of 3” refers to these three decades as well as their favorite time signature, shared by both polskas and waltzes, forms which which they often play. The band is a trio, forming of course a… Continue reading Vasen: Rule of 3
Happy New Year from Fiddlefreak World Headquarters! As I gaze out over Morro Bay here on the Central Coast of California, the skies above me are gray and a much-needed winter rain falls outside, while eucalyptus logs crackle in our tiny Jotul woodstove. This will be a brief post, just to let yall know that… Continue reading Foghorn Stringband: Rock Island Grange
Sweet Old Religion, the new album from Fiddlefreak favorites Pharis and Jason Romero, hits the streets on May 18. It’s the fourth release from this Juno award-winning Canadian duo and their first collection of all original songs. Throughout their respective careers, Pharis and Jason have always been a big influence within the old time… Continue reading Pharis & Jason Romero: Sweet Old Religion
How is it that the music of Rita Hosking keeps getting better and better? Maybe that’s not a surprise to some, but I have another question: how is it that she is not a household name among we folk music enthusiasts? She should be by now. We know her music around this house. Fiddlefreak has… Continue reading Rita Hosking: For Real
Cliff Stapleton & Friends Present – The Tumbling of Creatures: Music For The Hurdy-Gurdy I first heard the intoxicating music of Cliff Stapleton at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, WA (USA) when I stumbled upon a hurdy-gurdy jam as I roved out to enjoy a golden summer’s evening. The sun filtered… Continue reading Cliff Stapleton: The Tumbling of Creatures
What is it about blind musicians that makes them so dang good at their craft? Doc Watson. Ray Charles. O’Carolan. Stevie Wonder. I could go on, but I won’t. The Old Blind Dogs can still see pretty well, they’re not that old yet–but they are surely among the best folk bands in the world, and… Continue reading Old Blind Dogs: Room With A View
Old ballads draw some singers like a siren song that cannot be denied. Part of the joy of collecting and presenting these ancient songs to a modern audience comes from finding, combining, dropping and adding words and verses, swapping melodies and hooks and finally recording an arrangement that resonates with the listener of today. This is… Continue reading Lindsay Straw: The Fairest Flower of Womankind
