@grannyring asking me for folk recommendations is opening rather a can of worms ...
Firstly I will note in passing that I am not much of a current US, so-called folk/Pickathon fan -- all rather arch and affected to my taste
My preferences are more towards the stalwarts of the 80s and 90s. It is great to see Cry, Cry, Cry back up and touring again and of course any of the work of their three members (Dar Williams, Richard Shindell and last but in my opinion best Lucy Kaplansky) is worth looking up
I’m also on a big Jonatha Brooke jag at present -- a very solid artist with a long history
Among new artists I’m really liking The Harmaleighs
My real passion however is for the folk tradition of the British Isles, which is where I am from. What makes this community distinct is how the historic tradition is constantly reinvented and revitalized by each generation. I love hearing the sons and daughters of the past generation taking the music and making it their own.
Great places to start are the artists on The Elizabethan Session album, or any of the work of Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, or of course Kate Rusby -- I’m really into her 20th anniversary album where the cross over with guest artists (including many Americana names you will recognize) gives a different take on her songs
Finally the Scottish tradition is very much alive - check out Salt House and my current number one album and something you must listen to (it’s a concept piece so ideally you listen all the way through) -- A Pocket of Wind Resistance by Karine Polwart
Firstly I will note in passing that I am not much of a current US, so-called folk/Pickathon fan -- all rather arch and affected to my taste
My preferences are more towards the stalwarts of the 80s and 90s. It is great to see Cry, Cry, Cry back up and touring again and of course any of the work of their three members (Dar Williams, Richard Shindell and last but in my opinion best Lucy Kaplansky) is worth looking up
I’m also on a big Jonatha Brooke jag at present -- a very solid artist with a long history
Among new artists I’m really liking The Harmaleighs
My real passion however is for the folk tradition of the British Isles, which is where I am from. What makes this community distinct is how the historic tradition is constantly reinvented and revitalized by each generation. I love hearing the sons and daughters of the past generation taking the music and making it their own.
Great places to start are the artists on The Elizabethan Session album, or any of the work of Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, or of course Kate Rusby -- I’m really into her 20th anniversary album where the cross over with guest artists (including many Americana names you will recognize) gives a different take on her songs
Finally the Scottish tradition is very much alive - check out Salt House and my current number one album and something you must listen to (it’s a concept piece so ideally you listen all the way through) -- A Pocket of Wind Resistance by Karine Polwart