Released in 1971, Joni Mitchell's Blue set the bar for "confessional" songwriting. In a big year for popular music, from Masters Of Reality to Teaser and the Firecat, It showed what could be done with a mountain dulcimer, acoustic guitar, piano, and voice. 54 years after the release of Blue, it continues to influence the most popular songwriters of the day. Songwriter and songwriting instructor, Susan Cattaneo shares some amazing insights into what makes Blue one of the most enduring recordin...
All content for No Root, No Fruit is the property of Matt Watroba and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Released in 1971, Joni Mitchell's Blue set the bar for "confessional" songwriting. In a big year for popular music, from Masters Of Reality to Teaser and the Firecat, It showed what could be done with a mountain dulcimer, acoustic guitar, piano, and voice. 54 years after the release of Blue, it continues to influence the most popular songwriters of the day. Songwriter and songwriting instructor, Susan Cattaneo shares some amazing insights into what makes Blue one of the most enduring recordin...
Released in 1971, Joni Mitchell's Blue set the bar for "confessional" songwriting. In a big year for popular music, from Masters Of Reality to Teaser and the Firecat, It showed what could be done with a mountain dulcimer, acoustic guitar, piano, and voice. 54 years after the release of Blue, it continues to influence the most popular songwriters of the day. Songwriter and songwriting instructor, Susan Cattaneo shares some amazing insights into what makes Blue one of the most enduring recordin...
It wasn't a big seller when it was released in 1952, but the music on the Anthology of American Folk Music continues to inspire and influence roots music to this day. Join me for a chat with Jeff Place from Smithsonian Folkways Records and Peter Stampfel--one of the founding members of the the Holy Modal Rounders.
Their career together lasted a brief 5 years before Dave Carter's sudden death in 2002, but the impact of Dave's songs continue to influence and inspire to this day. When I Go was their first record together. Recorded in Tracy's kitchen/ living room, When I go was an introduction to one of America's finest songwriters. Thanks to Tracy for joining me throughout the entire episode!
This episode is not about a single recording. Instead, I bring in Library of Congress Folklife Specialist, Stephen Winick, and Songwriter and community organizer Si Kahn to talk about the historic recordings of the Library Of Congress dating back to the 1920s. These recordings have, in many ways, kept folk music alive through the decades. They continue to teach and inspire a new generation of performers interested in carrying on a wide variety of musical traditions.
So this happened. I was doing research on the last episode about Richie Havens and his record Mixed Bag. I decided to take a chance and reach out to the great American actor Louis Gossett Jr to see if he would like to talk about his old friend Richie. If you heard episode 9, you know he co-wrote the song Handsome Johnny with him. The day after the podcast dropped, I heard from Mr. Gossett's assistant and she said he would be happy to do it. Well I couldn't pass that up. Enjoy!
Mixed Bag came out late in 1966 and introduced the world to the soulful interpreter of great songs, Richie Havens. His performance as the opening act at Woodstock cemented his fame, but he continued performing and recording for decades after. He was a beloved figure on the music scene. My guests for this episode are radio veteran John Platt, and Richie's friend and guitar player, singer/ songwriter, Cliff Eberhardt.
This amazing song has traveled the world. Often mistaken for a traditional song (the highest compliment in my opinion) it was written by the late Chicago songwriter, Michael Peter Smith. We lost Michael in the Summer of 2020. I was able to have a long chat about the tune with him in the green room at the Ark in Ann Arbor, MI a few years before he died. Because episode 8 is a little behind schedule, I thought I would share this conversation with you as a bonus episode.
Let's go behind the scenes of one of the best live recordings in folk, roots, & americana history. Great songs, amazing energy, and all from an artist who left this world way too soon. Stan's brother Garnet and John Gorka are my guests!
Released in October of 1971, John Prine's debut, self-titled recored was a game changer. It really was the blueprint for a decades long career that continues to inspire song writers and camp fire singers to this day. I am joined by Andrew Calhoun and Don White.
When Kate & Anna McGarrigle's self-titled, debut record was released in January of 1976 it sounded like nothing else of the time. Inventive harmonies, Innovative arrangements, and fresh writing combined to create 35 minutes and 6 seconds of sonic perfection. It's a recording that continues to inspire and influence to this day. With special guests Eve Goldberg, co-producer on the album, Joe Boyd, and life-long friend and sideman to the McGarrigle's, Chaim Tannenbaum.
Mississippi John Hurt made his first recordings in 1928. He didn't record again until 1963. His guitar playing has influenced thousands. He recorded "Today" for Vanguard Records in 1966. Let's dive into what made this sweet, gentle and talented man so influential. My friend Rev. Robert Jones helps me go track by track, and Canadian singer songwriter, Garnet Rogers talks about Mississippi John's profound influence.
These are excerpts from an interview I did with Townes Van Zandt on December 12, 1992 in Detroit, MI. It includes two live performances. This stuff has not been heard by anyone in over 30 years! I got the date of the interview wrong in the podcast.
Explore with me the almost mythical life of one of our greatest songwriters, Townes Van Zandt. His Live at the Old Quarter is the perfect introduction to a songwriter who, many believe, set the bar for all of the others. My guest is National Public Radio's Don Gonyea.
Two outstanding musicians converge in 1980 to record a tribute to the old-time duets of the 40s, 50s & 60s. A mandolin, a guitar, and 2 vocalists. That's it. The result is simplicity, goodness, and truth. Oh, and a record that is still inspiring decades after its release.
It was the second album and the debut major label release for this duo from Georgia, and it changed lives. Mary Gauthier is my guest as well as Laura Jones and Cara Valenti.
This iconic 2 record set bringing together 2 generations of folk singers turned a new audience on to the genre in 1975. With special guest, Joe Jencks.
Released in 1996, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, along with producer T-Bone Burnett, created a timeless album of original songs that continues to inspire and influence americana music to this day. My special guest is singer and songwriter, Danny Schmidt.
Sometimes we make music for the sheer joy of community and song--that is the spirit of the Golden Ring. More of a concept than a group, the Golden Ring introduced so many folks to the sound of traditional music and the joy of making it with friends, This episode focuses on three records: A Gathering Of Friends For Making Music (1964) and Five Days Singing Volumes one & two (1971). All three released on Folk Legacy Records. This episode is dedicated to Ed Trickett. Ed was a founding member...
Released in 1971, Joni Mitchell's Blue set the bar for "confessional" songwriting. In a big year for popular music, from Masters Of Reality to Teaser and the Firecat, It showed what could be done with a mountain dulcimer, acoustic guitar, piano, and voice. 54 years after the release of Blue, it continues to influence the most popular songwriters of the day. Songwriter and songwriting instructor, Susan Cattaneo shares some amazing insights into what makes Blue one of the most enduring recordin...
