Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2016

The 2016 Edmonton Folk Music Festival happened August 4-7 and I was there to take in the sights and sounds. I was thrilled to see a few of my favourite acts this year, Like Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dar Williams, Calexico, and LP. Here is my write up at DigitalJournal.com.

Mary Chapin Carpenter

This Land is Your Land: Woody at 100 (Arlo Guthrie and Friends)

This Land is Your Land: Woody at 100 (Arlo Guthrie and Friends), a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

For me, one of the biggest treats of the 2012 Edmonton Folk Music Festival was the chance to see Arlo Guthrie live.

"This Land if Your Land" was one of the best workshops I have ever attended at the EFMF. In honour of what would have been folk music icon Woody Guthrie's 100th birthday, his son Arlo and a host of fellow musicians and family members took to the stage to perform classic Woody songs (and a few Arlo ones too!).

Hearing Jerry Gray (The Travellers) perform the Canadian version of "This Land Is Your Land" was a real treat. Many do not know there is another version of that famous song, but my generation grew up learning it in school. Seeing Arlo join in was awesome - truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Most of Arlo's classic songs came later on in the evening during his set on the main stage with his family. However, the Guthrie legacy of father and son will forever be entwined. This workshop breathed new life into the songs of Woody Guthrie. I can't think of a better way to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Johnny Clegg - Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2012

Johnny Clegg, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I am so glad I was able to catch some of Johnnny Clegg's show at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival on August 12.

Clegg is a powerhouse of singer/songwriter music that infuses traditional Zulu language and African sounds into music that has a message. His incredibly physical performance had the audience waving their hands and dancing along.

Clegg was one of the most politically-charged performers of the weekend and represented the spirit of what a folk festival is all about.

La Bottine Souriante - Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2012

La Bottine Souriante, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

As a Quebec music enthusiast for many years, I was thrilled when I found out that La Bottine Souriante would be the Saturday afternoon main stage act at the 2012 Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

Although there have been several personnel changes over the years, the music was as lively as ever, featuring accordion, a horn section, foot stomping percussion, and fiddle - lots of fiddle. The dancer also added a lot to the atmosphere of the performance.

Energy and excitement is at the heart of La Bottine Souriante, which takes traditional Quebec music and elevates it beyond linguistic boundaries.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2012

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I know people who came to the 2012 Edmonton Folk Music Festival just to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Seeing this incredible band from South Africa that has been around for over 50 years was one of the weekend's highlights for me as well.

Performing in their native Zulu language, the music penetrated the hill at Stage 3 with energy, accented by the group's dance moves. Truly unforgettable.

Jim Cuddy Band - Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2012

Jim Cuddy Band, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

I have been a fan of Blue Rodeo for more years than I care to count. In fact, the very first time I attended the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, it was to see the band hit the main stage.

This year, I got to see Blue Rodeo's lead singer/guitarist (well, one of them anyways - can't forget Greg Keelor!) up close leading the Jim Cuddy Band. The sound was everything I expected it to be: straight ahead country-tinged roots rock, with a few Blue Rodeo classics thrown in here and there. In fact, Blue Rodeo's bassist Basil Donovan was also part of the band.

Jim Cuddy is a very energetic performer and his vocals - and frankly, he himself - have not aged a bit. An impressive concert!

Lennie Gallant - Edmonton Folk Music Festival 2012

Lennie Gallant, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Lennie Gallant is a modern troubadour, a teller of stories through song, and a darn fine vocalist. I finally got to see him in concert at the 2012 Edmonton Folk Music Festival on August 11. He sang many songs from his latest release If We Had a Fire, but also some classics like "Peter's Dream" and "Which Way Does the River Run." I am not ashamed to admit that I cried during the beautiful and heartbreaking "Emily's Letters" and was left wanting more - s much more, in fact, that I think I am going to head to iTunes and get that latest albums, and a few older ones as well (I actually think I have one of his on cassette - kids, do you remember what those are?). If you hear that Lennie Gallant is coming to your city or town, be sure to see him. You will have a memorable time.

Alejandro Escovedo - Roots Rock with Heart

Alejandro Escovedo - EFMF 2010
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

Alejandro Escovedo is a legend to those in the know. Texas-born but later transplanted to California, Escovedo's music is high-energy with influences ranging from American rock to Latin jazz. His set at the 2010 Edmonton Folk Music Festival sounded pretty rocking to me, and included song about life, love, and even a few covers like "Beast of Burden." His band, the Sensitive Boys, were extremely tight, and guitar-heavy. At the same time, Escovedo's Mexican roots came through in his music many times, as his voice resonated with passion. I was not that familiar with Escovedo's music before the EFMF but he was definitely my "discovery" of the weekend and I am going to make an effort to look him up and get to know his music better. To check out my full photo set from his performance, click here. ~ Paula E. Kirman

Alex Cuba

Alex Cuba
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

With his signature afro and sideburns, Alex Cuba's looks are as striking and unique as his music. Originally from Cuba and now living in British Columbia with his family, Alex Cuba performed in Edmonton during the recent Edmonton Folk Music Festival. His energetic and skillful blend of Spanish lyrics with upbeat melodies encompassing elements of jazz, funk, and pop enthralled the audience during several performances and workshops. ~Paula E. Kirman

Arrested Development

Arrested Development
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

This band is not folk, but certainly gave an "arresting" performance last weekend at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Arrested Development is hip hop with a message.

Decidedly Afrocentric and socially conscious, Arrested Development is the antithesis to the gansta rap movement of the 1990s. The meaningful lyrics, solid rhythm section, and funky dance moves had the audience pulsating to the beat. A folk festival is indeed a unique venue for this kind of music, but just goes to show that it caters to people with a wide spectrum of musical appreciation. ~ Paula E. Kirman

Spirit of the West: Spiritual Ever After

Spirit of the West
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

Spirit of the West is an enduring band from Vancouver. For over 25 years, Spirit's unique blend of folk, rock, punk, and Celtic music has gained a huge following under that catch-all of musical labels: alternative.

The band's 25th anniversary compilation, Spirituality, was released last year. Spirit of the West also still tours on a regular basis, most recently as the opening act for Great Big Sea.

Spirit of the West also performed this past weekend at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Maintaining a high energy level, the band had people dancing in front of the stage and into the beer gardens, especially to such classics as "Political," "Save This House," and "Home For a Rest." ~ Paula E. Kirman

Hanggai: "Newgrass" From China

Hanggai & The SteelDrivers
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

What do you get when you mix roots music with traditional throat singing performed by a bunch of musicians presenting the sounds of the Mongolian population in China? You get Hanggai - a musical treat for the ears.

Dressed in traditional Mongolian garb, the members of Hanggai took to the stage at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival this past weekend for a workshop entitled "Newgrass." Along with The SteelDrivers, Hanggai performed some incredibly energetic music combining electric guitar work with traditional Asian instruments. One piece in particular, which kept getting faster and faster with every verse, had the audience clapping and dancing.

Mixing throat singing with rock sounds is a very unique musical combination. The band is based in Beijing and is starting to get the international recognition it deserves. ~ Paula E. Kirman

Daby Touré: Magic from Mauritania

Daby Touré
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

The name Touré has become synonymous with World Music, the large Africal family having producing several bands and solo artists. Daby Touré has recorded and performed both solo and with his brothers and now resides in France. His sound is unique in that he combines intelligent, introspective songwriting with captivating melodies and a great beat.

I was, of course, very familiar with Daby Touré's music before seeing him perform this past weekend at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Seeing him live helped me gain a whole new appreciation for his work. With a very laid-back and friendly approach (I don't think the smile ever left his face) he rhythmically strummed his guitar and presented songs about life and love. His songs never get repetitive and are downright captivating.

If you ever get the chance to see Daby Touré live, don't pass up the chance. ~ Paula E. Kirman

Hot Tuna: Still Smokin' After All These Years

Hot Tuna
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

Hot Tuna is one of those bands whose reputation precedes them. A career of performing some of the finest blues-rock music ever made over four decades, to call this San Francisco-formed band legendary seems like a understatement.

According to the CBC's Holger Peterson, who introduced Hot Tuna's Sunday afternoon concert at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival on August 9, this was the band's first-ever appearance in Alberta. Looking around at the audience, I could tell some had waited a long time for this moment to come.

Founding members Jorma Kaukonen (vocals and guitar) and Jack Cassidy (bass) are still the core of the band, adding mandolin player Barry Mitterhoff. Acoustically slipping and sliding their way through traditional and original blues tunes, the trio captivated everyone watching. Particularly spectacular was Kaukonen's finger-picking and strong vocals, which at times reminded me of the late Jerry Garcia.

The numerous instrumental breakdowns and musical back-and-forth between all of the members made a hot afternoon even hotter. ~ Paula E. Kirman

Oysterband: A Pearl of a Performance

Oysterband
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

Oysterband is a legendary band on the international folk music scene. Steeped in the traditional music of Britain, Oysterband has endured numerous changes in both personnel and style over the band's 30-odd year history. Currently, Oysterband could best be described as folk-rock, but with many layers of roots in music from Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and throughout the UK.

Still actively recording and touring, the band was in Edmonton this past weekend for the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Performing on the Saturday afternoon main stage, Oysterband was in fine form. Smooth music, clear vocals, and an engaging stage presence had the crowd captivated.

Oysterband has been reaching a new audience in recent years. Some of their songs have taken a political direction and has put them in solidarity with fellow British musicians Chumbawumba (who were performing acoustically throughout the festival as well). The two bands have performed and recorded together on numerous occasions.

The band's latest album is entitled The Oxford Girl & Other Stories and contains stripped-down re-recordings of some of the bands favourite songs from throughout its 30 year history. Lead singer John Jones also recently put out a solo recording called Rising Road. ~ Paula E. Kirman

Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir

Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

First of all, let's get a couple of things straight. They aren't a choir. They aren't from the mountains. In fact, they are from Calgary (which is close to the mountains, but not quite). They are the Agnostic Mountain Choir and they perform music with an old-time Blues style -- with their own new-time twist.

Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir was another Edmonton Folk Music Festival discovery for me. I had heard rumblings about the band (all good) and had a chance to check them out during a jam session workshop with Daby Touré and Hot Tuna. Thumping acoustic bass, twanging guitars, and vocals with all the grit and soul of an old Bluesman - I was so impressed, I checked out the band's latest album Ten Thousand on iTunes when I got back from the festival.

If you like traditional Blues music but are open to something different, you need to check out the Agnostic Mountain Gospel Choir. ~Paula E. Kirman

Great Lake Swimmers

Great Lake Swimmers
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

As I was heading to the concession area at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival this past window, one of my friends waved me down and told me that I simply had to check out this incredible band called Great Lake Swimmers. I heard similar raves from others, so headed back to Gallagher Park early Sunday afternoon to hear the band's hour-long set.

Although this was the first time I had heard of Great Lake Swimmers, judging from the enthusiastic and plentiful crowd the band already has an established following. Indeed, the band already has four albums under its belt, the latest being Lost Channels which was released this past March.

What catches me most about Great Lake Swimmers is the atmosphere of the music. Rootsy with an upbeat tempo and just a hint of twang at times, Tony Dekker's understated vocals set the tone for his songs that are hauntingly beautiful. The songs have a dreamy feel to them without becoming repetitive.

I have no doubt that Great Lake Swimmers gained some new fans during their Folk Fest performance -I can personally attest to that! ~ Paula E. Kirman

Digging The Skydiggers

The Skydiggers
Originally uploaded by raise my voice

If you have never heard of The Skydiggers, it likely isn't your fault. Let this be your introduction to the Toronto-based band that presents a blend of folk, country, and rock.

The Skydiggers is one of those bands that has fallen through the cracks time and time again. Deserving far more acclaim than it has received, The Skydiggers has been the repeated victim of record labels going under and as a result, has never been promoted to the extent it should be.

Known for melodic, harmonious songs like "I Will Give You Everything," "A Penny More," and "Slow Burning Fire," The Skydiggers are celebrating 20 years as band. Members have come and gone (most notably co-singer/songwriter Andrew Cash - Peter's brother) but the core trio of the lively and eccentric Andy Maize on lead vocals, Josh Finlayson on guitar, and Ron Macey on bass has endured.

The Skydiggers recently released a retrospective entitled The Truth About Us which features remastered versions of most of the band's best-known songs. The band still tours actively as well, and was in Edmonton for the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, playing a concert on August 8. The hour-long set saw fans old and new alike swaying and singing along.

As someone who owns the band's first album on cassette, I could not help but feel nostalgic when the host announced that The Skydigger's was celebrating 20 years this year. And despite the blazing heat of the summer afternoon, I broke out in goosebumps when they performed "I Will Give You Everything." Andy Maize was in fine form with his frenzied body movements and facial expressions, making witty quips in between songs.

The Skydiggers continue to be one of the hardest-working bands in the Canadian music scene. Hopefully, it won't take another 20 years for The Skydiggers to gets its due. ~ Paula E. Kirman