Folk Files

Episode #3.5 - Rise Again

Sun, 17 May 2026 16:21:00 +0000

Stan Rogers was one of Canada's greatest singer-songwriters, despite his music having never had major distribution or significant radio playtime. In this episode, I discuss the (tragically short) life of the impressive baritone and dissect his songs in order to answer this question: What makes his songs such instant folk classics?

Host and Producer: Olivia Harding

Assistant Producer: Aaron J. Morton

Learn more about TransTrad: https://www.transtradfest.org/

Watch the One Warm Line: The Legacy of Stan Rogers: https://youtu.be/-h9A2RAfv9M?si=EJMzxJbvwi_upiEj

Support Folk Files by joining the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast

For a full list of musical excerpts, head to the Folk Files website: https://folkfilespodcast.com/season-3/episode-3-5/

Episode #3.4 - There Were Two Sisters

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:08:00 +0000

A harrowing murder ballad in which an older sister shoves her younger sister in the water (and sometimes a musician makes an instrument from the drowned girl's corpse) can be found all over Great Britain, North America, and Scandinavia. But where did it originally come from? And how has the story changed as it's traveled across seas? Find out in this episode of Folk Files, all about "Twa Sisters."

Host: Olivia Harding

Learn more about the Spokane Fall Folk Festival: https://www.spokanefolkfestival.org/

For more on this ballad, check out the In the Roud podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pj8x5X1kCc0

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast

Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton

For a full list of musical excerpts associated with this episode, head to the episode page on the new Folk Files website: https://folkfilespodcast.com/uncategorized/episode-3-4/

Episode #3.3 - The Music of Temple Bar

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:55:00 +0000

In this St. Patrick's Day episode, I ask the question: Is it actually Irish? We will explore over thirty songs that are performed in Irish contexts and see if they actually come from Irish sources. Along the way, we'll discuss the Rising of 1798, the history of Dublin, the Great Famine, and the Irish diaspora.

Host: Olivia Harding

Learn more about the Albuquerque Folk Festival: https://www.abqfolkfest.org/

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast

Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton

For a full list of musical excerpts associated with this episode, head to the episode page on the new Folk Files website:

Episode #3.2 - He Never Returned

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 01:00:00 +0000

Is "The MTA Song" a conservative song or a communist song (or neither)? And why did record companies try to hide the origins of the tune of one of the most prolific early 20th century country songs? Find out in this episode of Folk Files, which discusses "The MTA," "The Wreck of the Old '97," and "The Ship That Never Returned."

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Check out the new website: https://folkfilespodcast.com/

Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton

Reach out to Folk Files at folkfilespodcast@gmail.com

For a full list of musical excerpts associated with this episode, head to the episode page on the Folk Files website: https://folkfilespodcast.com/season-3/episode-3-2/

Episode #3.1 - Piping in the Haggis

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:21:00 +0000

Welcome to the third season of Folk Files! We are starting off the year with a Robert Burns-themed episode to celebrate Burns Night on January 25th. Learn about the traditions associated with the Burns Night Supper and discover how Robert Burns was indispensable when it came to preserving Scottish folk music.

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Check out the new website: https://folkfilespodcast.com/

Listen to The Rhythm Atlas: https://rhythmatlas.com/listen/

Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton

Reach out to Folk Files at folkfilespodcast@gmail.com

For a full list of musical excerpts associated with this episode, head to the episode page on the Folk Files website: https://folkfilespodcast.com/season-3/episode-3-1/

Episode #2.12 - Lully, Lulla

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:11:00 +0000

Happy Holidays! Coventry Carol is a lullaby to a "little tiny child"...but surprisingly, that child is not Jesus. Learn more about this Christmas carol that was almost lost to time, including the history of modern Western Theatre and the origins of the picardy third, in this final episode of the second season of Folk Files.

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: The Sixteen

WORK: The Coventry Carol

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/_jIYyPOoEc8?si=mgPi4WH4G9LUnMT7

ARTIST: Sting (from A Winter's Night Live from Durham Cathedral)

WORK: Coventry Carol

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/hahwYqQd_gA?si=wJR4Qz-ZmUW9IaD2

ARTIST: Nora Fischer and Marnix Dorrestein

WORK: Oblivion Soave from Monteverdi's L'Incoronazione di Poppea

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/JTHQqJDV4os?si=820upsG60MJJyC5M

ARTIST: Jeanette Blakeley

WORK: "Lullaby" from Menotti's The Consul

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/nImWN8o1f-E?si=Coj_UsTcod6m1Bbr

ARTIST: Barry and Beth Hall

WORK: Coventry Carol

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/JCFg4S3kSV4?si=CleozvHduvVsAAxB

ARTIST: Chicago

WORK: Wishing You Were Here

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/Zv0OwvsP0ek?si=cVc25wbawFlT7pkw

ARTIST: The Zombies

WORK: Time of the Season

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8ecsAI3FhY

ARTIST: Alison Moyet

WORK: The Coventry Carol

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/kcrYqDqCN_Y?si=DoKE80e3peRMtvSo

ARTIST: The Choir of Magdalen College Oxford

WORK: Song of the Nuns of Chester

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0UtKzXb9Js

ARTIST: The Cambridge Singers

WORK: Coventry Carol (composed by Kenneth Leighton)

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/uAA0lZ1YG90?si=VQYE2a0KSeFhZGks

ARTIST: Sufjan Stevens

WORK: Coventry Carol

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/o6492UYw_hs?si=U0k6ZlmkfoIcULct

Bonus Episode: The Ballad World of Anna Gordon

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000

In this bonus episode of Folk Files, I interview Ruth Perry, the author of The Ballad World of Anna Gordon, Mrs. Brown of Falkland. Anna Gordon is one of the most famous source singers in the history of folk music from the British Isles, and Ruth Perry's book dives into her life as a woman and ballad singer in 18th century Scotland.

The book is available at https://global.oup.com/academic/

It's pricy, and understandably so, since it contains a wealth of new information and scholarship, but you can use the discount code AAFLYG6 to save 30%.

You can listen to the accompanying ballads for free at https://global.oup.com/booksites/content/9780198939092/

In this episode, I use clips from the following songs: Lady Elspat, King Henry, Lamkin, and Thomas Rymer & Queen of Elfland

You can purchase a CD with all twelve of the ballads at birnamcdshop.com or on Amazon (See more information here: https://www.birnamcd.com/birnam-pr/anna-gordon/ )

This interview has been edited for time.

Special Thanks to Ruth Perry and Aaron J. Morton

Episode #2.11 - The Flower of England

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000

For a long time, "The Death of Queen Jane" has been considered a folk song that takes artistic liberties with the historic event of the birth of Edward VI to Jane Seymour in 1537. But is it possible that the song hints at a more complicated story, filled with propaganda and intrigue? Explore the intersection of Tudor history and folk ballads in this episode of Folk Files.

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Oscar Isaac

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfeKFKG3JWM

ARTIST: Cyril Tawney

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESUdOHChNKw

ARTIST: Joan Baez

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6ZNp9le6x8

ARTIST: Bedlam Early Music

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYGWmV2XAnU

ARTIST: Peggy Seeger

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/7z0KILKEZhk?si=qmkqUwFtPVlKyaGH

ARTIST: Duncan Williamson

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://search.library.wisc.edu/digital/AB34LE2XNHS5FC8O

ARTIST: John Jacob Niles

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnUaWKysPQM

ARTIST: Isla Cameron

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/mMmHkgq1_T0?si=MAzM8qm8_0wHxoAc

ARTIST: Karine Polwart

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT2uqT3am1M

ARTIST: Bothy Band

WORK: The Death of Queen Jane

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYHkpjkZvJA

Folk Files #2.10 - Beware the Moss

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Long Lankin is the bogeyman of the Child Ballads. A mysterious figure who lives in the moss (or the gorse, or the hay), he is known as a bloodthirsty murderer. But what's the full story? Explore the origins of the horror-filled ballad in this Halloween episode of Folk Files.

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: The Wainwright Sisters

WORK: Long Lankin

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8vzCkJJlSQ

ARTIST: Steeleye Span

WORK: Long Lankin

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74Rw1SVfa_U

ARTIST: Martin Carthy

WORK: Long Lankin

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlYuv1ZUsZ0

ARTIST: George Fradley

WORK: Lankin

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/yrEuzBE0uTs?si=aIpFgzidrF7YGpnN

ARTIST: Geordie McIntyre

WORK: Lamkin

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/LQF9M1Omrfs?si=d0yAQwvibFAIDLeQ

ARTIST: Alasdair Roberts & Friends

WORK: Long Lankin

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/es-bKUVLtUE?si=yxV9vFgzZoMpPPVC

ARTIST: Lisa Knapp

WORK: Long Lankin

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zahxuV3H9Sk

ARTIST: Frank Proffitt

WORK: Bo Lamkin

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/G6MLv__s_cU?si=9kG2WJSa1F0fZ1dg

Folk Files #2.9 - I Said the Sparrow

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:05:23 +0000

Who Killed Cock Robin? It was I, said the Sparrow. But where did the song come from? And what does it mean? Explore a world of birds, nursery rhymes, mythology, and history in this month's episode.

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Yuri Gohen: @yurigohenfolksong

Who Killed Cock Robin by Yuri Gohen: https://yurigohen.bandcamp.com/album/who-killed-cock-robin

https://open.spotify.com/album/5I5HTXbYVPOxc7MtKFU9jX?si=LXPUC86NQ1iamUUntn4GtA

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Peggy Seeger

WORK: Who Killed Cock Robin?

SOURCE: https://www.y outube.com/watch?v=hVTcXtK_8Qo

ARTIST: Tim Hart and Friends

WORK: Who Killed Cock Robin?

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjGyLkGJBlI

ARTIST: King's Singers

WORK: Of All the Birds

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnr6Oxybkq4

ARTIST: Dana and Susan Robinson

WORK: Who Killed Cock Robin?

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/HqP26mqO4GY?si=xS2SAHX8BItCQ00U

ARTIST: Jean Ritchie

WORK: Who Killed Cock Robin?

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otcP8CCCt3c

ARTIST: Glenn Yarbrough

WORK: Who Killed Cock Robin?

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACX6OS6oO5k

ARTIST: Richard Dyer-Bennet

WORK: Who Killed Cock Robin?

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/lhTXFbYn3WY

ARTIST: John Jacob Niles

WORK: Who Killed Cock Robin?

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-_lfkMQGPs

ARTIST: Robin Roberts

WORK: Who Killed Cock Robin?

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB9eTpc-G1U

ARTIST: Silly Symphony

WORK: Who Killed Cock Robin?

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GK66CFljA0

ARTIST: St. Michael's Junior School for Girls in Cumberland

WORK: Cock Robin is Dead and Lays in his Grave

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YteMR9prrQ

ARTIST: Yuri Gohen

WORK: Who Killed Cock Robin?

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40-TqWBPoDs

Folk Files #2.8 - Stand and Deliver

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:27:35 +0000

Robbers, bandits, highwaymen…there are a lot of English folk songs about outlaws. In this episode of Folk Files, we'll look at why there are so many songs about criminals and what patterns exist in these ballads. Then, we'll look at Robbers' Retreat in an attempt to figure out why the song (also known as Cadgwith Anthem) doesn't seem to follow any of those patterns.

Host: Olivia Harding

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

*This episode of Folk Files was recorded on the road. Apologies for any lapses in quality.*

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Steeleye Span

WORK: Cadgwith Anthem

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMBpPYA8ebY

ARTIST: Ewan MacColl

WORK: Alan Tyne O'Harrow

SOURCE: https://ewanmaccoll.bandcamp.com/track/alan-tyne-o-harrow

ARTIST: Martin Carthy

WORK: Newlyn Town

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM7hDJI85uI

ARTIST: Roger McGuinn

WORK: Whiskey in the Jar

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/i8iAp0mTKjo?si=htJCj3YzGDz4UWso

ARTIST: Loreena McKennitt

WORK: The Highwayman

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=YGFo0xn4JeY

ARTIST: Ewan MacColl

WORK: The Crafty Farmer

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/GT_uXRERmsE?si=bNwLhDjFCXB9yuij

ARTIST: Magpie Lane

WORK: The Highwayman Outwitted

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/kXHL6omuz3c?si=pnX3AOzB6sbfoNZu

ARTIST: Jackie Oates

WORK: Robbers' Retreat

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/ZzPA52DWzwM?si=ZkM3a4WDugEpC4yp

ARTIST: The Mousehole Male Voice Choir

WORK: The Cadgwith Anthem

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/yXFIUuWARB0?si=mgpBLQqoKOYtge7N

ARTIST: The Longest Johns

WORK: Cadgwith Anthem

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/UiBlnnN2PWU?si=78Mzy7npMptFomP1

ARTIST: Bounding Main

WORK: Cadgwith Anthem

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/KQbYYnoM3wM?si=UF20bLf7VaKn-lGD

Episode #2.7 - I Died For Love

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:09:24 +0000

This episode of Folk Files looks at a family of songs where the main character "dies for love." In particular, I explore "The Butcher Boy," a song with American, Irish, and English versions. The versions vary drastically: they swap out characters, drop details, and change the reasoning behind the narrator's decisions. I investigate what effect these changes have on the listener and what lessons we can draw from those effects.

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Aaron J. Morton

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

*This episode of Folk Files was recorded on the road. Apologies for any lapses in quality.*

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Alisa Marie

WORK: O'Carolan's Cup

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/zrBwqFco0Xs?si=-SdsYnEWGiD5SnFO

ARTIST: Sarah Makem

WORK: The Butcher Boy

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/x_mtUaBHWCE?si=tBXVy9ELCV9dECgh

ARTIST: Derek and Hazel Sarjeant

WORK: A Sailor Coming Home on Leave

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/e91Ug-CAjAc?si=sMcd-NpQC-FQmNSL

ARTIST: Music the Gathering

WORK: Johnny Jump Up

SOURCE: https://www.musicthegathering.com/store/lvl-3-digital-album-esexe

ARTIST: Frank Profitt

WORK: Morning Fair

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/wdyO1890Zpc?si=1esdsYhrRNWTg7zD

ARTIST: Sam Lee

WORK: Over Yonders Hill

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2jcdbFRRYc

ARTIST: The Kings of Calicutt

WORK: Sheffield Park

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/o1lDKhJd6Pw?si=XWyn9hQQ3ImN2PRq

ARTIST: Bellowhead

WORK: Cold Blows the Wind

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/WvuxL8UQiLQ?si=Sdr7Zz7yUVEXi7zg

ARTIST: Jean Ritchie

WORK: Go Dig My Grave

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGrcOqcbzYk

ARTIST: The Clancy Brothers

WORK: The Butcher Boy

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/WMc8QSxZe_M?si=PIv8GZyRL_1vkSRD

ARTIST: Buell Kazee

WORK: Butcher's Boy

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/lwSJoMNRGuI?si=fehdH-zflcTkTbY2

ARTIST: Pollyanna

WORK: Railroad Boy

SOURCE: https://pollyanna.bandcamp.com/album/man-time-deluxe-edition

Episode #2.6 - No Strings Attached

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:55:24 +0000

Welcome to Part II of Folk Files' exploration of the history of folk instruments! Learn about the origins and etymology of accordions, concertinas, harmonicas, bagpipes, whistles, and a sampling of percussion! (Recorded with a head cold - please excuse any stuffiness).

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Aaron J. Morton

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Duo Synkro

WORK: Live at Paris Bal Folk

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1XgiYjo1HE

ARTIST: Wu Wei

WORK: Sheng performance with Helsinki Philharmonic

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xios4KtjG2A

ARTIST: Mark Kloeg

WORK: Cantiga 100

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtWazpkuz7o

ARTIST: Paul Young

WORK: Michael's Jig

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/f8TX7jO-_es?si=AWS2GmtPtNJhMRMc

ARTIST: Sofia Ros

WORK: La Campanella

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ARC2YxsbE0

ARTIST: Nick Ariondo

WORK: Flight of the Bumblebee

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxTOwXEy2Mo

ARTIST: Yuxin Ding

WORK: The Entertainer

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8kmUkDwgIs

ARTIST: Sonny Boy Williamson

WORK: Bye Bye Bird

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-PhBryFuIM

ARTIST: Carlos Vives

WORK: Hijo de Vallenato

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORzwHmeJAmU

ARTIST: Piper Jones Band

WORK: Live at the Loch Norman Scottish Festival 2023

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teJu3_eJGnM

ARTIST: Chris McMullan

WORK: The Limerick Lament

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Dm3EpfuxuG0

ARTIST: Christy Barry

WORK: Traditional Irish Tin Whistle Music (Doolin Style)

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpN36I9xr-o

ARTIST: Spokes Mashiyane

WORK: A song off the 1959 album "King Kwela"

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adyM1Gx1lHU

ARTIST: John Joe Kelly

WORK: Bodhrán solo from "Island Songs"

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi1G-A-wdu0

ARTIST: Abby "The Spoon Lady" and Lyle Rickards

WORK: I'll Fly Away

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/Ibye4LNpWD8?si=Y5wPiddyQXs5Pmj1

ARTIST: Dom Flemons

WORK: How To Play the Bones with Dom Flemons

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMokBr9cTxM

Episode #2.5 - Strings Attached

Fri, 30 May 2025 22:47:35 +0000

This episode of Folk Files takes a departure from folk songs to talk about folk instruments! Learn about the history, ancestors, and etymology of folky string instruments, including the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar!

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Aaron J. Morton

Check out Basic Folk: https://basicfolk.com/

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast?redirect=true

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Ekona Diatta

WORK: Gambia

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/FHCpjVrGDNk?si=90XYIILixvtyxtMR

ARTIST: The Harper and the Minstrel

WORK: Cantiga 353

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVrfqvHVbdU

ARTIST: Valentina Nicolai

WORK: Il Ballerino

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfx7WcyG5sI

ARTIST: Ragnhild Hemsing

WORK: Valdresguten

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYSVDG8ZFNw

ARTIST: Chris Thile

WORK: Jessamyn's Reel

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88q9syere0Q

ARTIST: RAVN

WORK: In Nature #2

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cCM04Qvx2w

ARTIST: Edward Foster

WORK: Ja Nus Hons Pris

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mfDscXoY8A

ARTIST: Bernardo de Pace

WORK: The Wizard of the Mandolin

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHfQTzDnz9s

ARTIST: Rolf Lislevand

WORK: Unknown

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/jUd_Tl3N3wE?si=X60gcIMUodA_J3wZ

ARTIST: Mariachi Juvenil Perla

WORK: El Cascabel

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SVCsqs3Vsc

ARTIST: Justin Johnson

WORK: Justin Johnson Plays the Diddley Bow

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8Ic3j7f5GU

ARTIST: Miles Caton (Sinners 2025 Soundtrack)

WORK: Travelin'

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/1hC9X81x7nY?si=xW18W3o91LS2RTEa

ARTIST: Sol Hoopii

WORK: Palolo

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/kPzqjmgi2-I?si=PC7eTQXuaPmCuRce

ARTIST: The Lady Victoria

WORK: King of the Fairies

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/QuYm9wvTvkc?si=v2wN0FT2YmDgk_Rv

ARTIST: Frontier Culture Museum

WORK: O du lieber Augustine

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTAtHhG7H6A

ARTIST: Joni Mitchell

WORK: California (Live)

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5BnE5_lPqE

ARTIST: Scott Marshall

WORK: Unknown

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvBSXocQog0

ARTIST: Unknown

WORK: Organistrum

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg5J1cQs7CM

Folk Files #2.4 - I Am A Roving Gambler

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:59:52 +0000

This episode explores the variations, history, and geography of the bluegrass song "The Roving Gambler."

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Ashford King, The Cecil Sharp House/Ralph Vaughan Williams Library, and Aaron J. Morton

Check out Basic Folk: https://basicfolk.com/

Listen to Ashford King: https://open.spotify.com/album/1IZwE0c1mzOQtd3nnWn8nE?si=A5AenKxXRvmAiM_duUVHPg

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast?redirect=true

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Doc Watson

WORK: The Roving Gambler

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhTcFh_jAnM

ARTIST: Larry Sparks

WORK: Roving Gambler

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVrfqvHVbdU

ARTIST: Albert Sallee

WORK: Roving Gambler

SOURCE: https://digitalcollections.uark.edu/digital/collection/OzarkFolkSong/id/1771

ARTIST: Donna Everett

WORK: Roving Gambler

SOURCE: https://digitalcollections.uark.edu/digital/collection/OzarkFolkSong/id/1221

ARTIST: Rambling Jack Elliott

WORK: Roving Gambler

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B5BHG5G1P8

ARTIST: The Corries

WORK: Roving Journeyman

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5LzHSci1Lg

ARTIST: Harry Brazil

WORK: Rambling Irishman

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDaC883iJjo

ARTIST: Tom Willett

WORK: The Roving Journeyman

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_DoReXQMRM

ARTIST: Delia Murphy

WORK: Roving Journeyman

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bztY9bHbbVA

ARTIST: Samantha Bumgarner

WORK: The Gamblin' Man

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWfszrzc51Q&t=121s

ARTIST: Leroy Gardner

WORK: Gambling Man

SOURCE: https://digitalcollections.uark.edu/digital/collection/OzarkFolkSong/id/2942

ARTIST: The Wolfe Tones

WORK: Paddy Lay Back

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QqpcENtS-s

ARTIST: Joan Baez

WORK: The Trees They Do Grow High

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh7Lcw0ZIWc

ARTIST: The Staple Singers

WORK: Move Along Train

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fdbij67yUs

ARTIST: Alison Krauss

WORK: Down to the River To Pray

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SZv7JJqcNY

ARTIST: Clancy Brothers and Robbie O'Connell

WORK: Moonshiner

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du8Naz_iAg4

ARTIST: Johnny Whistletrigger

WORK: Guerrilla Man

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB1OweaWbxc

ARTIST: Ashford King

WORK: Roving Gambler

SOURCE: https://open.spotify.com/track/5rkkQsz2EC9VaFTnAJWAHJ?si=213e5631c1a04ca0

Folk Files #2.3 - No Land is Alone

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:36:23 +0000

From 1986-1991, a "Singing Revolution" took place in the Baltic states, leading to their independence from the Soviet Union. This episode of Folk Files looks at the rich musical history that paved the way for the Singing Revolution to occur and provides an introduction to Estonian folk and choral music. (Apologies for any horrible Estonian pronunciation).

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Cliff S., Ramona Holmes, and Aaron J. Morton

Check out Basic Folk: https://basicfolk.com/

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Singers at Laulupidu 2019

WORK: Mu isamaa on minu arm

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTdOiCa0-4o

ARTIST: Tuule Kann

WORK: Estonian Folk Music Instrument: KANNEL

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lqpRd9kU_o

ARTIST: Timo Lige / Students from Hiiumaa

WORK: Kiigelaul (A Swinging Song)

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x5QslTDXW4

ARTIST: Written by L. Raudkepp, Composed by J. Aavik

WORK: Hoia, jumal Eestit

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O9D0ZN1kkI

ARTIST: Singers at Laulupidu 2019

WORK: Koi

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_cCvMuDLTg

ARTIST: Eteläsuomalaisen Osakunnan Laulajat

WORK: Kangakudumise laul

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izYbVvt-DPo

ARTIST: Singers at Laulupidu 2014

WORK: Mis need ohjad meida hoidvad

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHuaIz6ZK6s

ARTIST: Tartu Boys Choir

WORK: Mu isamaa on minu arm

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oX4yvG5ApU

ARTIST: Tartu Boys Choir

WORK: Veel kaitse Kalev oma lapsi

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbdpHz4s7-4

ARTIST: Ell Tabur

WORK: Lenda, lenda, lepalind

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oSswM_7sBY

ARTIST: Tallinna Kammerkoor

WORK: Priiuse hommikul

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru-picL-Ozo

ARTIST: Tallinna Meestelaulu Selts

WORK: Üks kindel linn ja varjupaik

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B37doTWWFwk

ARTIST: Singers at Laulupidu 2019

WORK: Tuljak

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k2lsqm8JLk

ARTIST: Singers at Öölaulupidu 2008

WORK: Ei ole üksi ükski maa

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3BSN0P8-no

Episode Swap - Basic Folk: Carolyn Kendrick's Devilish Detour

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Surprise! This is not an episode of Folk Files: It's an episode of Basic Folk! Basic Folk, produced by the Bluegrass Situation, is a podcast that features honest conversations with folk musicians. Hosted by Cindy Howes and Lizzie No, Basic Folk approaches interviews with warmth, humor and insightful questions. Since 2018, this podcast has dignified under the radar roots musicians by providing a platform that they might not otherwise have.

This episode features Carolyn Kendrick, whose latest project explores the complex themes of moral panic, tradition, and the figure of the devil aka Satan aka Lucifer. The LA-based songwriter opens up about the inspiration behind her album "Each Machine."

She shares her unexpected journey into researching the devil, sparked by a podcast project that ended up overtaking her life, leading her to interview the leader of the Satanic Temple, among many others. This deep dive into the topic became a way for her to process the overwhelming political and cultural landscape.

Check out the links below to hear more from Basic Folk!

https://basicfolk.com/

https://www.facebook.com/basicfolkpod/

https://www.instagram.com/basicfolkpod/

Carolyn Kendrick Links:

Each Machine on Bandcamp: https://carolynkendrick.bandcamp.com/album/each-machine

Website: ⁠https://www.carolynkendrick.com⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolynbkendrick/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynkendrickmusic

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolynbkendrick

Folk Files #2.2 - Bedlam Boys Are Bonny

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0000

He goes bare, he lives by the air, and he wants no drink nor money…or does he? In this episode, we explore the songs and stories surrounding Tom of Bedlam. Where did the modern tune come from? And why is the title misleading? Hold on to your hat and your sanity for this musical journey to Pluto's kitchen and beyond.

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Aaron J. Morton

Check out Basic Folk: https://basicfolk.com/

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Heritage

WORK: Mad Tom of Bedlam

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gAxNVcyKm4

ARTIST: The Halliard

WORK: Boys of Bedlam

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0EUadGMU3Y

ARTIST: Catherine Bott

WORK: Mad Maudlin

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSNoYGtdDiU

ARTIST: Tim Edwards of the Country Dance & Song Society

WORK: Tom O'Bedlam's Song

SOURCE: https://cdss.org/publications/listen/song-of-the-month/january-2022-song-of-the-month/

ARTIST: David Pryor (Recorded by Alan Lomax and Mary Elizabeth Barnicle

WORK: When the Whale Get Strike

SOURCE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-alan-lomax-collection-deep-river-of-song-bahamas-1935/2675148

ARTIST: Kate Price

WORK: Mad Tom of Bedlam

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubPeBpchVxM

ARTIST: Old Blind Dogs

WORK: Bedlam Boys/Rights of Man

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMkmbfW_XKE

ARTIST: Steeleye Span

WORK: Boys of Bedlam

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz9tggUNlIU

ARTIST: Music the Gathering

WORK: Tom of Bedlam

SOURCE: LVL 3 - https://www.musicthegathering.com/store/lvl-3-digital-album

Folk Files #2.1 - A-Fishin' For The Whale

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:00:00 +0000

Greenland Whale Fisheries is the featured song in this episode of Folk Files. While delving into the origins of the song, we will explore other ballads about Greenland and dip our toes into the extensive history of whaling. Well row'd, jolly trouts!

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Pegmouth, ARRR!!!, and Aaron J. Morton

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: ARRR!!!

WORK: Greenland Whale Fisheries

SOURCE: Plunderstruck (2010)

ARTIST: Peter, Paul, and Mary

WORK: Greenland Whale Fisheries

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKsJrFy4Q_E

ARTIST: The Watersons

WORK: The Greenland Whale Fishery

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzMQYfRexUU

ARTIST: A.L. Lloyd

WORK: The Greenland Whale Fishery

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEOzI4IEkF0

ARTIST: David Pryor (Recorded by Alan Lomax and Mary Elizabeth Barnicle)

WORK: When the Whale Get Strike

SOURCE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-alan-lomax-collection-deep-river-of-song-bahamas-1935/2675148

ARTIST: Stan Rogers

WORK: Northwest Passage

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVY8LoM47xI

ARTIST: Clanna Morna

WORK: Bonnie Ship the Diamond

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i51KjpPvRKU

ARTIST: Judy Collins

WORK: Farewell to Tarwathie

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV29xK2xyZ4

ARTIST: Whales! (recorded by the Oceania Project)

WORK: Whale Song

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WabT1L-nN-E

Folk Files #12 - Of All The Trees

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 18:29:47 +0000

Happy Holidays! In this episode of Folk Files, we will explore the history, lore, and significance of plants in Christmas carols, with a special emphasis on the Holly and the Ivy!

Host: Olivia Harding

Special Thanks To: Aaron J. Morton

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Trio of Nyckelharpas (from The Nyckelharpa Effect)

WORK: The Holly and the Ivy

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86dkwTJWWZk

ARTIST: Golden Bough

WORK: The Holly and the Ivy

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmOshQR0ohI

ARTIST: Sara Stowe

WORK: Green Groweth the Holly

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK8lhhhJMrw

ARTIST: Magpie Lane

WORK: The Holly and the Ivy

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U75XxVMNPf4

ARTIST: Cornwall County Youth Choir

WORK: St. Day Carol

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7blutTNm1E

ARTIST: Jean Ritchie

WORK: Cherry Tree Carol

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnAVmDszkEA

ARTIST: The King's Singers

WORK: Es ist ein Ros entsprungen

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7y05TrzeHo

ARTIST: Apollo5

WORK: A Spotless Rose

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzN1UzVa7zA

ARTIST: Vienna Boys Choir

WORK: O Tannenbaum

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9U1gJy8AvE

ARTIST: Kate Rusby

WORK: Mistletoe Bough

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJD8Q9d3_6c

ARTIST: Steeleye Span

WORK: Mistletoe Bough

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTM7fZNxLiY

ARTIST: The Bird and the Bee

WORK: 12 Days of Christmas

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh55aMvP-lU

ARTIST: St Mary's College Choir

WORK: Pukeko in a Ponga Tree

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uV7xoRU7Fw

Folk Files #11 - Filk Files

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:10:22 +0000

Welcome to Filk Files! But what is Filk? And why are there so many aliens, adventurers, hobbits, muppets, and nerds in this episode?

Host: Olivia Harding

Guest Speakers: Daisy O'Danny, Marc Gunn, Andrew McKee, Dan Marcotte

You can find the full interviews with each guest speaker (including a video interview with the Brobdingnagian Bards!) as well as other goodies on the Folk Files Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast. All the proceeds from this month's purchases will be donated to the RESCU Foundation.

Special Thanks To: Aaron J. Morton

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Arthur Rowan

WORK: Trooper's Lament

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgMrUDGiOC4

ARTIST: Rowan and the Rose

WORK: Australian Shore

SOURCE: https://www.rowanandtherose.com/product-page/favorite-things-2016-digital

ARTIST: Daisy O'Danny

WORK: The Irish Rover

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz1SDrNhaLc

ARTIST: Dan the Bard

WORK: Fred the Ranger

SOURCE: https://www.danthebard.com/category/all-products

ARTIST: Weird Al Yankovic

WORK: The Saga Begins

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEcjgJSqSRU

ARTIST: Brobdingnagian Bards

WORK: If I Had A Million Ducats

SOURCE: https://brobdingnagianbards.bandcamp.com/track/if-i-had-a-million-ducats-2

ARTIST: Brobdingnagian Bards

WORK: Hobbit's Dance

SOURCE: https://brobdingnagianbards.bandcamp.com/track/hobbits-dance

ARTIST: Daisy O'Danny

WORK: Boot and Rally

SOURCE: https://www.patreon.com/c/folkfilespodcast/shop

ARTIST: Mikey Mason

WORK: Best Game Ever

SOURCE: https://mikeymason.bandcamp.com/track/best-game-ever

ARTIST: Mikey Mason

WORK: Shades of Gray

SOURCE: https://mikeymason.bandcamp.com/track/shades-of-gray

ARTIST: Roll That Die

WORK: Bard City

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtmZRJMlrFc

ARTIST: Tom Smith

WORK: A Boy and His Frog

SOURCE: https://tomsmith.bandcamp.com/track/a-boy-and-his-frog

Folk Files #10 - Women Without Choices

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:32:00 +0000

This episode of Folk Files discusses songs involving infanticide. "The Well Below the Valley" and "The Cruel Mother" stand at the center of this heartbreaking voyage through historical records, Scandinavian folklore, and murder ballads.

Host: Olivia Harding

Join the Folk FIles Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast

Special Thanks To: Aaron J. Morton

Note: Because it's always true in folk songs, when I refer to pregnant people in general, I say "women". However, the difficulties I discuss (postpartum maladies, access to medical care, etc.) affect people of all genders.

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Christy Moore

WORK: Well Below the Valley

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylZGw7tfAHI

ARTIST: Polly Paulusma

WORK: The Maid and the Palmer

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUILSHtxYWI

ARTIST: Sähköpaimen

WORK: Mataleena på Källebro

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAk_knoRDdE

ARTIST: Brass Monkey

WORK: The Maid and the Palmer

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIeZ953yUc4

ARTIST: Hack-Poets Guild

WORK: Cruel Mother

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pzvqeBHsSg

ARTIST: Alasdair Roberts

WORK: The Cruel Mother

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIOANdvjRqY

ARTIST: Bryndís Sveinbjörnsdóttir

WORK: Móðir mín í kví, kví

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtKTkSMO5Us

ARTIST: Shirley Collins

WORK: The Cruel Mother

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a3DuJrjwts

ARTIST: Ewan MacColl

WORK: Sheath and Knife

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=787wXkYcdHY

ARTIST: Nick Hart

WORK: Lucy Wan

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TihjH0G_0H0

Folk Files #9 - Cuckoos and Nightingales

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Episode 9 is all about birds! Embark on a journey around the world to sample bird songs and birdsong. Along the way, listen to the mockingbird, help the blackbird find his missing pieces, and rumple up the cuckoo's nest. Note: This was recorded on the road (away from the studio) so please excuse any loss of audio quality!

Host: Olivia Harding

Join the Folk FIles Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Beatrice Harrison

WORK: "Actually recorded in Beatrice Harrison's Garden, Oxted"

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/QPxT95WwIBM?si=wreVzzkJVYWt6kWt

ARTIST: Recorded by the BBC

WORK: "Nightingales Sing As RAF Bombers Fly"

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_MHqW5KVds&t=4s

ARTIST: Sam Lee

WORK: Blackbird

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDQMVFgRv10

ARTIST: Unknown

WORK: Sarika Keo Euy

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-jcF5jr6Ic

ARTIST: Cote Godoy

WORK: En Un Lejano Bosque

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-buGB5jM_IE

ARTIST: Savanna Tríóïð

WORK: Sa ég spóa

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoiihIzaD5g

ARTIST: Mohamed Fawzi

WORK: Zahab al-leil

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdPNR47biiI

ARTIST: The Brown Madrigal Singers

WORK: Of All the Birds That I Do Know

SOURCE: 2010 Holiday Concert

ARTIST: Steeleye Span

WORK: Drink Down the Moon

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sGBhvJuNBw

ARTIST: Oberkirchen Choir

WORK: Kuckuck, Kuckuck

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/s8J8aGe0Pe8?si=RM3Wrkz8fjCdbbK6

ARTIST: Rising Appalachia

WORK: Cuckoo

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/h6ow2Z5Jh9Y?si=0mi84w2KziN1hBtv

ARTIST: Cosmo Sheldrake

WORK: Cuckoo Song

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/cbQyFZmuA58?si=UgLUJ7K6o9B5VHAF

ARTIST: Tonton Dezirab

WORK: Ti Zwazo

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/b5zzeW6YuJc?si=NNm7daTxNo0LONaq

ARTIST: Mitamaiyu Primary

WORK: Kanyoni Kanja

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x4nSfjchvg

ARTIST: Dolly Parton and Stuart Duncan

WORK: Listen to the Mockingbird

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/vqYYkWwfYhs?si=PU0fHePemEcx4jko

ARTIST: Music the Gathering

WORK: Misirloucuckoo's Nest

SOURCE: https://www.musicthegathering.com/store/lvl-3-digital-album-esexe

Folk Files #8 - Peaches in the Summertime

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 17:00:00 +0000

"Shady Grove" is an Appalachian folk song that is often linked to the English ballad "Matty Groves". But what is the actual relationship between them? This episode of Folk Files discusses the meaning of "Shady Grove" and untangles the origins of these two songs.

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Aaron J Morton.

Join the Folk Files Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Doc Watson

WORK: Shady Grove

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0f-dCMSVKQ

ARTIST: Jean Ritchie

WORK: Shady Grove

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFw78zP39Y4

ARTIST: Jennifer Goree

WORK: Shady Grove

SOURCE: https://www.ghostmeat.com/jennifergoree.html

ARTIST: Michael Johnathon

WORK: Shady Grove

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvsTIvwgNI0

ARTIST: Jerry Garcia and the Sleepy Hollow Hog Stompers

WORK: Shady Grove

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZBuFXlISkQ

ARTIST: Billy Strings

WORK: Shady Grove

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGScvVTHqQo

ARTIST:The Kingston Trio

WORK: Old Joe Clark

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS7dH-CYed0

ARTIST: Kentucky Thorobreds

WORK: Shady Grove

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46eBbMhB-TI

ARTIST: Hedy West

WORK: Barbara Allen

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzTAsbdztMY

ARTIST: Music the Gathering

WORK: Shady Grove

SOURCE: https://www.musicthegathering.com/store/lvl-3-digital-album-petnc-8c8hy

ARTIST: Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl

WORK: Matty Groves

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdyUqIfGa1Y

ARTIST: Martin Carthy

WORK: Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt7-hYd7PdM

ARTIST: Fairport Convention

WORK: Matty Groves

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1it7BP5PckI

ARTIST: Music the Gathering

WORK: Shady Grove

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aacCgKWGoWg

Folk Files #7 - Trousers and Petticoats

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:52:56 +0000

This month's episode focuses on folk songs from the British Isles where the main character dresses, acts, or lives in a way that challenges gender norms. It also offers a glimpse into the work of "Queer Folk", an English organization that highlights traditional songs with LGBTQIA+ themes.

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Shiloh DeFabia, Lafayette Matthews, and Aaron J Morton.

Learn more about Queer Folk: https://www.queerfolk.co.uk/

Join the Folk Files Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Sophie Crawford and George Sansome (Queer Folk)

WORK: Jack Went A-Sailing

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sRO-DVLprA

ARTIST: Philip Langridge, arr. Benjamin Britten

WORK: Sweet Polly Oliver

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ7ulITPfqs

ARTIST: Gog Magog Molly

WORK: The Polychromatic Parrot (at Sidmouth)

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVELKeXEf8Q

ARTIST: TransAction Theatre

WORK: The Ballad of the Female Husband

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbKZuYRL5VM&t=0s

ARTIST: Sophie Crawford (Queer Folk)

WORK: Our Captain Calls All Hands

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9e7nWijLR0

ARTIST: Ian Robb

WORK: The Female Rambling Sailor

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdWBhmsktJU

ARTIST: Gavin Atkin

WORK: Short Jacket and White Trousers

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FDJsEtgrns

ARTIST: A.L. Lloyd

WORK: Sovay the Female Highwayman

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh_KXPXmgI8

ARTIST: Cilla Fisher and Artie Trezise

WORK: Billy Taylor

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34HIv_MgH54

ARTIST: Finbar Furey

WORK: New York Girls

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGqSEFaa94Y

ARTIST: Nic Jones

WORK: Barrack Street

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nmS1iCbqe4

ARTIST: Bryony Griffith and Alice Jones

WORK: The Tailor's Breeches / New Year's Day
SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqjiL7PWUZA

ARTIST: Amy Thatcher and Holly Clarke (Queer Folk)

WORK: That Lulu Business

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx6ecSBsjPQ

Folk Files #6 - Summer Is A-Comin' In

Thu, 16 May 2024 16:00:00 +0000

April is dead and summer is a-coming in! This episode of Folk Files explores the tradition of May songs and festivals, specifically focusing on Hal an Tow and the Flora Day celebrations in Cornwall. Morris dancing, maypoles, and the origin of May Day are also discussed.

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Stephen Winick, Donna Smith, Aaron J. Morton, The Soup

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Marc Block

WORK: Hal an Tow

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgBzSNOc3A8

ARTIST: Ranarim

WORK: Maj vare välkommen

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7wXcJiGH-o

ARTIST: The Halekulani Girls

WORK: May Day is Lei Day

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3GuJp2PZPU

ARTIST: The Watersons

WORK: Hal an Tow

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5kyvYoiS8c

ARTIST: Helston Flora Day, recorded by artcornwall.org

WORK: Hal an Tow

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rftBZKbZRg

ARTIST: Shirley Collins And The Albion Country Band

WORK: Hal-an-Tow

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5vUj6j8hjI

ARTIST: David Hansen

WORK: The Helston Furry Dance

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tGk9RODnRw

ARTIST: The Ashdown Forest Morris Men, recorded by Britclip

WORK: May Day 2024

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXhh8ClqDaw

ARTIST: Lillian Short

WORK: Robin Hood

SOURCE: Vance Randolph Collection AFC 1941/001: AFS 5263 B2 (https://blogs.loc.gov/folklife/2022/05/more-about-hal-an-tow-early-evidence-of-a-may-song/)

ARTIST: Roger Miller

WORK: Oo-De-Lally

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsyG3-IlY3Y

ARTIST: Richard Thompson

WORK: Sumer Is Icumen In

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKikjYdf1DA

ARTIST: Lisa Knapp

WORK: Till April is Dead

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe-WWMHQASg

Folk Files #5 - No More To Roam

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:14:28 +0000

Wayfaring Stranger is the featured song in this episode of Folk Files, which explores the history of Appalachia, shape note tradition, and the difficulties of tracing the origins of early American folk music.

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Aaron J. Morton, Jo Morton, Lucas "Whiskey Richards" Husted, and Mary White-Harding

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Jack White

WORK: Wayfaring Stranger

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25P08So3rfI

ARTIST: Cherokee National Youth Choir

WORK: North Wind

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_7j3qx-Qrs

ARTIST: Detlef Korsen

WORK: Ich Bin Ein Gast Auf Erden

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0ia7MiVqRc

ARTIST: Ireland Sacred Harp Convention

WORK: Wayfaring Stranger

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dL4AVKA6tM

ARTIST: The United Shape Note Singers of West Georgia and the Associated Note Singers of Atlanta

WORK: What a Happy Time

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUwHIEb19Ug

ARTIST: Texas Sacred Harp Singers

WORK: What Wondrous Love

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRpV9H9ZpB0

ARTIST: ARRR!!!

WORK: The Ballad of Captain Kidd

SOURCE: Let's Get Kraken: https://arrr-pirates.bandcamp.com/album/lets-get-kraken

ARTIST: Rhiannon Giddens

WORK: Wayfaring Stranger

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1Z4PAZX9Bs

ARTIST: Ewan McColl

WORK: Dowie Dens of Yarrow

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NfTplWa0mg

ARTIST: Second Wind

WORK: Wayfaring Stranger

SOURCE: Deco Lounge, April 6 2024

Folk Files #4 - Haul Away

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:47:56 +0000

This episode of Folk Files traces the roots of popular sea shanties to Black work songs and African folk traditions.

Full list of referenced works: https://jmp.sh/gcOBH83N

To jump into the Black origins of country music, start here:

https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2022/10/black-country-music-legacy/671818/

https://time.com/5673476/ken-burns-country-music-black-artists/

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to Cherie and Michael Albert

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Paul Clayton and the Fo'c'sle Singers

WORK: Haul Away Joe

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x73TAgmZYAM

ARTIST: The Longest Johns

WORK: Spanish Ladies

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3wzlHYzsg8

ARTIST: Ed Lewis and Prisoners from Parchman, Mississippi

WORK: I Be So Glad When the Sun Goes Down

SOURCE: https://youtu.be/C-zlSq4mWiE?si=fnGu-f8ZgGbMmv0-

ARTIST: Music the Gathering

WORK: Sundown Below

SOURCE: LVL 1

ARTIST: Assassin's Creed: Rogue

WORK: Donkey Riding

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgfLP3gMh0Y

ARTIST: David Coffin

WORK: Roll the Old Chariot

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJtgjG0x9Mw

ARTIST: Planxty

WORK: Sally Brown

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0Bq4-fCH0c

ARTIST: Sam Lee

WORK: Knock a Man Down

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NoUAQhY-g8

ARTIST: Bernard Wrigley et. al.

WORK: Haul Away for Rosie

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1DugYkOOd0

ARTIST: Coon Creek Girls

WORK: Jim Along Josie

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztG-7-P_G-w

ARTIST: Lead Belly

WORK: Haul Away Joe

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEoHm1GBQtU

ARTIST: The Barroualie Whalers

WORK: Tinnego

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwL5lpVt1Mk

ARTIST: The Menhaden Chanteymen

WORK: [Title Unknown]

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geAJI6he75I

Folk Files #3 - Sailing Homeward

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 16:44:00 +0000

Ahoy! This episode of Folk Files explores the strange history of Mingulay, the island at the center of the Mingulay Boat Song. The episode also delves into the difference between sea shanties and fo'c'sle songs and discusses the tradition of naming songs "[Scottish Island] Boat Song".

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton, Asia Lupo, Marc Mills, Arne Parrott, Joseph Maurer, Cherie Hopton Albert, and Michael Albert

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: ARRR!!!

WORK: Mingulay Boat Song

SOURCE: Scourge of the Open Waters

ARTIST: Tom Sullivan

WORK: Paddy Lay Back

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLLf4eC5pRA

ARTIST: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival demonstration on the Joseph Conrad

WORK: Blood Red Roses

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syAn2xv5HSU&t=48s

ARTIST: The Longest Johns

WORK: Mingulay Boat Song

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDt81x1B8nk

ARTIST: Robin Hall & Jimmy McGregor with the Galliards

WORK: Mingulay Boat Song

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF3CpSf7NxQ

ARTIST: Harbottle and Jonas (from Folk at the Corner House)

WORK: Mingulay Boat Song

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecuxgrISx0A

ARTIST: The Kilt Lifters

WORK: Queen Mary's Escape

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7XpB1I-FSk

ARTIST: Mairi MacInnes

WORK: Cuachag Nan Craobh

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=298ngsE8dTY

ARTIST: Bear McCreary (feat. Griogair Labhruidh)

WORK: The Skye Boat Song

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnsVFslhy6I

ARTIST: Music the Gathering

WORK: Mingulay Boat Song (WIP)

SOURCE: Soon to be released on LVL 3. Check here for updates: https://www.musicthegathering.com/

Folk Files #2 - A-Wassailing

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0000

In this holiday episode of Folk Files, we explore the old, wild, wonderful world of wassailing. Wæs hæl!

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton.

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: The Brown University Madrigal Singers

WORK: Wassail Song, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams

SOURCE: 2010 Holiday Concert

ARTIST: Magpie Lane

WORK: The Somerset Wassail

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhWNp9vh39E

ARTIST: The King's Singers

WORK: Here We Come A Wassailing

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YUGXr8FcdY

ARTIST: Ian Giles

WORK: God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nppGaVz_8cw

ARTIST: Electra Women's Choir

WORK: Yorkshire Wassail

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCXM9G9uyt4

ARTIST: Unknown, recorded by Smithsonian Folkways

WORK: John Canoe Music

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nIdRnL7vRU

ARTIST: Lady Maisery, Jimmy Aldridge, and Sid Goldsmith

WORK: Cornish Wassail

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo1aGvEUtcI

ARTIST: Phil Tanner

WORK: The Wassail Song (Gower)

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqCxKtHr778

ARTIST: Rhodri McDonagh

WORK: Deck the Halls (Welsh version)

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGuTncYncbU

Folk Files #1 - Here's an Introduction

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Folk Files, a podcast hosted by Olivia Harding that seeks to uncover the mysteries of folk music throughout the ages and dive deep into the tangled history of murder ballads, sea shanties, rebel songs, and other music that has withstood the test of time!

In this inaugural episode, we will discuss the meaning of "folk music" and explore the origins of the song "Health to the Company".

Special thanks to Misti Bernard, Jerry Barry, and Aaron J. Morton.

ARTIST: Sherrill Milnes, Liberty Tree Wind Players, American Fife Ensemble, Jon Spong

WORK: Liberty Song

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZI1MJuszYM

ARTIST: Vin Garbutt

WORK: We May Or Might Never All Meet Here Again

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1Hg5V5YWWg

ARTIST: The Chieftains

WORK: Here's a Health to the Company

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkuDYhdVers

ARTIST: The Minstrels of Mayhem

WORK: Health to the Company

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7PVJuo4yw4

ARTIST: Owain Phyfe

WORK: A Health to the Company

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcS88F1jR4U

ARTIST: Winnie Ryan

WORK: I Am a Poor Girl and My Life it is Sad

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goAyQLQA1xg

ARTIST: Silly Wizard

WORK: If I was a Blackbird

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXi_uYP0tlM

Folk Files (Trailer)

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0000

A new episode