Casey Driessen, Aili Järvelä and Esko Järvelä: Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell
- American Roots
This fun cover of Joni Mitchell’s tune was born out of fiddler Casey Driessen being stuck in Finland at the start of Covid in March 2020 in the middle of his Otherlands travels around the world. I love that the two fiddlers clearly speak the same language despite being raised in two different cultures. Read more on Casey and his two months in Finland here.
Music: Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell
Casey Driessen, Aili Järvelä and Esko Järvelä: Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell
- American Roots
Music: Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell
Monique Clare at Blue Skies Festival, Ontario, Canada
- Singer Songwriter
[ Originally broadcast as part of the 2021 Blue Skies Festival in Ontario, Canada. ]
I am so thoroughly enjoying the intricate arrangements and cello playing of Monique Clare. To read more about her see here.
Music: Hourglass by Monique Clare
Punch Brothers: Live at House of Blues
- American Roots
I happened to see the Punch Brothers live at House of Blues in Boston almost 10 years ago, and it was one of the more crazy brilliant concerts I have ever been to. They have energy, originality, virtuosity like few others, and plenty of beauty. Go see them!
Music: Original songs performed live at House of Blues, Boston, June, 2018.
Folk All-in Band at Nalen, Stockholm, Sweden
- Scandinavian Folk Fusion
I will gladly admit that I have a dream of joining this band. How fun is this! The energy is off the roof, you have to start dancing, the big band/funk/trad/folk combo is absolutely irresistible!
Music: 1. "FABulous" by K-J Ankarblom, arr. K-J Ankarblom. 2. "Böl Olles schottis", trad. arr. K-J Ankarblom, A Johansson, J Ronström.
Danish String Quartet: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
- Scandinavian Folk Fusion
Gorgeous and serene performance of Nordic folk songs in new arrangements, with a strong flare of classical discipline.
Music: Various Folk Melodies
Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards – “Stockholm”
- Singer Songwriter
I have had the pleasure of seeing Laura Cortese live several times in the last few years, and a more energetic and rich artist is hard to find. Her live performances are just as good as the recordings, if not better, so if she is performing in your area just go! You can find her tour schedule here.
Music: "Stockholm" - Official Music Video
Väsen – Bambodansarna
- Scandinavian Folk Fusion
Bambodansarna has been a favorite tune of mine for many years, for the irresistible groove, the raw nyckelharpa, and the all around string joy engulfment. This track does not disappoint. Click here for more on Väsen and it’s wide reach.
Music: Bambodansarna
