2010 Artswells Line-Up

ArtsWells Schedule at a glance

Aaron Goodwin & the Circle of Stones, Penticton, B.C. I am a musician, and hopefully one day author. I live the good life every day.

Andrea Ramolo,Toronto, Ont.“The Toronto-based roots singer has the whiskey-soaked pipes to land a song straight into your cerebral cortex”. Blending folk, roots, blues, and some tap-dancing, Andrea and her one-man band (Jason Skiendziel) bring their 80 date cross-Canada tour to Artswells. Party time!!!

Ari Neufeld, Penticton, B.C. Ari is young and old all at once. His organic approach to making music turns not only his emotion, but his physicality into song. He breathes beats and croons out multi-octave melodies over textured acoustic guitar and percussion performed by his feet, through an amplified wooden box.

Betty Supple Betty grew up in F’realtown Ontario, which means she is required, by blood, to keep it real. She’s been firin’ out tunes since it occurred to her to do so, and speaks her mind, heart and soul through her songs.

Blackberry Wood, Vancouver, B.C. Blackberry Wood is a wonderful, secret and Magic combination of original Alt-country/ragtime/Circus/Gypsy music, BIG party grooves like exotic Worldbeats, headbobbin’ HipHop, jumpin’ Ska, and other irresistible body shakin’ an’ foot shuffling stuff.

The Burning Hell, Peterborough, Ont.The Burning Hell sings catchy, fatalistic little songs about animals, conferences, wombs and tombs, making music to dance to at the end of the world.

Carolyn Mark Victoria, BC Carolyn will sing and play the guitar and hopefully the piano. She might tell some jokes. Diona Davies will play the violin tastefully and harmonize.

Chasing Red Lights, Penticton, B.C. Mankind has always been Chasing Red Lights. From the very first rising of
the sun right up until now, where, even as the sun sets, the chase carries on into the night. This constant stop and go through lifes meaning,purpose, culture, goals, dreams, desires, needs, wants, and all the yellows in between. ..

Corbin Murdoch, East Vancouver, B.C. Corbin Murdoch is an adventurous folk musician from East Vancouver. Whether collaborating with jazz artists for mash-up performances, with visual artists for a year-long song-blog (http://corbinmurdoch.wordpress.com), with bluegrass bands or brass quintets, Corbin Murdoch and his band, The Nautical Miles, continue to push the boundaries of contemporary Canadian folk music.

Corwin Fox, Victoria, B.C. With his distinctive knack for ironic juxtaposition and a playful sense of humour, Fox takes another deep cut at Big Business, Government practices and environmental politics, all while warming us with his deeply concerned and heart-felt words of compassion and wisdom. Live, Fox’s performances can range from extremely intimate acoustic shows to full band onslaught.

CR Avery Band, Vancouver, B.C. Whether performing to thousands at the Royal Albert Hall or the lucky few who made it inside the packed past capacity speakeasy, C.R. Avery is a unique, raw and dynamic performer. His genius lies in many genres – blues, hip-hop, spoken word and rock & roll. He is a one-man band, but one for this generation; with the rare ability to sing poetic verse while beatboxing simultaneously while pounding the piano and adding harmonica like a plot twist.

The Creaking Planks, Vancouver, B.C. The Creaking Planks strap on forgotten and dismissed instruments of simpler times, preemptively gathering the tunes and jingles of today from the ashbins of tomorrow and re-presenting them in a novel anachronistic setting and style.

Crooked Brothers, Winnipeg/Falcon Lake, Man. These Manitoban boys are hard to pin down musically – Stomping scrapyard funk, back porch blues, or honest country waltzes… they’re worth checking out.

Danielle Savage & The Miscreants Danielle Savage is joined this summer by her Penticton-based band, ‘the Miscreants’, permutating from her history as a singleton-songwriter and Pan-American busker/ performer.

Dave Soroka The sweet side of rock’n'roll.

Dave Newberry, Vancouver, B.C. David Newberry sings folk songs with rock sensibilities. Or is it the other way around? His songs capture insights into the complex social world. Exclaim Magazine says “his voice has a ring of truth,” and calls him “an artist to watch.”

David Roy Parsons “I have to say that David Roy Parsons is the best new songwriter I’ve found in the last couple of years. I don’t say that lightly. I’ve played several hundred gigs in about 10 countries in that time. His lyrics remind me of John Donne, and his melodies are undeniable. He’s sophisticated and straightforward at the same time, like Hank Williams. If you care about songwriting, don’t deny yourself the pleasure of listening to this man.”–Geoff Berner

The Deckchairs Since their inception in 2007 The Deckchairs have been resposible for developing and delivering and emphatic style of progressive folk music based around 12 string and lapsteel guitars.

Diana Catherine and the Thrusty Tweeters Woodbridge, Ontario The Spirit Ranch Sessions is their latest album produced by Grammy winner of The Allman Brothers, Bud Snyder. CBC’s Fresh Air with Mark Rheaume listed them in the TOP 8 Ontario Bands of 2009.

Dirty Grace, Victoria, B.C. Together, Marley Daemon, Betty Supple and Shelder Footz represent the stripped-down, raw version of their band, Dirty Grace. Their highly diverse, original repertoire points to a new era in music when bands, released from the suffocating limitations of adhering to a single genre, are free to explore any and all inspirations that come their way. Dirty Grace combine gypsy, bluegrass, jazz and hip hop (what they call ‘Jazzypsy Grass-Hop’) with their unique brand of ‘New Canadian Poetry’ (“Canoetry”) to create dancy, emotional grooves with big heart.

DJ BassMint of Karmetik Collective gets back to his roots with this project. His deep and delicious funky electro infused sound carries the dancer into other realms, relying heavily on luscious vocal melody, throbbing baselines and groove of epic proportions. Inspired by life on the rugged West Coast of British Columbia, BassMint brings a broad spectrum of feeling to the dance floor, sure to tickle all corners of the psyche.

Dorah Amora From Saltspring Island, Self-taught Gypsy Accordionist Extraordinaire. Forget every bad Polka you ever suffered through and prepare for eclectic French, Gypsy, eargasmic tunes to put your heartsoul in a trance

Drum and Bell Tower, Williams Lake, B.C. Drum & Bell Tower is a one-man computer-based live-drum-pounding, knob-tweaking, psychedelic-guitar-soaked experiment with rhythm and harmony. It is music for spacing out and/or dancing off the proverbial buttocks.This stompy psy-folk songwriting project of Williams Lake BC’s Brent Morton offers melodic and danceable journeys for life on a crowded planet.

Erin & JeremyErin Arding and Jeremy Stewart like to dance and leap and run around in parks at night. Fizzy pop songs with natural flavour.

Fish & Bird, Victoria, B.C. BC’s Fish & Bird use various folk traditions as the context with which to express something modern and relevant, whether performing as a duo, or more recently filling out with a full band.”

Free Soul, Prince George, B.C.
Blest from birth unplugged from earth is my soul purpose. Free my mind, soul my rhymes

Geoff Berner, Vancouver, B.C. Geoff Berner, Wayne Adams and Diona Davies have played in 12 countries and on national radio in 5. They play strange klezmer music for drunken dancing.

Ghengis Gandhis, Ashcroft, B.C. The Ghengis Gandhi’s have coined their musical style as “BC Homegrown Reggae”… it is fun, danceable, socially relevant original music that swells the heart and fills the soul…

Ghost Brothers, Vancouver, B.C.Ghost Brothers are Vancouver’s very own Roots Rock Rhythm Bandits. Reggae/Surf/Folk inspired grooves , harmonious and energy-infused songs will keep you moving on the dance floor. If you like to be entertained, you will most definitely enjoy Ghost Brothers lively performances, memorable tunes and crowd interaction. Four guys: djimbes, guitars, bass, drums, flutes, keyboards, pump organs and vocal melodies all perfectly placed and combined with no effort.

Glenna Garramone, Vancouver, B.C. Winner of the 2010 Artswells Songwriting Contest, harmonizes the experimental with the classical, the unexpected with the organic, and she wants you to sing along.

Graham Hall Quesnel, B.C. Graham (DJ.Algorhythm) is coming back home for his second year at ArtWells. A self described dance instigator, break-beat belligerent and enigmatic electro-eclectic his only want is you, feet on the floor shakin the night away.”Dance first. Think later. It’s the natural order.” ~Samuel Beckett

Granville Johnson The feel and sound of the Djembe’s African goat-hide/skin that barks and sings the essence of the rhythmic melody ringing beneath fingertip and palm.

Indio Saravanja “He is a poet of the finest water, a keen observer with finely attuned literary sensibilities and a thinker of considerable substance….. Saravanja is clearly connected to the larger contemporary global zeitgeist. Big things are coming his way”. (Greg Quill- Toronto Star)

Ingrid Gatin Winnipeg, Manitoba Ingrid Gatin makes eclectic beautiful. Reaching top 20 on Earshot Charts across Canada, Ingrid is getting ready to take Canada by storm. Touring by train, writing music in a cabin in the woods, and making art in the Exchange District of Winnipeg all are influences that can be heard in the sounds of Ingrid’s music. With accordion, piano, vocals, handclaps, foot-stomps, and tambourine, Ingrid has crafted her own eclectic and beautiful sound in the indie/roots music genre.

Jeff Andrew, Victoria, B.C. Jeff Andrew was once blessed by a hobo on the streets of Salem, Massachusetts. He also knows a trick for raising the dead, but it only works on Tuesdays.

Jesse Dee & Jacquie B, Edmonton, AB. Jesse Dee & Jacquie B define versatility. Their musical landscape ranges from funky jazz and hard hitting rock, to delicate folk; yet their unique harmonies and rhythmic shifts defy any expectation listeners may have. Putting a finger on what they’ll do next is next to impossible! Dee’s electric guitar and pedal stylings along with the charming accordion B throws on occasionally, the final product is a genre-bending mélange that has been steadily becoming a favourite of Canada’s independent music scene.

Jill Staveley, Peterborough, Ont.“Like a female equivalent of Greg MacPherson, a lone person singing and playing an electric guitar can be the most beautiful thing in the world. Staveley spoke little, more often opting to play her guitar and captivate the crowd with her strong voice and melancholic songs.”
- Chartattack

Joanna Chapman-Smith, Vancouver, B.C. Alone on stage, sitting atop a percussion rig made out of a suitcase and outnumbered by instruments, she charms unassuming crowds into singing along and letting themselves be carried away into her world that questions right and wrong, mind and body, permanence and impermanence.

Joey Only Outlaw Band, Vancouver, B.C. He’s a Vancouver radio personality, writer for BC Musician Magazine, booking agent and artist. His epic alt-country troupe JOEY ONLY OUTLAW BAND has played 250 shows in Western Canada.

Johnnie Ninety-Nine Vancouver, BC A johnny ninety-nine is a ruthless beverage using wine and a shot of gin. The Johnnie Ninety-Nine Band take a similar approach to song-writing, believing high-proof music should be combined, not diluted.

Karyn Ellis Playful and passionate, this modern folk darling has “a magical waywith song… Leonard Cohen has no copyright on the word hallelujah.”(Globe and Mail)

Ken Whiteley, Vancouver, B.C. Ken Whiteley is one of Canada’s most respected roots musicians, songwriters and recording producers. His musical journey has taken him from jug band, folk and swing to blues, gospel and children’s music. Recognized as a gifted guitarist and mandolinist, Ken’s musical cohorts affectionately refer to him as a “playing encyclopedia” for his vast repertoire, depth and range of playing styles, and his prodigious ability on over 20 instruments. www.kenwhiteley.com

Kent McAlister & the Iron Choir, Calgary AB. & Vancouver, B.C.Kent McAlister And The Iron Choir create clever, dark folk-country music that sits well outside the commercial pop-country box.

KarmetiK::Bhutan Sonically combining the east, the west, the above and the below, they religiously infuse packed dance floors with live instrumental fusion. Bhutan cleverly creates an ethnically diverse musical tapestry, often incorporating a variety of instruments.

Kia Kadiri, Vancouver & Victoria, B.C. Kia Kadiri is one of Vancouver’s most respected & powerful females on the mic. This Maximum/universal recording artist has dedicated her voice, time and energy to the hip-hop community. She has performed for countless festivals, and fundraising events over the years.

Kirby Belted emotional lyrics, his driving rock style and quiet thoughtful picking on the guitar, reminiscent is of Nick Drake, John Mayer or Dallas Green.

Ladybug The Rambler I love the wide open prairie sky. I will sing and play for all and the stories will reveal themselves. It is my hope that my music reminds people that the earth does not belong to us but that we belong to the earth. thank you.

Lady Glitch Guttersnipe Lady Glitch first picked up a guitar at age 15 and immediately began constructing a unique musical identity. Self taught and fueled by mentors such as Ani Difranco and Django Reinhardt. The urgent sounds emerging from her well-worn axe can only be described as Gyspy Gutter Folk, revealing Lady Glitch’s Compelling musical vision that demands attention

Lake of Stew, Montreal, PQLake Of Stew is a six-piece acoustic string band that sing all kinds of original tunes in all kinds of styles, and all kinds of mutations of traditional-ish song forms. They all like to have fun with tunes, grub, dancing, and singing, and are currently happy about everything!

Leslie Alexander “Wonderfully evocative . . . the simplicity and directness of these songs make for a superb listen,” said Americana-UK about music from Canadian singer-songwriter Leslie Alexander, whose three independent have garnered international airplay and honorable mentions from the ISC and Billboard song competitions. Leslie recently finished tours across North America with Jane Siberry & Jenny Allen and is currently recording her fourth CD.

Lexus Lexus’ lyrically driven style taps into the roots that inspire and move. Her vocal artistry travels across Canada with fellow soulsista Chelsea Johnson this summer!

Linda McRae, Nashville, TN, USA From Dear John to John Deere. Combining old-time sounds with themes of heartbreak and redemption, Linda’s lyrics are timeless and heartfelt. She has the pipes and the chops

Lisa Poushinsky, Ottawa, Ont. With edgy songwriting and a stage presence reminiscent of the great jazz vocalists, L.Poushinsky’s guitar and vocal chops deliver “tear stained bone machine melodrama for the forlorn and frisky alike.”

LMNOP LMNOP are James Lamb, Corbin Murdoch, David Newberry, and some Other People. Three of Vancouver’s most promising songwriters have come together in a special country-rock collaboration that is even more than the sum of its parts.

Low Flying Planes, Edmonton, AB. On the menu is a fresh twist of gypsy with your folk. Lynett McKell and Megan Kemshead will have you swaying from their first notes. Their harmonies blend together to create an instrument that stands alone and will keep your ears guessing and toes tapping.

Llynn KellmanFormer RCA recording artist Llynn Kellman followed a mysterious white light from notoriety to obscurity. One of the best songwriters you’ve never heard of.

Marc Carney I have been making music in the Okanagan for 15 years or so. My musical influences have been mainly my friends and a complete breakdown of a fair and just society.

Marcel Gagnon, Fort Fraser, B.C. “Often couched in poetry similar to Leonard Cohen or even JJ Cale. For a long time he didn’t think anyone would want to hear it.”
Stuart Derdeyn: The Province

Marley Daemon, Victoria, B.C. Hailing from an obscure, secluded little island off the coast of B.C., Marley Daemon is a new breed of folk songstress. Drawing on a strange array of cross-cultural artistic influences (jazz, Celtic, magic literature, Wicca, post-modern philosophy and Indian Classical to name a few), she weaves pieces of music that push into unexplored territory, uncovering new human emotions. Exploring the deepest questions surrounding human identity, her lyrics are heartfelt, personally revealing, and reach to a depth of reflection uncommon in much of today’s music.

Medicine Wheel Woman & Seed Guide, Fort Fraser B.C. We are honoured to welcome them as our guests.

Melissa Bandura, Vancouver, B.C. Melissa describes her music as “quirky folk: think of dwarves skipping through the forest carrying various stringed instruments!”. She uses eccentric chord changes, unconventional meters, flowing melodies and interesting harmonies. She paints pictures with her words and loves to get metaphorical!

Melisa Devost, Hornby Island, B.C. has toured extensively throughout western and northern Canada, the UK and continental Europe, carving her niche as a compelling vocalist with the guitar chops and songwriting skills to match. She has shared the stage with many folk/roots veterans such as, Ruthie Foster, Colin Linden and David Francey and has graced many festivals with her unique take on gospel singing, often teaching workshops on the subject.

Miss Emily Brown, Montreal, PQ Miss Emily Brown returns to ArtsWells for her fourth year of creative collusion with a mitt full of new dusty encyclopedia songs to refract love into your lenses. She is over the moon to be joined by a dreamy assortment of cowboys and yogis: Leon Power (drums, mandolin), Kevin Bertram (bass, accordion) and Steve Brockley (guitar, voice).

Miss Quincy Nelson, B.C. Miss Quincy comes alive on stage through her stories, her music and the characters she picks up along the way. She naturally captivates her audience so that you can easily imagine her wild west wrangling, saloon brawling or midnight serenading. Equal parts edgy frontier woman and risque saloon madame, her mystique lays within the character created through her music and the carnival weaved throughout the show. Influenced by the renegade women who came before, Miss Quincy draws inspiration from the blues ladies of the 1930s, boot stompin’ bluegrass, and a healthy dose of vaudeville.

Moon Union, Salmo, B.C.Moon Union is Nyla Raney and Tom Reimer. They are lovers and musical confidants. There music is a lush wash that brings a cinematic vision on an aural palate, that creates a beautiful music

Namgar, Buryat Republic.
From the spot where Russia, China and Mongolia meet comes Namgar. The history of Buryats includes Genghis Khan, Tibetan Buddhism, and the Russian education sysytem. Namgar’s music could be called Buryat/Mongolian as Buryats retained traditions that Mongolia lost when the Qing Empire ruled China. Interestingly, it is more archaic than Mongolian, and yet newer due to the presence of Russian culture, especially musical education styles. We are blessed to welcome them as guests.

National Treasure, Wells, B.C.
The new collaboration of Wellsians Ory No’man, Jesse Dee, and Jacquie B. Together they delve into the realm of 3 part harmonies and zoom across the Folk, Blues, Jazz, and Rock landscapes.

Morlove, Victoria, B.C. & Montreal, PQ. Best heard through your oldest set of speakers, Morlove is the creative collaboration of Corwin Fox and Miss Emily Brown. Experimental, handmade folk.

NikTex Victoria, B.C. NikTex is returning to Artswells for a second year, this time with a full band of bandits from KarmetiK, Wassabi and beyond. They are delighted to serve themselves on a platter of fusion folk, world and electronic. At a glimpse : Guitars, Electronix, Percussion and Vocal Harmonix.

Nir Blue, Montreal, P.Q. & Vancouver, B.C. From Mount Carmel to underground loft concerts to out-door shows, Piano Rocker Nir Blu mixes melancholic classical piano with heavy metal and raw songwriting.

O’mally, Victoria, B.C. O’mally’s ‘Speck’, recorded on Mayne Island BC goes back to what folk music is about: good friends inspiring each other to play great music and having fun. O’mally’s live shows are no different!

Onalea Onalea is a singer/actor/songwriter who likes to perform in both delightfully naughty, grotty cabarets and splendid concert halls. Her four CD’s range from big band to jazz standards, electronica to original material. She has performed across Canada in theatrical roles & in original shows with symphony orchestra. Onalea recently premiered the poetic song cycle Blanche: The Bittersweet Life Of A Wild Prairie Dame, which was commissioned by the Banff Centre & Two Bit Oper-Eh?- Shun an Oratorio about Homelessness that she created the libretto for, and appeared as a soloist in, for the Land’s End Chamber Ensemble. “Onalea is a captivating singer when she takes on a torchy tune” Martin Morrow, Globe&Mail

Ory No Man, Toronto, Ont. & Wells, B.C. is a cancerian fire dragon who likes to hike, bike, ski, play music with his friends, and bear his soul to whomever is willing to listen. His favorite things in life are pretty girls, his guitars, his wurlitzer’s, his motorcycle, and riding his motorcycle to play to pretty girls. He writes songs about pretty girls, and then sings those songs to other pretty girls whom he’ll write other songs for and sing to other pretty girls.

Raghu Lokanathan, Valemont, B.C. A rare sort of songwriter whose work conjures a world both familiar and strange. He is an artful dabbler in folk traditions.

Romi Mayes, Winnipeg, Man.Romi Mayes Band is an unstoppable force. Think The Rolling Stones meets Ray Charles meets Joan Jett. Mayes can out-cuss any sailor on a Saturday night.

Ross Douglas, Point Roberts, Wa. Award winning songwriter, great singer, wonderful performer, iffy dresser. His music is praised for its humour, emotional power and grand variety of influences More? www.rossdouglas.com

Ryan Somers [OK Cobra], Vancouver, B.C. & Toronto, Ont.Ryan Somers is the vocal half of the alt.rap duo that is OK Cobra. The OG (original gonzo) poet is an acid-folk singer trapped in a rapper’s body.

The Sandman, Dunn Center, N.D.

Sarah Burton, Toronto, Ont. Sarah Burton packs a deadly musical punch using charisma, charm and a rock and roll attitude. With songs that are at the core, folk, Sarah draws from country, pop and rock to bring her songs to life. Blending traditional folk sensitivity with quirky and sometimes sarcastic word play, Sarah writes honest songs that slide nicely under the skin and into the heart. Teaming up for this year’s festival with the sweet-unique of Jesse Dee and Jacquie B, Sarah Burton offers an intimate look into the kaleidoscopic human heart.

Scott Cook, Edmonton, AB Edmonton’s own prairie balladeer Scott Cook sings thoughtful acoustic roots music so honest it hurts. He brings years of roads and a deep love of humanity to his songwriting and storytelling.

Scott Dunbar, Prince George, B.C. & Montreal, PQ comes from the land of lumberjacks and pickuptrucks, and has bit by bit been learning to master his mutant abilities in order to use them for the betterment of all humanity. Lately Scott has been existing in Montreal taking in the cultural scene, busking and hawking his first independently and entirely home (mom) produced cd Philosophies of a Moth Vol. 1: An Awful Racket. Distinctly and diversely influenced blues and soul strains emerge for an on-the-whole uplifting celebration of all that lives.

Shawn Stephenson, Ymir, B.C. Kootenay mountain musician… multiinstrumental looper freakshow. He likes meat, veggies, booze, wigs, tofu and bacon stir-fry and other genderless stuff. He is overly friendly when he needs to be… usually to get some of the above items. Shawn is an independent recording artist with two discs under the proverbial belt.

shayne avec i grec, Victoria, B.C. says words, and sometimes even writes them down. He is one half of Ghosts of the Highway, and one whole of himself. He lives in Victoria, but wanders endlessly.

Steve Brockley, Montreal, P.Q. Folk Music isn’t usually this greasy. A finger picked electric guitar, smooth vocals, slick upright bass, and one special drummer. Neat lyrics are a bonus.

The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra, Victoria, B.C. The Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra is Victoria, BC based, varied accoustic band, who consistantly stretch genre boundaries with influences from from folk to gypsy, bluegrass to ska. With an ever developing and maturing sound, you can expect to hear more about this band from the west coast of Canada, who look and play like they are from deep Europe but sound like they were raised by Bill Monroe.

Tim Williams, Calgary, AB. Tim Williams is a blues-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist. He is a 40-year veteran of the roots music scene in North America, roots which stretch back to the coffee-house scene of his native California in the mid 60s. He has played folk/blues/jazz festivals and concert halls and clubs from Halifax to Vancouver Island to the Yukon.
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/belzners/main.htm

Tribute to Tempest Grace Gale (aka Pest) 1984 – 2009

Transfiguration Good News Band, Prince George, B.C. Come celebrate the joys and sorrows of life with The Transfiguration Good News Band—danceable jazz-grunge fusion arrangements of traditional African-American spirituals—Hallelujah!

Trevor Caswell, Kamloops, B.C. Folk and Blues singer Trevor Caswell doesn’t much like writing bios but he does like to sing and play guitar and is excited to be back at Artswells to do so!

Tusk Mountain, Oliver, B.C. Along with a heavy influence from their Canadian country roots, Tusk Mountain delivers a high-energy breed of dark folk music and electric driven rock ‘n’ roll.

Wax Mannequin, Hamilton, Ont. was born in the smoke and industry of Hamilton; a damaged, underdog town; a perfect breeding ground for strange, variant things. Incorporating folk, scrappy prog-metal and a tireless creative ethic, Wax infused his local influences with road-broken experience to forge something unsettlingly new.

Window Broker Hard working and hard traveled; Window Broker plays a progressive-rock-and-country-blues-roll that can be enjoyed with any meal, or as a meal replacement.

Yael Wand, Wells, B.C. From the enchanted suburbs of Wells, Yael just released her third album, Good Stitch Gone. With Christina Zaenker and Juli Steemson, they aim to shiver your spine and nudge your feet with hill-billy jazz songs and swinging roots ditties.