Roots Music Rambler

Larry and Cheryl Webster may not be big recording artists or the kind of musicians that sell-out arenas around the world, but they are as important to the music industry and community as anyone that has ever come out of Eastern Kentucky. Their network of contacts and influence put them in the role of linchpin for many mountain and bluegrass musicians through the now six decades the couple has been playing, writing, performing and booking music. It just so happens they were the couple whose Friday night pickin’ and grinnin’ sessions gave one of our hosts, Jason Falls, his roots in loving roots music. So he ventured home to Pike County, Ky., and invited himself into their kitchen for a chat. Larry and Cheryl headed up The Mule Band, a traditional folk, mountain and bluegrass group, for years. It has served as the house band, if you will, for Pikeville, Ky.’s annual spring festival called Hillbilly Days, on and off since the late 1970s. Larry would invite promising mountain and bluegrass artists to play the event which became quite an honor for musicians from the genres. Larry is also a prolific folk and mountain music songwriter with credits on recordings by The Local Honeys, Guy Carawan and Nate Polly among others. Cheryl is known for her ability to harmonize and comes from an extensive family of musical talent including her cousin Darrell Scott. She tells the story of how his song “You’ll never leave Harlan alive” is about their great grandparents. The song had new life injected into its popularity when original recording artist Patty Loveless along with Chris Stapleton performed it at the 2022 CMA Awards. The Websters are also the grandparents of promising fiddle player Ella Webster, the current touring player in Cole Chaney’s band. In a bonus segment, Frank and Falls share a clip from an interview with author Amy Bizzarri, whose latest book The Best Hits on the Blues Highway: Nashville to New Orleans on Route 61 is fantastic. Frank and Falls also talk about their daughter’s recent music activity including Lollapalooza 2024, and the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts. And shared new music for your listening pleasure in the Pickin’ the Grinnin’ segment after the interview. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: The Mule Band videos on I Dig Bluegrass The Mule Band article on UK Now Pikeville, Ky., Hillbilly Days Festival Amy Bizzarri on Instagram Bizzarri’s book on Amazon Darrell Scott online “You’ll never leave Harlan alive” - Patty Loveless and Chris Stapleton - 2022 CMA Awards Kentucky Slim online Ella Webster on Instagram Cole Chaney online Snake Chapman online The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Kasey Chambers on Spotify Stephen Wilson Jr. on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Perlut learned to play the guitar at age 47. That was just six years ago. Now, he’s the front man for Atomic Junction, which dropped its first full-length LP earlier this summer. The St. Louis-based band’s sound is not unlike many of its midwestern kin: A little country, a little punk, a little rock. And a lot interesting Perlut joined Frank and Falls on the latest episode of Roots Music Rambler to talk about the midlife start to his musical journey, recording the band’s first album, their influences and more. The conversation was slightly different than others we have on the show. Falls and Perlut have been friends for two decades and even once worked together at Perlut’s marketing agency, Elasticity. Falls claims to have known nothing about Perlut’s musical focus until recently. Frank and Falls also share their much anticipated experience seeing Tyler Childers together as the Mule Pull Tour stopped in Chicago. They discuss Shooter Jennings’ big Father’s Day announcement that new Waylon Jennings recordings are coming in 2025. And, of course, they share their Pickin’ the Grinnin’ recommendations for music you should check out. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Tyler Childers post from Falls on Instagram Tyler Childers on Spotify S.G. Goodman on Spotify Tyler Childers and Joy Oladokun at The Gorge Atomic Junction online Atomic Junction on Spotify Atomic Junction’s album, Peacedale, on Spotify The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations The Cactus Blossoms on Spotify Gin Palace Jesters on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Believe it or not, Rhiannon Giddens isn’t the only black banjo player turning heads in Americana Music. Kaia Kater’s first album in six years is out and the likes of Rolling Stone, No Depression and more are giving it glowing marks. She’s not just turning out a unique sound and a very different take on how the banjo plays into new music, but Kater is also chiming in on representation of people of color in bluegrass, country and Americana music. This week on Roots Music Rambler, hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) dig in with her to talk about that, her background growing up in Canada, the culture shock of going to college in West Virginia and collaborating with the likes of Allison Russell, Aoiefe O’Donovan and Taj Mahal on her new record and a lot more. Falls also shares his experience at Railbird Festival in Lexington, Ky., in June, which included a new worship-like status of Marcus King. They also discuss the list of top 12 all-time grossing live music acts and the lack of intimacy in stadium shows. Plus, as always, Frank and Falls share their Pickin’ the Grinnin’ recommendations for music you should check out. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Railbird Festival Marcus King on Spotify Dwight Yoakum incident at Railbird Aerial shot of The Red Clay Strays at Railbird 12 highest grossing live music acts of all-time Kaia Kater online Kaia Kater on Spotify Kaia Kater’s new album “Strange Medicine” The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Katie Pruitt on Spotify Fiona Apple on Spotify Lilith Fair Ladies of the 90s playlist on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think of music from New Jersey, you typically think of Bruce Springsteen. Or perhaps Bon Jovi. But most people don’t immediately see folk music come to mind. Jackson Pines may not be trying to change that, but they’re certainly doing their best to make New Jersey folk a more widely known and understood subset of the Garden State’s musical DNA. This week on Roots Music Rambler, hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) caught up with the two founders of Jackson Pines, Joe Makoviecki and James Black to get a history lesson on New Jersey folk, talk about the latest music from the group and hear stories from their travels. The band has even played on stage with Pete Seeger, giving them full-on folk credentials. Makoviecki turned out to be sort of a New Jersey folk historian – not unexpected from a teacher’s son – so this episode wound up being one of the more educational we’ve ever had. Falls also asks why vinyl record collectors get upset about people using the term “vinyl” as a noun. So for all the hall monitors out there, this part will piss you off. Falls also tells his Ron White-like story of being “thrown out of a bar in New York City,” and, of course, Frank and Falls share their pickin’ the grinnin’ choices for good music for you to check out this week. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Jackson Pines online Jackson Pines on Spotify The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Song for the Dumped by Ben Folds Five on Spotify Happiness Bastards by The Black Crows on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Roots Music Rambler, hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) are joined by country music singer and songwriter Rachel Brooke. Her new single is out and she is touring the U.S. this summer to drum up anticipation for an EP later this year and perhaps a new full album in 2025. She sat in with Frank and Falls to share her journey from being a teenage punk band drummer to crooning country songs in honky tonks around the midwest. She also discussed her music and writing, the layoff from touring and recording brought about my motherhood and much more. Frank and Falls also talk about being locked in a hotel room … twice. (And yes, we said locked “in”!) Falls shares his experience seeing Joy Oladokun, Gary Clark Jr., and others at the inaugural I Made Rock and Roll festival in Indianapolis. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: I Made Rock ‘N Roll Festival Joy Oladokun on Spotify Gary Clark Jr. on Spotify The Robert Randolph & The Family Band on Spotify Rachel Brooke Online Rachel Brooke on Spotify The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Pat Younger and Aaron Bibelhauser’s single “Me & The Stars” Pat Younger on Spotify The Bibelhauser Brothers on Spotify Bluegrass Evolution on WFPK in Louisville Lukas Nelson, Sierra Ferrell & The Travelin’ McCourys’ Adele cover And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Roots Music Rambler, hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) visit with Texas-based country artist Bri Bagwell. She has strung together 12 No. 1 hits on the Texas Country Music Charts and is a nine-time winner of that organization’s Female Artist of the Year. She’s well on her way to becoming the next big thing in country music and she sat in with us for a chat. Bagwell’s latest album, Corazon Y Cabeza, features a song climbing those charts this summer called The Rescue. It’s about her dog Whiskey, a rescue she found on the side of the road several years ago, who incidentally sat in Bri’s lap during the interview. Bagwell is also a successful podcaster as host of Only Vans, a music interview show where Bri interviews her fellow artists in the front of her touring van as she travels across the country playing gigs. Hear several of her songs and all about her climb to the country music mountain tops on this week’s episode. Francesca and Falls also talk about 80s hair bands, the 25th anniversary of Old Crow Medicine Show, which played a private show Falls attended recently. And as usual, Frank and Falls offer up their weekly recommendations for new music to listen to in their Pickin’ the Grinnin’ segment. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Def Leppard Hysteria on Spotify Def Leppard Pour Some Sugar on Me video on YouTube Bri Bagwell on Spotify Bri Bagwell online Only Vans on Spotify Only Vans on Apple Podcasts Jason’s Old Crow Medicine Show post on Instagram Old Crow Medicine Show on Spotify The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations CAAMP on Spotify Cam Clark on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Roots Music Rambler, hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) are joined by emerging Americana singer-songwriter Leon Majcen (pronounced MITE-zen). The Florida-based songwriter brings a mix of John Prine and Townes Van Zandt lyrics with a Jimmy Buffet, Gulf Coast vibe that is sure to appeal to a lot of music fans. Majcen came to our attention opening for Sundy Best in Louisville in February. Falls then saw him at the Monarch Music Space in Louisville in May. His self-titled new album launched in late May and is well worth the listen, if not purchase. Majcen has an interesting backstory, too. He is the son of Bosnian immigrants who fled that country during its war in the mid 1990s. Frank and Falls also pay tribute to their music teachers in their childhoods, and as usual, offer up their weekly recommendations for new music to listen to in their Pickin’ the Grinnin’ segment. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: The Madison Regatta Online The Roostertail Music Festival Leon Majcen online Leon Majcen on Spotify Bosnian War on Wikipedia John Prine on Spotify Townes Van Zandt on Spotify The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Joe Diffe’s Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox on Spotify Hermanos Gutierrez on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Roots Music Rambler, hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) visit with singer-songwriter Jesse Lynn Madera whose new album “Speed of Sound” is out. She pulled together a list of heavy-hitter producers to make this new record including Dan Navarro of Lowen and Navarro fame, and Grammy winners Jim Scott and Ryan Hadlock. The early single from the album “Last Calls” features Navarro and is turning some heads in the Americana space. Frank and Falls explored the new album, her roots growing up in both West Virginia and Texas, her creative flow and inspiration and the role her actor husband Hemky Madera (Weeds, Kaleidoscope, Spider Man: Homecoming) plays in her writing. Plus our hosts discuss a somewhat controversial topic in the Americana music space: Do women have to have a gimmick to get noticed? The question was inspired by a theory posed by a marketing and promotions pro in the space and opened an interesting conversation. And, as usual, Frank and Falls offer up their weekly recommendations for new music to listen to in their Pickin’ the Grinnin’ segment. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Charlie Crocket’s $10 Cowboy on Spotify Jesse Lynn Madera online Jesse Lynn Madera on Spotify Speed of Sound on Spotify Hemky Madera on IMDB Sierra Ferrell online Margo Price online Amanda Shires online Margo Cilker online The Secret Sisters online Brandi Carlile online Brandy Clark online Orville Peck online The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Waxahatchee on Spotify Kimmi Bitter on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 19 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, we have a true Alt Country legend with us. Guitarist John Horton joins us on the show to talk about his career and impact on the music world. He became a member of the legendary band The Bottle Rockets in 2003. As if that wasn’t impressive enough to cement him as an impactful contributor to the Alt Country sound, he joined friend Jay Farrar and his band Son Volt in 2021. Son Volt, of course is one of the two offspring of the Uncle Tupelo split. That band is often credited with starting the Alt Country genre. Horton takes us through his musical journey, the impact of both bands and their music, Son Volt’s latest album Day of the Doug (a tribute to Doug Sahm) and a lot more. Frank and Falls also discuss the recent dust-up between Jason Isbell and the widow of Justin Townes Earle over Isbell’s song When We Were Close. The controversy was covered widely in the music business as Jenn Marie Earle posted a harsh criticism of the song which calls out their daughter. Frank also discusses her recent trip through Belleville, Illinois, to New Orleans, to stalk historical sites related to both Farrar and former Uncle Tupelo and Wilco founder Jeff Tweedy. She and Falls also offer up their regular Pickin’ the Grinnin’ choices for music you should listen to. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Jenn Marie Earle article on Whiskey Riff John Horton article on the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Son Volt online Son Volt on Spotify The Bottle Rockets online I’m going to No Depression Facebook Group Robin Wheeler (Woody Guthrie book project) on Substack Musk Ox Flannels (Use RAMBLER for a discount) Mike Ireland on Spotify KSHE 95 Radio - St. Louis Day fo the Doug by Son Volt on Spotify The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Savannah Keyes on Spotify The Secret Sisters on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 17 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) as we explore the real roots of the music we love. This week, folk music legend Si Kahn joins the program to celebrate his 80th birthday (April 23). He looks back on his over 50-year career of making music and talks about a new album coming out in September called “Labor Day.” Kahn is a long-time labor organizer and advocate whose songs are typically laced with political punditry and satire. His first album, New Wood, was recorded in the 1970s and chronicled electioneering and old boy’s clubs of small mountain towns, among other themes. Kahn has recorded over 20 albums and written four books, the latter of those mostly focus on community organizing and grass-roots community building. He is the former leader of Grassroots Leadership and has served in various roles with songwriting unions and organizations over the years. In 1987, Kahn recorded Carry It On: Songs of America’s Working People with Jane Sapp and legendary folk singer-songwriter Pete Seeger. He has also written several theatrical plays and musicals. Frank and Falls also discuss the ambiguous definition of Americana music and, of course, offer up another offering of Pickin’ the Grinnin’ – recommendations for you to discover new or rediscover older music this week. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Americana Music Association’s definition of Americana Si Kahn online Si Kahn on Spotify The Charlie Daniel’s Band on Spotify Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen on Spotify Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen on Spotify John Prine’s Paradise on Spotify Bob Dylan on Spotify Me and Bobby McGee by Kris Kristofferson on Spotify Harry Chapin’s Cats in the Cradle on Spotify Musk Ox Flannels (Use RAMBLER for a discount) New Wood by Si Kahn on Spotify The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Sierra Ferrell’s Trail of Flowers on Spotify The Animals on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 17 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) as we explore the real roots of the music we love. This week, New Jersey-based singer songwriter Renee Maskin joins the show to talk about her transition from progressive rock and punk to folk and Americana. She’s now on her third album, an imaginative gem called Shimmer, and has even been named songwriter of the year and artist of the year by New Jersey Stage. Maskin spent several years in a progressive / punk band before a fateful trip to Texas and a recommendation to listen to Tom Waits turned her musical interests to folk and Americana. Since the switch, she’s been honored as a songwriter with awards and recorded three albums, all fueled by the inspiration surrounding the music scene in her hometown of Asbury Park, N.J. She sat in with Falls to talk about the Bruce Springsteen-vibe of Asbury Park, her evolution as a songwriter, touring with her former band which included touring with The Pretenders and more. Maskin started her professional pursuits in college as a visual artist, but quickly moved to music full-time. She’s been writing since she first took a guitar lesson as a teenager. Frank and Falls also talk about Falls’s recent invitation to fill-in on WFPK’s Roots ‘n’ Boots, a weekly roots music show on terrestrial radio in Louisville, music documentaries worth watching and, of course, both share their regular pickin’ the grinnin’ recommendations for new music. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Roots and Boots on WFPK WFPK online Renee Maskin online Renee Maskin on Spotify Renee Maskin’s Shimmer on Spotify The Short Film on Shimmer The Stone Pony New Jersey Stage article on award winners June on Paramount Plus Willie Nelson and Family on Paramount Plus Thriller at 40 on Paramount Plus The Greatest Night in Pop on Netflix The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Neil Young’s Greatest Hits on Spotify Teddy Swims on Spotify The Beastie Boys on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 16 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) as we explore the real roots of the music we love. This week, Falls caught up with rising star Brit Taylor before a recent performance in support of her Kentucky Bluegrassed album. The Hindman, Ky., native actually took 2023’s Kentucky Blue, her second album comprised of a number of strong country and Americana nongs, and rendered a bluegrass version of many of those songs with Kentucky Bluegrassed. The bluegrass version entered the Americana Music Association charts in early March as Taylor went on the road to promote both records. Kentucky Blue was produced by Sturgill Simpson and Dave Ferguson. Taylor also previous wrote songs with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. Frank and Falls also talk about his trip to see Taylor play which included some celebrity spotting, of sorts. They also chat about the potential break-up of Lovejoy, Falls’s experience seeing Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit for the first time. And, of course, both share their regular pickin’ the grinnin’ recommendations for new music. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Lovejoy controversy on The Mirror Brit Taylor online Brit Taylor on Instagram Kentucky Blue on Spotify Kentucky Bluegrassed on Spotify The Americana Music Association charts (current not archived) Silas House on Wikipedia Kindred Valley on Spotify Falls’s Instagram post from the Jason Isbell show Isbell’s Threads post Frank commented on Joan Shelley on Spotify The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Smushie on Spotify Reilly Downes & The Acid Cowboys on Spotify Sparkle Carcass on Spotify The Waco Brothers on Spotify Jon Langford on Spotify Cabeza de Chivo on Spotify Hermanos Gutierrez on Spotify Logan Ledger on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 14 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) as we explore the real roots of the music we love. This week, the Patron Saint of the Dollar Store herself blesses us with her presence. S.G. Goodman joins the show to talk about her meteoric rise to prominence in the Americana music scene. The last 12-18 months have included her being named Americana Emerging Artist of the Year, releasing her second album to high acclaim, having Tyler Childers cover “Space and Time” on his Rustin’ in the Rain album, then being asked to join him on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, then going on tour to open for Childers and Jason Isbell … WOW! Goodman sat in with Falls to talk about the rise, her background, the whole Tyler Childers evolution with Space and Time and a lot more. Frank and Falls also talk about the Jason Isbell-Amanda Shires divorce, The 2024 Grammys and more. Falls had a very pointed reaction to Taylor Swift’s on-stage announcement of her new album much to his daughter’s chagrin. Frank lamented the fact Childers’s In Your Love video didn’t win. And, of course, both share their regular pickin’ the grinnin’ recommendations for new music. Falls even asked Goodman to contribute, so she told us who she’s listening to during her brief break from the road. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Jason Isbell & Amanda Shires to divorce The 2024 Grammys winners list Senora May’s Instagram Post S.G. Goodman’s website Daniel Martin Moore online The Kentucky Natural Lands Trust & Pine Mountain Settlement School Erin Rae on Instagram Lankum on Spotify - (S.G.’s music recommendation) Fred Eaglesmith on Spotify - (S.G.’s music recommendation) The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations El Paso by Marty Robbins on Spotify A White Sportcoat & Pink Carnation by Marty Robbins on Spotify Hermanos Gutiérrez on Spotify La Lom on Spotify Manolo on TikTok The Muyun Brothers on TikTok And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 13 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, Falls sits down with three members of the Louisville-based Digby, which is back with its first album in 17 years. The group, originally known as Hundred Acre Wood, scored a modest hit single in the early 2000s with “Hundred Percent Free” but put down the guitars, drums and fiddle as life happened to its members. While often labeled a “power pop” band, the group evolved from a more acoustic and folk-based sound and fits squarely into the Americana vibe. They debuted the single “Love is Love ” on Valentine’s Day on WFPK in Louisville. The full album, Happy Little Heartbreak, drops March 1. The episode features the world-wide debut of three songs from the upcoming album (clips, not the full cuts), and lead singer, guitarist and primary songwriter Paul Moeller, lead guitarist Rich Oeffinger and bassist Ben Schneider all dialed in to chat about the past, present and – yes – future of Digby. Also on the show, Frank and Falls discuss the recent news that Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires are divorcing. Falls drops a truth bomb on Swifties after Taylor’s tacky promotional speech at the Grammys. And, of course, some new music was offered up as this week’s Pickin’ the Grinnin’ for you to feast upon. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Digby’s Website Digby on Spotify “Love is Love” single on Spotify Nathan Graham on Spotify Boy Genius on hiatus on Pitchfork Carl Casper Custom Auto Show ends The Roots Music Rambler Store Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Miles Miller’s Solid Gold on Spotify TradFest Website The Waterboys on Spotify Billy Tracey on Spotify Carlos Nunez on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 12 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo (Frank) and Jason Falls (Falls) as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, we finally explore the topic that has been nagging at Falls (at least) for some time: Does Wilco suck? Needless to day, it’s an entertaining conversation that might end in a different place than you expect. Also on the show, Frank asks Falls about his burgeoning addiction to vinyl record shopping and the two interview their daughters about the music they love. Katie and Lucia joined the hosts for some spirted talk about Boy Genius, Lovejoy, Gracie Abrams and more. And, of course, some new music was offered up as this week’s Pickin’ the Grinnin’ for you to feast upon. Don’t forget you can now show your support of the show with Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store. Authentic t-shirts, hats and stickers are now available. (As of press time, there are no “Wilco Sucks” bumper stickers.) Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: The Roots Music Rambler Store GuestRoom Records in Louisville on Instagram Nathan Graham’s interview on Roots Music Rambler RailBird Music Festival Bourbon & Beyond Music Festival Michael Young’s Roots & Boots on WFPK in Louisville Wilco Discography on Wikipedia Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Sierra Ferrel on Spotify Sierra Ferrel’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Brit Taylor’s Kentucky Blue on Spotify Brit Taylor’s Kentucky Bluegrassed on Spotify Whiskey Myers on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 11 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls “Frank,” and Jason Falls, who goes by “Falls” most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, we’re joined by singer-songwriter Sara Jean Stevens. The Illinois-based artist has put in years of grind, playing in other people’s bands and other people’s music. She even did a European tour with Bleached, an L.A.-based punk band a few years back. But she decided one day she had songs in her that needed to get out, so she started gigging with her own band, which morphed into a solo act backed by musicians and began to find her own voice and sound. Firmly planted in the Americana sound, Stevens writes songs she calls “dusty and warm” like the horse farm she grew up on. Frank and Falls talked about her journey to cutting her first album, the new EP and eventual LP in the works, her career as a hair and makeup artist, her recent jaunt into being a muralist, and a lot more. Stevens is set to open for John Hiatt in the spring and is poised for a big year in 2024. Frank and Falls also reveal Roots Music Rambler’s new merch, now available at rootsmusicrambler.com/store, talk about their experience in bands and singing in public, and, of course, share some new albums and artists worth checking in in the Pickin’ the Grinnin’ segment of the show. Falls swoons over his favorite new find in years - Proof of Life from Joy Oladokun. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: The Roots Music Rambler Store Chris Slater’s framed RMR 1st Edition Shirt Frank singing LaBamba Sara Jean Stevens Online Sara Jean Stevens YouTube Working Mother on Bandcamp Bleached on Spotify The Betty White mural in Oak Park (by Sara Jean Stevens) Dial Back Sound The Seratones The Creative Act by Rick Rubin Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations WFPK 2023 Countdown Results & Playlist Jason’s Americana Playlist on Spotify Weathervanes - Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit The Record - Boy Genius Rustin’ in the Rain - Tyler Childers Guts - Olivia Rodrigo Cousin - Wilco Hackney Diamonds - Rolling Stones First Two Pages of Frankenstein - The National Jason’s big recommendation: Joy Oladokun’s Proof of Life Noah Kahan on Spotify Noah Kahan/Hozier Collaboration The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We - Mitski And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 10 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls “Frank,” and Jason Falls, who goes by “Falls” most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. Ashley Best has one of the stories that just sets him up to write great country songs. The Cadiz, Ohio dairy farmer started playing music in his teens, then life got in the way. In his early 20s, his wife died unexpectedly and left him with two daughters to raise. The struggles of a widower got to him and he admitted to spending years self-medicating with alcohol. Then he hit rock bottom. The journey out of alcoholism included finding love again, getting back to his family farm, and rediscovering his ability to write and perform. Best produced an EP in 2018, then dropped his first full album, Something, in 2022. His mix of honky tonk swoon and rockabilly energy has produced strong music that matches nicely with his layers-of-life-experience voice that is unique, to say the least. Best told us he describes his vocal quality as, “tired.” We think it’s “seasoned.” Best joined us to share his emotional journey down and back, what it’s like playing honky tonks in the Ohio-West Virginia-Pennsylvania section of the country, how his grandfather’s old reel-to-reel recordings put him on his path to music and much more on an emotional and uplifting episode of RMR. Frank and Falls also talk about their respective vinyl record collections, share their reaction to a local radio station’s top 2023 albums list and react to Jason Isbell’s recent dental work. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Jason Isbell explains reason behind teeth fixing Ashley Best online Something on Spotify Ashley Best on Facebook Ashley Best on Instagram Ashley Best on TikTok Ashley Best on YouTube Ashley Best on Spotify Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Lucy Dacus on Spotify WFPK & Louisville Public Media online WFPK 2023 Countdown Results & Playlist Join WFPK/Louisville Public Media And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 9 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls “Frank,” and Jason Falls, who goes by “Falls” most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. This is a special episode we’ve been hinting at for a while. In November of 2023, Falls traveled to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on business. While there, he reached out to Oud soloist and teacher Mohammed Dohai. The Oud is a traditional Arabic instrument dating back centuries that is a predecessor of the lute, mandolin and guitar. It is typically played with 12 strings, double strung like a mandolin, but has a deep, pear-shaped body, short finger board and angled capstan. Dohai spent 10 years working as a civil inspector on engineering projects in the UAE but in 2015 transitioned to playing and teaching Oud full-time. He’s since become a frequent performer throughout the Arabic region, playing for large crowds, royalty and beyond. He teaches Oud at Bait Al Oud, a prestigious international conservatory dedicated to the instrument in Abu Dhabi. He not only accepted Jason’s invitation to be on the podcast, but met him in person to talk about, show and play the instrument for Roots Music Rambler. This episode is special for that and other reasons. Our journey to understand the roots of this Arabic instrument and one of its finest players is exactly why the podcast exists … to dig into the roots of music and musicians that a given place or time makes unique. Frank and Falls also share their recent weekend that can only be described as Trucker-laden, Falls reveals his new S.G. Goodman-inspired tattoo, and the two share the music they’re listening to this week to help you know what Picks are making us Grin in the Pickin’ the Grinnin’ segment. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Notes and links: Roots Music Rambler on Instagram Roots Music Rambler on TikTok Roots Music Rambler on Facebook Jason Falls on Instagram Francesca Folinazzo on Instagram Mohammed Dohai on Instagram Mohammed Dohai on YouTube The Oud on Wikipedia A recent article about Mohammed Dohai Bait Al Oud The Oud on Wikipedia Em Royal on YouTube (our translator) Jason’s new S.G. Goodman inspired tattoo Cecilia Lynn (tattoo artist) on Instagram Infinite Electric Tattoo on Instagram Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Brigitte Calls Me Baby White Reaper on Spotify Matt Anthony on WFPK Matt Anthony’s Record Shop on Instragram The Highwomen on Spotify Marcus King’s El Dorado on Spotify Muddy Waters on Spotify Mud Morganfield Railbird Festival 2024 Tanya Tucker Documentary on Netflix And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! - https://gomuskox.com/rambler Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for Episode 8 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls “Frank,” and Jason Falls, who goes by “Falls” most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode we dig into the eclectic world of artist, musician and bonafide Eastern Kentuckian John Haywood. Not only is John an “old time” banjo player, but also leads a heavy metal band while being an artist and running a tattoo parlor during the day. He hails from Prestonsburg, Kentucky, just a hop, skip and a jump from Pikeville, where Falls grew up. The conversation was fascinating as Haywood explains the difference in mountain banjo versus bluegrass banjo, how bluegrass and heavy metal music are intertwined, and how his childhood and background with and without music shaped his life as an artist. His latest banjo album is called Upon My Word and Honor, which John explains was a phrase his papaw used to say, but he didn’t quite hear correctly. The heavy metal band is called Appalachiatari and can be found on Spotify. His website is full of his artwork and his tattoo parlor can be found on Instagram. Frank and Falls also share some fun stories about their first concerts. Falls cringes at his and just cackled at Francesca’s teen heartthrob first show. She recovered, though, with the story of seeing U2 during The Joshua Tree concert. Falls also offers a sneak peek at a very cool future episode. He is traveling to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for his work life and is planning to interview Mohammad Dohai, a concert oud performer (an Arabic instrument similar to a lute or mandolin). As usual, the two have some recommendations for new music in the Pickin’ the Grinnin’ segment as well that includes a new album from a notable Americana singer. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Some other notes and links: Tradfast – Irish Music Festival Frank keeps referring to Gold Tone article about the difference in Old-Time and Bluegrass music Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Southeastern hat (Jason Isbell store) Jason Isbell on Spotify Sundy Best Nicholas Jamerson The Burl Magnolia Boulevard VisitLex - CVB of Lexington, Ky. S.G. Goodman Nathan Graham Green River Ordinance GRO’s Dancing Shoes (on YouTube) And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Roots Music Rambler is also sponsored by Sonos. Put high quality speakers in every room of your house for a seamless listening experience while you party, work, laundry, clean and more. Go to https://rootsmusic.link/sonos to get your first speaker and experience the difference of Sonos. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for Episode 7 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls “Frank,” and Jason Falls, who goes by “Falls” most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, Ben Weiss of the Utah-based bluegrass group Pixie & The Partygrass Boys joins Frank and Falls to talk about perhaps the best bluegrass cover album of all time. The Chicken Coop, Vol. 1 is and 11-track toe-tapper that puts a guitar-mandolin-banjo-fiddle spin on everything from “Gimmie Shelter” by the Rolling Stones to The Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer.” Intentionally silly and fun, Pixie & The Partygrass Boys took their bars and weddings gigs and jazz backgrounds and flipped them into a novel, but serious musical take on bluegrass music. In fact, they have a new album on the horizon that isn’t as cover and gimmick-driven. Weiss, who plays mandolin and provides some vocals for the band, joined the show on the eve of a Pacific Northwest jaunt for the group. He talked about the background of the band, their treatment of a recent version of The Nutcracker and the commonalities in jazz and bluegrass. Frank and Falls also spent time lamenting the TikTok-ificiation of Americana music shows and concerts, from tickets to crowds, and Falls shared his experiences watching Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour movie with his daughter at a Drive-In Theatre. (And stick around for the outtakes as he almost embarasses a former teacher!) As usual, the two have some recommendations for new music in the Pickin’ the Grinnin’ segment as well that includes a new album from a notable Americana singer. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Some other notes and links: The Run Pee App Sauerbeck Family Drive-In - LaGrange, Ky. The Bloodhound Gang - The Bad Touch The River of Rosewater - Nutcracker spin featuring Pixie & The Partygrass Boys music Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Sara Jean Stevens Margo Price - Strays II (Album) Margo Price’s Strays (Song) And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Roots Music Rambler is also sponsored by Sonos. Put high quality speakers in every room of your house for a seamless listening experience while you party, work, laundry, clean and more. Go to https://rootsmusic.link/sonos to get your first speaker and experience the difference of Sonos. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 6 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls “Frank,” and Jason Falls, who goes by “Falls” most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, singer-songwriter Nathan Graham’s debut album Saint of Second Chances is out and a breath of fresh air mixing Chicago blues, rock, pop, soul and more. He joined Frank & Falls to talk about his background, family, influences and the new tunes, as well as what he learned from his brief stint on The Voice in 2017. The Chicago native spent several years as a session musician and playing clubs with several bands before friends and family encouraged him to start singing as well. He also found others singing the songs he wrote didn’t quite satisfy his need to give birth to the song. Graham is also on a personal mission to break the stereotype of people of color seldom being labeled a “singer-songwriter” despite performing the same tasks in even the same genres. The three discuss the stereotypes, Graham’s parents and their impact on his music, and how Chicago impacted his art. The episode starts with Falls reacting to Jason Isbell’s recent criticism of Oliver Anthony’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” and offered some pointed criticism of his own. And the Pickin’ the Grinnin’ segment features everything from Native American artists to Tears for Fears. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Some other notes and links: Whiskey Riff’s article on Jason Isbell’s reaction to Oliver Anthony Roots Music Rambler’s email Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Tears for Fears studio video of Everybody Wants to Rule the World Blackbelt Eagle Scout Cornbread Country Club playlist on Spotify And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 5 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls “Frank,” and Jason Falls, who goes by “Falls” most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, Frank & Falls are joined by Ella Salter and her backing band, The Sunday Sinners. Ella’s 2019 debut album “Beverly” saw its launch thwarted by COVID and the South Alabama singer had a sluggish start to a promising rise through the Americana and Country circuits. But she pulled together The Sunday Sinners once the world opened back up and the unit has been writing new songs since. They’re in the midst of an Indie Go Go campaign to raise the necessary funds to record a second studio album in early 2024 and are still working the roadhouses, bars and clubs throughout the South in preparation. Ella et. al., joined the podcast from their weekly rehearsal space – a furniture store – near Mobile, Ala., and talked about Ella’s Texas-Alabama roots, the hurdles she and the band have had to overcome, writing the new album and much more. Falls also shares his recent experience with and Edgar Allen Poe dramatic production on The Belle of Louisville and he and Francesca file their regular segment Pickin’ the Grinnin’ where they share the new artists, albums and songs that are making them smile this week. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Some other notes and links: The Belle of Louisville The Pale Blue Eye on IMDb Ella Salter & The Sunday Sinners “Beverly” on Spotify The Indie Go Go Campaign Wards - Fast food in Mississippi Elle’s Facebook Feed Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations 49 Winchester American Aquarium Colter Wall Margo Cilker David LaMotte David LaMotte’s “Northbound” And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 4 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls “Frank,” and Jason Falls, who goes by “Falls” most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, Francesca catches up with Jay Gonzalez of the Drive by Truckers. The multi-instrumentalist has a new side project coming out in December. He shares the story of finding and collaborating with lyricist Peter Smith to produce the new Gonzalez Smith album. The first single from the album, She’s My Girl, is out now. Frank also explores Jay’s roots as a musician growing up in upstate New York, moving to the South and blending with the Drive by Truckers. Frank & Falls also do a little check-in to see how the show is going so far, four episodes in. Francesca reveals she spent 20 years as a 9-1-1 dispatch operator. Jason muses on his next tattoo and hints that he’s working on an impersonation off Drive by Trucker co-founder Patterson Hood. Since we’re all new to Roots Music Rambler, the show includes three main parts: Francesca and Falls open the show talking about a topic of the day in the music industry. Our guest then comes in as we explore their roots – of music and life. Then Francesca and Falls finish off the show with our Pickin’ The Grinnin’ segment. That’s where both pick what music, artists, events and more make them grin this week. They share whom they’ll see live, what new artists they’ve discovered and more. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Some other notes and links: Happy Place Beer by Third Space Brewery Rosie’s in Bloomington, Illinois American Aquarium The Hu - Mongolian band Francesca mentioned Billy Joel’s Glass Houses - Gonzalez’s first album Shenorock, New York - Where Gonzalez grew up She’s My Girl - The first single from Gonzalez Smith’s new album The Manhattan Bar - Athens, Ga. Gary McFarland & Peter Smith’s 1971 album Butterscotch Rum on Spotify Waiting for the Fire by Marvelous Toy - Gonzalez’s Pickin’ the Grinnin’ The Henry Clay People - Gonzalez’s friend Jordan Hudock’s other band Pickin’ the Grinnin’ Recommendations Zack Bryan’s new album Sierra Ferrell 18 Wheels of Love - Video mentioned by Francesca Nathan Graham’s new single Right One Lovejoy’s new single Normal People Things Noah Kahan Cole Chaney Ella Webster (Cole Chaney’s fiddle player) Hillbilly Days - PIkeville, Kentucky’s spring festival And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Theme Music: Sheepskin & Beeswax by Genticorum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 3 of Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls “Frank,” and Jason Falls, who goes by “Falls” most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, we talk about Falls’s disappointment with a concert cancellation, the sweet Dolly Parton AirBnB he stayed in recently in Nashville, and the latest songs and artists piquing our interest. This show’s guest is self-proclaimed travel pop artist Mike Mentz whose journey from the Chicago suburbs to the world abroad has inspired two significant new projects that are framing roots music in a whole new light. We talk to him about his acapela group beginnings, singing on a cruise ship, then traveling the world with an inspired mission to let the place inspire his music. He’s recently launched an impressive video and record series based on several months visiting Mexico and has many more facets of the project on the horizon. Since we’re all new to Roots Music Rambler, the show includes three main parts: Francesca and Falls open the show talking about a topic of the day in the music industry. Our guest then comes in as we explore their roots – of music and life. Then Francesca and Falls finish off the show with our Pickin’ The Grinnin’ segment. That’s where both pick what music, artists, events and more make them grin this week. They share whom they’ll see live, what new artists they’ve discovered and more. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It’s a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Some other notes and links: Dolly’s Music Row Oasis (where Jason filmed the episode) The Dollyhouse family of AirBnB Nashville rentals Vibing Victorian (the Bloomington, Illinois AirBnB Francesca & Tom rented) Francesca's pics from the AirBnB on Roots Music Rambler's Facebook page Jason’s Instagram and TikTok accounts Roots Music Rambler Instagram Austin Lucas’s website (future guest) Mike Mentz’s website Mike Mentz’s album Souvenir Mike’s Patreon (support and get access to the cool stories, videos, etc.) John Haywood’s website And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the second episode off Roots Music Rambler! Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls "Frank," and Jason Falls, who goes by "Falls" most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, we talk about Tyler Childers' new album, the first song that took Francesca's breath away, and she talks Falls out of pulling a smart-alek stunt at an upcoming Ryan Adams show. Our guest this time around is the Queen of Queer Country Cindy Emch. She is the founder and brains behind The Secret Emchy Society which is playing Americanafest the week of this episode drop. We dig into her childhood growing up with an accordion-playing mom, college radio days, her experience growing into an LGBTQ existence in the world and how her person and personality presents challenges in the world of country music. Since we're all new to Roots Music Rambler, the show includes three main parts: Francesca and Falls open the show talking about a topic of the day in the music industry. Tyler Childers has a new album out since the last episode, so the conversation started there. Our guest then comes in as we explore their roots – of music and life. Then Francesca and Falls finish off the show with our Pickin' The Grinnin' segment. That's where both pick what music, artists, events and more make them grin this week. They share who their going to see live, what new artists they've discover and more. Buckle up for The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down! It's a new episode of Roots Music Rambler. Some other notes and links: Mark's Yard - The Secret Emchy Society Wilco's California Stars (From Mermaid Avenue) John Haywood - Music, Art & Tattoos Jobi Riccio And be sure to get your MuskOx premium flannel shirts just in time for fall. Use the code RAMBLER on checkout for a discount! Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 1 of Roots Music Rambler! What was once an off-shoot of a travel blog is now destined to become your favorite music podcast. Join us – hosts Francesca Folinazzo, who Jason calls "Frank," and Jason Falls, who goes by "Falls" most of the time, as we explore the real roots of the music we love. On this episode, we talk Oliver Anthony conspiracy theories, tobacco farming, Napster & more with up-and-coming country artist JD Shelburne. His new album "Neon Hallelujia" is out and the sixth in Shelburne's efforts, all of which dig into hometown life in Taylorsville, Kentucky. The conversation wound around his childhood, his parents, his wife and 3-year-old son. We talked about songwriting, the evolution of his music, the temptations of the music industry and more. And yes, we dug into Oliver Anthony and whether or not Shelburne thinks the conspiracy theories that Anthony's explosion onto the music scene was all a set up. As you hear in this premier episode of Roots Music Rambler, the show includes three main parts: Francesca and Falls open the show talking about a topic of the day in the music industry. In this episode, it was hard to not start with Oliver Anthony's viral success that has flipped country music, the Billboard charts and iTunes on their collective heads. Our guest of honor comes in to talk about their background, music and beyond. That's where Shelburne fits into this first episode Then Francesca and Falls finish off the show with our Pickin' The Grinnin' segment. That's where both pick what music, artists, events and more make them grin this week. They share who their going to see live, what new artists they've discover and more. Buckle up for what Falls called, "The Hoe-Down and the Throw-Down." It's the debut episode of Roots Music Rambler. Subscribe to Roots Music Rambler on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, GoodPods or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where there are people, there is music. In our celebration of melodies and lyrics, harmonies and riffs, we typically focus on the songs or the people who wrote them. We often overlook the where. Welcome to Roots Music Rambler! Join Francesca Folinazzo and Jason Falls for Roots Music Rambler, a podcast exploration of the where as much as the who or what. We’ll interview emerging and established artists, fans and others in Americana, Outlaw Country, Bluegrass, Blues, Roots, Soul, World and beyond. But we will always get to the stories of where they’re from and how that impacted the music we know and love. It’s more than just their influences. It’s their families. Communities. Cultures. This show is a fun combination of music, travel, history and more. We dig into the stories from artists, musicians, songwriters, producers, fans and beyond, that don’t just expose their musical influences, but their life influences. Music follows the path of human movement. We trace the steps to bring better understanding to what we hear today and why we love it. Where music, travel, history and culture intersect Join us for the exploration of the real roots of music on Roots Music Rambler. Available wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices