Voices from the Mountains

By Paul Rootsical


Voices from the Mountains

Collection of folk songs from America & the British Isles. As usual selections from disparate eras (1960's to contemporary) run together back to back in a timeless fashion for good, well recorded music always blends together just fine. Music that stands the test of time. 

 

^^stream & download^^ TAP PLAY TWICE or tap icons to enter the internet archives post^^ 


Wild Willy Barrett of Otway & Barrett punk rock fame is also an accomplished acoustic guitarist. His meandering Loneliness of the Long Distance Acoustic Guitarist is pure class. Californian duo feature Guy & Candie Carawan with strong tracks from the Folk Friends LP compilations (Folk Freak 1978 & 81). Banjo picker the late Derroll Adams also stars on these albums alongside Wizz Jones and others. Special tribute to all-weather musician Wizz Jones who passed away in 2025. He did a nice combo album with John Renbourn Joint Control (WMN) shortly before that great guitarist's death in 2015. More sublime musical ruminations from Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. Two track from The Mavericks self titled 1990 debut album, including a cool collaboration with Willie Nelson. First nations singer-activist Peter LaFarge composed stridently militant songs for the time (late 50's & early 60's), songs which were also generally topical and quite tragic. Lafarge died in 1965 of a suspected overdose.

Continuous mix 2 hours 30

Cover image of Star Peak shot by Grinder up along the Buttermilk Trail West Fork, Methow, Wa. deep in the Cascades mountain range/Chelan wilderness area. I spent a season working to repair this tough but magical trail in the year 2000 and that summer was pretty much the closest extended communion with nature that I've ever experienced - no people, no engines, no fuss; just the flora, fauna & the elements - and I believe its about the nearest I've come to experiencing perfection. The wilderness speaks to you with ancient wisdom while the isolation helps compound life's realities at the most elemental level... 

^^download via the above streaming link^^

If you enjoy the music on our mixtapes and become familiar with the featured artists please do go out & support them directly on their own platforms. Thanks to all Keeping the folk music tradition alive...

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Well That Never Runs Dry

By Paul Rootsical
Image
Folk Rock Mixtape A Well That Never Runs Dry The usual blend of the old with the newer as stone-cold classics rub shoulders with a lot of newer material. Positive music for good vibes.    ^^stream & download^^ TAP PLAY TWICE^^ We kick off with some vintage Neil Young from back in 1968. 3 his first solo efforts from after Buffalo Springfield split and UK band Unicorn chip in with an early Young cover also. Its always a good time to hear some Bob Dylan so we revisit 3 blazing mid-70's songs from the man as well as a couple of covers by  Roy Harper and Fairport Convention  with  Sandy Denny . Two more heavyweight 70's cuts from Fairport with the Bonny Bunch of Roses & Polly on the Shore . Robert Plant blazes hot on Little Maggie & a very original take of  One More Cup of Coffee , while Darkness Darkness is a sonic tour de force. Eliza Carthy also rocks out with Devil in the Woman and 2 other tracks, including live selections from the Oyst...
Read more

The Highs & The Woes

By Paul Rootsical
Image
  The Highs and the Woes Anglo-Celtic folk selection from around the British Isles. Highlights include songs from Martin Simpson 's amazing 2002 LP Bramble Briar while the irrepressible Dambert Nobacon returns with two well crafted & entertaining songs from his Woebegone album (2019), sung in duet with Miranda Zickler . Woes indeed! Our ongoing, perrenial tribute to the work of Dick Gaughan continues with four interesting tracks from different periods. His song Outlaws and Dreamers is a wonderful ode to folk musicians, bards & rebels across the ages. We also revisit some classics by Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention . Both halves Of Show Of Hands are represented with duets as well as solo projects. Stream/download here     Singer-guitarist Chris Brain broke through post-covid, & has proven to be is a real prospect for the future already putting out his third LP this year. Tracks from his Steady Away (2023) and brand new New Light  albums feat...
Read more

Dick Gaughan - Social & Political Songs

By Paul Rootsical
Image
    Special tribute to Dick Gaughan Collected Social & Political Songs 1971-2015 Mixtape showcasing some of Dick Gaughan's most overtly politically conscious work, together with a number of guitar led instrumentals.  Also featuring tracks by associated folk group Boys From The Lough and celtic rock legends Five Hand Reel . Part 1    ^^stream & download^^ TAP PLAY TWICE^^ Edinburgh man Dick Gaughan is an outstanding figure in the music world. As outlaw protest singer, storyteller and activist he is second to none. His songwriting & choice of cover versions never deviate from his key humanistic values & convictions. A man of the people who sings to empower people. Activism aside, he is a renowned guitarist and composer who has an amazingly textured voice. Both his worker's songs and Scottish ballads/laments have a deep warmth and colour to them seldom heard elsewhere. Part 2      ^^stream & download^^ TAP PLAY TWICE^...
Read more