Cindy Howes Powered by RedCircle Songwriter, author and podcaster Ben Arthur did not know what he was in for on Basic Folk, but neither did I. Most times there is a plan when I approach an interview, however, every once in awhile the plan gets thrown out and we really dig into it. “I didn’t expect all … Read more
Powered by RedCircle Bridget Kearney, bassist for Lake Street Dive, has been deeply immersed in studying music since childhood. From the “super nerds” she met at jazz camp to the nights in her parents’ basement transposing songs to the New England Conservatory of Music, Kearney has dedicated herself to the betterment of her craft. Originally … Read more
Powered by RedCircle Matt Smith is a living legend with his unbelievable run at Club Passim, the historic folk venue nestled in a Harvard Square basement. Currently Managing Director at Passim, Matt is the most passionate music lover I know. As Basic Folk’s producer Laura McCarthy said to him, it’s easier to name the episodes … Read more
Powered by RedCircle Chris Eldridge won his first Grammy this year with The Punch Brothers. After 8 nominations between Punch Brothers, The Seldom Scene and his work with Julian Lage, this award was very overdue! Eldridge, who goes by the nickname Critter, grew up around bluegrass with his dad being a member of The Seldom Scene … Read more
Powered by RedCircle Jim Kweskin is maybe the most famous person you might not know. With The Jim Kweskin Jug band, he mixed together folk and jazz which invigorated the straight-laced Cambridge folk scene in the 1960’s. That jug band went on to inspire other jug bands that later became The Grateful Dead and The … Read more
Powered by RedCircle Wow Corey Laitman. Corey is a really interesting musician and person. Their music is vulnerable in a way that you rarely find (Deb Talan, Edie Carey, Patty Griffin) with a voice that basically encompasses all human emotions in 0.5 seconds. It’s amazing. Corey’s spirit is inspired by their vast imagination and connection … Read more
Powered by RedCircle Zack Hickman is bound to go down in folk history for his incredible handlebar moustache, but fellow bandmates in his numerous groups know him for his extreme talent and keen ability to bring together musical projects like no one else. Born in Lynchburg, VA to physician parents, he grew up on a … Read more
Powered by RedCircle David Dye is a public radio music host pioneer. What Dye, WXPN and NPR did with starting the World Cafe changed the landscape of music on the radio for the extreme better. While commercial stations across the country became more generic and homogenized, David was bringing an authentic and human voice to … Read more
Powered by RedCircle Izzy Heltai is brave, curious and charismatic about the world. He realizes how fortunate he is in life to come from and thrive in a supportive community which began for him in Brookline, Mass with immigrant, mathematician parents. “They didn’t come from much, but they worked really hard so their kids could … Read more
Powered by RedCircle Livingston Taylor has managed to carve out an impressive and interesting career as a successful songwriter and extremely effective professor of stage performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Younger brother to the very famous James Taylor, this is an interesting and vast conversation with a fascinating man. To be honest, … Read more