tom russell

Rolling Stone once declared Tom Russell to be “the greatest living folk-country songwriter”.  October in the Railroad Earth offers no reason to disagree.

Folk Hotel is ultimately another reason to celebrate Tom Russell and his ongoing quest to keep alive the culture and traditions of American dreamers. The album is an excellent collection of songs played in his inimitable style and a fine tribute to his heroes.

This week’s Folk Show features rituals, Cuckoos, poachers, Lapwings, Gypsies and a Golden Plover to name just a few of the themes that crop up in the folk songs we’ve pulled together. We’ve also got a sneak peek at some advance releases from Martin Simpson, Tom Russell, The Young’uns and Mairearad Green and Mike Vass plus more.

On September 8th, Tom Russell will release his brand-new studio album, “Folk Hotel” (Proper Records). To celebrate Tom has put together a special playlist of songs he’d play at his imaginary Folk Hotel. Songs from Bob Dylan to Finbar Furey, it’s a great playlist. Listen and read about why he chose each song.

On Play One More Tom Russell celebrates the songs of Ian & Sylvia Tyson, the Canadian folk duo who were there at the start of the Greenwich Village folk boom and who also were early starters in the country rock stakes in the early seventies.

Tom Russell’s epic The Rose Of Roscrae is the crowning achievement of one of America’s most potent songsmiths, a brilliant and dramatic, western folk opera with an all star cast. It could just be the single most important Americana release of all time.

The co-author of Americana “writing out of the wounded heart of America”, Tom Russell’s life and music are full of surprises, Aztec Jazz is the latest compelling twist.