The Irish (and British) love for Americana music (i.e. North American country, folk, and blues) has deep roots, stretching back to waves of immigration in the 18th and 19th centuries. Young Cork-based singer-songwriter John Blek (pictured here) recorded his 2019 album "Thistle and Thorn" in studios in Clonakilty, Ireland as well as Lousiville, Ky. The latter sessions -- which featured co-vocals from Joan Shelly -- produced the song "The Body," featured on today's show.
And Don Everly -- who died this week at 84 -- and his brother Phil were beloved on those shamrock shores: we also featured their version of "Rose Connolly" (aka "Down In The Willow Garden") as recorded for the great 1991 BBC box set "Bringing It All Back Home."
Also on today's show: new music from Amanda Anne Platt and The Honeycutters, Joshua Burnside and Laura Quirke, A.J. Lee and Joaquin Cooder. And much more!