Sometimes Folk

The BBC recently commissioned singer-songwriters -- including Martyn Joseph, pictured here -- to pen ballads about ordinary people in northeast England who have done extraordinary things for their community. Joseph wrote "Albert's Place," a song about a soup kitchen and food bank in Sunderland run by Andrea Bell.  

Also on today's show, Brother Bill celebrates Black History Month with songs by African-American country and western singers.

The Young-Uns, a mainly a capella trio from the northeast of England, have consistently penned modern ballads centered on local people who have affected positive social change in their communities. Their latest release -- Tiny Notes -- was inspired by Paige Hunter, who in 2018 began tying handwritten notes to the railing of the Weamouth Bridge in Sunderland. These messages have now saved over 30 lives, as well as inspired others to leave similar messages on bridges across the world.

Also on today's show: a new bluegrass supergroup fronted by Andrew Marlin, and a love letter to the Silver State from Mike Beck. And lots more too!

Eric Andersen -- who has had a long, distinuished career as a singer-songwriter -- was the subject of a 2021 PBS documentary The Songpoet, and now the recepient of a just-released, 3-CD tribute album featuring contributions from Bob Dylan (who covers "Thirsty Boots") and 40 other artists. This morning we played contributions from Mary Chapin Carpenter, Amy Helm, Richard Shindell and others.

Ian Tyson passed away at his cattle ranch on Dec. 29. Long after folk stardom with Syliva Fricker in the 1960s, Tyson had a long career as a singer-songwriter who almost single-handedly revived Western (aka "cowboy") music. Blaze Foley (pictured) died by gunshot in 1989. But Brother Bill watched Ethan Hawkes' biofilm Blaze over the holiday, and was inspired to present music from that soundtrack. And more.