folk music

Tom was an integral member of the Greenwich Village early ’60s folk scene (playing originals regularly before Bob Dylan did). His tunes have been covered by Dylan, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Harry Belafonte, and many others. He received a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2009.

We talk about “Rebel Gal” from Together Again (2026) (a collaborative album with John McCutcheon), “If the Poor Don’t Matter” from Redemption Road (2015), “Mr. Blue” from Morning Again (1968), and “The Death of Stephen Biko” (with Anne Hills and Bob Gibson) from Best of Friends (live in 1984, released in 2004; the song was originally recorded for Heroes, 1978). Intro: “I Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound” from Rambin’ Boy (1964). More at tompaxton.com.

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Eric was a major figure in the 1960s NYC folk scene, and his early tunes have been covered by Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, and many others. He’s released 22 solo albums plus several live albums and two albums with The Band’s Rick Danko as Danko/Fjeld/Andersen.

We discuss “Don’t It Make You Wanna Sing the Blues” from Dance of Love and Death (2025), “Rain Falls Down in Amsterdam” from Memory of the Future (1998), and “Six Senses of Darkness” from Ghosts Upon the Road (1989). End song: “Time Run Like a Freight Train” from Stages: The Lost Album (recorded 1973). Intro: “Violets of Dawn” from ‘Bout Changes and Things (1966). More at ericandersen.com.

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Loudon has released 30 albums since 1970. He’s the quintessential singer-songwriter, relying on crafty, personal lyrics delivered dynamically and typically solo, though his studio work has varied in production style and orchestration level over the years.

We discuss “How Old is 75” from Lifetime Achievement (2022), “Road Ode (Live)” from Career Moves (1993), and “Be Careful There’s a Baby in the House” from Album II (1971). We wrap up by listening to “Missing You” from Last Man on Earth (2001). Intro: “The Swimming Song” from Attempted Mustache (1973). Learn more at lw3.com.

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Amy has recorded nine albums of emotionally stark but often artistically decorated original folk music, punctuated by cover tunes like the opening music here, Townes Van Zandt’s “Buckskin Stallion Blues,” which appeared in the film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
We discuss “Mouth to Mouth” from The Autopilot Knows You Best (2000), “The Nightjar’s Blues” from The Cimarron Banks (2010), and “Natural Arc” from Songs for Creeps (2006), which also contains our closer, “I’m A-Gone Down to the Greenfields.” Visit amyannelle.bandcamp.com.

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