The High Note

The latest in music reviews, concert reviews and music news. Hosted by Shaun Smith.

Dave Gunning Returns 11/05/2024

Dave Gunning Returns Dave Gunning returns to The High Note Podcast to discuss his musical journey since we last spoke in 2019, including his success in environmental activism, new community initiatives, and his partnership with JP Cormier. Time Stamps [00:00:00] Introduction [00:02:00] Dave's return to Philadelphia Folk Festival [00:02:45] Navigating the pandemic [00:07:00] Collaboration with JP Cormier [00:11:00] Discussion of "The Same Storm" album [00:16:00] Environmental activism and mill closure [00:24:00] Musical collaborations and future projects [00:30:00] Zero Hunger Fund initiative Key Topics Discussed Post-pandemic return to festivals Victory in the Northern Pulp mill in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, environmental campaign Collaboration with JP Cormier and Rose Morrison Dave Gunning Zero Hunger Fund Denmark tour Festival performance preparation New Projects Mentioned "The Same Storm" - Latest solo album Collaboration with Rose Morrison Dave Gunning Zero Hunger Fund School "Little Free Stores" initiative Causes & Initiatives Dave Gunning Zero Hunger Fund Goal: $200,000 Cost per school: $5,000 Partner: Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia Where to Find Dave Personal website: Duo project: Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , and Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , , and . Subscribe to Paul “Dawg” Dixon wrote, composed and recorded the intro and outro music. The voices you hear at the end are , /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/33809687

A Day Without Love 10/01/2024

A Day Without Love In this episode of The High Note podcast, I sit down with Brian Walker of at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival. We discuss his songwriting process, the significance of playing at the folk festival and in Philadelphia, his experiences moving from Philly to Boston, and his latest album. Brian shares insights on overcoming challenges, the role of music in healing, and his mission to inspire others to be the best version of themselves. Key Topics: A Day Without Love’s journey from Philly to Boston Brian’s songwriting process and inspiration The importance of community and connection in music His reflections on performing at the Philadelphia Folk Festival Insights into his new album and upcoming projects Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , , and . Subscribe to Paul “Dawg” Dixon wrote, composed and recorded the intro and outro music. The voices you hear at the end are , /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/33284077

Shanna In A Dress 09/10/2024

Shanna In A Dress In this episode of The High Note, I sit down with , a delightful singer-songwriter whose humor and heartwarming stories captivated audiences at the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival. We dive into her creative process, stories behind her songs, and the inspiration she draws from her cross-country bike tour that shaped her music career. Shanna shares her thoughts on what it's like to perform at such a historic festival for the first time, creating spontaneous moments with fellow performers like Miss Emily and Adam Ezra, and how she balances heartfelt, emotional songs with her light-hearted and comedic approach. Plus, she opens up about the personal story behind her song “Shelly” and what it means to her as an artist. Whether you're a fan of folk music, singer-songwriters, or just love good stories, Shanna in a Dress will inspire and entertain you. Listen in to hear more about her upcoming album "Sweet Spot," her musical adventures, and her philosophy of embracing imperfection. Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , , and . Subscribe to Paul “Dawg” Dixon wrote, composed and recorded the intro and outro music. The voices you hear at the end are , /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/32994852

Sug Daniels 08/14/2024

Sug Daniels I sit down with the incredibly talented Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter and ukulele player, . Originally from Smyrna, Delaware, Sug has carved out a unique space in the music world with her soulful blend of folk, rock, and alternative influences. We delve into her journey from growing up in a rural town, finding her identity as a queer artist, and making the move to Philadelphia, where she has continued to develop her sound and message. Sug shares her experiences leading the bands Hoochi Coochi and FlowCity, and what inspired her to step out as a solo artist. We also discuss her upcoming performances, including her highly anticipated set at the Philadelphia Folk Festival 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 on the Tank Stage, and the creation of her latest EP. Sug's music has been featured on NPR, WXPN, and even Good Morning America, and she continues to be a powerful voice for truth and positive change. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering Sug Daniels, this episode offers a deep and personal look at the artist behind the music. Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , , and . Subscribe to Paul “Dawg” Dixon wrote and recorded intro and outro music. The voices you hear at the end are , /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/32573167

Tony Trischka 08/12/2024

Tony Trischka In this episode of The High Note podcast, I chat with banjo legend about his latest project, "Earl Jam," which he will be performing at the 61st Philadelphia Folk Festival. Tony discusses his tribute to banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs which led to him collaborating with musicians Billy Strings and Del McCoury and many more for his most recent album, "Earl Jam." He also shares insights into his deep connection with the festival, dating back to his first visit in the 1960s and some pretty great stories about the 60s folk music scene. We discuss Tony's illustrious career how he has taught people like Molly Tuttle and Béla Fleck and continues to teach through . Tony also gives a preview of what to expect from his set on the Martin Guitar Main Stage Aug. 18 at the Philadelphia Folk Festival and his future projects. Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , , and . Subscribe to The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul “Dawg” Dixon. The voices you hear at the end are , /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/32549962

Kimberly Sinclair 07/23/2024

Kimberly Sinclair Join me on this week's podcast as I interview Artistic and Marketing Director Kimberly Sinclair. We explore the exciting plans for the 61st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival, which will take place from August 16-18, 2024 at the historic Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township, Pennsylvania. Kimberly shares insights into what attendees can expect, the festival's rich history, and the vibrant community that makes it all possible. Whether you're a longtime festival-goer or a newcomer, this episode is packed with everything you need to know about this event, which is the highlight of my yearly musical calendar. Tune in and prepare for an unforgettable music, community, and celebration weekend! Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , , and . Subscribe to The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul “Dawg” Dixon. Kimberly Sinclair at the Philadelphia Folk Festival in 2019. Photo by Alex Lowy. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/32259652

Tall Tall Trees 10/09/2023

Tall Tall Trees Mike Savino, the brainchild and founder of , is my guest on The High Note to chat about his most recent album "" which was released Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 via . We talk about his journey in music from being a metalhead to a deadhead to being classically trained in acoustic bass to creating his own instrument, the Banjotron 5000. In addition to the songwriting process on his most recent album with Josiah Wolf, also get into his musical influences and the album he recorded earlier this year with JD Pinkus, "Ponder Machine." Read my review of his most recent release on . See Tall Tall Trees on tour throughout October 2023 and get "Stick To The Mysical, I" at talltalltrees.com. Apologies for the slight audio interference and the delay in getting this episode out - hopefully, we exterminated all the technical bugs. Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , and . Subscribe to The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul “Dawg” Dixon. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/28270556

Emily Faye 08/01/2023

Emily Faye Singing songs, surfing and sailing the seas of Web 3; is there anything can't do? I met the multi-talented British-based singer-songwriter at VeeCon 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she captivated a packed crowd with her song "" at Lucas Oil Stadium with Gala Music. During our conversation, we dive into her journey in web3, her inspiration, how her fiance inspired "Playstation," her love of country music and surfing, and her ongoing series "." Follow Emily Faye on all social media platforms at , where she shares updates about her music and announcements about her upcoming live shows and get her NFTs on . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , and . Subscribe to The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul “Dawg” Dixon. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/27624012

Valerie Ann 07/10/2023

Valerie Ann Valerie Ann is a Utah-based songwriter with a magical touch for creating children's music that appeals not only to the young ones but also to the adults who care for them and those in between. I met Valerie Ann at VeeCon this past year in Indianapolis, Indiana and thankfully, we re-connected just this past month. She's a talented songwriter and pioneer in the children's music industry, taking strides in the NFT music platform, . In this episode, we discuss her songwriting process, how she manages to craft tunes that resonate with children and adults, her journey into the NFT music world, and her latest hit song, "Road Tripping." "" is a joyous anthem for all those who love an adventurous journey on the open road. It's available everywhere, and you can also check out its delightfully charming music video . Be sure to follow Valerie Ann on and and see more of her NFTs on her profile. Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , and . Subscribe to The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul “Dawg” Dixon. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/27424392

Keller Williams and Steve Poltz 02/27/2023

Keller Williams and Steve Poltz and are both accomplished singer-songwriters individually who together have performed a "Shut the Folk Up and Listen" series across America. They join me for a conversation about their careers, folk music and their run of shows. You can see them Friday, March 3 at in Alexandria, Virginia, Saturday, March 4 at and Sunday, March 5 at . They will each perform a set of music and then perform together. Keller Williams will return Friday, March 17 at in Asbury Park, New Jersey. You can also join them for for a song school May 2-4 and a folk festival May 5-6, 2023 in Joshua Tree, California. is Keller's favorite soundtrack from a movie and this is . Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , and . Subscribe to The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul “Dawg” Dixon. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/26068515

Crys Matthews 02/06/2023

Crys Matthews stopped me in my tracks the first time I saw her perform. Join me in a conversation with one of my favorite singer-songwriters about her songwriting process, her journey in music and how growing up as the daughter of a preacher influences her on stage. She is based in Washington D.C. and is currently on tour including stops Thursday, Feb. 9 at in Albany, NY, Saturday, Feb. 11 at , New Jersey and she will be returning Sunday, March 26 at in New York City. Her most recent album "Changemakers" is available everywhere including and you can subscribe to her . You can follow her on social media @CrysMatthews on , and . Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , and . Subscribe to The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul “Dawg” Dixon. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/25848993

Mohsen Amini 01/23/2023

Mohsen Amini is probably the best concertina player you have ever heard. I met him as co-founder of the multi-award-winning Celtic trio Talisk, based out of his hometown of Glasgow, Scotland. Amini talks about his adventures since we last spoke last at the including his tour with Talisk and Ímar, jamming with his friends, getting ready for the band's performance at in Glasgow and the 2023 Talisk world tour which includes stops in Philadelphia and New York City. See Talisk Sunday, Feb. 19 at the in Ardmore, Pennsylvania and Monday, Feb. 20 at in New York City and see all the band's tour dates . Follow Mohsen Amini on , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , and . Subscribe to The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul “Dawg” Dixon. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/25703778

Perry Thompson 12/06/2022

Perry Thompson Perry Thompson is the president of the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society based in Atlantic City, New Jersey whose mission is to preserve and promote Black music culture through education and experiences. He has held lectures in person at Stockton University featuring Reggie Reg from Cash Crew and singer and pianist Nina Simone as well as online seminars covering the legacies of Prince, Jimi Hendrix and Snoop Dogg. Follow the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society , , and . The Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society is a nonprofit organization that accepts donations via check or money order to P.O. Box 7401 Atlantic City NJ 08404, or Cashapp $RBPSOC18 Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , and . Subscribe to . The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul “Dawg” Dixon. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/25239582

BRAN NU 11/01/2022

BRAN NU is a rapper and artist based in South Jersey. He has been rhyming since he was in high school and is currently touring throughout the east coast. During a brief break in his touring schedule, we chat about his influences, his music career, his most recent tour and the projects he is currently most excited about. You can see him on the featuring CL Smooth beginning Nov. 3, 2022. His mixtape "Total B.S." is available on and you can listen to his projects on . You can see all his projects via his and follow him on and . Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , and . Subscribe to . The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul “Dawg” Dixon. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/24867321

Mike McKenna Jr. 10/03/2022

Mike McKenna Jr. is a helluva singer-songwriter from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. He carries on the Canadiana folk music tradition in his songs his homespun lyrics with historical references and a warm voice. We talked Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022 at the 60th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival where he was a performer throughout the weekend. His latest album is "." He is showcasing Saturday, Nov. 5 at at the Highland Arts Theatre in Sydney, Cape Breton, Thursday, Nov. 10 at in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Saturday, Nov. 12 at the in Cape Breton, Novia Scotia. Follow him on social media @mikemckennajr. Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , and . The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul “Dawg” Dixon. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/24570735

ADG7 09/15/2022

ADG7 South Korean shamanic folk-pop band quickly became one of my favorite acts of the 60th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival - so much so that I, along with many, many others, saw the nine-piece band Saturday night and again Sunday morning. See all the show notes, links and photos . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , and . The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul “Dawg” Dixon. Photos by Justyna Smith. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/24389535

Talisk Returns! 08/30/2022

Talisk Returns! My old friends from , concertina player Mohsen Amini and guitarist Graeme Armstrong return to The High Note podcast and bring along their new fiddle player Benedict Morris to chat about performing at the Philadelphia Folk Festival for the fourth year in a row, and the recording process for the latest Talisk album due out in February 2023. Get tickets to see Talisk . Learn more about and follow them on , , , , , and . Subscribe to The High Note podcast anywhere you subscribe to podcasts including, , , and . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go on social media including , , and . The intro and outro music was written, composed and recorded by Paul "Dawg" Dixon. Read the full show notes here: /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/24202536

Episode 26 - Can't Miss The Philly Folk Fest 08/16/2022

Episode 26 - Can't Miss The Philly Folk Fest It's been a while, friends! I dust off the microphone as I prepare for the 60th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival this weekend - Aug. 18-21, 2022 at the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township, Pennsylvania. I run through the list of my can't miss performers including Emily Drinker, Talisk, American Acoustic: Punch Brothers, Watchhouse and Sarah Jarosz, Crys Matthews, Christine Lavin, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Tom Rush, Runa and Hiss Golden Messengers. I also mention some of my favorite crafters and vendors including the Upper Salford Volunteer Fire Company and the Read my blog previewing the festival at . Follow @HighNoteBlog anywhere you go to social media including , , and . . /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/24069363

Steve Dawson 08/17/2021

Steve Dawson Steve Dawson is one of my favorite singer-songwriters. I first discovered him through the album "Funeral Bonsai Wedding" and I fell in love with the song "Ezra Pound and the Deep Wood River." He currently teaches songwriting at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/20173595

Episode 24 - Originaire 02/11/2020

Episode 24 - Originaire Ken Shiles and Cibon, two-thirds of the Atlantic City acoustic folk band Originaire join The High Note podcast for this episode, recorded Saturday, Jan. 25 at Ventnor Coffee. We chat about the band's debut EP "Off the Ship," set for release Feb. 21, 2020, their songwriting process including stories of overcoming addiction which is a central theme of the album, the South Jersey music scene and the Philadelphia Folk Festival. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/13110707

Episode 23 - Talisk 08/31/2019

Episode 23 - Talisk Talisk is a Scottish Celtic band consisting of three incredible musicians, Mohsen Amini on concertina, fiddle player Hayley Keenan and guitarist Graeme Armstrong. We met for a chat Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019 at the 58th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/11070425

Episode 22 - Dave Gunning 08/26/2019

Episode 22 - Dave Gunning Folk singer-songwriter Dave Gunning has a lot of passion. The pride of Pictou County is passionate about both his music and his hometown, particularly trying to clean up the Pictou County Pulp Mill. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/10981061

Episode 21 - Steve Poltz 08/21/2019

Episode 21 - Steve Poltz Singer-songwriter Steve Poltz was the frontman for the indie-rock band The Rugburns and co-wrote “You Were Meant For Me” with Jewel. His latest album, "Shine On" is available now and he is constantly touring around the world. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/10942934

Episode 20 - Bush, Live and Our Lady Peace Review With Justyna 06/13/2019

Episode 20 - Bush, Live and Our Lady Peace Review With Justyna Justyna and I review the Bush and Live with Our Lady Peace concert at the Etess Arena at Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City on the drive home. I 100 percent had a few New Belgium Voodoo Rangers, as you will hear, but this is a fun one. Gavin Rossdale ran past us and I'll drop the video on The High Note YouTube channel. Our Lady Peace stole the show, Live was loud! /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/10137609

Episode 19 - Dean Randazzo 05/23/2019

Episode 19 - Dean Randazzo Dean Randazzo is a professional surfer, surfing instructor, surf shop owner, real estate agent and four-time cancer survivor. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/9900395

Episode 18 - Renée Wahl 03/24/2019

Episode 18 - Renée Wahl Singer-songwriter Renée Wahl of Nashville, Tennessee joins me for this episode of The High Note podcast. We discuss her album "Cut to the Bone," released March 15, 2019 and our connections to Philadelphia and greater Pennsylvania. She's a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and went to school for physics before leading her current band Renee Wahl & The Sworn Secrets. Get "Cut to the Bone" at ReneeWahl.com and anywhere you listen to music. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/9116303

Episode 17 - Patsy 03/09/2019

Episode 17 - Patsy Patsy is a singer-songwriter based in Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York. He incorporates elements of The Great American Songbook, folk, rock 'n' roll and surf rock on his debut "The EP" released Friday, March 1. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/8940134

Episode 16 - Clive Carroll 02/16/2019

Episode 16 - Clive Carroll Clive Carroll is a guitarist and composer who has toured across the world, including with John Renbourn and Tommy Emmanuel. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/8670857

Episode 15 - The Barrett Brothers 01/24/2019

Episode 15 - The Barrett Brothers I sit down with the Barrett Brothers - Kevin and Dave Barrett for this special episode of The High Note podcast. We talk about our love of vinyl, our favorite music and the best concerts we've seen - including some we've seen together. We also chat about Dave's documentary project, which includes interviewing people like Lewis Black and Howie Mandel. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/8386298

Episode 14 - Talkin' Bob Dylan With Mum 12/06/2018

Episode 14 - Talkin' Bob Dylan With Mum Hop in the car with me and my mum as we talk about Bob Dylan following his show Saturday, Nov. 17 at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. /episode/index/show/thehighnote/id/7828730

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