They could pay us in kettle corn. High-res version

        Photo – “They could pay us in kettle corn.”

I have attended the Edmonton Folk Music Festival on and off for a dozen years now.  And once again I have created a video playlist (see below) to relive the performances of the festival.  In order to achieve the correct effect, the selections are biased toward live performance and recent activity by the various artists.

I have included only performances from those artists I have seen or have heard recommended by other sources.  I am open to adding videos that anyone might suggest in the response section of this post.

Here are a few notes on some of the videos.

AHI has struck a very deep chord with the song ‘Human Kind’ performed four times at the festival: in two workshops, in their side stage concert performance, and on the main stage.

We’re divided by war
We’re divided by pride
Carve up the whole damn world
‘Cause we’re divided by tribes
There’s ties in the truth
I see me in your eyes
A mystery between us
We don’t recognize

What would it take to remind us?
We can kill it all with kindness
Lord, hear me cry
If we could be human, kind

John Butler’s recent music is an extension of his already formidable acoustic guitar playing into a more intense sonic force incorporating traditional, indigenous drumming, standard drum kit, and also some synth and bass to round out the sound.  The impact is similar to what I remember on first hearing Santana many years ago: an exciting and fresh sounding style of music.

Why haven’t we heard of Charlie Cunningham before?  Standing ovations whenever he played.

It was difficult to find a video that could project the sound of Jennifer Castle’s captivating and mellow concert session.  Indeed, it was sometimes difficult for her quieter sound and gentle harmonies to break through the festival noise although it all came together in the concert session we attended.  In her case, I broke one of my rules, and used an Official Video, as it more accurately captures the sound of her current band.

Melissa Carper put on a superb concert in the Western music genre.  I love this stuff, but Western music isn’t in vogue these days. It is far too good to disappear forever, and like bluegrass music did, should come around some time.  Meanwhile, thanks Ms. Carper for keeping it alive, and also adding some levity in some of your songs like “Boxers on Backwards”.

I greatly liked Bill McKay and Ryley Walker’s performances.  Highly original compositions and technique.  Not for everyone, and Walker indicated that one particular performance was for “all you heads out there”.  A substantial part of the audience would not know what a “head” is.  I guess I have to admit that I do, and very well.

Most of the videos included are of recent vintage, as I mentioned. But I made an exception for Taj Mahal, as I was quite sure that I had seen him perform at Mariposa during the “Toronto Centre Island” years.  And, indeed I had, as he performed at that festival for 5 years in the 1970s.  Here is a video from 1973 on what looks to me like the “Flip Wilson” show.

General comment.  The Edmonton Folk Festival is different that other venues I have attended. There are essentially two kinds of people in an EFMF audience.  Type (1). Obviously the audience includes music lovers for whom the music itself is the key attraction.  They follow indie folk and other genre performers, purchase the records, and are really into the music. This includes me.  Type (2). Some festival goers like the festival enviroment and the crowds; the music is important, but has more of a background role.  I have no problem with this as it takes all kinds.  However, the two kinds of audiences aren’t clearly compatible. Type 1s don’t go to bars to hear a musical act, and type 2s are not fond of classical music concerts; I hope you get the idea.  I have noticed that some folk and jazz clubs now prohibit conversation during performance. Clearly they are catering to the type 1s among us.

EFMF caters to both types. The type 2s don’t come to the 11 AM workshops, so those are the ones to attend if you are a type (1).  And, indeed, the audiences that come out in the morning are wonderfully attentive, and the synergy with the performers is magical.  Later in the day, the type 2s begin to show up, but they generally limit their noise making while nursing hangovers from the night before.  Once evening rolls around, the type 2s take over; it is now time for the type 1s to pack it in.  For the type 1s, the main stage is best taken in small doses; the skyline views are incredible, I will say. But from a programming perspective, a mediocre rock band will entertain the type 2s just fine.  Of course, the big marquee names do play the main stage.  Good luck with that one. To our own experience, unless that favourite is on early, it’s not worth hanging around.

Is EFMF worth the effort for the pure music lover, the type 1s. Absolutely, 100%, although we know some do give up.  EFMF has a fantastic lineup every year, and there is always one session each year which is worth the price of admission on its own.  For me, this year, it was the John Butler hosted workship with Steph Strings, Elizabeth Moen and Charlie Cunningham.  My daughter and her friend attended a completely different session at the same time, which was her personal highlight.  Both at 11 AM, naturally.

So here is the video playlist.  Great on a large screen TV with a sound system, or a laptop with headphones.

Youtube link –

Spotify audio stream link –

Coming soon.