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Keep Folk Talking by Openhouse Studio

by Openhouse Studio

We want to ‘‘keep folk talking’’ in our Openhouse Studio Podcast! With a special guest for every episode, Keep Folk Talking is a chance for Brian Jones to interview, share stories and play music with local artists, collaborators and friends. This is an intimate and engaging look back at the folk scene of yesteryear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

  1. The Story of the Folk Doctors

    A chance meeting at a park run, a shared love of music and an album club involving a few pints… sounds like the beginning of a good story, doesn’t it? This time on Keep Folk Talking, Brian meets John and Ultan — better known as The Folk Doctors — to find out how an unlikely friendship turned into…

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  2. The Story Behind Mersey Morris: A Great Tradition

    In this episode of Keep Folk Talking, Brian Jones explores the story of Mersey Morris — a tradition shaped by generations of dancers and musicians, and sustained by friendship, family and a shared love of folk culture. Brian is joined by Richard Stapledon, his son Matthew, and musician Sarah...

  3. Gill Burns and the Fascinating Story of Her Musical Journey

    In this episode of Keep Folk Talking, Brian Jones is reunited with old friend Gill Burns for the first time in more than forty years. Their conversation looks back on the vibrant folk scene of the 1970s before following Gill's remarkable musical journey from the Wirral to Ireland, Europe and the...

  4. Talking Folk & Poetry with Sue Farley and Eric Craven

    In this episode of Keep Folk Talking, Brian Jones is joined by songwriter Sue Farley and poet Eric Craven to explore the powerful connection between music and poetry. Together they reflect on their individual creative journeys, their shared love of storytelling and nostalgia, and the…

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  5. LocTup Together on Keep Folk Talking

    Join Brian Jones as he chats with LocTup Together, Chris Lock and Ian Tupling, whose close harmonies and songs of the sea have entertained audiences for more than three decades. From chance encounters at folk clubs to unforgettable adventures across Europe, it's a conversation filled with…

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  6. Kathy Runswick: Running a Successful Folk Club

    Join Brian Jones as he sits down with Kathy Runswick, organiser of Wallasey Folk & Acoustic Club and the first guest in our new Keep Folk Going – The Organisers series. Kathy reflects on her lifelong connection to folk music, from childhood singarounds and family influences to helping run one of...

  7. Exclusive! Johnny Cunningham in Concert at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco 1983

    Openhouse Studio is proud to announce the release of a remarkable live recording from one of Scotland's most beloved traditional musicians, Johnny Cunningham. Captured live at San Francisco's legendary Great American Music Hall in 1983, this newly unearthed concert recording offers listeners a…

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  8. Tim Glover: Folk From Irby to Sydney

    Welcome to our first ever online podcast. From Irby to Sydney! Join Brian Jones as he sits down with his great friend, Tim Glover. Whilst the two keep in touch via email, Keep Folk Talking has finally given them the chance to see each other again and have a proper yarn about the old days in the...

  9. Meet the Derbyshire Folk Duo Steve & Julie Wigley on Keep Folk Talking

    Join Brian Jones as he sits down with Steve and Julie Wigley - a Derbyshire folk duo whose story begins in a youth club in the late 60s and runs through decades of clubs, gigs and songwriting. From discovering live folk music at the Pennine Hotel to becoming part of a busy folk club scene, they...

  10. Willy Russell: Legendary Playwright and songwriter on Keep Folk Talking

    In this extended edition of Keep Folk Talking, Brian Jones is joined by legendary playwright and songwriter Willy Russell for a vivid journey back to the roots of a remarkable creative life. https://openhousefolk.com/willy-russell/ From a childhood steeped in music before the days of television,...

  11. Brian Lupton Part 2 From Local Folk Clubs to International Festivals - Keep Folk Talking: S2 Ep5

    Join Brian Jones as he continues his conversation with Brian Lupton, singer, organiser and long-standing figure on the Wirral folk scene. In Part 2, Brian reflects on the folk clubs and venues that kept the music alive, the artists who passed through the region, and the community that grew around...

  12. Brian Lupton From Local Folk Clubs to International Festivals - Keep Folk Talking: S2 Ep4

    Join Brian Jones as he sits down with Brian Lupton, a member of our Local Heros Series as a singer, organiser and long-standing figure on the Wirral folk scene. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Brian reflects on childhood singalongs in Wallasey, discovering folk music in the 1960s…

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  13. Mal Jones on Keep Folk Talking: S2 Ep3

    Join Brian Jones as he chats with Wirral folk stalwart Mal Jones - a singer, guitarist and self-described “musical gypsy” whose life in music began playing bugle in 1st Moreton Boys Brigade band and grew into decades of songs, clubs and friendships. Discover hundreds of folk tracks from great...

  14. Harvey Andrews on Keep Folk Talking: S2 Ep2

    In this very special episode of Keep Folk Talking, Brian Jones sits down with one of his lifelong heroes, the songwriter and storyteller, Harvey Andrews. From the moment he took a leap of faith from the classroom into the folk revival of the 1960s, Harvey reflects on a career shaped by…

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  15. Harry Lowrey and Arthur Garnett on Keep Folk Talking: Episode 1 (Series 2)

    Brian Jones sits down with Harry Lowrey and Arthur Garnett, two towering figures of Liverpool’s folk and maritime music scene. Best known as founding members of Stormalong John, their voices helped carry traditional sea shanties from local folk clubs to major festivals across Europe. Drawing on...

  16. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 22 with Jacqueline McDonald

    In this very special episode of Keep Folk Talking, Brian Jones sits down with Jacqueline McDonald to trace back to her unlikely beginning and the legacy it sparked: from her time with The Spinners, to the packed and joyful nights at the Coach House, to unforgettable encounters with Phil Ochs, Tom...

  17. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 21 with Phil Chisnall

    Join Phil Chisnall in the latest episode of Keep Folk Talking, where he chats with host Brian Jones about a lifelong love of music - from sketching Beatles guitars in his schoolbooks to finding his place in the Wirral folk scene decades later. Discover hundreds of folk tracks from great artists...

  18. Exclusive! Silly Wizard in Concert at the Great American Music Hall, San Francisco 1985

    Exclusive Podcast Alert!!! Gordon Jones, Brian's big brother and band member of the legendary Silly Wizard was given a tape recording of a concert the band performed back in 1985 at the iconic Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. Here is the full story - Silly Wizard Live in San Francisco…

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  19. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 19 with Roger Parker

    In this episode, Roger chats with host Brian Jones about the heyday of the Wirral folk scene - from running clubs at The Bell in Wallasey to booking guests like Martin Carthy and welcoming newcomers from the floor. Along the way, he reflects on the people who shaped those nights, the joy of…

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  20. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 18 with Helen Sheppard

    Brian Jones sits down with Helen Sheppard, described by him as the ‘unsung hero of Openhouse,’ whose harmonies and subtle touches have graced more than a dozen albums over the years. Helen’s voice has lifted countless recordings – from Ian Chesterman’s Over the Moors to the songs of Eddie Morris,...

  21. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 17 with David Littler

    Celebrating '50 years on the road' join Brian Jones and David Littler, the original Houghton Weaver as they delve into his story and more about his band "The Legends of Lancashire Folk" Discover hundreds of folk tracks from great artists with real character at Openhouse Folk. If you have any...

  22. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 16 with Alan Ainsworth

    Brian Jones catches up with Alan Ainsworth, a lifelong songwriter whose journey began in 1963 at the Washouse Folk Club – where two Dylan covers went down like a lead balloon. Undeterred, Alan found a home at Liverpool’s Green Moose, where his songs and RAF uniform made him both an outsider and…

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  23. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 15 with Barry Evans

    Brian Jones welcomes Barry Evans – folk club organiser, festival co-founder, and master of the mic – for a rich and entertaining conversation. From a first folk night at The Loft near Wolverhampton in 1968, to running Chester’s Bull and Stirrup club and helping bring Scottish legends like Barbara...

  24. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 14 with Pete Leslie

    Join Brian Jones in conversation with Pete Leslie, a singer-songwriter whose folk journey began with a cast-off guitar and a handful of chords. From freezing barn nights at Wrexham Folk Club to singing on beaches across Europe, Pete shares a gentle, honest story of music-making, friendship and...

  25. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 13 with Goff Jones

    Join Brian Jones in conversation with Goff Jones as they trace his extraordinary journey through the heart of the North Wales and Chester folk scene. From his first shaky gigs as a teenager in Wrexham’s roughest pub, to performing with legends like Ralph McTell, Barbara Dixon, and even Billy...

  26. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 12 with Tom Topping

    Join Brian Jones in the studio for an unforgettable conversation with his longtime friend and legendary folk frontman, Tom Topping. Known nationwide for his wit, warmth and powerful stage presence, Tom shares a heartfelt journey through six decades of music, storytelling, and community. Discover...

  27. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 11 with Joe Topping

    Join Brian Jones in the studio with part of the next generation of singer-songwriters, the incredibly talented Joe Topping. From his early days travelling with the TTB to carving out a career as a globe-trotting folk singer and multi-instrumentalist, Joe shares his unique musical journey in this...

  28. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 10 with Richard Young

    Join Brian Jones and Richard Young, the son of legendary folk hero Pete Young, known locally as ‘Youngy’, as they reflect on the life and legacy of this talented wordsmith and musician. Enjoy Brian and Richard taking you through the unforgettable journey of Youngy’s rise to fame, performing at...

  29. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 9 with Gerry Ffrench

    Join Brian Jones on Keep Folk Talking as he’s joined by singer-songwriter Gerry Ffrench, where she shares her musical journey, starting from her Irish grandmother’s unaccompanied singing at home. Gerry recounts her early influences, including Lonnie Donegan, and her dabble in punk bands, to…

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  30. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 8 Live Broadcast with Dave Jones

    Imagine sitting down with a dear friend, catching up on life, reminiscing about shared memories, and reflecting on the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped your lives. That’s precisely what happened when Brian Jones decided to take his first stab at an outside broadcast, finding himself…

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  31. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 7 Something Special from 1989

    This one-off special on Keep Folk Talking truly is a piece of magic. It includes music dating back to 1974 and recalls musicians who were a part of the folk scene in the good old days. Discover more, with hundreds of tracks and incredible stories at Openhouse Folk. Hosted on Acast. See...

  32. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 6 with John Owen

    John Owen joins us to reminisce about an incredible life shaped by chance and a deep love for folk music. John shares the moments that transformed him from an amateur actor into a beloved folksinger and guitarist. Discover more about John and all his music here. If you like this, you will love…

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  33. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 5 with John Finnan

    In this episode of Keep Folk Talking, John Finnan joins Brian Jones to share his vivid tales of a musical upbringing, encounters with legends like Pete Seeger, the formation of the iconic Black Diamonds, and the inception of the Chester Folk Festival, all while celebrating a lifelong devotion to...

  34. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 4 with Jack Owen

    Join Brian Jones and his good friend Jack Owen as they delve into the life and career of the singer-songwriter himself on this episode of “Keep Folk Talking.” Listen to all of Jack Owen's back catalogue - Jack Owen Music Visit our website for more amazing music and stories - Openhouse Folk Hosted...

  35. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 3 Revisiting Rostock with The Tom Topping Band

    Step back into 1985 with The Tom Topping Band’s unforgettable performance at Rostock, Germany. In this episode of ‘Keep Folk Talking,’ the band shares insights into this memorable event and how they clinched second place in Germany’s version of the Eurovision Song Contest. Discover more music…

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  36. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 2 with Brian Jones

    Listen to Brian Jones, founder of Openhouse Studio, as he delves into the origins of his legacy project, https://openhousefolk.com, exploring the rich traditions, characters and stories that have shaped the North West folk music scene. Listen to all of Brian's back catalogue and a host of...

  37. Keep Folk Talking: Episode 1 with Colin Henderson

    The First episode of 'Keep Folk Talking', a brand new podcast by Brian Jones to accompany the Openhouse Studio Folk website. Brian talks to his long-term collaborator and friend, Colin Henderson, in this first fascinating episode about the local folk scene. Listen to Colin Henderson's music and...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

We want to ‘‘keep folk talking’’ in our Openhouse Studio Podcast! With a special guest for every episode, Keep Folk Talking is a chance for Brian Jones to interview, share stories and play music with local artists, collaborators and friends. This is an intimate and engaging look back at the folk scene of yesteryear.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HOSTED BY

Openhouse Studio

Produced by Brian Jones, Openhouse Studio

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Keep Folk Talking by Openhouse Studio have?

Keep Folk Talking by Openhouse Studio currently has 37 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Keep Folk Talking by Openhouse Studio about?

We want to ‘‘keep folk talking’’ in our Openhouse Studio Podcast! With a special guest for every episode, Keep Folk Talking is a chance for Brian Jones to interview, share stories and play music with local artists, collaborators and friends. This is an intimate and engaging look back at the folk...

How often does Keep Folk Talking by Openhouse Studio release new episodes?

Keep Folk Talking by Openhouse Studio has 37 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Keep Folk Talking by Openhouse Studio?

You can listen to Keep Folk Talking by Openhouse Studio on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Keep Folk Talking by Openhouse Studio?

Keep Folk Talking by Openhouse Studio is created and hosted by Openhouse Studio.
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