Swallow Hill Blog
News for our community, artist and teacher interviews,
and more resources for your musical life.
Turkey Creek Mandolins (Episode 34; Nov 1)
Brad Van Loenen builds Turkey Creek Mandolins in his workshop high above Denver in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. His unique...
Steel City Rovers’ Mark Fletcher discusses CeltBilly, influences and upcoming projects
Hailing from the Canadian "Steel City" of Hamilton, Ontario, Steel City Rovers create a sound true to their blue collar, Celtic roots. Add...
Chuck Pyle’s friends and admirers recall “The Zen Cowboy”
“One man with a guitar who played what was in his soul,” is how Tom Munch sums up his friend Chuck Pyle. Tom and Chuck first bonded...
Paul Kelly: An Introduction to the Australian Songwriting Legend
I had never heard of Paul Kelly before we booked him and his band this summer to play Daniels Hall on October 13. I've since learned that...
Between Two Banjos: Episode One
In this, the very first episode of Between Two Banjos, Dustin and Barry talk about Sam Amidon, Paul Kelly, Leon Redbone, the New York...
Natalie Padilla (Episode 33; Sept 25)
Natalie Padilla grew up playing the fiddle in contests all over the USA. Now, a professional musician and teacher, she has a new solo...
Interview with Deborah Collins
"I got involved with Swallow Hill almost by coincidence. A friend who I went to music school with was working there and knew they needed a...
Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre: A Playlist of Influences, Deep Cuts and Current Favorites
Whether from the scrolls of Jethro Tull vinyl, or from his own solo performances, the call of Martin Barre’s guitar is unmistakable....
Garrison Keillor Q&A: “My retirement isn’t retirement, it’s a change of scene”
In 2016 Garrison Keillor stepped down as host of A Prairie Home Companion. Leaving the radio variety show he was synonymous with for 42...