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Back Catalog Listening Party

Back Catalog Listening Party

Join top folk, Americana and roots musicians as they revisit their old albums in front of a live online audience. Hosts Mother Banjo and Anthony Ihrig take you beyond the liner notes with interviews that reveal exclusive stories and commentary from the artist about the process of writing, recording and releasing their music. Pour a beverage, grab a snack, and enjoy a weekly musical happy hour where it's always Friday and old albums never sounded better!

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

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  • 26 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 2 min
  • English

Episodes 26

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  • #311
    Friday · 1 hr 11 min

    Cris Williamson Listens Back to The Changer and the Changed

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with legendary singer/songwriter Cris Williamson who joins us from Seattle with a cup of coffee to revisit her iconic 1975 release The Changer and the Changed. She talks about starting the first women-run label Olivia Records, the influence of classical music and how she doesn't really write choruses. Featured Songs: Waterfall Wild Things Sweet Woman Dream Child 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/311 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #310
    October 30 · 1 hr 1 min

    Gráinne Hunt Listens Back to This Secret

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo sit down with Irish singer/songwriter Gráinne Hunt at the 2026 FARM Gathering + Presenter Summit in Minneapolis, MN. We revisit her 2019 album This Secret, drink lots of coffee and talk about recording the album in Nashville in just two days with a band she had never met or rehearsed with. And she has lots of trouble not singing along to the songs! Featured Songs: 1. Between The Pines 2. All You Need 3. Let Go 4. This Secret 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/310 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #309
    October 23 · 1 hr 4 min

    Laura Cortese Listens Back to The Poison Oaks

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with fiddler/singer/songwriter Laura Cortese, who joins us from Nova Scotia for lunch to revisit her 2011 album The Poison Oaks. She talks about how this album was made while at a creative crossroads, leaving acoustic constraints behind and fun uses of fiddle and woodwinds. Featured Songs: Pine Ninety Move Around the Floor Bright Lights London Devil 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/309 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #308
    October 16 · 1 hr 2 min

    Luke Callen Listens Back to Also Going Nowhere

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with folk/country songwriter Luke Callen, who joins us from his home in Eau Claire, WI to revisit his 2024 album Also Going Nowhere. He talks about growing tomatoes, the challenges of living with another songwriter and how living in Colorado helped shape his music. Featured Songs: Tomatoes from the Vine Wolves of New York Blind Men and Fools Some Reason Fishing Song 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/308 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #307
    October 9 · 1 hr 5 min

    Yasmin Williams Listens Back to Urban Driftwood

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk guitar virtuoso Yasmin Williams. She joins us from her home in Virginia with a West Coast IPA to revisit her 2021 album Urban Driftwood. She talks about her start on the electric guitar, how Guitar Hero shaped her technique and how she draws inspiration from both nature and city landscapes. Featured Songs: Sunshowers Juvenescence Through the Woods Urban Driftwood (ft Amadou Kouyate) 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/307 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #37
    October 2 · 1 hr 3 min

    Chris Koza Listen's Back to The Dark Delirious Morning (ENCORE)

    In this week's special encore episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with singer/songwriter Chris Koza who joins us from Denver with his dogs Murphy and Arlo to listen back to his 2008 album The Dark Delirious Morning. He revisits several different hairstyles, talks about his love of musicals and shares some wild stories about recording at the famed Pachyderm Studios. Recorded December 4, 2020. Featured Songs 1. Straight to Video 2. Shallow Seas 3. Belmont Stakes 4. With or Without 5. Over The Clouds, Under the Weather 🔗 Show Notes https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/37 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #306
    September 25 · 1 hr 5 min

    Jim Walsh Listens Back to Shout It Out to You

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with singer, songwriter, journalist and author Jim Walsh. He joins us from Minneapolis with a local 612 beer to revisit his 2023 EP Shout It Out to You. He talks about his punk rock roots, how writing about other people's music is as healing as writing his own songs and the weird and revolutionary spirit of Minneapolis. Featured Songs: Chimes! Stand On Every Corner The Weirder The Better Let 'em Know Little Crow 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/306 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #305
    September 18 · 1 hr 7 min

    Eleni Mandell Listens Back to Miracle of Five

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with singer/songwriter Eleni Mandell, who joins us from Los Angeles to revisit her 2007 album Miracle of Five. She talks about the influence of punk band X, the song she wrote for Bettye LaVette and some cool videos she made inspired by Alfred Hitchcock and film noir. Featured Songs: Moonglow, Lamp Low Make-Out King My Twin Miss Me Girls 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/305 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #304
    September 11 · 1 hr 1 min

    Yazmin Listens Back to The Nautilus

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with bilingual singer, songwriter and pianist Yazmin, who revisits her 2018 album The Nautilus. She talks about recording in Havana, working with her father and growing up as a musical circus baby. We also nerd out about the Fibonacci sequence and the joy of a great breakup song. Featured Songs: Honey River Forevermore Who's There? Lay Your Head Down 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/304 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #303
    September 4 · 1 hr 2 min

    Dawn Landes Listens Back to Fireproof

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with singer, songwriter and recording engineer Dawn Landes, who joins us from North Carolina to revisit her 2008 album Fireproof. She talks about working in Brooklyn recording studios by day, recording her own tunes by night and her obsession with Foley sounds. Featured Songs: Bodyguard Twilight Dig Me a Hole You Alone 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/303 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #201
    August 28 · 1 hr 6 min

    Missy Raines Listens Back to Royal Traveller (ENCORE)

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with Grammy-nominated bluegrass singer, songwriter, bassist and band leader Missy Raines about her 2018 album Royal Traveller. She talks about taking lots of ill-advised leaps in her musical life, her deep love of The Roches and her cool collaboration as part of the First Ladies of Bluegrass with Alison Brown, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull and Becky Buller. Recorded March 15, 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #302
    August 21 · 1 hr 3 min

    The Big Wu Listen Back to Spring Reverb

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with Terry VanDeWalker -- founding member of beloved jam band The Big Wu. The drummer, singer and songwriter joins us from his home in Northfield, MN to revisit the band's 2002 album Spring Reverb. He talks about the unique sound of this record, captured by famed metal producer Bill Cutler and how it showcases the band's elaborate arrangements and tight harmonies. Featured Songs: Southern Energy Irregular Heartbeat Flatiron Suite Break of Day 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/302 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #301
    August 14 · 1 hr 2 min

    Annie Gallup Listens Back to Ghost

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with singer/songwriter Annie Gallup, who joins us from her home in Maine to revisit her 2015 album Ghost. She talks about revisiting her bluegrass roots, creating the ink and art for the album's handmade packaging and and the importance of venn diagrams to her songwriting. Featured Songs: Diamond Ring Ghost Town Kite West Memphis Arkansas Danny Barnes Battle of Brooklyn 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/301 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #52
    August 7 · 1 hr 10 min

    Remembering Peter Ostroushko (ENCORE)

    In this week's special encore episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo pay tribute to the late great Emmy-winning composer, violinist and mandolin player Peter Ostroushko by revisiting his iconic 1995 album Heart of the Heartland. They are joined by Peter’s longtime friends and collaborators pianist Richard Dworsky, guitarist Dean Magraw and former Red House Records president Eric Peltoniemi to share hilarious and heartfelt memories of Peter and the recording sessions. Recorded March 26, 2021. FEATURED SONGS 1. Seattle (The Fantasy Reel) 2. Prairie Sunrise 3. Heart Of The Heartland 4. Dakota Themes- Kasposia, Pioneer Waltz, Pigs Eye Reel 5. Puppy Belly Dance 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/52/ 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #300
    July 31 · 1 hr 7 min

    Josh Ritter Listens Back to The Animal Years

    In this week's special 300th episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with acclaimed singer, songwriter and novelist Josh Ritter who joined us from his home in Brooklyn to revisit his 2006 album The Animal Years, which was inspired by Voltaire, Mark Twain and everything happening around the Second Gulf War. He also talks about writing while running the back roads of Idaho, finding his voice in the pubs of Ireland and why editing is his favorite part of writing songs and stories. We also do a little show and tell with his very first merch item! Featured Songs: Best For The Best Girl In The War Monster Ballads Thin Blue Flame 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/300 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #185
    July 24 · 1 hr 3 min

    Elexa Dawson Listens Back to Music is Medicine (ENCORE)

    In this special encore episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with Kansas-based singer/songwriter Elexa Dawson who joined us with a special hometown brew from Radius Brewing to revisit her 2019 album Music Is Medicine, which won her a Native American Music Award for Best Country Recording. She talks about recording the album in one weekend in Taos, drawing from her Potawatomi roots, the magic of staghorn sumac and how integral singing has been to her mental health. Recorded November 10, 2023 Featured Songs Changed High Place Glad We Came Circle Song His Name 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/185 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #299
    July 17 · 1 hr 3 min

    Catie Curtis Listens Back to Long Night Moon

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with folk/rock favorite Catie Curtis, who joins us for lunch to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her album Long Night Moon. We talk about why this album has been such an important one in her life, how drums have shaped her music and ways she keeps these songs fresh and politically relevant decades later. Featured Songs: Passing Through Water and Stone People Look Around Hey California Long Night Moon 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/299 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #26
    July 10 · 1 hr 4 min

    Gaelynn Lea Listens Back to Learning How to Stay (ENCORE)

    In this special encore episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner, Broadway composer and disability rights activist Gaelynn Lea, who revisits her 2018 album Learning How to Stay. We talk about reincarnation, space odysseys and the similarities between recording engineers and therapists. Originally Recorded September 18, 2020. Featured Songs: Bound By A Thread I See It Too The Last Three Feet I Wait Grace And A Tender Hand 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/26 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • July 3 · 1 min

    Summer Holiday Check-in and Reminder

    This week, hosts Anthony Ihrig and Mother banjo pop-in for a quick "hello" 👋 on the July 4th holiday weekend to wish you a happy summer season and remind you of a BIG milestone we have coming up that we don't want you to miss. We hope you are enjoying plenty of family, friends and good music this weekend, cheers!! ☀️🎶🍻 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • #298
    June 26 · 1 hr 5 min

    Seth Glier Listen's Back to Birds

    In this week's episode, Anthony Ihrig and Mother Banjo talk with Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer Seth Glier who joins us from his home in Western Massachusetts with dad snacks. He revisits his 2017 album Birds, shares the unique genesis of these songs and talks about creating musical space to grieve and crafting cinematic sounds with cutlery and other household objects. Featured Songs: Birds Like I Do Justice For All I'm Still Looking 🔗 Show Notes: https://backcataloglisteningparty.com/298 🎉 Join the Party on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/backcataloglisteningparty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing 1–20 of 26 episodes