Neil sat down with legendary Cape Breton fiddler Wendy MacIsaac to chat about growing up on Cape Breton, working with Mary Jane Lamond, her years with Cape Breton supergroup Beolach and passing the traditions on to the next generation.
Episode 3: Isa Burke
Singer, fiddler, guitarist and songwriter Isa Burke talks with Neil about her trio Lula Wiles, growing up in a musical family in Maine and finding inspiration for each new song in the most unexpected places. This episode also features a song of Isa's off the new Lula Wiles album (https://lulawiles.bandcamp.com/) and an exclusive look behind the scenes at the writing, re-writing and recording process of that track.
Episode 2: Nic Gareiss
The second episode of TradCafe features visionary percussive dancer Nic Gareiss. Nic talks with Neil about finding new ways to express himself in the ways different cultures approach dance and shares the unlikely origin story of his experimental trad band This is How We Fly.
Episode 1: Mike Block
Cellist Mike Block joins Neil for the first episode of Trad Cafe. Known for his pioneering String Camp in Vero Beach, FL and his work with Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble, Mike talks about how taking on new and diverse challenges—like answering Craigslist ads for rock bands in NYC and performing with Mark O'Connor—has transformed him into the multifaceted musician he is today.