The Real Americana with Louise & Blair

Patty Griffin is a songwriter whose music is direct, honest and deeply human. In this episode of The Real Americana with Louise & Blair, we explore her unlikely Motown and Smiths influences, the Americana award-winning "Children Running Through", and songs about love, family and everyday life. We also talk about her battle with cancer, the impact it had on her voice, her relationship with her mother, and finish with her beautiful take on Tom Waits’ “Ruby’s Arms”.

Bruce Cockburn is one of Canada’s great singer-songwriters - a phenomenal guitarist, traveller and observer whose songs have explored love, spirituality, politics, human rights and the environment. In this episode of The Real Americana with Louise & Blair, we follow his journey from “Going to the Country” and “Wondering Where The Lions Are” through “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” and “If A Tree Falls”, finishing with the beautiful “Pacing the Cage”.

What happens when your father is a musical legend? Louise & Blair explore the rewards, expectations and challenges of following a famous father, with music from Lukas Nelson, Arlo Guthrie, Justin Townes Earle, Teddy Thompson and Spencer Tweedy. From Willie Nelson and Woody Guthrie to Steve Earle, Richard & Linda Thompson and Jeff Tweedy, we discover five very different stories of musical inheritance - including one tragic tale and several remarkable careers forged in their own right.

For this special and sadly timed episode of The Real Americana with Louise & Blair, we remember the Irish troubadour Glen Hansard, who died recently following a motorcycle accident. From The Frames and The Swell Season to the Oscar winning film and stage show Once, and his acclaimed solo career, we explore the songs that tell his story including “Falling Slowly”, “Low Rising”, “Song of Good Hope” and more. A sad episode, but ultimately an uplifting celebration of an extraordinary artist. 🎙️🎸

Blair & Louise introduce one of Americana's great unsung singer-songwriters, tracing Peter Case's journey from power pop pioneers The Nerves and The Plimsouls to his acclaimed solo career. Along the way they explore his landmark 1986 solo debut, extraordinary storytelling, and the surprising connection between Peter Case and Central Otago's gold rush through "Farewell to the Gold". 🎙️🎸

To mark America's 250th birthday, Louise & Blair tell the story of the United States through five remarkable songs. From Independence Day and the Mayflower to Gettysburg, the American Dream and California hope, they explore the nation's triumphs, contradictions and enduring ideals through music by Dave Alvin, Eva Cassidy, The Brandos, Margo Price and Wilco. 🇺🇸🎙️

For this special episode, Blair is joined by fellow Ōtautahi singer-songwriter Tess Liautaud to discuss her new single Jolie Louise, Daniel Lanois, Springsteen's Nebraska, songwriting, vinyl, and releasing original music. Along the way they share their own Bruce Springsteen stories - from Tess joining him on stage in Paris to Blair catching The Boss's attention with a sign at the 2017 Christchurch concert. Featuring music by Tess, Neil Young and Ward Hayden & The Outliers 🎙️🎸

Appropriate for our 22nd show, Louise and Blair head to New Orleans to celebrate the remarkable Neville Brothers. From Aaron Neville's early hit “Tell It Like It Is” to the magic of the "Fiyo on the Bayou", "Yellow Moon" albums and beyond, they explore family harmony, Mardi Gras traditions, Daniel Lanois, Hurricane Katrina and one unforgettable live performance. Featuring “Sitting in Limbo,” “Sister Rosa,” “Fearless,” “Congo Square” and more. 🎷🎙️

Jenny Lewis has spent two decades walking the line between indie rock, Americana and classic California songwriting. Louise and Blair explore her remarkable career from child actor to respected solo artist, featuring “Carpetbaggers,” “Acid Tongue,” “She’s Not Me,” “Wasted Youth” and more. Along the way they discuss Rilo Kiley, Elvis Costello, Ryan Adams, Hollywood, live shows, heartbreak and the brilliance of "On The Line". 🎙️🎸

Appropriate for our 20th show, Louise and Blair celebrate the extraordinary Glen Campbell - singer, virtuoso guitarist, Wrecking Crew legend and crossover star who somehow made it all seem easy. Featuring “Gentle On My Mind,” “By The Time I Get To Phoenix,” “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Ghost on the Canvas” and more, they explore Jimmy Webb, Ovation guitars, Hollywood, addiction, comeback and the moving final years of an Americana giant. 🎙️🎸