Keep Folk Talking by Openhouse Studio

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, through the electrifying discovery of The Beatles at the Cavern, Willy recalls the moments that shaped his artistic path. With warmth and wit, he reflects on early influences from Buddy Holly to Bob Dylan, the pull of the 1960s folk revival, and the vibrant Liverpool scene that saw him find his voice as a writer.Through stories of the Spinners Club, the iconic Green Moose, and the friendships and chance encounters that defined an era, this is a rich, entertaining conversation about creativity, community, and the unpredictable moments that spark a lifetime in the arts.Music credits:“Any Father” and “Crazy Days” are taken from Willy Russell’s 2005 album Hoovering the Moon.“Easy Terms” is performed by Barbara Dickson and Willy Russell, recorded live in studio.Discover hundreds of folk tracks from great artists with real character at Openhouse Folk. If you have any questions, thoughts or ideas, email us at studio@openhousefolk.com. Remember to rate us highly if you have enjoyed the podcast. Your support means the world to us!

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 the scene. With memories of legendary performers, local venues and the dedication behind organising live music, the conversation celebrates the people and places that helped shape folk music on the Wirral.Discover hundreds of folk tracks from great artists with real character at Openhouse Folk. If you have any questions, thoughts or ideas, email us at studio@openhousefolk.com. Remember to rate us highly if you have enjoyed the podcast. Your support means the world to us!

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, forming Kin Folk, and performing from local clubs to an international festival in East Germany - the foundations of a lifetime in music.Discover hundreds of folk tracks from great artists with real character at Openhouse Folk. If you have any questions, thoughts or ideas, email us at studio@openhousefolk.com. Remember to rate us highly if you have enjoyed the podcast. Your support means the world to us!

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 artists with real character at Openhouse Folk. If you have any questions, thoughts or ideas, email us at studio@openhousefolk.com. Remember to rate us highly if you have enjoyed the podcast. Your support means the world to us!

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 conviction, melody and an unflinching honesty. Across memories of iconic songs, packed clubs, touring with Graham Cooper, and moments that shook audiences - and even Parliament - Harvey shares how stories heard, lives witnessed, and beliefs held became songs that still resonate today. It’s a conversation rich with humour, humility, and deep reflection on a life lived fully in song.Discover hundreds of folk tracks from great artists with real character at Openhouse Folk. If you have any questions, thoughts or ideas, email us at studio@openhousefolk.com. Remember to rate us highly if you have enjoyed the podcast. Your support means the world to us!

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 more than six decades of singing together, Harry and Arthur share stories of harmony, history and the remarkable journey that made Stormalong John synonymous with songs of the sea.Discover hundreds of folk tracks from great artists with real character at Openhouse Folk. If you have any questions, thoughts or ideas, email us at studio@openhousefolk.com. Remember to rate us highly if you have enjoyed the podcast. Your support means the world to us!