Keep Folk Talking by Openhouse Studio

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!

In this very special episode of Keep Folk Talking, Brian Jones sits down with Jacqueline McDonald to trace back to her unlikely beginning and the legacy it sparked: from her time with The Spinners, to the packed and joyful nights at the Coach House, to unforgettable encounters with Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton and Peggy Seeger. Jacqui reflects on the friendships, adventures and community harmonies that defined those years, showing how a moment of shelter grew into a lasting folk tradition built on belonging, generosity, and the simple joy of shared 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!

Join Phil Chisnall in the latest episode of Keep Folk Talking, where he chats with host Brian Jones about a lifelong love of music - from sketching Beatles guitars in his schoolbooks to finding his place in the Wirral folk scene decades later. 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!