Folk Machine Playlist
As promised, here is a YouTube playlist containing our sources, as well as other interesting recordings of the songs covered during the show. For those of you interested in learning more about the history of trains in American folklore and song, here is an intriguing two-part blog the Library of Congress has on the topic. Part 1 […]
ArtBeat Interview
We’re excited to share that the Welter Brothers are featured in the October 2024 issue of ArtBeat, the magazine of the North Central Washington Arts Alliance! The article, titled “On the Upbeat: Brothers in Folk”, offers a fun glimpse into our musical journey and approach. Kris Lahd interviewed us about how we got started in […]
Our Unexpected Find
We recently had an unexpected stroke of luck. On our way back from a gig at Matthew’s Smokehouse on Orcas Island, we stopped at a used bookstore. There, we found something amazing: the complete five-volume set of “The English and Scottish Popular Ballads” by Francis James Child. This Dover reprint from 1965 reproduces Child’s original […]
Gordon Lightfoot
The Great Canadian Gordon Lightfoot, the Orillia, Ontario native, was more than just a musician. He was a storyteller, capturing the human experience with his music. His songs, often tinged with a hint of sadness, touched listeners worldwide, speaking to the core of love, loss, and life’s complexities. We, the Welter Brothers, first encountered Lightfoot’s […]
Jackson’s Bulas Banjo
A Masterpiece of Handcrafted Sound Jackson’s custom-made banjo, crafted by Piotr Bułas in Poland, is a testament to craftsmanship and innovation. Every part of this banjo, down to the screws, is made by Piotr himself. He even casts the tone ring using a unique bronze alloy from a local foundry. Jackson didn’t just buy this […]
The Hills Are Alight…
Life as traveling musicians is full of surprises. Sometimes these encounters are tough, and sometimes they’re just plain lucky. About a month ago, we had two gigs booked in Walla Walla, Washington. We set up camp in the nearest campground, about 40 minutes away in Oregon, and headed into town, excited to play and explore. […]
