No Root, No Fruit

Jan 21 2024 29 ep. 34 mins 18

No Root, No Fruit Podcast artwork

A history of folk, roots, and americana music--one record at a time. Written, produced, & hosted by Matt Watroba.

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Anthology of American Folk Music wsg Jeff Place & Peter Stampfel

Jan 21 2024 40 mins

It wasn't a big seller when it was released in 1952, but the music on the Anthology of American Folk Music continues to inspire and influence roots music to this day. Join me for a chat with Jeff Place from Smithsonian Folkways Records and Peter Stampfel--one of the founding members of the the Holy Modal Rounders.

Dave Carter with Tracy Grammer When I Go WSG Tracy Grammer

Aug 25 2023 39 mins

Their career together lasted a brief 5 years before Dave Carter's sudden death in 2002, but the impact of Dave's songs continue to influence and inspire to this day. When I Go was their first record together. Recorded in Tracy's kitchen/ living room, When I go was an introduction to one of America's finest songwriters. Thanks to Tracy for joining me throughout the entire episode!

Library Of Congress Recordings With Stephen Winick & Si Kahn

Jul 17 2023 46 mins

This episode is not about a single recording. Instead, I bring in Library of Congress Folklife Specialist, Stephen Winick, and Songwriter and community organizer Si Kahn to talk about the historic recordings of the Library Of Congress dating back to the 1920s. These recordings have, in many ways, kept folk music alive through the decades. They continue to teach and inspire a new ge

Bonus Episode Louis Gossett Jr.

Jun 06 2023 14 mins

So this happened. I was doing research on the last episode about Richie Havens and his record Mixed Bag. I decided to take a chance and reach out to the great American actor Louis Gossett Jr to see if he would like to talk about his old friend Richie. If you heard episode 9, you know he co-wrote the song Handsome Johnny with him. The day after the podcast dropped, I heard from Mr.

Richie Havens Mixed Bag WSGs John Platt & Cliff Eberhardt

May 29 2023 33 mins

Mixed Bag came out late in 1966 and introduced the world to the soulful interpreter of great songs, Richie Havens. His performance as the opening act at Woodstock cemented his fame, but he continued performing and recording for decades after. He was a beloved figure on the music scene. My guests for this episode are radio veteran John Platt, and Richie's friend and guitar player, s

John Hartford Aereo Plain with Art Menius

May 15 2023 37 mins

This record changed the landscape of bluegrass music. Sam Bush said there would be no New Grass without Aereo Plain and the Aereo Plain band.

Michael Smith On The Dutchman

Apr 18 2023 21 mins

This amazing song has traveled the world. Often mistaken for a traditional song (the highest compliment in my opinion) it was written by the late Chicago songwriter, Michael Peter Smith. We lost Michael in the Summer of 2020. I was able to have a long chat about the tune with him in the green room at the Ark in Ann Arbor, MI a few years before he died. Because episode 8 is a little

Stan Rogers Between the Breaks Live With John Gorka & Garnet Rogers

Apr 03 2023 41 mins

Let's go behind the scenes of one of the best live recordings in folk, roots, & americana history. Great songs, amazing energy, and all from an artist who left this world way too soon. Stan's brother Garnet and John Gorka are my guests!

John Prine With special guests, Don White & Andrew Calhoun

Mar 15 2023 45 mins

Released in October of 1971, John Prine's debut, self-titled recored was a game changer. It really was the blueprint for a decades long career that continues to inspire song writers and camp fire singers to this day. I am joined by Andrew Calhoun and Don White.

Kate & Anna McGarrigle with Eve Goldberg, Joe Boyd, and Chaim Tannenbaum

Feb 25 2023 46 mins

When Kate & Anna McGarrigle's self-titled, debut record was released in January of 1976 it sounded like nothing else of the time. Inventive harmonies, Innovative arrangements, and fresh writing combined to create 35 minutes and 6 seconds of sonic perfection. It's a recording that continues to inspire and influence to this day. With special guests Eve Goldberg, co-producer on th