No Root, No Fruit

Matt Watroba
  • 5.0 (36)
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A history of folk, roots, and americana music--one record at a time. Written, produced, & hosted by Matt Watroba.

  1. Blue By Joni Mitchell With special guest, Susan Cattaneo

    11/03/2025

    Blue By Joni Mitchell With special guest, Susan Cattaneo

    Released in 1971, Joni Mitchell's Blue set the bar for "confessional" songwriting. In a big year for popular music, from Masters Of Reality to Teaser and the Firecat, It showed what could be done with a mountain dulcimer, acoustic guitar, piano, and voice. 54 years after the release of Blue, it continues to influence the most popular songwriters of the day. Songwriter and songwriting instructor, Susan Cattaneo shares some amazing insights into what makes Blue one of the most enduring recordings of the 20th century.

    49 min
  2. Anthology of American Folk Music wsg Jeff Place & Peter Stampfel

    01/21/2024

    Anthology of American Folk Music wsg Jeff Place & Peter Stampfel

    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.

    41 min
  3. Dave Carter with Tracy Grammer When I Go WSG Tracy Grammer

    08/26/2023

    Dave Carter with Tracy Grammer When I Go WSG Tracy Grammer

    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!

    39 min
  4. Library Of Congress Recordings With Stephen Winick & Si Kahn

    07/17/2023

    Library Of Congress Recordings With Stephen Winick & Si Kahn

    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 generation of performers interested in carrying on a wide variety of musical traditions.

    47 min

  5. 06/06/2023

    Bonus Episode Louis Gossett Jr.

    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. Gossett's assistant and she said he would be happy to do it. Well I couldn't pass that up. Enjoy!

    15 min
  6. Richie Havens Mixed Bag WSGs John Platt & Cliff Eberhardt

    05/29/2023

    Richie Havens Mixed Bag WSGs John Platt & Cliff Eberhardt

    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, singer/ songwriter, Cliff Eberhardt.

    33 min
  7. John Hartford Aereo Plain with Art Menius

    05/15/2023

    John Hartford Aereo Plain with Art Menius

    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.

    37 min
  8. Michael Smith On The Dutchman

    04/18/2023

    Michael Smith On The Dutchman

    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 behind schedule, I thought I would share this conversation with you as a bonus episode.

    22 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Watroba
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 No Root, No Fruit
  • Show Website
    No Root, No Fruit