Join Brian Jones as he sits down with Steve and Julie Wigley – a Derbyshire folk duo whose story begins in a youth club in the late 60s and runs through decades of clubs, gigs and songwriting.

From discovering live folk music at the Pennine Hotel to becoming part of a busy folk club scene, they look back on the artists, venues and moments that shaped their musical lives. With influences including Gordon Lightfoot and The Lonesome Travellers, it’s a story rooted in live music, local scenes and a long-standing love of folk.

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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.

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.

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.

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 Kinfolk, and performing from local clubs to an international festival in East Germany – the foundations of a lifetime in music.

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.

From the thrill of those Sunday night singalongs in the early days of the local folk revival, to performing with bands like Tinlantin, Bad Penny and Burgundy Road, Mal’s story is a celebration of community, tradition and the simple joy of sharing songs.

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.

Join Brian Jones for a fascinating conversation with Harry Lowrey and Arthur Garnet, members of the legendary Stormalong John. Two towering figures of Liverpool’s folk and maritime music scene, who’s incredible energy and stage presence brought traditional songs of the sea to life for audiences at home and across Europe.

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.

On this episode of Keep Folk Talking, host Brian Jones chats with Phil Chisnall about a lifelong love of music – from sketching Beatles guitars in his schoolbooks to finding his place in the Wirral folk scene decades later.

Along the way, Phil reflects on the performers who shaped his sound, from Dougie MacLean to the friends he met in local clubs, and how songwriting that “just falls out of the guitar” has defined his creative life.

What began as a spur-of-the-moment “scratch” gig in a shared flat at 69 Broughton Street, Edinburgh, soon grew into something extraordinary. That impromptu group of local musicians became Silly Wizard – a name dreamed up for fun, but one that would go on to define one of Scotland’s most celebrated folk bands.

Experience the magic of Silly Wizard’s legendary 1985 San Francisco concert – exclusively on Openhouse Studio.

In this episode, Roger chats with host Brian Jones about the heyday of the Wirral folk scene – from running clubs at The Bell in Wallasey to booking guests like Martin Carthy and welcoming newcomers from the floor. Along the way, he reflects on the people who shaped those nights, the joy of singing with friends, and why he still believes that folk music’s heart lies in sharing songs, not showing off.

Brian Jones sits down with Helen Sheppard, described by him as the ‘unsung hero of Openhouse,’ whose harmonies and subtle touches have graced more than a dozen albums over the years. Helen’s voice has lifted countless recordings – from Ian Chesterman’s Over the Moors to the songs of Eddie Morris, Jeff Hurst, Roger Parker, and Jack Owen.

In celebration of 50 years on the road, Brian Jones talks with David Littler — as he shares stories from his career and looks ahead with his band, “The Legends of Lancashire Folk.”

Brian Jones sits down with Alan Ainsworth, a songwriter who’s been quietly crafting songs for over 60 years. From awkward beginnings at the Washouse Folk Club in 1963 to finding kinship among anarchists and poets at the Green Moose, Alan tells a story of persistence, politics, and the power of song. Once seen as the exotic “Nutcase” in a sea of traditionalists, he shares a witty, moving look at the folk scenes that shaped him – and the songs that stayed hidden far too long.

Brian Jones welcomes Barry Evans – folk club organiser, festival co-founder, and master of the mic – for a rich and entertaining conversation. From a first folk night at The Loft near Wolverhampton in 1968, to running Chester’s Bull and Stirrup club and helping bring Scottish legends like Barbara Dickson and Archie Fisher to the North West, Barry shares a sharp, funny and deeply affectionate look at the scene that shaped his life.

Join Brian Jones in conversation with Pete Leslie, a singer-songwriter whose folk journey began with a cast-off guitar and a handful of chords. From freezing barn nights at Wrexham Folk Club to singing on beaches across Europe, Pete shares a gentle, honest story of music-making, friendship and finding the nerve to step into the spotlight – eventually.

Join Brian Jones in conversation with Goff Jones as they trace his extraordinary journey through the heart of the North Wales and Chester folk scene. From his first shaky gigs as a teenager in Wrexham’s roughest pub, to performing with legends like Ralph McTell, Barbara Dixon, and even Billy Connolly, Goff shares stories full of humour, grit and soul.

Join Brian Jones in the studio for an unforgettable conversation with his longtime friend and legendary folk frontman, Tom Topping. Known across the country for his wit, warmth and powerful stage presence, Tom shares a heartfelt journey through six decades of music, storytelling, and community.

Join Brian Jones in the studio, with part of the next generation of singer-songwriters, the incredibly talented Joe Topping. From his early days travelling with the TTB to carving out a career as a globe-trotting folk singer and multi-instrumentalist, Joe shares his unique musical journey in this episode of ‘Keep Folk Talking.’

Join Brian Jones and Richard Young, the son of legendary folk hero Pete Young, known locally as ‘Youngy’, as they reflect on the life and legacy of this talented wordsmith and musician. Enjoy Brian and Richard taking you through the unforgettable journey of Youngy’s rise to fame, performing at local folk clubs in the 60s and 70s, and share stories of his wit, charm, and musical genius.

Join Brian Jones on Keep Folk Talking as he’s joined by singer-songwriter Gerry Ffrench, where she shares her musical journey, starting from her Irish grandmother’s unaccompanied singing at home. Gerry recounts her early influences, including Lonnie Donegan, and her dabble in punk bands to rooting herself with folk music.

Imagine sitting down with a dear friend, catching up on life, reminiscing about shared memories, and reflecting on the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped your lives. That’s exactly what happened when Brian Jones decided to take his first stab at an outside broadcast, finding himself at Southport’s spinal rehabilitation centre with his old mate, Dave Jones.

Including music dating back to 1974 and recalling musicians who were a part of the folk scene back in the good old days, this one-off special on Keep Folk Talking truly is a piece of magic.

John Owen joins us to reminisce about an incredible life shaped by chance and a deep love for folk music. John shares the moments that transformed him from an amateur actor into a beloved folksinger and guitarist.

In this episode of Keep Folk Talking, John Finnan joins Brian Jones to share his vivid tales of a musical upbringing, encounters with legends like Pete Seeger, the formation of the iconic Black Diamonds, and the inception of the Chester Folk Festival, all while celebrating a lifelong devotion to the vibrant folk music scene.

Join Brian Jones and his good friend Jack Owen as they delve into the life and career of the singer-songwriter himself on this episode of “Keep Folk Talking.”

Step back into 1985 with The Tom Topping Band’s unforgettable performance at Rostock, Germany.

In this episode of ‘Keep Folk Talking,’ the band shares insights into this memorable event and how they clinched second place in Germany’s version of the Eurovision Song Contest.

The man behind the music and the start of Openhouse Studio, the stories of Brian Jones from the early years with the Boys Brigade in Moreton to present day on the latest episode of Keep Folk Talking.

Join Brian Jones and Colin Henderson as they reminisce about the good old times, sharing laughs and stories from their enduring friendship on this episode of Keep Folk Talking.

We would be delighted if you wanted to be involved in our project of bringing folk together…
Please get in touch and let us know how you can help build the folk legacy!