Three outstanding songwriters in the folk scene that will remind you why storytelling songs are so important

Wendlo – “Spenard”
-When I listen to this song, I find there’s such a unique element to it. I don’t know where the street called Spenard is, and I don’t know any of the people in the narrative. But yet, as I listen, I can feel a connection to their story, to hiding, to wanting to seclude off to a special place and be with someone you love. Sonically, I appreciate the quality of the guitar work, the clarity of the vocal, the little strumming pattern that gives the song so much visceral life. This is a wonderful piece of acoustic folk singer-songwriter work that I hope our readers will not only give a chance, but embrace for many listens.

David Wimbush and the Collection – “Worry”
-They say that good folk music is three chords and the truth, and I didn’t take time to count the chords in this acoustic folk song, but there’s definitely some delightfully simple melodies and a message that feels resonantly true. The song is about being the one home waiting for a loved one to get home. It’s something that nearly all of us can relate to, but the song is called worry for a reason, because of that feeling. You want them to drive carefully. You want them to be safe. You want them to arrive in your arms so that you feel complete again. It’s a beautiful lyrical sentiment that works well with the acoustic folk instrumentation. The vocal cuts through nicely. The whole thing just feels like a warm and deeply human endeavor, and I think I can speak for all of us that we need a lot of that right now.

Nathan Evans Fox – “Sevindust”
-I don’t really play favorites in this business, but I have to say Nathan Evans Fox is one of my favorites. As I looked at his name come up while the song stole my heart, I thought, he seems familiar. And I went back to the site archives and realized that this is now the sixth time covering his music. Every time I have some comment about him writing in the rich tradition of folk singer-songwriters like John Prine or Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. This song has a similar vibe to it, clever lines, of course, but also a heartfelt depth that I genuinely appreciate. The comparison that I want to make for this one is actually not those two guys, but Noah Gundersen. And if you know me and you know my coverage of music, Noah Gunderson is basically royalty. This song has a pacing that commands attention, and the vocal is outstanding. What I really admire most about it is, even when the lines feel like they’re deeply personal to the writer and not even for us, you can connect with the spirit of what he’s singing. It makes me want to lean in and listen again and again. I hope you will as well.