Joe Henry & Mark Erelli Wanted to Hang Out, So We Let Them, ep. 338

Joe Henry & Mark Erelli Wanted to Hang Out, So We Let Them, ep. 338

Author: The Bluegrass Situation March 5, 2026 Duration: 1:25:22
Joe Henry has released 15 studio albums, apprenticed for legendary producer T Bone Burnett and, in turn, has produced many other musicians' albums on his own, including three GRAMMY Award-winning albums – for Solomon Burke, Carolina Chocolate Drops, and Ramblin' Jack Elliott. He's co-written a few songs as well, including a couple with his sister-in-law, who happens to be the one and only legendary pop icon, Madonna. His latest album is 'Life and Time,' a collaboration with songwriter Mike Reid, who has written many wonderful songs like "I Can't Make You Love Me," one of Bonnie Raitt's most successful and beloved recordings. In recent years, Joe has struck up a friendship with our bestie, Mark Erelli. Mark's been on Basic Folk 10,000 times and in honor of his new record, 'Spring Green,' we invited him to do whatever he wanted on this appearance on the pod. Mark chose to be in conversation with his friend Joe on location in Joe's beautiful studio located north of Portland on the coast of Maine. In 2020, Mark was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (or RP) which is causing him to slowly go blind. Joe was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2018 and was told he only had months to live. Now, in 2026, his cancer is in remission and his health has improved. In this Basic Folk conversation, they tackle topics such as asking for help and finding hope while living with chronic illnesses. They also get into other parallels the two musicians have experienced, including how music has shaped their male friendships and being free of vanity. Mark and Joe have never worked together, but their respect and admiration for the other is clear from their time together. Here's hoping a collaboration is in the works for the near future! Follow Basic Folk on social media: https://basicfolk.bio.link/ Sign up for Basic Folk's newsletter: https://bit.ly/basicfolknews Help produce Basic Folk by contributing: https://basicfolk.com/donate/ Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

There's a certain magic that happens when musicians are given the space to talk not just about their craft, but about the life that feeds it. That's the heart of Basic Folk, a series of conversations that feel more like catching up with an old friend than a formal interview. Hosts Cindy Howes and Lizzie No bring a genuine curiosity and easy warmth to each episode, creating an environment where artists often share stories and insights they might not elsewhere. Since 2018, this podcast has carved out a vital niche, actively seeking to honor and platform the incredible, sometimes under-the-radar, voices within the roots music world. You'll find a beautifully diverse tapestry of sound and experience here, from technical wizards and Grammy-winners like Molly Tuttle to culturally pivotal figures like Leyla McCalla, all united by their connection to folk music's expansive tradition. Produced by The Bluegrass Situation, each episode digs into the personal journeys, creative struggles, and quiet triumphs that shape the music. It’s less about celebrity and more about substance, offering listeners a chance to intimately understand the people behind the songs. Tune in for thoughtful, humorous and deeply human dialogues that remind you why folk music, in all its forms, remains a powerful force for storytelling and connection.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Basic Folk
Podcast Episodes
Gina Chavez: From Choir Kid to Latin Grammy Nominee, ep. 321 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:37
New bestie Gina Chavez speaks about her journey in music, her deep love for connecting with people, and the influence of her mixed cultural background on Basic Folk. Her parents are of Mexican and Swiss-German descent. H…
Tony Kamel Believes in Life and You Should Too, ep. 320 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:34
You may recognize the voice, face, and vibe of wonderful human being Tony Kamel from his acclaimed bluegrass group, Wood & Wire. But Tony is on Basic Folk today to talk about his wonderful solo albums, including his late…
Watchhouse in Conversation with Jacob Sharp (Mipso) (Bonus) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:55
(Editor's Note: Oh, WOW! A bonus, surprise episode with Watchhouse? Yes! And it is a treat. We are pleased to have Jacob Sharp of Mipso as our guest host in conversation with his friends Andrew Marlin and Emily Franz of…
Dar Williams: Music was Decided for Me (REISSUE), ep. 314 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:07
(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our Reissue series! For the next several weeks, Basic Folk is digging into the archives and reposting some of our favorite episodes alongside new introductions commenting on what it’s like to l…