Among The Oak And Ash: Folk Songs, Updated

Among the Oak and Ash is an unlikely project that pairs two singer-songwriters on a batch of traditional songs, with decidedly non-traditional results. The idea was simple: Josh Joplin wanted to record and perform the music he grew up with — from folk tunes to spirituals — and he wanted to do it with his friend Garrison Starr. Starr didn't dig the idea at first, but now she calls it one of the most enjoyable records she's ever made.

Enlarge image i

Among the Oak and Ash.

Henry Leutwyler

Among the Oak and Ash.

Henry Leutwyler

Fortunately, these songs aren't treated as museum pieces: "Peggy-O" becomes a rocker, and they even cover a Smiths song as a bonus track for the band's self-titled debut album. Here's hoping they work together again, but in the meantime, you can hear the duo in a session recorded at WFUV.

Originally recorded June 23, 2009.

Listen to the previous Favorite Session, or see our full archive.