Fred Eaglesmith on North Country Jukebox

Fred Eaglesmith has been writing and performing for nearly 40 years. The Ontario native's songs are engaging narratives that reflect his rural upbringing, his time spent hopping trains, his observations of ordinary folks, and his love for the spirit of '60s and '70s rock and roll. Although Eaglesmith has intentionally avoided the mainstream in his performing career, his songs have been covered by everyone from Toby Keith to Kasey Chambers, and he's traveled the world playing for his dedicated fans. KUMD's Christine Dean had the chance to chat with Eaglesmith about his latest album, Standard, whose title has a connection to Zen Buddhism, another of his interests, and his wife, Tif Ginn's, involvement in the making of the record. Ginn, a talented musician in her own right, will join Eaglesmith when he performs at the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival on Friday, August 24 and at the Red Mug Coffee House in Superior on Sunday, August 26.