Folk Meets Ambient Jazz: Sam Amidon and Sam Wilkes Team Up for “Froggy”

If you thought you knew what a traditional folk tune could become in 2026, Sam Amidon is here to change your mind. Teaming up with jazz bassist and ambient experimentalist Sam Wilkes, Amidon has just dropped “Froggy” a stunning title track from their new collaborative release that bridges centuries-old folk roots with futuristic, immersive soundscapes.

Instead of playing it safe with a standard acoustic cover, the duo takes the bones of the classic standard and pushes it into completely uncharted territory.

What Makes “Froggy” Click

At its core, “Froggy” takes the familiar framework of traditional folk storytelling and gives it a surreal, neo-classical spin.

Amidon leans into his signature raw, evocative vocal and string delivery, while Wilkes builds a cushion of shimmering synth pads and warm, undulating jazz grooves around him. It is loose, hypnotic, and completely unexpected—pairing the rustic warmth of an Appalachian field recording with the late-night glow of an L.A. jazz club.

Inside the Froggy EP

Across six tracks, the collaborative project moves effortlessly between genres:

• “Froggy” – The warped, ambient-infused centerpiece.

• “Jig” – Fast-paced, dizzying string work paired with fluid low-end interplay.

• “Cuba” – A rhythmic, spatial exploration blurring acoustic and electronic lines.

• “Sally Gooden” – A brilliant nod to traditional fiddle tunes given a fresh, modern coat of paint.

• “I’m Out Shopping” – Quirky, intimate, and deeply rhythmic.

• “Fremont Waltz” – A sweeping, gentle ambient piece to close things out.

A Match Made in Avant-Garde Heaven

What makes this pairing work so well is that neither artist compromises their distinct voice. Amidon has spent his career reimagining American and Irish folk music without ever letting it feel dusty or museum-bound. Meanwhile, Wilkes (known for his brilliant work alongside Sam Gendel and on his own solo projects) has a rare talent for creating space and texture.

Together, they turn what could have been a novelty crossover into something genuinely cohesive and transportive.

Where to Stream It

If you want something that stretches the boundaries of modern folk and jazz, “Froggy” is a must-listen.

• Stream it now on major streaming platforms like Spotify, or grab a copy to support the artists directly over on Bandcamp.