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The great Odetta passed away on Dec. 2 at the age of 77. She had recently been hospitalized following kidney failure, but she kept going, motivated by her determination to perform at President Obama's inauguration in January. Sadly, her performance there will only be in spirit.

I did not see Odetta perform live until 2002 at Harbourfront, where her spirit, her power, her presence, her humour, and her strength were so overwhelming, the experience will always remain with me.

There will be numerous articles and memorials to her, and I will be posting some of the links. Meantime, read the New York Times obituary.  Be sure to watch the 19 minute video clip, and click the full-screen icon to best get the best sense of her.

At her performances, she always spoke about her favourite song being "This Little Light of Mine" (I'm Going to Let It Shine"). She would introduce it by reading the words of Marianne Williamson:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you, not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Odetta would then encourage the whole audience to sing along... vigourously! Nobody was to worry if they were in tune or not. "If your neighbour looks at you funny, just sing it louder... Let It Shine" she'd say.

Her light will always shine.

 

"Playing for Change" is a movement to connect the world through music. A documentary, Playing for Change: Peace Through Music will be released in 2009. A Variety review of the film's showing at a Tribeca film festival began, "Wanting a movie to end so you can run out and buy the soundtrack may not seem like huge endorsement, but in this case it is".

Here are a few moving samples from that film:

• The trailer
• "Stand By Me": The wonderful Ben E. King song, here recorded by musicians playing across the globe -- together -- thanks to the work of director Mark Johnson
• An interview with Johnson on Bill Moyers' TV show, ending with another cross-global recording of "One Love"

This project is more than a movie: it centres on a a non-profit foundation helping to provide resources to musicians and their communities around the world. See the website here
 

a) Kemer Yousef

The last newsletter noted the Toronto-based singer from Ethiopia (Oromo)'s first trip home in 24 years, and the significance of his return, and reception there. This was reported by John Goddard in the Toronto Star who is accompanying Kemer. His first story was printed on the eve of their trip.

A second article, published Dec. 2, describes Kemer's first visit with his parents since he left. (His father is now 103). The story also describes the reaction to Kemer's return; his face is on the cover of magazines, and this Sunday he plays an invitation-only concert in Addis Ababa's 20,000 seat Millenium Hall.

Also, in an email John Goddard sent recently, he wrote that they were having dinner that night with the president of Oromia, and they expect soon to meet up with Francis Falceto, the compiler of the magnificent Ethiopiques series of CD's. (Hear a 13 minute NPR interview with Falceto here).
 

b) Teddy Afro

One of the most popular singers in Ethiopia, and one who has performed before large crowds in Toronto, Teddy Afro (Tewodros Kassahun) this week was convicted in Addis Ababa of manslaughter, stemming from a 2006 car accident in which he was charged with hitting a homeless man, and leaving the scene. A news report from the (U.K.) Guardian is here.

There are numerous accusations in parts of the Ethiopian community that the charge was politically motivated. See for example, this opinion piece.

 

Dec. 5: Wanda Jackson  at the Cadillac Lounge

"The Queen of Rockabilly" is back in town. Wanda was one of a kind in the 50's -- no other woman singer rocked like she did -- and she still puts on a great show. (Read my comments from her 2005 gig at the same club).

There's a nice 7 minute PBS documentary excerpt about her on YouTube. (I like her quoting one reviewer from her early days, describing her as "A sweet woman with a nasty voice". What did he mean? Watch vintage Wanda rocking out with "Hard Headed Woman"  For a more recent taste, here she is in 2007 with "Fujiyama Mama"

Wanda is one of this year's nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I certainly hope this is the year for her -- she has earned her place there.
 

b) Double Gospel

Two excellent -- and very different -- shows coming to town this month. The Soweto Gospel Choir from South Africa returns again to town, this time for their first Christmas Show. Two nights: Dec. 17 & 18 at Massey Hall.

On Dec. 14, the Campbell Brothers bring their blistering "sacred steel" to Hugh's Room. Their last show their a couple of years ago was sold out. If you haven't seen them perform, you should consider it. If you have... you may well return.

Here they are in a club setting, and here is a rough-quality video that catches some of their energy stage performance.
 

c) Other shows

Other events include Mr. Something Something (Dec. 13 at the Silver Dollar), Salsa weekends at the Lula, Adam Solomon (Dec. 8 at Ten Feet Tall), Dr. Draw (Dec. 20 at the Music Hall), Fred Eaglesmith (Dec. 28 & 30 at Hugh's Room). As well, I have begun listing some New Year's Eve musical events.