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I'm afraid that my normal musical updates (here and on the website) have slowed down -- blame the Film Festival! However, I wanted to send out a quick recommendation of one of the Festival's films which is having its last screening Friday afternoon.
 

Late Film Festival Recommendation: The Wind Journeys, Sep. 18

The Wind Journeys (Los viajes del viento) is a movie from Columbia, whose (fictional) story centres around a travelling accordion player. And while the basics of the story are old (an older master who is followed on his travels by an uninvited acolyte), its realization is wonderfully done. The two characters take a 1500 km journey through remote parts of northern Columbia which are gorgeously captured by the cinematographer.

The music is a treat, and a must for anyone who enjoys traditional, rural South American music. The film is set in 1968: because, as the director said after the screening Wednesday night, that music is now lost, as is much of the life portrayed in the film.

The highlight of the movie is a wild accordion duel set in a small village.

All the roles are played by non-professional actors. The star, Marciano Martinez, is a well-known composer. Both he and the director (along with others from the film crew) are in town, and will likely attend the screening.

Highly recommended.

I don't know how likely it will be to get a general release in Toronto. The last time I checked, tickets were still available for the final festival screening, although note that tickets are not available between 7pm and 7am on the night before a screening.

Showing: Cumberland Theatre, Fri. Sep. 18, 3:45pm

Links:
TIFF page
Official trailer (which doesn't do it justice)
Variety review

Other musical notes:

Getatchew Mekuria & The Ex (Sep. 12-13)

I had great expectations for last weekend's concert pairing of the Ethiopian sax legend, with Dutch punkers The Ex. The show exceeded those expectations, and will definitely be one of my 2009 highlights. The amazing Ethiopian dancer, Melaku also dazzled.

Read NOW's account of the show here -- and watch the 7+ minute video. (Getatchew & Melaku appear around 2:44). Recommended: pause it briefly to let it download and then click the "maximize" icon on the right, and maximize your sound...

 

A few Upcoming shows:

Sep. 18: K'Naan at the Phoenix

Sep. 18: Joan Baez: film & live: part of TIFF's Yonge-Dundas programmming

Sep. 19: Malians Jah Youssouf & Abdoulaye Koné with the Woodchoppers Association at the Music Gallery

Sep. 24-27: Havana Cultura Festival. Various locations

Sep. 24-Oct. 4: The 8th annual Small World Festival. 10 days of great music

Sep. 27: Madagascar Slim. The multiple Juno winner releases his first solo CD 1998. Hugh's Room. Soul Influence opens.

Much more of course. Details of these and other shows posted at  www.to-music.ca/events.htm (And more updates coming soon after TIFF ends...)

John Leeson
www.to-music.ca