Category Archives: Books, articles, magazines

Books, articles, magazines– musically appropriate

Townes Van Zandt tribute (from No Depression)

  January 16, 2013 - 10:22 pm | , ,
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Last week, Kevin Norton wrote a tribute on the No Depression website to the great Texas singer-songwriter, Townes Van Zandt, who died New Year’s Day, sixteen years ago. This sentence captured some of the flavour of his talent, his music, and his demons: If there was ever a musician that fit the mold of Robert Johnson’s blues man making a demonic bargain at a crossroads at midnight for his talent and then looking over his shoulder, terrified, as he fled for the rest of his life from some hell hound only he could see, it was Townes. Read the article … Continue reading →

Buddy Miller interview

  March 23, 2012 - 9:47 pm | , ,
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One of my favourite musicians, Buddy Miller, gets little public attention, in part because he seems to be a pretty low-key, self-effacing guy, who is just as happy playing behind — and producing — artists who get the bigger publicity. A recent interview with him: Q&A Interview with Musician and Producer Buddy Miller. The above has a video link of Buddy performing with fellow guitarists Marc Ribot & Bill Frisell, plus steel player Greg Leisz, doing George Jones’ “Why Baby Why?”. Below, Buddy solo with one of his favourite songs. “That’s How I Got to Memphis” (Tom T Hall):  

Howlin’ Wolf: “What is the Soul of Man?”

  January 25, 2012 - 3:34 am | , ,
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In early December, I made my yearly note that the Oxford American‘s annual Music Issue was about to hit the streets.  Usually full of interesting takes on musicians, unknown, little known, or well known, it includes a CD of music by all artists profiled. (NOTE: The issue has been out for some time, but Soundscapes on College always gets in a good stock. Information on the issue, along with some articles, and online music is available on the OA website ) This year’s issue focuses on the music of Mississippi, and the cover features Howlin’ Wolf, who’s the subject of … Continue reading →

Townes Van Zandt: new book, old interview

  January 11, 2012 - 2:19 am | , ,
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Sometimes I don’t know where This dirty road is taking me Sometimes I can’t even see the reason why I guess I keep a-gamblin’ Lots of booze and lots of ramblin’ It’s easier than just waitin’ around to die —from “Waitin’ Round to Die”, Townes Van Zandt One of the greatest Americana singer-songwriters, Townes Van Zandt died 15 years ago this past New Year’s Day, and a new book, A Deeper Blue: The Life and Music of Townes Van Zandt, written by Robert Earl Hardy has just been published. Townes was never famous, and never had a hit. He’s most … Continue reading →

Assorted Notes: Duke Ellington, Khaira Arby, Cesaria Evora, and more

  December 29, 2011 - 10:40 pm | , , ,
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From here and there… Duke Ellington: Jan 2 – live concert only $1.00! I found some parts of the Dec. 31, 1942 Toronto Star stuffed into a crack in my basement wall recently. While the war dominated headlines, the ad for Duke Ellington’s January 2 performance at the Royal York — advance tickets $1 — was the best find for me. We’re 69 years late for this bargain… Also on the same page: – New Year’s Eve — “Toronto’s gayest frolic”– for only $2 at the Humber Pier Ballroom, a “Fireproof building” – Yehudi Menuhin at Massey Hall on Jan. … Continue reading →

Etta James: Last chance to catch radio documentary

  December 26, 2011 - 4:37 am | , , ,
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One of the greatest R&B singers ever is now dying. Last week, the BBC rebroadcast an excellent 2006 radio documentary about her life & career. I highly recommend it. There are 3 30 minute episodes; Part 1 will be taken off line about 8pm EST Monday (Dec 26), and Parts 2 & 3 on Tuesday and Wednesday. Catch it if you can: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xynwv For some more of Etta on You Tube: With Dr. John, in a memorable duet of one of her greatest songs, “I’d’ Rather Go Blind” Also live, from 1962, “Something’s Got A Hold on Me“ “Rock n … Continue reading →

“Oxford American” magazine: Music issue now on the stands

  December 10, 2011 - 2:01 am | ,
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The annual Oxford American (“The Southern Magazine of Good Writing”) has just published its annual Music Issue, this year focusing on music from Mississippi. Always a great read — and listen. Its accompanying CD is usually a gem of diversity (and excellent music, of course). This year’s issue features the above-mentioned Howlin’ Wolf on the cover (with article on him by Peter Guralnick), plus articles by Elijah Wald (on X-rated blues lyrics), William Gay on Mississippi John Hurt, Roy Blount Jr, Nick Hornby and many more.   It’s not always easy to find… those stores that carry are often sold … Continue reading →

Odds, ends & catchups

  November 23, 2011 - 4:29 am | , , , ,
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As noted previously, I haven’t been able to post updates or newsletters recently. The events page (www.events.to-music.ca) now has extensive updates through the new year. Below are a few scatttered items that have been accumulating recently, in no particular order: “Music for Peace” Steve Paikin, on TVO’s “The Agenda” interviews David Buchbinder (Flying Klezmer Bulgar Band, Ashkenaz and the new organization, Diasporic Genius) and Bassam Bishara (oud player and musical director of Arabesque Dance Company). The guests discuss (to a rather naive Paikin, in my view) their thoughts on Israeli/Palestinian conflict and connections, politics and music. They had collaborated on … Continue reading →

Njacko Backo: Children’s camp, Children’s book- Aug. 22-26

  August 15, 2011 - 1:26 am | , ,
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Summer’s not over yet.  An opportunity for kids… Garrison Creek Art Centre’s African Safari, August 22-26 Njacko returns to the Garrison Creek Art Centre for a one week summer day camp where children will sing, dance, play music, and make an African animal sculpture! For photos from previous summer camps, and to see other camps being run this summer, please look at their website: www.garrisoncreekartcentre.ca. For registration and more details, please contact garrison-creek@sympatico.ca See the full gallery on Posterous   Njacko’s 1st Children’s Book: Baki and the Magic Egg/Baki et l’oeuf magique Njacko’s first bilingual children’s book Baki and the … Continue reading →

“Life could be a dream, sweetheart” : Toronto & the birth of rock & roll

  August 1, 2011 - 2:17 pm | , ,
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The Torontoist on Jul. 30, carried an interesting article on one Toronto group’s role in the birth of rock & roll. In 1954, a vocal quartet, The Crew Cuts, were, as their name suggests, a classic example of the then-prevailing trend to have white musicians cover popular songs recorded by black musicians. This phenomenon of the time would occur if a song by a black R&B artist was a big enough seller, especially if it appeared to be popular enough that it might crossover from the R&B to the Pop charts.  Inevitably, the white version became the big seller, despite … Continue reading →