Category Archives: RIP

News, appreciation and memories of some music figures who died

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

  December 29, 2011 - 10:40 pm | , , ,
Comments Off on Assorted Notes: Duke Ellington, Khaira Arby, Cesaria Evora, and more

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 →

RIP, Hubert Sumlin

  December 10, 2011 - 1:07 am | , ,
Comments Off on RIP, Hubert Sumlin

One of the truly great Chicago blues guitarists, long-time guitarist for Howlin’ Wolf, Hubert Sumlin died on Dec 4 at the age of 80. New York Times obituary (which is where I learned that Sumlin’s guitar — and Wolf’s howls– were a selling point for Viagra!) Mick Jagger & Keith Richards will pay all the costs of his funeral Some video: “300 pounds of Heavenly Joy“… a Wolf song, written by Willie Dixon featuring typical excellent guitar work Sumlin (“Little Hubert”) with Sunnyland Slim, 1964 From the DVD: “Hubert Sumlin – Living the Blues“  

Twitter odds & ends

  September 8, 2011 - 2:08 am | , , , , ,
Comments Off on Twitter odds & ends

Some odds & ends,I’ve tweeted or re-tweeted recently….  I’m at @TOMusicPix nprmusicnprmusic    Happy 75th Birthday, Buddy Holly. Hear the story of one of his biggest hits, “Peggy Sue.” http://n.pr/n6OX2D   myworldmusicMyWorldMusicFriends CD Review: Rwanda’s Mighty Popo: Mighty Popo  Gakondo Borealis Records read more http://bit.ly/qsDJHG   » FelaMusicalFELA! on Broadway    An early feature of Fela! on NPR — includes a dance number from the show! http://fb.me/103gqEhkg » SmallWorldNotesSmall World Music    Announcing The 10th Annual Small World Music Festival! http://conta.cc/oMXpTY » ARCMusicProdARC Music    The Queen of Fado – Amália Rodrigues – NEW ALBUM BY ARC MUSIC http://arcmusic.co.uk/shop/thequeenoffadoamaacuteliarodrigues-p-992.html   » … Continue reading →

RIP, Jerry Leiber

  August 23, 2011 - 2:21 am | , ,
Comments Off on RIP, Jerry Leiber

One half of one of the greatest pop music songwriting teams ever (with Mike Stoller), Jerry Leiber died today at the age of 78. They wrote and/or produced hits for Elvis, The Coasters, Big Mama Thornton (“Hound Dog”), Peggy Lee, Charles Brown, Ray Charles, Ben E King (“Stand by me”). They don’t come any better. Here’s a 45 minute documentary about the team: Jerry & Mike on the old TV panel show, “What’s My Line”. Guest: Vincent Price. Horror also supplied by rock & roll hater Dorothy Kilgallen One of the true Leiber & Stoller classics was Elvis’s “Jailhouse Rock”. … Continue reading →

RIP, Jack Layton

  August 23, 2011 - 1:40 am |
Comments Off on RIP, Jack Layton

There have been so many tributes to this remarkable man who led such a remarkable life, that I can’t add much more here. And while I have many thoughts about how much he contributed to a better Canada, in the context of this website, I picture him at Afrofest. Frequenty there are politicians and dignitaries who show up at Afrofest and other events, speak their words and leave. I remember Jack & Olivia showing up…and hanging out. An informal photo of them backstage at Afrofest, 2008 with Michael Stohr (Music Africa president).

Aug. 11 notes

  August 12, 2011 - 1:01 am | , , , ,
Comments Off on Aug. 11 notes

T.O. Music Pix on CKLN: A reminder that I’ll be doing a guest spot on Paul Corby’s “Corby’s Orbit” show on CKLN Friday, Aug. 12 around 1pm, featuring some music and talk. Tune in online to www.ckln.fm   Also on the Internet this week While on the topic of Internet radio shows, I’m currently listening to DJ Ritu’s latest “A World In London” show. (Listen here) She began that show several years ago on BBC Radio London, taking over the timeslot of the late Charlie Gillett when he became ill. It featured a range of “world” and other music, reflecting … Continue reading →

Notes: Mapfumo, Bombino, Ragovoy, Congotronics &…

  July 21, 2011 - 3:42 pm | , , , ,
Comments Off on Notes: Mapfumo, Bombino, Ragovoy, Congotronics &…

Shows at the Lula last week As noted in another post, Thomas Mapfumo closed out Afrofest, but because some of his band members didn’t get visas for Canada, filled in with some local musicians (including guitarist Larry Lewis & Tich Maredza on bass).  Mapfumo wasn’t happy with the struggles to get the tightness he wanted, but those who were at both shows agreed that the whole band was much better with another day under their belts on the Monday night at the Lula, and the dance floor was busy. The next night, Bombino (Omara Moctar), the Tuareg guitarist/singer and his … Continue reading →