Sit... Listen... Feel...
Simple enough? Hmm...
I had a vision for the Light in the Attic Records re-release of composer/arranger Doug Randle’s 1970 CBC Songs For The New Industrial State LP back in 2007. It involved a listening session at the CBC featuring as many of the artists involved as possible (vocalists Laurie Bower and Tommy Ambrose and studio veteran Jack Zaza to start) and even some live interpretations of Doug's self described "bitter and twister Simon and Garfunkel songs." Doug was still w/ us then and in his early 80s, as sharp as a thumbtack, and an avid Lake Ontario swimmer, dispelling the rumour that one would glow like neon after taking even a quick dip in its polluted waters. With the maestro's humanistic perspective and so many thoughts and ideas about the world in which we live from a life fully lived (jamming w/ Duke Ellington in the 1940s, recording a crucial album in SFTNIS about the dominance of the corporation/profiteering over people/the destruction of the environment, overcoming alcohol addiction and crippling depression), I wanted to help raise awareness about Doug and his musical legacy any which way I could. This album could affect people in a positive way! Apart from some supportive friends like Robert Dayton and ShoMerde (Love Handle Events) my passion for SFTNIS mostly fell on indifference. Vice ended up not running a proposed interview (thanks again Robert!), but it was like pulling teeth to get it going w/ them. This was (and still is) about MUSIC, MESSAGES, PEOPLE, and LIFE... Is that not hip enough Mr. Checklist? “Remember, not everyone feels this is important,” said the CBC staffer as I tried to reserve a room within the CBC for our release party. Um, thanks for the honesty. Producers at CBC's Q radio program could not convince host Jian Ghomeshi that Doug’s album and story was worth covering, even after multiple attempts. I guess they were too busy showcasing the latest Hollywood BS or more pedestrian Canadian entertainment “news.” How could the CBC turn its back on one of its own (I’m not taking about Jian)? Doug was very active there in the live radio days in both Vancouver and Toronto and continued his work at the Corps over the decades... Another wasted opportunity to give back to those who made it all possible in the first place. In lieu of any external support, I reached out to Robert Dayton about hosting Doug’s release at our Moods DJ night at The Ossington. With no money or backing, it was all we could do (see above and below)... With great surprise, Laurie Bower joined us and re-connected w/ Doug, as did the man who linked Doug and I in the first place, Fergus Hambleton (The Sattalites). The Mighty Pope dropped in to raise a toast and Doug regaled the small yet attentive crowd w/ stories of sobriety and musical philosophy. So where is this all going? Mass media/music industry be DAMNED (unless you have the rare opportunity to spit some sh%t)!!! The rewards are WITHIN and come through CONNECTION (not corporations)!!! If you have a story to TELL, SHARE it!!! ENGAGE w/ the older people in your sphere, they KNOW!!! The tools are all HERE!!! Those who need to tune in WILL... PEACE
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