VIN Value

VIN Value > BIN Value

*more to come on this...
**BIG thanks to Arcee for the conceptualization assistance!!!

fortune

*can't stop listening to Snowy!@#$%!!! PEACE

do you feel my love

*DREAM SIPREANO REISSUE PROJECT: EDDIE GRANT COMP!!!

DESTROY THEM

*Jama Rico on constant rotation at VIN HQ!!!

LOVE laurel

*Laurel Aitken ALWAYS makes me think of my old friend/mentor, James Bell (aka Lockjaw). RIP you two!!! PEACE

(MOR) Johnny Yesno

*Great CBC archival clip segment!!! PEACE

Flow Like Water

Rick Wilkins and The Mutual Understanding - The Bell That Couldn't Jingle (1970)

*Happy holidays to ALL!@#$%!!! PEACE

2014 Sipreano version

2014:

At the dawn of 2014, my wife and I separated after five short months of marriage. Needless to say, it was devastating for both of us. It’s been almost a year now and life is much better. While it was difficult to reconcile the split, I thankfully had plenty of positive work to keep my professional life on track. Completing Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966-1985, by then over four years in the making, was priority number one. With 23 separate artists and groups involved, this was also a very challenging experience, without a doubt my most ambitious archival project to date. To those who may not know me well, I am a very empathetic person and the songs and stories of NNA V1 affected me to the core. When tapping into such important music and culture there was a lot to live up to and I wanted to give the artists the utmost respect in presenting their music and history to fans old and new. With the cooperation and help of many, NNA V1 was released on November 25 to international acclaim. I am very happy and feel blessed to have played a part in helping to make this happen. Of course, and as I’ve said many times before, there would be no project w/o the music and music makers from this decisive era! Sending eternal love! I also can’t forget the many heads, hands, and hearts that helped me to complete this massive undertaking. Lastly, I’d like to say “cheers!” to all of the fine folks at Light in the Attic Records for believing in this music enough to release and promote it to the world! We (finally) made it! Good things ahead!

At my lowest ebb earlier this year, there was a new album that lifted my spirits and made me think very deeply about life and the world in which we live, Vancouver-based Dada Plan’s monumental A Dada Plan is Free. The self-released album (now available from Kingfisher Bluez) touched my soul like no other contemporary sounds in recent memory and certainly evoked the excitement of the emergence of Black Mountain and Pink Mountaintops on Vancouver’s musical landscape way back in 2003/4. The ol’ 10-year cycle come true? Funny enough, Black Mountain drummer, producer, DJ, and overall music man Joshua Wells (Lighting Dust, Sur Une Plage) first played me the group’s songs, which he recorded to tape w/ his trademark deft touch. The material sounded fluid, funky, and lyrically focused, perfect for contemplative introspection or dance floor abandon. Upon repeated listens, A Dada Plan is Free revealed even more... Not many musicians today are touching on the madness of this digital age, and none w/o the finesse of Malcolm Biddle and crew. Live, the group has emerged as a beast (as in HEAVY, dig?) with each member contributing a necessary element to the stew: upright bass, congas, synth, sax, guitar, and words of wisdom. Dada Plan is currently completing their second long player and I can’t wait to hear the results! Once again, good things ahead!

The Lido has been another positive change for Vancouver this year. Located at 518 East Broadway, this neighbourhood bar, meeting place, pickled egg vendor, and concert/DJ venue has people talking, drinking, linking, and grooving like nothing else in recent memory. Do I feel a renaissance? YES! BIG thanks to Matt and Kim for bringing this legendary building back to life in such a vital way.

What’s ahead then? Well, more titles in the Native North America series for one. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more details as they appear. As for the rest, all material fit for print will be shared here, Voluntary in Nature!@#$%!!! PEACE

VIBRATION(S) LIST:

Hong Kong, Vietnam, four Bia hơi glasses for four friends, Hội An fancy dinner, MOR Talk Radio, Powell River, CJMP 90.1 FM, Seekers International, WZDRY/AV, Transmolecular, The Stunt Man, Dada Plan, Thomas Anselmi, Brit Pop Night(s) at the ANZA, Rolling Stone, RIDE reunion, diving, lake swimming, to all of the babies (!!!), Frost-Forward/Hersey/Heedram-Lane/Thompson/Howes clans, Echo & The Bunnymen, .99 cent Plastic Cloud, Radio Maria, General Public, Commodore/Bottleneck/Lido/Reposado DJ’ing, Willie Thrasher/Linda Saddleback at Khatsahlano Festival, Toronto and Vancouver NNA V1 gatherings, Wayne McGhie & the Sounds of Joy re-release, BBNG, The Canadian Romantic, reggae, Raincoast Kombucha, HK BBQ Master, Prontino playlist, digging deeper, Birdapres, Cratery, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg, Ali’s Roti, Bitundo’s Pizza, Town Pump/Hogan’s Alley, etc… vintage Vancouver matchboxes (thanks Kamandi!!!), The Sadies, Duke Redbird, howdy neighbour, DP for short, road trips, mad mass media, wave maker, Courtenay Tie Dye Arts, Jack Frost’s flowing mane, Ronnie’s Local 069, The Castle of No Return, Willie Dunn (and family), Willy Mitchell, Lloyd Cheechoo and all of the talented artists featured on NNA V1 (and beyond!@#$%!!!), You’ve Changed Records, Dave Doolittle, Rick, The Keg, On Lok, Goldstone Bakery solo sessions, Chinatown, Sound Canada, Jennifer Forward Frost photography, 40 feels, Bron, NNA V1 art director Chris Gergley, UMFM, CBC, APTN, NCI, The Guardian, Record Collector, Lewis Furey (not L'Amour), UK 12”s, CDN 7”s, Pub Nite, Mood Jga Jga, missing an old friend dearly, “Simple Stuff,” the ultimate digging touch of Catalist, The Mighty Pope, Chrana anything, Kaewonder turns 30, tunes, Kokanee crash, China Cloud, Brooks Norman, homemade Willie Thrasher CDs, posters by Sipreano, Webber twins Birthday jam, Will Lawrence (In House Press), Matt Kyrsko visuals, Poppy Family Experience, The Fox, Wang’s Taiwan Beef Noodle House, Salmongang Instagram, Kreative Kontrol, Double Double Land, Jennifer Castle, mono LOVE Da Capo, Kraftwerk LIVE, Michael Head, The Rutles, "Palm of My Hand," Beatball Records, The Mutual Understanding’s In Wonderland, NNA V1 trailer editor Louvens Remy, Tla’amin Convenience Store, Desolation Sound tour, killer killer whales, 80s Dance, healthy food gift basket, Koko sushi booth sessions, the promise of 2015, and on and on and on...

i made a list!@#$%!!!

; ) !!!

Coast 1040 - The Spirit of Radio (Vancouver)

*Coast 1040 was a BIG influence on my musical development. Came in crystal clear in Coquitlam, B.C.!!! PEACE

And It Wasn't a Dream

NNA V1 thank you

*It's been super duper cool to see the enthusiastic reception that NNA V1 has received thus far. I'd like to thank all of the people who have sent messages as well as to those who have shared links and positive vibrations to both myself, Light in the Attic Records, and especially to the artists whose life-changing music has made my work on this project possible. It's been a true labour of love! While I'm not much of a numbers and sales guy (I'll leave that to LITA), I was very chuffed that the NNA V1 album trailer hit the 10,000 views mark on Youtube. It's nowhere near the sizable views of even the most banal and trivial clips available in this digital age we live in, but it shows me that we are not alone. Because I am in Vancouver and it's currently raining fast and steady, I'll leave you w/ this seasonal cheer (to the tune of "Let it Snow"): "Let it flow, let it grow, let it show!!!" PEACE

Native North America on Q (CBC)

In 2007, I appeared on CBC's Q (then hosted by Jian Ghomeshi) alongside Cougars' vocalist Jay Douglas to promote Light in the Attic Records' Jamaica to Toronto: Soul, Funk, and Reggae 1967-1974. Today, I will guest alongside James Bay Cree Lloyd Cheechoo (CNACA) in support of Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966-1985. Q's current host is Wab Kinew and I look forward to hearing how the prerecorded piece was put together. During the course of our talk, Wab mentioned that his family had a Willie Dunn LP in his house growing up. I imagine that would've been very inspiring and thought provoking, no doubt, a real eye (and ear) opener! But of course, one comes to music when you do and all that matters is that it resonates within. While Wab and I are Canadians of different cultural backgrounds, we both have Willie Dunn in common and that, to me, represents part of what's great about this country, the opportunity for meaningful exchange and dialogue, learning from personal experience and from each other! PEACE

CHRIS MAST STYLE by CHRIS MASTHEIM

Ladyhawk and Needles//Pins w/ Sipreano

*There's been so much energy and excitement around the NNA V1 project that I'm ready to start channeling the vibrations into some musical expression. Playing vinyl records is one of my fave ways to do that and I'm happy to be helping to set the mood at the upcoming Ladyhawk and Needles//Pins Biltmore 7th anniversary jam. Not sure what I'll be dropping quite yet, but I promise it will be INSANE!@#$%!!! PEACE

Native North America on APTN National News (Dec. 15, 2014)

 

Willy Mitchell on Native North America compilation (CBC Radio Cree)

Native North America (Vol. 1) interview w/ Sipreano and Birdapres TGIFR UMFM 101.5 Winnipeg

Thank you Vancouver!$&@?!!! PEACE

NNA V1 OG logo (By Chris Gergley)

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT...

NO COVER, BRING LOVE...

NNA V1 vancouver gathering (please read the fine print)...

Kill'n Your Mind

(REVISED) POSTER POWER

*please note changes to this event...

An event/gathering to celebrate the release of Light in the Attic Records’ Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966-1985 compilation (2-CD/3-LP) featuring a live performance from Willie Thrasher & Linda Saddleback, listening session, and a 16mm screening of Willie Dunn’s 1968 short film, The Ballad of Crowfoot (NFB).

Thursday, December 11, 2014

***PLEASE NOTE***
***IMPORTANT CHANGE TO THIS EVENT***
***NOW TWO SEPARATE SHOWS***

***Due to overwhelming interest, the NNA V1 Vancouver gathering will be held as two separate shows (7-9 pm and 9:30-11:30 pm w/ a 30-min turnover of audience (9-9:30 pm), as a note, the venue is open until 1 am). Both events will have the same content and Willie/Linda are excited to play for you! Please come early (The Lido is open from 4 pm) to avoid any disappointment. First come, first served basis (sorry, no exceptions)!***

***THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING***

THE LIDO
518 E. Broadway
Vancouver, British Columbia

FREE EVENT (limited space, come early to ensure entry, first come first served basis)

Largely unheard, criminally undocumented, but at their core, utterly revolutionary, the recordings of the diverse North American Aboriginal community will finally take their rightful place in our collective history in the form of Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966–1985. An anthology of music that was once near-extinct and off-the-grid is now available for all to hear, in what is, without a doubt, Light In The Attic’s most ambitious and historically significant project in the label’s 12-year journey.

Native North America (Vol. 1) features music from the Indigenous peoples of Canada and the northern United States, recorded in the turbulent decades between 1966 to 1985. It represents the fusion of shifting global popular culture and a reawakening of Aboriginal spirituality and expression. The majority of this material has been widely unavailable for decades, hindered by lack of distribution or industry support and by limited mass media coverage, until now. You’ll hear Arctic garage rock from the Nunavik region of northern Quebec, melancholy Yup’ik folk from Alaska, and hushed country blues from the Wagmatcook First Nation reserve in Nova Scotia. You’ll hear echoes of Neil Young, Velvet Underground, Leonard Cohen, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Johnny Cash, and more among the songs, but injected with Native consciousness, storytelling, poetry, history, and ceremony.

The stories behind the music presented on Native North America (Vol. 1) range from standard rock-and-roll dreams to transcendental epiphanies. They have been collected with love and respect by Vancouver-based record archaeologist and curator Kevin “Sipreano” Howes in a 15-year quest to unearth the history that falls between the notes of this unique music. Tirelessly, Howes scoured obscure, remote areas for the original vinyl recordings and the artists who made them, going so far as to send messages in Inuktitut over community radio airwaves in hopes that these lost cultural heroes would resurface.
With cooperation and guidance from the artists, producers, family members, and behind the scenes players, Native North America (Vol. 1) sheds real light on the painful struggles and deep traditions of the greater Indigenous community and the significance of its music. The songs speak of joy and spirituality, but also tell of real tragedy and strife, like that of Algonquin/Mohawk artist Willy Mitchell, whose music career was sparked by a bullet to the head from the gun of a trigger-happy police officer, or those of Inuk singer-songwriter Willie Thrasher, who was robbed of his family and traditional Inuit culture by the residential school system.

Considering the financially motivated destruction of our environment, the conservative political landscape, and corporate bottom-line dominance, it’s bittersweet to report that the revolutionary songs featured on Native North America hold as much meaning today as when they were originally recorded. Dedicated to legendary Mi'kmaq singer-songwriter and poet Willie Dunn, featured on the anthology but who sadly passed away during its making, Native North America (Vol. 1) is only the beginning. A companion set featuring a crucial selection of folk, rock, and country from the United States’ Lower 48 and Mexico is currently in production.

sipreano and david mcleod of NCI FM (the spirit of manitoba)

A Tribe Led Quest (NNA V1 Guardian feature)

Living, learning, and loving...

2014 has been a very interesting year thus far. It started out w/ some international travel to Hong Kong and Vietnam and quickly went sideways, up, down, and all around in directions I never thought to be possible. This shakeup, however unsettling, did let me focus on completing Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966-1985, a project five years in the making which I am happy to say, was released last week via Light in the Attic Records. I've worked in collaboration w/ LITA for over 10 years now and we've helped to bring many still relevant archival projects to the musical table. It's an honour for me to work w/ artists whose songs and stories I so admire and I will continue this life long passion in whatever form it takes. I live in a cultural world and I want to engage w/ it and contribute to it while learning and loving. Giving thanks to the land and my always growing family, I will never be alone. 2015 is just around the bend and I'm thinking about its potential for greater understanding. I will be here, Voluntary in Nature. You know where to find me... Sipreano

NNA V. 1 CBC radio interivew w/ Allison Devereaux (Yellowknife, Canada)

Duke Redbird LIVE and DIRECT

Native North America (Vol. 1) on CBC now TV

this is the day...

Seasons (Waiting On You) (BADBADNOTGOOD Reinterpretation)

(MOR) Wayne McGhie/LITA/Cratery/Sipreano

Toronto-based Cratery was birthed in 2009 as a podcast/monthly dig diary. Five years later, selectors Arcee, Kaewonder, and DJ Serious have released 68 action packed episodes of musical madness into the vortex (available on cratery.com or via iTunes) with guests ranging from yours truly Sipreano to Seattle hip-hop mastermind Jake One, Canadian beat maker legend Mr. Attic to super producer Frank Dukes. Dig even deeper and you’ll find episodes featuring the mysterious MoSS (Strawberry Rain), Birdapres, 180 Proof Records’ Amir Abdullah (Kon and Amir), Jason Palma (Play De Record), Aki Abe from Cosmos Records, Skratch Bastid, and many more—a crate diggers who’s who for those in the know. Songs are played in a round robin style and range from funk, soul, rock and roll, reggae, Latin, and beyond. For any lucky souls who have attended one of the Cratery recording sessions, you’ll know that this event is simply another excuse for a good time. There is drink, there is smoke, there are definitely tunes, and sometimes, there’s even food. All this fun can tire a brother or sister out, ya hear? Well, sit back and give Cratery a spin!

On November 28, Cratery are joining forces with Light in the Attic and Sipreano to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of LITA’s Wayne McGhie and the Sounds of Joy reissue in the town of the original album’s creation. The occasion will coincide with a special gold vinyl expanded gatefold edition (the debut release in LITA’s six-album Jamaica-Toronto series) and available worldwide as part of Record Store Day (also on November 28). Originally released in 1970 on the minor Birchmount imprint, The Sounds of Joy was a trailblazing album by a recent Jamaican immigrant and his talented musical friends. While The Sounds of Joy fell to mostly deaf ears at the time of release, over the years, Studio One alumni McGhie has garnered respect for his work with the likes of keyboard king Jackie Mittoo, rock steady icon Alton Ellis, the Hitch-Hikers, and Jo-Jo Bennett (Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, Jo-Jo & the Fugitives), before falling on troubled times. In the early 1980s, Wayne went underground and was thought dead by many. During McGhie’s lost years, his debut album grew to legendary status and coveted by funk and soul hounds worldwide for it’s tough break beats and Island groove sound. NOW Magazine recently awarded the album as one of the top Toronto albums of all time and though McGhie no longer plays music, he is appreciative of all of the love and support he’s received since the 2004 reissue. We are honoured to host the following event in Wayne’s honour.

Wayne McGhie and the Sounds of Joy listening session

Featuring Cratery (Arcee, Kaewonder, DJ Serious) and Sipreano (Voluntary in Nature)

November 28, 2014

The Bristol

1087 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario

11 pm till late

Here’s a lil’ Q and A with Cratery to help set the mood:

Q: Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world. What’s it like living there?

Arcee: I grew up in the burbs, but I’ve spent a great deal of my adulthood in the city and I love it. Diversity is one of Toronto’s greatest gifts. You can see it in our restaurants, in our women and in the records. You only need to live somewhere else in Canada to appreciate the diversity of a place like T.O.

Kaewonder: *puts on Fela Kuti's "Expensive Shit"

DJ Serious: I love Toronto. It definitely is a diverse city and I think it’s best represented through its food. We have so many great food spots. Food from around the world. It’s amazing.

Q: Toronto has a massive Caribbean connection. Artists like Wayne McGhie and Jackie Mitoo moved from Jamaica to Toronto in the late 1960s as well as many others from different islands like Trinidad and Barbados (each area bringing their own culture into the mix). But as we all know, even musicians and DJs have to eat sometime, so what’s the best place in Toronto to hit for some tasty Caribbean food and what are you ordering?

A: My West Indian friends tend to argue more about Eglinton West versus Scarborough, but my first stop is always Ali’s Roti Shop in Parkdale. It’s an institution, and I’ve been hitting it since high school. I usually go for a boneless goat roti if I’m sitting down or 2 doubles if I’m on the go.

K: Ali's Roti. Hands down. It changes day to day, but sometimes I'm feeling for some oxtail, other days I want curry chicken on rice with extra pepper. I like my food SPICY.

D: This is a tough question; I can’t just lump Caribbean food all together (*very good point, Sip). For me, a Jamaican place may not be my first choice to get a roti from and like wise, I probably wouldn’t necessarily be craving Jerk from a Trinidadian Resto.  But some of my Top spots would be in no particular order, Ali’s Roti Shop, Roti Palace, The Jerk Spot, Drupatti’s, Pats Homestyle.  I don’t want to get into a fight here about which is the best, but there are a lot of great ones to choose from.

Q: What makes a good record store and does Toronto have any?

A: I used to think that the ideal store would be one that had all the records I was looking for. But then up pop boutiques like Cosmos Records in Toronto and although they’re great, it’s almost too easy, if that makes any sense. It kind of takes the fun out of digging when everything’s curated. You don’t have the same satisfaction finding a record at a boutique versus finding one at a thrift store or flea market. Then I thought my ideal store would be the kind of place where the owner is a Stones fanatic and doesn’t know anything about rare, soul, funk and jazz, so all the records are cheap. But I wouldn’t have much in common with the staff, so that would suck. Great selection, great staff and great prices are ideal, but I don’t think there’s a single record store in the world with all three. So I’d have to say my ideal record store is simply one that stays in business and doesn’t close.

K: I've always been of the mind that a good record store needs to have good stock, a dedicated buyer who stands behind said stock, and someone who's courageous enough to introduce people to new things, and be bold enough to usher in new ideas. I'm resisting the urge to go off on what makes a BAD store, but I digress.

D: There are definitely some good record stores in Toronto.  I like stores that have a good selection of random records.  I’m not into stores that seem over-curated.  Nothing beats that feeling of seeing records that you’ve never seen before or don’t see on the regular.

Q: What’s your favourite Light in the Attic release and why?

A: Selfishly, I have to say Jamaica to Toronto because it educated me on the history of my own city. I’ve always loved soul music, but I didn’t pay much attention to what was happening in my own backyard. Collections like that make you realize how foolish you can be by overlooking what’s right under your nose. And they make you respect the legacy of the locals who were recording that music at the time. Plus “Mr. Fortune” is such a banger. I still need an original copy of that!

K: Wheedle's Groove. Cause Kenny G was on it.

D: It’s gotta be Jamaica to Toronto.  It really helped open my eyes to my own city and the music coming out of here from that era.  Not only with the island sounds but with the funk too.  All lot of great tracks on that comp.

Q: What does “crate digging” mean to you in 2014?

A: Sadly, crate digging in 2014 is very much a dick show. In the last 10 years, it’s gone from a bunch of dudes talking about records on Soul Strut to showing off records on Instagram. I can’t point fingers, because I’m one of the worst offenders. But no one seems to be excited about finding anything that isn’t rare. Unless it’s a 45 of a super common hip-hop song. Which is also “rare” since it’s on 45. Going into 2015, I’m trying to deprogram myself a little bit. I have to remind myself that records aren’t interesting because they’re rare. Records are interesting because they’re interesting. I’m trying to return to the real reason I started buying music: discovery.

K: I guess in hindsight it seems like a bit of a limited mindset, not to say it's not a mindset I don't relate to or haven't subscribed to in the past, but I feel like it's an entry level set of ideals, if you stay there it's a bit regressive and counterintuitive. “Hey, let's look for records EVERYONE wants!” kind of translates to “Look ma, no brain/flavor originality.” I love seeing someone's collection that is completely and utterly ORIGINAL and THEM. Lot of cats lacking original crates, especially with eBay and Youtubes and the kids with the radio playin’ the raps on the boom box.

D: Keep copping that woogie

PEACE

(MOR) MOR talk radio

vancouver-based

sipreano, who uncovers

(vancouver-based) lewis rates "higher" than NNA V. 1...

can rich kid dreams compete w/ roots, reality, and culture in 2014?

let me ask you a question, "where's kenya?"

but as always, public enemy (wins again)

still, there are others... did you listen to the lyrics?

DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE...

IT'S A SEQUEL...

(time to) showcase hypocrisy

oh yes, vancouver-based

PEACE

boston ivy

foxglove

RIDE

catch me

on the fly...

catch me on the (back) of a fly...

i can go small, for someone so tall!

show 'em whatcha got

WAYNE listening session (Toronto)

NNA V. 1 gathering (Toronto)

bad card

MOR sur une plage

love life

garth hudson returns to BIG pink

celebrate the bullet

Here's how the Unist'ot'en Camp in northwest #Canada is stopping a #pipeline.

Post by AJ+.

sunrise market

destroyer - your blues LP reissue

*i've been waiting for this reissue for YEARS!!!

november 24

like a daydream (+ MOR)

debbie

it's

7:08 am, let's try some writing... let's bang away on this keyboard and see what comes out of my hands...         um, not much.

natural grace

the lunatics (have taken over the asylum)

world peace

where are you

eternal love (RIP val bent)

I got to know Jamaican singer-songwriter and guitarist Val Bent (born Rupert Valentine Bent) while producing the Jamaica to Toronto: Soul Funk & Reggae 1967-1974 compilation for Light in the Attic around 2004-5. He was back in Jamaica after living in Canada for many years, where he laid down some of the toughest soul and funk records this country has ever produced. Bent came to Toronto, Ontario, as a musician with the Sheiks in 1964, and decided to stay despite our chilly winters, a far cry the Jamaican sun. He became an important musical member of the city’s growing Caribbean community and a mentor to many young players. The Sheiks became the house band for Club Jamaica on Toronto’s busy Yonge Street, which acted as a second home to Bent. Manager Fitz Riley would cook up curry chicken for the patrons and musicians, which reminded Bent of his Jamaican roots. It was here that he first met another young Jamaican immigrant, Earle Heedram (aka The Mighty Pope), who quickly became the new lead vocalist for the Sheiks. Bent was knocked away by Heedram’s powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Together, they wrote and recorded “Eternal Love,” which was released as a 7” single on the Raymond Records label in 1967 (and subsequently featured on Jamaica to Toronto). Regardless of the record’s deep soul and passionate performances—listen for Bent’s twanging guitar and back up vocals—the record sank fast without radio or media support. Despite a lack of record sales, the Sheiks were trailblazing Jamaican-Canadians who brought their music throughout the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, even in the face of racism, which the group unfortunately encountered on occasion. After returning to Jamaica in the late 1960s for a series of performances (replete with “psychedelic light show”), both Bent and Heedram (along with Studio One alumni, drummer Joe Isaacs, and organ player Chris Scasserra) linked up with American transplant and rock and roll pioneer Frank Motley as the Hitch-Hikers featuring the Mighty Pope. Motley was active on Toronto’s bustling Yonge Street strip, which was filled with nightclubs, strip bars, and record stores, and where Bob Dylan first heard the Band, then performing as Levon and the Hawks. The Hitch-Hikers not only performed popular funk, soul, and pop covers by the like of Eddie Bo and the Beatles, but a series of Bent originals as well: “A Stranger in your Own World,” “Memory Lane,” “Smile Maria Smile,” “You Got the Green Light,” and his namesake “Hell Bent.” After Motley fell ill, the group gradually went their separate ways. Bent and Heedram picked up a couple of hippie musicians and formed the short-lived Wild Oats, but the unit never recorded. Apart from a series of minor regional recordings, Bent focused on live work and performed in Canada throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s. After returning to Jamaica, Bent suffered a stroke and retired from the business. He returned to Toronto in 2006 for the now legendary Jamaica to Toronto reunion concert and once again sang back ups behind his musical brother Heedram on the mighty “Eternal Love.” Bent reportedly passed away in his sleep last week in Jamaica and he will be missed by many the world over. We send our best regards to his family and loved ones and count ourselves very lucky to have met his acquaintance. Val, we will miss your laughter and words over the coming years, but will champion your sound forever!

Eternal love,

Sipreano

johnny yesno

dada plan record release show TNT!@#$%!!!

digging avec sipreano

It Took This Paraplegic Man an Hour to Get an NYC Taxi

Re-post from my friend Scotty Hard:

If you're in a wheelchair, getting around New York City is no easy feat. Fewer than 20% of subway stations have elevators, and only 2% of the 13,000 yellow taxis are accessible. Most disabled New Yorkers are relegated to taking Access-A-Ride, which can be slow and unreliable.

We experience these daily transit challenges through Scotty Hard, a record and music promoter who became paralyzed in a hit-and-run accident in 2008. Like many people who are in a wheelchair, Scott has an active social and professional life, but lack of access to transit makes it difficult to be spontaneous and flexible.

In 2014 several disability advocacy groups won a landmark lawsuit — the settlement of which requires 50% of New York City’s taxi fleet be wheelchair accessible by 2020. This marks a major victory in the 17-year-long “Taxis For All” campaign. Unfortunately, the winner chosen by the Bloomberg administration’s widely publicized “Taxi of the Future” competition last year was one of the only models that was not wheelchair accessible.

differently, still

letters unsent

history of a kiss

ian

meeting of the (roti) minds

rewind...

end of the season photo

poundmaker (1842-1886)

*MOR here

once again...

once again, i sit by the door.
the cold has set in. the heater must be turned on.
will it keep me warm throughout the fall and winter months?
i hope so.

that's what it takes

flight

Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966-1985

*out Nov. 25, 2014 PEACE

Native North America (Vol. 1) album trailer

Over the last four years, I put my heart and soul into curating and producing an archival music project for Seattle/Los Angeles-based Light In The Attic Records. The goal was to bridge generations, cultures, and eras of technology while helping to share some of the most engaging songs and stories I’ve ever heard. Do you know the music and words of Willie Dunn, Shingoose or John Angaiak? How about Morley Loon, Eric Landry or The Chieftones? Well, now is the time! Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966-1985 features 23 diverse Indigenous artists/groups in a lovingly assembled 3-LP/2-CD box set (also available through digital channels) w/ an extensive liner notes book including bios, original artwork, and period photographs. To me, music is about connecting with others in a positive way. It’s also about sharing and caring. If you like what you see/hear here, please spread the good word! 

BIG love, 
Sip

*more info, tracklisting, and audio samples at Light in the Attic Records

TMRW!!!

TONITE!!!