A wonderful few days as nations gathered to share their stories and songs on the Torres Martinez reservation, hosted by the Desert Cahuilla. The Cahuilla people have lived in southern California since the early 1800’s. We were welcomed with the singing of “bird songs” – songs that speak of their stories, journey’s and creation. It was a day where every nation got to share their songs and stories, eat together and build new relationships. Very thankful and honoured to be invited onto their land for the first time.
Mark and I were jamming away in his little studio in Kaua’i many years ago and this idea and groove came about. Interesting how some songs evolve immediately and others come to light years later. This is one that took its time.
I want to introduce a fantastic initiative called Urban Praise Project. Mark Tate writes “Everyone in the video is from the community and so we acted out people giving up some of the hardships that people face on our estate. The video culminates with community coming together signifying unity and letting go of the hard stuff.”
New track from our good friend Mark Riley. He writes, “Sometimes things in life leave you without words. I wrote this song after my daughter was diagnosed with cancer. Through this I realized that many people are faced with similar situations, and just need to know that God still loves them and so do the people around them. No matter what the circumstances look like. Sometimes those are the only words we have… ‘God makes a way, so be thankful and pray…’
Whilst walking near a friend Kent’s home in Sweden I was inspired by the natural sounds that surrounded me. It was a beautiful early morning, and the air was very still, except for the tops of one silver birch tree where the leaves were shimmering, dancing, singing in the wind. It was a very light, high-pitched sound – delicate yet very noticeable. It reminded me of a line I had read – and the trees clapped their hands.
Read MoreOne of my favourite songs from the album of the same name written by Mark Riley. When we recorded it almost 20 years ago I was never pleased with the mix due to all sorts of reasons and I dreamed that one day we would revisit it. A few years ago after the very sad death of Marks amazing son, Lucas, we decided to to do just that – dedicating it to his son. Our great friend Kevin Penner remixed the CD and we also re-mastered the whole project. 2 years later, we were amazed when it was nominated for a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award in Hawai’i by the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts.
One of my favourite songs from the album of the same name written by Mark Riley. When we recorded it almost 20 years ago I was never pleased with the mix due to all sorts of reasons and I dreamed that one day we would revisit it. A few years ago after the very sad death of Marks amazing son, Lucas, we decided to to do just that – dedicating it to his son. Our great friend Kevin Penner remixed the CD and we also re-mastered the whole project. 2 years later, we were amazed when it was nominated for a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award in Hawai’i by the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts.
A huge THANK YOU to all our friends out there in cyber world
Veselé Vánoce – ᖁᕕᐊᓱᕕᒻᒥ ᖁᕕᐊᓱᒋᑦᓯ – Feliz Navidad – Mele Kalikimaka – Merry Christmas – God Jul – Joyeux Noël – Feliz Navidad – Fröhliche Weihnachten – Heri ya Krismasi – Prettige Kerstdagen –
Thanks for all your encouragements, posts and support.
This unique instrument called the Fujara <foo-yah-rah> can be as tall as a man and was originally used by shepherds. It was played whilst tending their sheep in remote pastures in the mountains of Podpol’anie, Slovalia, guiding their sheep and communicated to other shepherds across the mountain slopes. Read More
Drums-a-gogo!!! Mobile recording @ Jerry Chapman’s wonderful barn. As well as being a singer/songwriter, percussionist he is an incredible drum craftsman, pioneering new techniques and ideas based on his Stó:Lō heritage. I am working on a new recording with Jerry and the last few days have been spent getting samples and recordings of all his drums, shakers and clapper sticks.
Ezra Kwizera wrote this beautiful song Mama, honouring mothers – Thanks Graham Ord for sharing.
A very interesting documentary about the young drummers in Iran, who are keeping the ancient tradition of tonbak (Persian drum) playing alive.
Many of you may have heard me tell the story of ‘the song of the child’. A singing tradition amongst the Himba people. Here is another beautiful musical practise from India. Every time a baby is born in Khongthong village, (a place nicknamed the whistling village) a tune or sort of melodic whistling is composed by the mother and given to the child – a unique sound that will be carried for the rest of their life.
