That’s important, both for the performers—who are often rediscovering their own languages within the context of a larger reclamation of identity and power—and for settler listeners, who might need to be reminded of Indigenous culture’s enduring strength.
She first presented the program at the Western Front arts centre in 2000. Its return—this time with a brand-new five-piece band—was inspired by a show she caught at the 2017 Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
“The cello is a super versatile instrument. It’s kind of like the bassoon or the trombone of the string world, but with more facilities, probably, than either of those instruments.”
His vocal-inflected approach to melody is another hint that, despite his harmonic sophistication, he’s attracted to players and singers that are storytellers first and theorists second.
