I put
out the 'word' to as many Canadian
musicians as I could easily
contact this Spring and early summer asking for songs and recordings
about Hemp. I offered no compensation other than the satisfaction of
writing the song and the pleasure of hearing it on the compilation...
and the royalty of any airplay.
With the limited time available the following musicians
offered their time talent to the SeeDee. (Several others, with full
schedules and commitments offered songs they had already recorded that
spoke of the their love for the environment and the trees, which spirit
helps fire us to promote hemp as an alternative crop and resource.)
I first heard of James through his music with the folk group
Tamarack.
What impressed me most was his/their ability to write songs about the
local histories of areas of Canada that had stories and little songs to
add bounce to the stories. "Along the Grand" is a good example.
Then I heard James on CBC's Basic Black radio show on Saturday
mornings. He was responding to listeners' requests for songs about
their chosen topic with quality songs.
I was so pleased when James responded so positively to my
request for a hemp song. And when "Get On Board The Hemp Revival"
arrived in my rural mailbox, I knew that we were actually going to
witness our dream of The Hemp SeeDee become reality.
2. Pam Norris
FACEBOOK
Pam is the single mother of two great sons in the village of
Wilno. The lead singer of the rockin' band 'Fold' for the past several
years, she has been recording her own music in Errol's Asoma Music
Studio this Spring and Summer. The CD will be out with their new name,
"The Weather Girls".
Errol gave Pam the video "Hemp Hemp Hooray!" 'The Growing
Industrial Hemp Market' (see below for more info) to watch. She came
back to the studio with guitar and new song in hand. Errol helped with
the arrangement and it amazed and pleased me with its depth and
passion.
FACEBOOK
I've been a 'musician' since I began piano lessons in 1955.
With our hemp 'ice cream' business (http://www.coolhemp.com) I found
that people know little about hemp (that includes me). My folk music
experiences have shown me that music communicates better than just
words.
En route to The HempCar event at The Friendly Stranger on
Queen Street in Toronto in 2001, we stopped by the bridge in Belleville
Ontario and with Gabriella Mihalek's help, I wrote this new rendition
of Buffy Sainte Marie's song "The Universal Soldier" which had inspired
me as a youth. Buffy has very kindly given her permission to record
this.
My main instrument is the Shakuhachi, the end blown bamboo
flute from Japan. I also play the Quena, the end blown bamboo flute
from the Andes of South America. And the Native American Flute (over 75
of which I have handcrafted) and the Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer ( 47
of which I have handcrafted) and the Finish Kantela Harp (90+ of which
I have handcrafted).
As a woodworker and an orchardist (20+ pear trees), I have
come to love and appreciate trees and hate to see them slaughtered
needlessly as a resource for products which they are not needed for...
that hemp is much better suited for.
I have worked with Whole Natural foods since the free kitchen
at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. I have lived a relatively
sustainable lifestyle on a very minimal budget since then... and know a
good Whole Natural Food when I meet one. Hemp is certainly one of the
best. And worth culturing a taste for it.
And it really is our choice... each moment. We are "choosing
people".
FACEBOOK
Rri was the single mom of Jasmine... until she met Gary B. about 2
years ago. Now they are the parents together of Sage, born September
10, 2001.
Rri is also best known for her incredible tie dyes which
brighten up our lives.
Gary has been holding solar powered Thursday night jams for
about 20 years now... and what a delight to find the singer Rri in our
midst!
Many friends suggested I ask Rri to sing this new rendition of
"Day-O", which I had penned with Gabriella. They were right. Rri also
brought new bounce and words to the song, which it needed.
I first heard Ken playing flute and guitar with my old and
dear friend,
Mary Anderson, the Celtic Harpist. I've always admired his musical
talents and the spirit with which he plays.
When he recorded his song, "If We Can", and then passionately
sang it live at Blue Skies Music Festival, I knew I found a side of
Ken's music that was very kin to my heart.
He's living in the Guelph area these days and playing at many
folk venues.
Daryl Teneycke & Laurien
Kevin Munroe
Charlie Sohmer
Clark Guettel
Ken J. Lillico