June 16, 2008
Kokopilau
While I was in Utah this past week (Yikes! Long weird story, that - and for a later time) Brett Underwood filled in for me on KDHX's Literature for the Halibut, an act that is like a subletter sub-letting, as I am a bit of a once-a-month relief pitcher for Ann Haubrich and Janie Ibur. Because I didn't really have access to a computer while I was away, I wasn't able to stream Brett's show in real time, but I listened to it last night and if I had been wearing socks, it would have knocked them off. Hey played excerpts from a new Freedonia Music release, "Kokopilau," featuring our own Michael Castro (founder of River Styx and for many years the host of KDHX's "Poetry Beat") and trumpeter DJ Parran. Freedonia's online catalog describes it as "A ceremony of the ancient future celebrating a 30 year collaboration between multi-instrumental Horn Master JD Parran & Warrior Poet Michael Castro that began with the St. Louis Black Artist Group & The Human Arts Ensemble in the 1970s. Retelling mythic tales of life death & rebirth with voice, tenor sax, indigenous hand crafted instruments and postmodern techniques. A spontaneous bop kabbalah." And, unlike most marketingspiel, they are telling the truth. You can download Brett's show here. Warning you, though, if you are like me, it will make you want to pick up the CD ... I know you can get it through Freedonia's site, but if Mr. Underwood tips me off to other joints carrying the disc, I will surely post it here.
Now, one more bit of news: this Thursday, Janie and Ann will be conducting an exit interview with our soon-to-be-departed Aaron Belz. He's a quick wit on the radio, so don't take a big pull off your soda while he's quipping, or you'll find yourself with a nasal cavity full of carbonation. Don't say we didn't warn you!