Hella Solutions blog: "Document. Share. Inspire."

LKJ! Yes! The dub poet stopped touring with his band many moons ago – at least in the States. Just as special, even probably more so, is to catch him during one of his live poetry readings – which you can still do once in awhile. Back in 2006 I was lucky enough to do so and I recorded it. It’s actually my first such attempt at recording a live show (at least with MINIMAL equipment).

The download link is below. Here is the playlist:

1. Intro (1:26)
2. Dread Beat an Blood (2:07)
3. Five Nights of Bleeding (6:11)
4. It Noh Funny (4:55)
5. Sonny’s Lettah (4:42)
6. Reggae fi Dada (5:03)
7. New Craas Massakah (5:28)
8. Tings an Times (6:49)
9. Mi Revalueshanary Fren (5:19)
10. Reggae fi Bernard (5:04)
11. Reggae fi May Ayim (4:16)
12. Hurricane Blues (3:20)
13. New Word Hawdah (4:02)

Download HERE.

http://rapidshare.com/files/334921571/LKJ_Live_2006_Bootleg_October_12__2006_1.zip

Personally, I really enjoy some well- placed and -selected music in audio projects. I don’t subscribe to the NPR model of limited music use and the idea that you’re only allowed to use tunes that are directly connected to the interviewee. Bah. Anyway, today I simply wanted to share some good sounds from a guitarist up in Canada. He has a great instrumental CD out and if you’re looking for some rock sound for a project or just need some new tunes, why not check him out.

Visit: Scott Kroeker .com

There is a great video documentary you should check out called, The Devil and Daniel Johnston.

Daniel Johnston is a manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist, revealed in this portrait of madness, creativity and love. The Devil and Daniel Johnston is a stunning portrait of a musical and artistic genius who nearly slipped away.

In the mean time you can check out a bootleg recording I did of a live show I caught of him recently in San Francisco. It’s a simple recording and I offer it to say that if you like what you hear you should DEFINITELY buy his music from your local record store. You can download the complete show HERE (http://rapidshare.com/files/310254103/DJ_Live_Bootleg_091122.zip).

Today the California Supreme Court acted in a cowardly manner in upholding Proposition 8 (the discriminatory legislation that denies same-sex couples equal marriage rights under the law). The kicker for me is that no where in the civil law that same-sex couples are fighting for does it mandate that religious groups be required to marry same-sex couples; only that they be able to legally marry. If your church doesn’t support same-sex marriage, good for you. But why does your church support unequal treatment for all human beings under State law? Shame on you! /rant

I spent the past two days with organizers of the recent “Day of Decision” and “One Struggle, One Fight” events that culminated today. Here’s a bit of audio from today’s rally. It’s the initial reaction from a large crowd at the steps of the San Francisco office of the Supreme Court. It then cuts to a couple (Sean Higgins and Robert Franco) who participated in the non-violent civil disobedience that over 100 people committed to as a protest…more to come!

CLICK TO LISTEN (c) Noah Chandler www.hellasolutions.com

Update: You can check out the second part in my podcast series with Michigan-based hip-hop artist One Be Lo over at Imagine2050.org. Today we’re talking about hip-hop identity and American identity as we continue our exploration of the question, “What does it mean to be American.” Listen!

I’ve spent the past few days in and around Phoenix, Arizona working with a group called Campaign for a United America Hip-Hop Project. The group itself is based out of Chicago, IL but has been working here to connect with the vibrant, grassroots hip-hop scene. Why hip-hop? Well, it’s one of the largest voices of the youth and one that has consistantly spoke against authoritarian abuses of power. And while not always “political” it is most often a deeply personal expression. But then, as the popular saying goes, “the personal IS political.”

Anyways, I was documenting the organizing efforts of the young people in Phoenix as they organized a hip-hip concert in support of human rights and in opposition to the recent anti-immigrant violence from Sheriff Joe Arpaio (for more visit the Imagine2050 blog). It’s been a whirlwind ‘tour’ here and I look forward to going over my tape once I get back home tonight. Below is a link to a VERY rough little “promo” piece I threw together for the event. Check it!

Click HERE to listen.

Click HERE for original posting.

Maximum respect to all the folks I met out here! Seriously, you all give me a ton of hope!!!

Here’s a quick snibbet of audio from some work I was doing at an elementary school in Oakland, California. It is of two 9-year old kids telling us who Barack Obama is…very cute!

http://www.hellasolutions.com/stuff/090120_obama_is.mp3

Last weekend I attended the local San Francisco rally for the national “Join the Impact” movement to draw attention to and inevitably change the “separate but equal” treatment of those of us who are not straight. It was an exciting rally with over 7,500 people peacefully marching through the downtown streets of San Francisco. However, before we started marching there was a very strong slate of speakers including Rev. Amos Brown (head of the SF chapter of the NAACP). Rev. Brown is now getting some backlash for his support of human rights. If you are interested in hearing his speech I have posted it here. It’s not the best recording but it definitely isn’t the worst. This comes from a larger project I am working on for the site www.imagine2050.org.

Listen to his inspiring speech here. Please DO NOT hot-link to the file or re-post it without expressed permission.

[if you don't see a "Play" link above you can Click HERE]

I attended the 2008 “Exhumed to Consume” show last night featuring my favorites Carcass and Suffocation. Suffocation kicked ass live as they always do. Unfortunately I missed Aborted but Carcass was solid. Carcass took some fun verbal stabs at Bay Area “classic” band Metallica and gave some much deserved praise to another local fav, Exodus. I recorded the show but I’m still working on leveling the sound out for the Suffocation part (man, those guys crank some serious bass). Anyway, to hear a little montage of in-between Carcass songs – including a loud boo from the crowd in the direction of those supporters of corporate money, Metallica – check out this short clip.

I just finished this months edition of the Imagine 2050 audio blogcast. You can listen to it here. I had a heck of a time finding someone to interview this month and ended up interviewing a friend of mine. It’s not the best program but at least I’m done with it . My deepest thanks to Ken for his time and openness.