CJAM programmers once again honour the great musical artists of the African Diaspora during Black History Month with specials in a wide variety of genres.
Join Renee, host of Oracle, for her second annual Black History Month special on Monday, February 6 (9-10:30 am) featuring the psychedelic/funk sounds of Africa. Be ready for funk-infused with fuzz, the experimentation of psychedelic rock, and the artistry of traditional African beats from various regions. Many parts of West Africa will be explored, featuring such artists as Riki Illilonga, The Psychedelic Aliens, The Black Mirrors, Kukumbas, and more. Tune in and turn on to the soundtrack of a revolution. Play it LOUD!
With the recent passing of one of the greatest blues singers of all time, Girlie So Groovie will take the first Monday of February to celebrate the legendary career of Etta James. Join host Trevor Klundert on Monday, February 6 (7-8 pm), as he hightlights the African-American women who influenced Etta James’ own career, Etta James’ contemporaries, and the women that the blues icon went on to inspire herself.
On Thursday, February 2, tune in to the program called Washing Machine (10:30am – noon) for a Black History Month special edition. Clara will highlight the journey of African-American artists in bands that changed indie rock and electronic music.
Mike Weiss, the host of 20th Century Unlimited, is working on two special editions of his Friday morning (9–10:30 am) program for Black History Month.
February 3 – William Grant Still (1895 – 1978)
You’ll hear a sampling of songs, chamber music, and selections from recent recordings of the symphonies of composer William Grant Still, who was closely involved with the music, art, and poetry of the Harlem Renaissance. Still was also an arranger for Fletcher Henderson, Benny Goodman, and other big bands, in addition to being an oboist on the Broadway scene.
February 17 – “Duke” Ellington (1899 – 1974)
This week mixes some of Ellington’s classic music for his own orchestra with his classical music for traditional orchestra. Tune in to hear the music of one of the titans of twentieth century music.
It’s always Black History Month on The Freedom Principle, the radio show that brings listeners the glorious variety of the music of the African Diaspora. This year, your host Tom Fleming will present a 4-part special series every Friday in February:
February 3 – “The Free Jazz Show”
A survey of free jazz featuring Ornette Coleman, Eric Dolphy, John Coltrane, Sun Ra, Albert Ayler, The Art Ensemble of Chicago, et al. In this edition, The Freedom Principle revisits its roots as a CJAM avante-garde jazz program.
February 10 – “Shouting From The Pews”
Rare gospel recordings, fiery sanctified soul, heavy Pentecostal jams, slow-burning moaners, glorified guitar sermons, and righteously ragged a cappella hymns!
“Do I hear an AMEN?” Amen and hallelujah!
February 17 – “Southern Soul Chitlin’ Circuit”
For decades, Soul developed in secret music in the southern United States. In towns and cities across the south, large groups of folks got together on weekends to clap, shout, and dance to the music. The Freedom Principle aims to showcase the obscure culture of the southern soul circuit by juxtaposing new versions of classic songs by a number of current artists with some of the genre’s giants.
February 24 – “Automobile Blues”
Detroit iron has long-represented the epitome of prestige and power in our society – and not least for the bluesman, who was wont to employ the automobile as a mighty metaphor for sexual process, superiority, and conquest. Vroom vroom! Va-voom!
Jamaica is the land of musical appreciation and innovation, and Wake The Town, heard every Friday (10 pm – midnight), is the show that appreciates Jamaica by exploring its music and its musical influence. Martin and Tuner have prepared three specials for Black History Month.
February 3: Bob Marley (1945 – 1981)
Bob Marley was an ambassador of reggae to the world, and every year on Bob Marley’s birthday Wake the Town recognizes his legacy with a whole show focused on his music. This year, Martin and Tuner celebrate a few days early, playing some of Bob’s best, including rarities and, of course, dub versions.
February 10: “Jamaica To Toronto”
During the 1960s and 70s, hundreds of Jamaica’s incredibly talented musicians left their sunny home for snow-bound Canada, bringing their genius with them. On this edition of Wake the Town, explores some of the best Carib-Canadian music ever created.
February 24: “Motown Jamdown”
When the music of Motown hit Jamaica, it made a big impact, and Jamaica responded with Motor City reggae. Wake the Town is pleased to bring Jamaican Motown home to Detroit and Windsor, with reggae versions galore, and a few Hitsville originals you probably never heard before!
* – Indicates Canadian Content
