Lillian Allen is a Jamaican-born, Toronto-based writer, performer and activist. She is a 2-time Juno Award winner, and is considered the godmother of Canadian rap/hiphop, dub, and spoken word. Lillian was recently appointed as the city of Toronto’s 7th Poet Laureate - a position she’ll hold for 3-years.
A trailblazer, ambassador, professor, and creative force of nature, Lillian's insights into music, literature, society, and culture come from a lifetime of experience, observation, and unique artistic expression.
Learn more about Lillian at lillianallen.ca
Other references:
Make The World New: The Poetry of Lillian Allen (2021)
Jamaica Labrish (Louise Bennett-Coverly)
THE MUSIC BUDDY SESSION:
"To a Jazz Musician (Contemplating Suicide)", by Lillian Allen
Performed by Lillian Allen, Tim Vesely, and Jane Gowan
Recorded at the Woodshed Studio by Tim Vesely; Mixed and mastered by Tim Vesely
Music samples in this episode:
"The Subversives" (Revolutionary Tea Party, 1986)
"My Toronto" (Anxiety, 2012)
"Revolutionary Tea Party" (Revolutionary Tea Party, 1986)
"Limbo Dancer" (Word Up, 1994)*
"Woken and Unbroken" (Single, 2018)
"Conditions Critical" (Conditions Critical, 1994)
"Birth Poem" (Revolutionary Tea Party, 1986)
*Thank you to musician and performance poet John Sobol for sharing the audio file for "Limbo Dancer". The song was recorded at the Banff Centre for the Arts, and recorded by poet Kedrick James. For more information on John or his work, head to youareyourmedia.org.
Thank you for listening!
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MUSIC BUDDY IS:
Jane Gowan (host, producer, editor)
Tim Vesely (co-producer/co-host)
The show's theme song, "Human Stuff," is written by Jane Gowan and Tim Vesely, and performed by Jane and Tim, with additional vocals by Steve Wright and Connie Kostiuk
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