Pioneer Grooves

Episode Notes

Nancy speaks with Pat about her ancestor's roots as migrants to Nova Scotia, being Portia White's niece, and her experience with music in her family. The two discuss Nancy's experience studying at the University of Toronto for social work, marriage, and experiences with Expo 67. The Sir George Williams' Affair and musician Eileen Bourne are also discussed extensively in this illuminating episode of Pioneer Grooves.

Episode Notes

Your host Pat speaks with an old friend, Jah Cutta about his childhood and early beginnings as an artist, singer, and entertainer. Often called Canada’s King of Reggae, Cutta discusses his mother, his family, attending LaSalle High School, and his experience with his own lyrics vs. performing lyrics created by others. He goes in depth about artists in reggae, becoming a senior citizen, recalling memorable gigs and receiving a Key to Africa from Nelson Mandela. The podcast ends with the artist offering advice to aspiring musicians. He even sings a little bit!

Episode Notes

Pete speaks with host Pat Dillon-Moore about his roots in Saint Lucia and learning to play genres such as Soul and Calypso. He discusses the impacts of moving abroad to New York, England and Montreal, as well as racism in Europe and cultural differences between the cities he has lived in. The lessons he has learned from the last 60 years is a major theme in the interview, especially those that relate to his craft as an entertainer.

On a snowy afternoon, we had the privilege of spending hours with the legendary Oliver Jones in his home. He played music and shared captivating stories of 90 years of a wonderful life.

Lovingly known as Ollie, he took us on a journey through his youth in Little Burgundy, with icons like Oscar Peterson and Daisy Sweeney, and gave us a glimpse into the dizzying heights of his remarkable career.

We’re thrilled to share this episode with you — an entertaining and intimate look into the life of a Montreal master.

One of the most important aspects of a legacy that an artist can have and leave is the artwork. We at Pioneer Grooves feel privileged to have been part of the creative process with the members of the original Exponians.

To be working and creating alongside the descendants of the original musicians as well as the living members was extraordinary. The offerings include two pieces, The Age of Aquarius a medley of two songs written for the 1967 musical Hair by James Rado and Gerome Ragni (lyrics), and Galt MacDermot (music), released as a single by American R&B group the 5th Dimension. Trini 2 De Bone is a pan arrangement of David Rudder's 2002 calypso.