Toronto, ON-based Sultans of String will be releasing their seventh album, REFUGE on March 20, 2020.
“This is a project that is centred around the positive and ignored contributions of Indigenous peoples, refugees and new immigrants to U.S.A. and Canada,” says bandleader Chris McKhool, whose Lebanese grandfather stowed away on a ship bound for North America a century ago. “We are bringing in special guests who are the First Peoples of this land, newcomers, as well as global talents who’ve been ambassadors for peace. We wish to celebrate the successes of those who make the journey here, and bring their extraordinary talents with them. We hope that the kinds of conversations we can have as musicians can provide a model for peace that our politicians and citizens find inspiration from.”
In advance, they have unveiled a video for their evocative and powerful single, “The Power of the Land”, a poem penned by Duke Redbird set to music by Sultans of String and buoyed by impassioned harmonies of Indigenous husband and wife duo, Twin Flames.
Recorded at the Indigenous-based and owned Jukasa Studios on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory Reserve, the collaboration is the happy result of McKhool first hearing Redbird read The Power of the Land at an event at Koerner Hall. He was so moved by his words and asked the Elder if he would like music to accompany the work.
Redbird shares,
“It was a yes, a hug and friendly handshake.” Commenting on the parallel between the Indigenous and refugee/new immigrant communities, he adds, “the country we live in, since Confederation, has not invited the Indigenous people to share in Confederation, the experience has been one of serious exploitation for our resources, our land and for the capacity of the people to engage in an innovative, creative and inventive way with the dominant culture. What’s happening is similar to new immigrants and refugees, themselves often coming from colonial experiences… they are very empathetic to our experience and as a result, we see a better future for everyone if we all work together.”
When asked about the greater meaning of recording this single, Chelsey of Twin Flames shares,
“I think for me, it furthers the discussions around reconciliation and what that is, here in our country. Having Chris reach out to us in this way and present, not only Indigenous musical voices, but also Indigenous elder voices is an amazing project to be put together. And being right here on Indigenous land at Jukasa Studios, it takes it even to another level.”
Check out the video below and stay up to date with Sultans of String via their socials.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
November 8 @ OMEA Showcase, Toronto ON
November 23 @ Fergus Grand Theatre, Fergus ON
November 28 @ Banff Centre for the Arts, Banff AB
Christmas Caravan w/ Guest Rebecca Campbell
November 29 @ Fish Creek Concerts, Calgary AB
Christmas Caravan w/ Guest Rebecca Campbell
November 30 @ Festival Place, Sherwood Park AB
Christmas Caravan w/ Guest Rebecca Campbell
December 1 @ Beneath the Arch Concerts, Turner Valley AB
Christmas Caravan w/ Guest Rebecca Campbell
December 5 @ Wolf Performance Hall, London ON
Christmas Caravan w/ Guest Rebecca Campbell
December 6 @ Live Wire Music, Kingston ON
Christmas Caravan w/ Guests Rebecca Campbell & Lynn Miles
December 8 @ Concert Hall at Victoria Hall, Coburg ON
Christmas Caravan
December 12 @ Empire Theatre, Belleville ON
December 13 @ Sanderson Centre, Brantford ON
Christmas Caravan w/ Guests Rebecca Campbell, Donné Roberts & Ken Whiteley
December 14 @ Oakville Performing Arts Centre
Christmas Caravan w/ Guests Rebecca Campbell, Lynn Miles, Donné Roberts & Ken Whiteley
December 15 @ Kingston Road Village Concert Series
Christmas Caravan w/ Guests Rebecca Campbell, Lynn Miles, Donné Roberts & Tamar Ilana
December 19 @ Shenkman Arts Centre, Ottawa ON
Christmas Caravan w/ Guests Rebecca Campbell, Lynn Miles, Kellylee Evans & Kristine St-Pierre
February 8 @ Living Arts Centre, Mississauga ON
w/ Mississauga Symphony Orchestra
March 7 @ Classic Theatre, Cobalt ON
May 2 @ Gravenhurst Opera House, Gravenhurst ON
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