BlackMaled by Toki Wright

by Doug MacRostie. 

Toki Wright is a hip-hop artist out of Minneapolis. Raised in a Buddhist household, and immersing himself in Black history, world culture, and community work, Toki's awareness of the diverse world we live in is translated through his content driven music. Toki is not only a well established emcee but one of the hardest working community activists in the Twin Cities area. With numerous accolades and a tour history that has taken him from New York to Uganda, he is a powerful voice prepared to educate and challenge as well as entertain. Toki Wright joins me this week on Centerstage MN.

Toki told me, "I’m driven to create music by trying to get the craziness out of my head. I think we all have these thoughts and ideas and we express ourselves in different ways... I chose to write and I feel like there’s a voice that isn’t always represented every time that you hear a hip-hop song or a rap song… But yet, we can still be eloquent in our speaking and we still can be creative… I’m driven to represent people from my era, from my neighborhood, people that think similarly and who question things we think to be true.” 

Toki also runs the first fully accredited Hip-Hop diploma studies program in the U.S. at McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul. His last full-length album was 2009's "A Different Mirror." His latest release is an EP supported by the MN State Arts Board called "BlackMale" which is based on the experience of African Americans in Minnesota. It's all powerful stuff, don't miss this interview!

To set up the conversation with Toki we'll hear from fellow Rhymesayers  rappers: Brother Ali and Atmosphere, two of MN's premiere Hip-Hop artists.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls Saturday nights at 11 & Wednesdays at Noon, and on WTIP in Grand Marais Thursday afternoons at 4. Often featured on MNartists.org.

Rolling Down the River to the West Bank

by Doug MacRostie

"The West Bank" has historically been a hotbed for music in Minnesota. Part of the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in Minneapolis, it's bordered by the Mississippi River to the north and east. This creative community is fueled by the close proximity of various cultures; there are urban poor of diverse ethnic backgrounds, college students, and middle-class urbanites. Back in the 60's, when some kid named Bob Zimmerman was learning folk music and some young chick named Bonnie Raitt recorded her debut CD, one of the most influential blues and folk trios formed: Koerner, Ray and Glover. The two surviving members, Spider John Koerner and Tony Glover performed in early July at Mill City Museum on the West Bank and we'll hear that performance this Thursday night at 6 on Centerstage MN, with a big thanks to our sister-station KFAI for capturing the concert for us, made possible by the MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

To set up that concert, we'll hear a new CD from Darryl Holter called "West Bank Gone," which takes us back to the West Bank in the 60's. We'll hear the title track which chronicles some of the West Bank personalities that are no longer with us.

We'll also hear some modern music coming of the Minneapolis music scene: Brother Ali and More Than Lights - we'll hear songs relating to the life, struggle and power of women. I am working on getting both of them on Centerstage MN sometime... it WILL happen, I just don't know when :)

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji and can be heard again Sunday mornings at 6. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org. Centerstage MN is also heard on KSRQ in Thief River Falls, and on KMSU in Mankato. Sometimes heard on KFAI in Minneapolis & St. Paul and WTIP in Grand Marais. Often featured on MNartists.org.

The Sharp Ears of Peter Ostroushko

by Doug MacRostie

Ostroushko is actually two Ukrainian words put together: Ostro and Ushko which mean Sharp and Ear, and as one of the most accomplished instrumentalists and gifted composers of his generation, it's no surprise that Peter Ostroushko is from the Sharp Ear family of Ukraine. I'll be talking with him this week on Centerstage MN about his long and productive music career that started in NE Minneapolis and what made him into the songwriter he is today. A multi-instrumentalist who began his professional career in high school, he concentrates on fiddle and mandolin and his first recording session was on Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks.” Since 1985 he has released 16 albums and has worked with the likes of Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Taj Mahal, Greg Brown and many others. It's going to be a real treat talking to him.

We'll also travel back in time and hear the story of a song. John Berquist of Eveleth has been telling stories and performing traditional music of Scandanavian-Americans for almost 40 years, and he tells us about a song that came right out of the grain harvest season long ago in Northwestern MN and North Dakota. As one of the Minnesota's most respected folklorists, John presents concerts and programs that bring to life the heritage and lore of the Upper Midwest.

Plus, KAXE Intern Tim Krueth (A.K.A. Timtern) reviews Us, the latest release from Minneapolis hip-hop artist Brother Ali. BrotherAli.com describes Us as, "A profound personal glimpse into a vulnerability seldom seen or heard in music, Us touches on the strengths and flaws of the human condition, exploring drug abuse, divorce, homophobia and many more topics that most people are scared to touch in their own lives, much less on an album for the world to see."

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.

Albums of the Year: a Macedelic Perspective

by Doug MacRostie

So I am doing things a little different for the Macedelic Music Awards this year (the REAL MMAs :p); instead of a separate list of of MN artists it's all one top 10 list. There is music that makes me happy, music that makes me sad...music for when you're mad, music for when you're glad... Of course, the list is in no particular order and while I am fortunate enough to host Centerstage MN on 91.7 KAXE, this list is my opinion alone and does not reflect the views, opinions or ideas of Northern Community Radio, KAXE or Centerstage MN. Without further ado, here are the 10 best CDs of 2009:

The Flaming Lips "Embryonic"
I think what I like so much about this CD is it's SO not-pop. Compared to some of the recent FL albums which used harmonies and melodies to help put their quirky tunes to mass-audience-ears, this album is almost all experimental and out there. The creativity and beyond-the-edge sonic craziness is refreshing, haunting, edgy and beautiful. This isn't about melodies and hooks, and I love it. And after finally catching the Flaming Lips live, I feel like I know Wayne Coyne on a personal level.

The Pines "Tremolo"
There is something perfect about this album; it has a sense of place (in the Midwest), it has textures and sounds and music that seems to be the ambiance to an intricate and delicate world. Or as I said before, "When you listen to The Pines new album "Tremolo," the guitars dance slowly and methodically as voices whisper in your ear and sounds and images drift around like a living, breathing creature surrounding you with reflections of the modern world on an aged mirror - combining emotion and storytelling into a beautiful and simple presentation that can sooth you one moment and take your breath away the next."

Regina Spektor "Far"
This album has one of my fav songs of the year on it thanks to Regina's crafty and intelligent songwriting - "The Calculation." Seriously, this album could have made my top 10 list just with this song. That's not to say the rest of the album isn't great - but the story of lovers realizing the emptiness of modern life and the lack of a soul in so much of what we do (and how they react) is top notch. "So we made the hard decision / and we each made an incision / past our muscles and our bones / saw our hearts were little stones / pulled them out they weren't beating / and we weren't even bleeding / as we lay them on the granite counter top...we beat up against each other / we struck them so hard, so hard, until they sparked..."

Dalia "Treetops and Telephone Wires"
I was most impressed when I saw Dalia perform with some of her friends at 10KLF and was really excited to listen her CD, and I was not dissapointed. Mixing elements of hip-hop, folk, world and acoustic music this CD is a collection of clever lyrics, beautiful melodies and harmonies, and heartfelt songs. Her voice is soft and clear - it feels like she is in the room singing the songs to you - perfectly personal and inspiring.

Brother Ali "Us"
I first heard about Brother Ali on All Things Considered when they introduced an albino, blind, muslin rapper from Minneapolis - my ears perked up... With an obvious understanding of minority struggles this album touches on some serious topics in a profound and moving way. From the brutal and honest story of kidnapped Africans shipped off to slavery in "The Travelers", the story of a rejected and abandoned youth finding voice and compassion in "Breaking Dawn" or any of the other heartfelt and emotional songs like "Tight Rope" which is my fav song of the year (that, or that Regina Spektor song...).

Mason Jennings "Blood of Man"
The darker edge of this album, both in sound and subject matter, was an instant draw to me. Mason is a profound songwriter who continually evolves and grows with his music and this sonic shift (all played and recorded himself) is the perfect raw sound for raw emotional vocals. Top song for me is "The Field" about a fallen U.S. soldier from the parents perspective. The feeling of pride as he grows up, and the change when he goes to war; "when your first letter came, it sounded nothing like you / It took all my strength, to keep myself from running to you...". This song can still bring tears to my eyes as the intensity rises and Mason's voice breaks as he sings, "I don't want no victory, I just want you back."

Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank "Traveling Show"
This is the only thing I pre-ordered all of 2009, and the T-shirt I got for it is one of my favs, hehe (but seriously - people notice a Hobo Nephews shirt in these parts!). Teague and Ian Alexy are two outstanding songwriters with new interpretations of traditional styles of music. They stroll passed established boundaries and it's that element of experimentation and evolution that attracts me to their music. That, and the wonderful mix of their unique voices and inventive roots music.

Imogen Heap "Ellipse"
What a voice! And, I don't know if I have heard an album that sounded more fun to put together - something in Imogen's voice makes me think she had the time of her life recording this album (whether that's true or not, I have no idea). It's hip, it's thoughtful and it's a little different than the norm - which are all good things. Highly produced, electro-infused pop songs with intelligent and engaging content; electronically embellished yet deeply personal.

Marcy Playground "Leaving Wonderland ... In a Fit of Rage"
I have enjoyed each of the MP albums, but this one really stands out to me. Singer, guitarist and songwriter John Wozniak has been through a lot since the last release and included a lot of personal and emotional stories - he might as well be naked on this cover of this CD it's so personal. I also love the way he dances around lines/ideas from his previous work and brings it into the new material; it's like the music has followed him full circle, but now includes a maturity and thoughtful eye that give the music new life and deep meaning.

Eminem "Relapse"
Sometimes I really like mad music - and few are better at that than Eminem. I was skeptical when I downloaded this album - how could Em surprise me anymore? Could he make me stop and say, "no way did he just say that...". But he did it! As usual, I had to listen to the album a couple times to get into the flow and it grew on me like a fungus. From Dr. Dre coming in to throw down on the creativity of marijuana to family violence and rape, Eminem once again tackles subjects most people wouldn't even talk about it. And yeah, the album definitely has some surprised...just listen to "Insane" if you don't believe me. I enjoy "Stay Wide Awake" too for many of the same reasons: "I'm crazy but that's alright with me, man life can be so empty / Stay away from me 'cause I'm dancing to quite a different drum beat..."

Honorable mentions: Tori Amos, Matt Ray, Two Many Banjos, Living on Earth (great radio show :p), Seawolf, The Decemberists, Jake Dilley and the Color Pharmacy, Escher Lennon (he rox!), Bruce Cockburn and Leonard Cohen (I didn't count live CDs this time), Mark Knopfler, Clawthroat (excellent live show), Eilen Jewell, Chris Cornell, A Fine Frenzy, Magic Castles, Elmo, the first season of The Muppet Show, the list could go on and on...these 'honorable mentions' are handy so I don't have to sit and argue with myself over the final couple spots of the top 10 list :p

Biggest dissapointment: "Death Magnetic" from Metallica. While it is WAY better than St. Anger because they've brought back guitar solos (especially considering that Kirk is one of the best out there, and the reason I first picked up a guitar), but now we need to get James to stop singing...

Most undecidable: Alice in Chains "Black Gives Way to Blue"

Jeffrey Clarke + High Bongo + Brother Ali = Awesome

by Doug MacRostie

It's always good to keep an open mind - actually, it's necessary to keep an open mind - when presenting a true variety of music. No matter how much I want to listen to some loud screaming guitars or thumping beats, working at KAXE keeps my mind pried open and experiencing new things. Case and point: I normally wouldn't pick up a Country-Rock CD to jam out to in the car, and I would have missed the crafty and intelligent songwriting of Jeffrey Clarke. He'll be joining me in-studio this Thursday night at 6 on Centerstage MN to talk about his new CD "Feelin' Fine." From Chicago, with lots of time spent around Effie, Jeffrey started playing music at an early age as a drummer but switched to piano and guitar for songwriting and after years with rock and metal bands realized his songwriting and lifestyle were a better fit with country music. I should say, I'm NOT referring to dumbed down, pop-country b.s. - but actual songwriting with stories, messages and introspection that is often lacking in modern country music. Jeffrey will have his guitar along in the studio to perform some live music as we talk about his latest, and best-yet, CD.

I'm also really excited to have an exclusive debut of the new album from K.C. Johnson and Pat Downing called "High Bongo II." Furthering the sound of their debut release, it's a cross-style of folk and jazz with some elements of blues mixed in - all twisted together for a hip and exciting style of their own. The music is comfortably personal and whispers in your ear as the bass walks by, the guitar soars overhead and the sound consumes you. Pat plays upright bass and K.C. sings and plays guitar & hand drums. As with the first High Bongo CD, it's a mix of tastefully-arranged covers and beautiful written and arranged music by K.C. The album bleeds cool, sweats emotion and looks you right in the eyes. We'll be hearing a lot of it in the weeks (and years) to come on KAXE. These guys put the 'bong' in bongo...whatever that means, and are definitely the coolest cats in Grand Rapids.

While I'm not doing a "best of 2009" show, I will be announcing my pick for the best song out of MN - Brother Ali with "Tight Rope" from the album Us. This song is a masterpiece on an excellent album. The 3 verses sing about the life and strife of a Somalian refugee struggling in Minneapolis [Unwanted visitor in a different culture / Missing home and can’t go, they civil warring / Listen soldier, forget getting over / Prison sit around the corner / Homelessness even closer /], the inconsistencies and competition of a child with divorced parents [Gotta pick up the pieces and move on / Bedtime stories they read ‘em on the phone / Live in two houses and neither one is home / Wishing you were grown had the freedom to get gone /] and the pain and confusion of a young gay child in a traditional religious family [‘Cause their ain’t no flame that can blaze enough / To trump being hated for the way you love / And cry yourself to sleep and hate waking up / It’s a cold world y’all shame on us/ ]. I like music that approaches difficult topics, and not only did Brother Ali do that, but with such well crafted words the song makes my heart cry out for these kids as my eyes are opened to new/different perspectives. You can read the full lyrics, and hear the song at Hip Hop Linguistics.

Centerstage MN is Thursday evenings at 6, streaming live online at www.KAXE.org; or 91.7 Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji. All interviews are archived at www.KAXE.org and the show is rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.