"In an age where political discourse and and converstion is often polarizing at best, Toronto folksinger Larry Folk brings a call of unity and equality with his warm, inviting single There is a Power." (Canadian Beats - October 2024 )
CD Release Show
SUNDAY OCTOBER 27, 2024
2 - 4pm
$20 MUSIC - $25 MUSIC+CD
The LOFT at OLDE STONE COTTAGE PUB
3750 KINGSTON RD
SCARB ON
Larry Folk, Dylan Bell, Suba Sankaran & Tom Lillington
Seating is limited - email adreanab@yahoo.ca to reserve your spot
The Listening party was awesome.
Thanks to all who were able to attend, and those that tried to, but couldn't.
What a great feature offered by Bandcamp.
NEWS:
Lessen The Blue marks Larry's Debut on the FAI Folk Charts for September at #29
&
Lessen The Blue Debuts on the AirplayDirect Bluegrass-Folk Chart for September at #16
Available Everywhere
Lessen The Blue
Larry Folk
Includes:
There is a Power (Amandla! Ngawethu!)
After reading Mark Mathabane's book Kaffir Boy (A derogatory term used against black men in South Africa), Larry learned of the chant used by the Black population at rallies to free themselves of Apartheid: "Amandla! Ngawethu!" - Power is with us! He was inspired to put the words to music. The resulting song was sung on Ottawa's Parliament Hill and Toronto City Hall at rallies to end Apartheid. After the oppressive regime was overturned, the song was shelved. Until now. Larry was sorting through some old demos when he came across the song, and it occured to him that there might be a place for it now. We live in challenging times. Larry completely revised the lyric, wrote a new chorus, created an exciting new arrangment, and delivers a message of untiy that resonates today.
215 (Two Hundred Fifteen)
After viewing a CBC documentary on the Residential School in Kamloops, Larry was moved to write this piece. "215" refers to the number of impressions discovered on the site that could be graves of children who never returned home. Larry knew it was not his story to tell, but felt compelled to respond to it. The final line of the piece is based on the words of survivor, musician/drum-maker Norman Retasket, who graciously agreed to share his words with Larry for this song. Larry plays one of Norman's hand drums in the recording, and in the live solo video on the MEDIA page. The CD version was arranged by Suba Sankaran and Dylan Bell, who also sing on it.
for more, visit: The Indigenous Foundation
There is a Power (Lyric Video)
Advance Single - Hey Politician!
Music video :
Retribution; in-fighting; stalling; personal attacks; Sounds like a plot from HBO’s hit series Succession. Actually it’s politics as usual these days. And just like the hit show, it’s hard to find a likeable character among our current elected officials. Singer/songwriter Larry Folk follows up his moving song of goodbye (Gathering of Friends) with a to-the-point commentary on the current political climate. Though never intended to be released publicly, the atrocious level of un-civility that exists in today’s politics begs for the song’s inclusion in his upcoming CD LESSEN THE BLUE. In the tradition of the great protest songs of the past, Larry’s take on the outrageous behavior is a biting statement on our divided reality. Hey Politician! is a fast, upbeat Bluegrass scorcher that calls for a return to civility. In the words of Bob Dylan, “You gotta serve somebody.” When it comes to our public officials, that should be the people.
Photo: Michael J Smith 1977
Larry "LJ" Folk
Singer/Songwriter Larry Folk
