Constitution by The Afro-Métis Nation
The Afro-Métis Nation 'Constitution' Album
This collection of 18 songs celebrates the struggles and achievements of Canadians with Black and Indigenous ancestry.
The album was created and performed by George Elliott Clarke, Shelley Hamilton, 'Sugar Plum' Croxen, Russ Kelley and Chris White, with musical contributions from Brent Williams, Shari Clarke, Karen Ashton, Gilbert Daye, John Showman, John Somosi and Ken Whiteley.
The album was produced by Ken Whiteley and The Afro-Métis Nation, and engineered by Nik Tjelios (Toronto) and Darren van Niekerk (Halifax).
Afro-Métis Nation website: http://www.afrometis.ca
Tracklist
| 1. | Skin | 3:56 |
| 2. | O Canada | 2:41 |
| 3. | More Of This Land | 3:51 |
| 4. | Bannock And Beans | 3:20 |
| 5. | It's A Wonder | 3:49 |
| 6. | Rootz | 3:49 |
| 7. | People Are People | 2:14 |
| 8. | For The Murdered And The Missing | 5:07 |
| 9. | We Need A Lot More Love | 3:30 |
| 10. | One And One Is Two (1+1=2) | 2:41 |
| 11. | The Garlic And The Rose | 3:36 |
| 12. | 1871 Census | 1:05 |
| 13. | 1881 Census | 1:13 |
| 14. | Singing For Viola | 3:24 |
| 15. | William Andrew | 5:08 |
| 16. | Hymn To Portia White | 3:51 |
| 17. | Ain't You Scared Of The Sacred? | 3:05 |
| 18. | Pass Me Not | 4:53 |
Credits
TRACKS
1. Skin (by Shelley Hamilton and George Elliott Clarke)
"Where do I fit in?" ... a question of colour ...
2. O Canada (by George Elliott Clarke)
A revised national anthem that includes everyone.
3. More of This Land (by Shelley Hamilton)
A defiant assertion of belonging sung by a proud Afro-Métis citizen.
4. Bannock and Beans (by Sugar Plum Croxen)
In praise of a traditional Native meal.
5. It's a Wonder (by Russ Kelley)
A testament to the courage and tenacity of our marginalized ancestors.
6. Rootz (by Shelley Hamilton)
Our Black and Indigenous ancestors speak and sing through us.
7. People Are People (by Sugar Plum Croxen)
Encouraging all listeners to "live and let live".
8. For the Murdered and the Missing (by George Elliott Clarke)
Troubling and urgent questions about murdered and missing Aboriginal women.
9. We Need a Lot More Love (by Russ Kelley)
A plea for more caring, respect and acceptance in the world.
10. One and One Is Two (1+1 = 2) (by Sugar Plum Croxen)
The mathematics of love!
11. The Garlic and the Rose (by Chris White)
A symbolic tale of cooperation in the garden.
12 and 13. '1871 Census' and '1881 Census' (by Shelley Hamilton)
Direct historical evidence of the Afro-Métis reality: the blending of Black and Indigenous families.
14. Singing for Viola (by Chris White)
In praise of Nova Scotian entrepreneur and civil rights champion, Viola Desmond (1914-1965).
15. William Andrew (by Chris White)
The story of Rev. Capt. Dr. William Andrew White II (1874-1936), the son of slaves.
16. Hymn to Portia White (by George Elliott Clarke and Chris White)
Celebrating the remarkable achievements of Canadian contralto, Portia May White (1911-1968).
17. Ain't You Scared of the Sacred? (by George Elliott Clarke)
An invitation to look inwards on questions of justice and morality.
18. Pass Me Not (by George Elliott Clarke)
A heartfelt prayer for spiritual recognition.
CREDITS
George Elliott Clarke - Lead Vocals/Spoken Word: 1,2,8,16,17,18. Backing Vocals: 1,3.
Sugar Plum Croxen - Lead Vocals: 4,7,10. Backing Vocals: 1,4,6,7,11,14,15. Ukulele: 7. Guitar: 4,10. Drums: 3,6,9,10. Conga Drums: 4,7,10. Shakers: 10. Bass: 10.
Russ Kelley - Lead Vocals: 5,9. Backing Vocals: 1,3,4,7,11,14,15,18. Guitar: 2,5,9.
Shelley Hamilton - Lead Vocals: 1,2,3,6,8,10,12,13. Backing Vocals: 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,14,15,18. Ukulele: 3,6. Spoons: 4.
Chris White - Lead Vocals: 11,14,15,16. Backing Vocals: 1,3,4,7,11,14,15,18. Guitar: 11,14,15,16.
Karen Ashton - Electric Guitar: 3, 14. Backing Vocals: 3.
Shari Clarke - Flute: 12. Violin: 1,10,13. Nickelharpa: 17. Backing Vocals: 1,3.
Gilbert Daye - Conga Drums: 1,5,14. Bass: 9.
John Somosi - Native Drum: 1,8,15. Backing Vocals: 15.
John Showman - Violin: 11,14,16.
Ken Whiteley - Vibraphone: 6. Bass: 3,5,6,15,16,18. Guitar: 6. Banjo: 15. Tambourine: 5. Slide Guitar: 3. Organ: 9,10,18. Piano: 18. Washtub Bass: 4.
Brent Williams - Backing Vocals: 11,14.
License
All rights reserved.
George Elliott Clarke, O.C., has served as Poet Laureate of Parliament and Poet Laureate of Toronto. Shelley Hamilton is a two-time winner of the ANSMA 'Artist of the Year' Award. Russ Kelley and Chris White are performing songwriters and recording artists. 'Sugar Plum' Croxen has performed and toured since his teens. These artists honour their Black and Indigenous ancestors though this work.