Karim/Warmth of the Ages responses, Podcast so far, Live Takes/ Palestine Fundraiser/So Hard To See It All + Grief workshop/Daily Antedote of song and… Fye.
It never feels like you’re quite ready to hear the news. I was just heading into the cinema to watch the new Dylan film; trying to make sense of some messages that came through my friendship circles – I realised there was news, something had happened and just as the opening scene began, I figured it out, my friend Karim had passed away. I sat through the film – absorbing it – knowing that at in an hour and a half, maybe two hours – this world of the mid 60s would credit role and I’d have to breathe in that truth. I was with a friend who knew him too and as the credits did come over Hey Mr Tamborine Man, my first wave of tears came. Karim and i met at Wake Up London – young adults mindfulness/meditation group. We hung together, traveled together, laughed, blocked roads with Extinction Rebellion together and memorably lived in a monastery (Plum Village) together, volunteering for a year. He got me to record Song of Plum Village (His suggestion for a name was ‘Joe’s Plums’!) I remains my most played Spotify album – so I think of you Karim when I’m looking at the stats!
Whether or not you knew Karim, you have probably grieved, and now 3 months for me – as you may remember- it has begun to soften, though you know those days when you remember fully that that shift has happened. Do relationships end? I don’t think so. Can you still talk to that person, hear their voice/ their response? I think so and not in a supernatural way – just more that Karim is in me, I’ve been with him enough to know how he may have responded to me making certain choices and understanding myself in a certain way. I can feel his hand on my shoulder, see his smile and hear his laugh. He loved to laugh, and also make jokes – he was famous for it. So I wrote a song in the few days after Bob Dylan and here it is – it’s called …‘and then laugh” Love you Karim
Many thanks for all who have been listening to Warmth of the Ages since its release in February. Sending out the digital album bundles and packing up CDs has been a joy; each name and address a little moment of good vibes, so thanks. The album comes with the Warmth of the Ages podcast, featuring a new guest each month talking about the subjects of the songs- starting in February Caroline Lucas on the Right To Roam bill, and a ‘Live Take’ seeing me travel around the country to a relevant location to film a live version; for Green of Grasses, I climbed Kinder Scout in Edale, Sheffield, the site of the mass trespass of 1932. To receive the album project, podcasts and live takes fill out the form here and I’ll send it through.
With huge appreciation to BBC Introducing, BBC6 Music, Cambridge Radio, KOWS FM, Narc Magazine, Slash Music and others for sharing the record too.
Listen to Podcast and Live take episode one below
Palestine Fundraiser
As the situation in Gaza worsens many, many community initiatives are given me hope right now. Streets are alive with the sounds of ‘Free Palestine’ and people are becoming braver in their approaches to peace activism. I was honoured to be involved in a few things related. Firstly this fundraiser for Refugee Aid Network and the shut down Raphael Arms Factory Campaign that brought together singers, poets, and storytellers to respond. I had the honour of being invited and brought new song, ‘So Hard To See It All’ a rewrite of Bob Dylan’s ‘Hard Rain is Gonna Fall’. I re-wrote the song for the journalists of Gaza who have opened my eyes to the horrors at the risks of their own safety.
Later this Summer myself and Scottish Community artist Jean McEwan will hold a workshop together in association with Artists Supporting Palestine. The workshop will look at creativity as a way of grieving and acting – if you would be interested in coming please let me know.
Daily Antedote of Song
Sending my love and appreciation to the crew at Carpediem Arts for having me on Daily Antedote of song in May. Started in lockdown DAOS brings a singer everyday to offer a couple of songs and a conversation. Hosted by my friend, the wonderful singer Melissa James, I offered a peace song out of Liberia and Our Love a Heart These Hands from Warmth of the Ages. Tune in everyday UK 4:45 pm. 1085 now!
Fye
lastly, welcome Fye born February 16th at 12:15, we’ve been singing everyday so far! Fye means faith in old English.
Thanks for reading
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Joe Holtaway 