On Saturday, 11th March, we lost our dear friend and writer for Folk Radio, Dave Morrison. He passed away peacefully with his life partner and soulmate, Susan, by his side.
Dave was such a loving, caring and inspiring individual. A freelance writer and music industry veteran, Dave grew up in the UK, first in Birmingham, then Brighton, before moving to Vancouver Island in 2006.
Last month, Dave told me that after 13 years in remission, lung cancer had returned again. I genuinely believed he would make it through, having recovered from cancer three times before this one, and that his incredible positive energy would see him beat it yet again. A few weeks later, he was sending out a farewell message to his many friends. I have never agonised over words like this before, but nothing I say here can really do this man justice; he was a true life force, a deeply caring individual, he was one of a kind.
In the words of his powerhouse soulmate Susan – Dave loved life! His health history taught him to live every day as if it was his last, squeezing every last drop of joy out of every day. His main ambition in life was to be kind, and to try to be a very good friend to the people he loved. He was overwhelmed by all of the messages of love he received when he was in palliative care, and was humbled. You all made him realize that he achieved his goal.
Regulars here will have read Dave’s many reviews and his end-of-year lists; he wrote his first review for us in 2015. Among the many articles he wrote, we were occasionally given a glimpse of his personal life. In his review of Ryan Boldt’s ‘Broadside Ballads’, readers learned that he had a day job at a Nanaimo, BC music store (Fascinating Rhythm) where he kept abreast of the latest happenings and often served artists, including Ryan, also the lead singer/guitarist with noted Saskatoon folk-rockers, The Deep Dark Woods.
He had impeccable taste, and his passion for music was incredibly infectious. His end-of-year lists were always highly anticipated, and his reviews always carried a personal depth that left you in no doubt that he was genuinely moved by the music he had heard.
One particular musical highlight wasn’t a folk one…but it moved us both:
Mali Obomsawin’s “Sweet Tooth” – A release that opened a whole can of worms for me to express myself politically alongside an assessment of its powerful sonics; I’ve never penned a longer review for any album than I did for this extraordinary record. Not only is it an exhibition of dazzlingly composed and performed, deep, spiritual jazz, but from cultural and historical perspectives, it arrived at a point in time to mark it as something of a zeitgeist work of art. Think of it as commensurate with Max Roach’s We Insist! Freedom Now Suite.
He struck me as an incredibly selfless individual; he frequently mentioned Susan in his messages and they shared a deep love for music that shone through right to the end. They were big supporters of their local music scene and loved the annual Campbell Bay Music Festival.
He touched on that love he had for British Colombia in his review of Trent Freeman’s Tune’s EP:
Since moving to Canada from the UK 16 years ago, I’ve encountered some extraordinary artists working in many disciplines, especially in my home province of British Columbia. There’s something about this part of the world, a distinctive x-factor beyond its natural beauty that seems conducive to the stimulation of great art. Consequently, the arts scene spanning all arenas of creativity is fertile and extremely diverse; the musical landscape, in particular, healthily encompasses just about every genre one can imagine.
He was especially attuned to new or lesser-known artists and did his best to support them.
Most recently, that included Lauren Oxford’s ‘wondrous eponymous debut’, Mali Obomsawin’s ‘Sweet Tooth’, Marian van der Zon’s debut album ‘Still Rising’, Gina Davis’ ‘Field Notes‘ and so many more.
That passion was never more vivid than in his end-of-year lists proving that passion had just continued growing and was still positively glowing…he (and Susan) were true music heads, and his comments were often very revealing…
On – Of The Sun – Still Rising (Self-released)
There is so much more to the appreciation of this lovely album than its music. My health has been a total disaster this year, but when I start feeling overly sorry for myself, I only need to think of what Marian van der Zon has been through just to stand upright in the wake of a life-changing accident, let alone her tortuous path to the release of this affecting solo debut. Chronicling aspects of that journey within a framework of catchy folk songs, this is an album you’ll want if in need of an inspiring kick in the pants.
On – Jake Xerxes Fussell – Good and Green Again (Paradise of Bachelors)
In seeing The Magnetic Fields in Vancouver in April, my wife and I finally managed to check off a bucket list band. We had no idea in advance who was opening, and when the lights went down, a regular dude ambled onstage, sat down and said, “Hi, I’m Jake,” then proceeded to deliver a set of unfeasibly laidback country-blues that held the entire house in his palms. Utterly smitten with his voice and demeanour, we consequently scooped up his four-album catalogue within days, beginning with this absolute beauty.
On – Pharis & Jason Romero – Tell ‘Em You Were Gold (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings)
I like everything about Pharis & Jason Romero. Besides their dazzling vocal and instrumental skills that make their earthy folk music sound effortless, I’m fascinated by their rural, downhome existence and highly impressed by their work ethic. They seem like humble, sweet humans, and at the end of the day, they release glorious albums like this latest effort, a long-awaited all-banjo project on which Jason plays seven different banjos, every one of which he and Pharis built. Really, what is there not to love?
On – Mali Obomsawin – Sweet Tooth (Out of Your Head Records)
A release that opened a whole can of worms for me to express myself politically alongside an assessment of its powerful sonics; I’ve never penned a longer review for any album than I did for this extraordinary record. Not only is it an exhibition of dazzlingly composed and performed, deep, spiritual jazz, but from cultural and historical perspectives, it arrived at a point in time to mark it as something of a zeitgeist work of art. Think of it as commensurate with Max Roach’s We Insist! Freedom Now Suite.
I will miss Dave’s words and his infectious passion dearly; he left me with these personal words…he just never stopped caring.
To you specifically, I wanted to say what an utter joy it has been to write for your beautiful site these last few years and to thank you from the bottom of my heart for granting me the venue to express myself in such a manner. I’ve loved every minute.
He was one of the best.
My deepest condolence goes out to Susan, wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Alex