Welcome to Shift, where Tom Allen takes you on a daily musical journey from the stalwarts of Classical music to the cutting edge of Contemporary tunes. Join us here on CBC music for a round-up of the stories of the day, some videos of music (or maybe just videos interesting to music fans) and a place to speak your voice.
Monday November 5th
Thanks to those who participated in the Rainbow Battle. It was our last week of putting the best renditions of "Over the Rainbow" head to head. The finals came down to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and his ukelele against the originator: Judy Garland. Could the historical first rendition still be the best version of all time, or has the Hawaiian interpretation done enough to become a modern classic?
Congratulations to Judy Garland! She proved that the first version can often be the best. Her vote total was the highest of any rendition throughout the entire tournament. Judy Garland has been crowned the Rainbow Battle Champion!
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Today, SHIFT honours Terry Callier. The musician, Beth Orton collaborator, and childhood friend of Curtis Mayfield, passed away just last week. He was 67 years old.
One boy grew up his entire life without a father. The idea of his father was simply a myth. It turned out there was simply an ocean between them, and a single camera that had been their only connection.
Related:
VIDEO: Tom Allen and Robert Harris discuss the Greatness of "Over the Rainbow"
Rainbow Battle Week 1: Ian Tyson vs. Maynard Ferguson Sextet
Rainbow Battle Week 2: Ian Tyson vs. Ray Charles
Rainbow Battle Week 3: Ian Tyson vs. Keith Jarrett
Rainbow Battle Week 4: Ian Tyson vs. Melody Gardot
Rainbow Battle Week 5: Ian Tyson vs. Ella Fitzgerald
Rainbow Battle Week 6: Ella Fitzgerald vs. Eva Cassidy
Rainbow Battle Week 7: Eva Cassidy vs. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Daryn Jones, host of Over the Rainbow, in praise of the musical
Why is 'Over the Rainbow' great? Sam Roberts, Jill Barber, Susie Arioli and others weigh in
You can contact us at SHIFT with your ideas, questions, or anything else by sending us a message on our Facebook page. Through email, you can reach show producers Alison Howard ( alison.howard@cbc.ca ) or Alex Redekop ( alex.redekop@cbc.ca ).