Books & Audiobooks
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada. To celebrate and uplift the voices and experiences of Black Canadians, I’ve decided to spotlight some of the albums in WPL’s collection that showcase the diversity of sounds, styles, and stories of the Black Canadian community. Some are well-known, while others are underrated hidden gems, but each represents an important contribution to the vibrant history and tradition of Black Canadian music.
This selection offers just a small glimpse at the rich diversity of Black Canadian music, leaving much more to go and explore! WPL’s catalogue also features the unflinchingly bold Afro-Colombian music of Lido Pimienta; the cerebral conscious hip hop of Shad; the smooth and mellow neo-soul vibes of Daniel Caesar; and of course, Drake’s immensely successful combination of pop and rap. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time listener, all of these artists and albums provide a great way to connect and engage with the ongoing legacy of Black artistry in Canada.
Oscar Peterson – Night Train
Night Train is a fantastic showcase of musicality from Canada’s most esteemed jazz musician, Oscar Peterson. With a simple jazz trio – piano, upright bass, and drums – the album shows how a basic “recipe” can result in magic. Peterson is a piano virtuoso, and his playing and improvising takes centre stage – but Ray Brown’s bass and Ed Thigpen’s drumming should not go unappreciated either. The album features a selection of iconic jazz standards, each arranged and performed to perfection, as well as Peterson’s most iconic original composition, “Hymn to Freedom” – a highlight of the album. With its smooth and relaxing combination of cool jazz, blues, and gospel, Night Train is one of Canada’s greatest jazz records.
View AlbumAlso check out: We Get Requests
Measha Brueggergosman – Songs of Freedom
Songs of Freedom is a collection of traditional spirituals, arranged for the 2015 docu-series of the same name. The album pays homage to the connected experiences and history of Black Americans and Canadians, incorporating spoken word and interview samples that illuminate the rich history of the African diaspora across North America. This album is rooted in a Christian perspective, but even non-religious listeners like myself will be able to appreciate the musicality: Measha Brueggergosman has an unforgettable voice and a style unlike any other. She makes use of her classically trained background, effortlessly gliding between her standard singing range and her operatic soprano range an octave above. This seamless blending of gospel and opera is extraordinarily unique, and well worth a listen.
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Tanika Charles – The Gumption
The Gumption is a fantastic showcase of creative confidence and identity, especially for only the second album of Tanika Charles’ career. A true love letter to the Motown era, this album channels the timeless appeal of classic soul and R&B music. Each song has an infectiously catchy funk riff, with vibrant brass sections and groovy basslines on full display. The vocals are just as spellbinding as the instrumentation: Charles’ delivery is full of personality and energy, whether she’s singing a smooth ballad or an upbeat danceable anthem. Her sound strikes a balance between fresh, contemporary sensibilities and vintage charm, making her a standout voice in Canada’s soul and R&B scene.
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The Weeknd – After Hours
After Hours encapsulates The Weeknd’s signature style of spacey synthwave, expertly blending modern stylings such as trap and lo-fi beats with 1980s-inspired dance and synthwave sounds. The smash-hit single “Blinding Lights” brilliantly exemplifies this homage to 80s new wave, and remains in my opinion one of the best pieces of popular music in recent years. The album’s unique atmosphere stands out in the pop music landscape, embracing a darker and grittier tone synonymous with the synthwave aesthetic. Lyrically, After Hours explores themes of loneliness, heartbreak, and self-loathing, taking the listener through a whirlwind of emotions that is both chaotic and cathartic.
View AlbumAlso check out: Dawn FM