One of the artists that I’ve been listening to lately thanks to the Euro Americana Chart, is Arthur Lee Land and his latest release Cracked Open and I’ve enjoyed it. Land is a Lyons Colorado based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and unforgettable Loop Artist. From his website:
Electro-Americana may best describe Arthur Lee Land’s eclectic fusion of folk-rock, AfroGrass (worldbeat/bluegrass) and electronica, but cannot fully explain the unique dynamics at work when Arthur enters the studio or takes the stage. The multi-talented performer blends elements from distinctive parts of his career for this recording: his longtime wheelhouse as a touring musician playing folk-rock, country and roots; a world beat/bluegrass hybrid, inspired by a tour of West Africa; and his Art of Live-Looping techniques which have defined his solo live shows since the early 2000s. Then add to this mix – co-producer, engineer and DJ Aaron Shier, who brought in his influences of electronic, house and pop music.
I’ve only given the album a few spins and I will write more about the album later, but what I really wanted to write about was Land’s connection to the non-profit organization Able Child. Land like many children was stigmatized as a child and young adult by the labeling and a drug use associated with ADHD. He writes at his website:
Before the “ADHD” label was being used in our school systems, I was a guinea pig for Ritalin as a so called “hyperactive” 5th grader. Looking back, I wish my parents had AbleChild.Org as a resource. If we had that kind of support back in the day I wouldn’t have had to wait 30 years to re-frame this “disorder” as the truly dynamic gift that it is.
On his website, Land is offering a free download of his autobiographical song “Good Enough” and has a widget on his site to give fans an opportunity to give to the organization!
We all know that the labels that are placed on grade school children hurt they hurt the children throughout their school years, whether it’s through teasing and name calling from fellow students or just the lack of self-esteem that’s often not understood until years later when maybe they finally understand that they ARE “Good Enough”!! So check out that song, and if you, have or know of a child and family who are dealing with ADHD, and the labeling and drugging that accompanies the diagnosis, tell them about AbleChild.org
Crossposted from Me, Myself, Music and Mysteries
