Waterfalls, Baker River, Rio Baker, Patagonia, Chile. Click the thumbnail to see a larger version.

Hey Folks

“How many rivers do we have to cross, Before we can talk to the boss, eh?” – Bob Marley, “Burnin and Lootin'”.

Today, Feb 6th, 2010, is the 65th anniversary of Bob Marley’s birthday. Bob is one of my highest musical heroes, and this tune, of all his great songs, is probably the one that I love the most. So, in honor of the great Bob Marley, here’s a version of his classic ‘Redemption Song‘ that I recorded a few years back with my friend Steve on vocals.

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I thought this photo would be a fitting accompaniment. This photo is of the waterfall on the Baker River, beginning of a series of Class 5 and Class 6 rapids through an unbelievable canyon. The Baker River runs through central Patagonia, Chile; a river currently being dammed (illegally, I’m told by locals). It won’t be too much longer and sadly the view you see here will be no more.

I was in Patagonia, on the Baker, in 2007. It’s frustrating being so far away now, and completely removed from a situation I would gladly stand and fight against. I can’t help but wish there was something to be done, but what? This kind of endless development and pursuit of ‘more‘ is undoubtedly man’s end.

“You ain’t gonna miss your water until your well runs dry;
No matter how you treat him, the man will never be satisfied.” – Bob Marley, “Could You Be Loved”.

Bob Marley transcended musical boundaries, cultural boundaries, spiritual and religious paths; the truths he sang lashed out at political oppression and social injustice. I know he’d have seen this kind of devastation as equally destructive. “How long shall they kill our prophets?”, he asked, in ‘Redemption Song’. Perhaps the best answer is ‘as long as we continue to allow them to‘.

Thank you Bob Marley, for your music, your inspiration and redemption. Thank you to the Baker River. Thank you to the people of Chile who’ve overwhelmingly opposed the damming of the Baker (along the the BioBio and the Pascual). Thank you to my good friend Steve for your voice on this tune. Thank you to you folks for reading this. The gifts you offer us are far more powerful, important and beautiful than any number of kilowatts might be.

Muchos Saludos

Carl