Trees in mourning

Sue messaged me with the sad news that Sibongile Khumalo has died at the age of 63. She had one of the great voices I've ever heard--range, resonance, depth, variety--she had it all. This article about her includes a five-minute video that gives you a taste of her many styles. If you like jazz and opera, and you've never heard anyone scat in Zulu, you must give it a listen. I first heard her sing at Nelson Mandela's inauguration in 1994.

Cecile McLorin Salvant, also a brilliant singer, reminds me a bit of Khumalo, and apparently during the lockdown, Salvant has reinvented herself as a visual artist! People are amazing in their creative responses to this virus.

I have one other link for those who are interested in The Dig. This video is forty-one minutes long but wonderfully informative, about the importance of Sutton Hoo and the effort and ingenuity of the people who discovered it. It includes photos of both Edith Pretty and Basil Brown, and even a clip of Brown talking (in his marvelous Suffolk accent). Unfortunately it doesn't mention Peggy Piggott. Thanks to the ever-generous MartnA for the link.