musicology #193

teachings of billionaire YenTzu #3

(James Carr – Life Turned Her That Way)

Stalking The Heron, (infinite patience, immediate results)

‘So his obsession for not leting go of anything finally caught up with him,’ commented Yan Kan to himself, on hearing news that the Emperor had met with an untimely end.

It had been several years now since Yan Kan had fortuitously escaped the Emperor’s wrath. It had been his experience of stalking the heron that had led him to see things in a different light. When water accumulates, it breeds predatory fish. And when rites and duties become decorations, they breed artificial and hypocritical people. The title that the Emperor had quickly invented and thrown to him that day, and which he had so obsequiously caught, were now empty and meaningless to him.

He had decided at that moment to apply his new found virtue of patience to more meaningful pursuits and departed the Court.

He would no more attach such importance to such false things. And he would no more suggest solutions that sought reward by pandering to the whims of another in authority. Any leader who demanded, needed or revelled in such bolstering was an insecure leader. How strange it is that when rulers have obsessions, thier subjects do a lot of posturing; when a ruler is crafty, their subjects are devious; and when a ruler is demanding, their subjects are contentious. Any ruler who blamed ill luck for the state of his kingdom and sought to determine outcomes by using his strength to hold on to something weaker, was bound to fall sooner or later.

Yan Kan felt no surprise that the Emperor had lost his life through his rigid attachment to his policy for growth and recognition. His wise friend Cai Tok had ben right: ‘When political leaders ruin their countries and wreck their lands, themselves to die at others hands, it is always because of their impatient desires.’

Since becoming a merchant, Yan Kan had determined to himself that he would follow the sage-like philosophy he now knew to be true: ‘To be able to use the power of other people, it is necessary to win people’s hearts. To be able to win people’s hearts, it is necessary to have self mastery. To be capable of self mastery, it is necessary to have patience.’

Yan Kan resolved to apply patience in everything, particularly when he encountered the obstacles which he had discovered were as much a part of business as they were of life.

‘The ancients were certainly wise in creating writing symbols that contained the meanings of both crisis and opportunity. I will see every obstacle as a further reminder to be infinitely patient and unattached to any particular schedule. For in such flexibility lies the power to cultivate the hidden pearl of opportunity from the grit of adversity.’

musicology #192

teachings of billionaire YenTzu #2

(Van Morrison – Comfort You)

Freeing The Bear, (growing strong relationships)

‘During one particularly difficult winter a certain man thought about how he could reduce his expenses,’ began the storyteller to the listening crowd. ‘And he came up with what he thought was a bright idea. He decided to give his hard-working mule a little less grain and hay. This he did and the mule seemed quite content. So, a few days later, he gave it a little less and it still appeared to be happy.

‘This continued until the man was giving the animal less than half it’s normal ration. The mule moved more slowly and was quieter, but the man still thought it was healthy and happy. Then, one morning, much to his surprise, he entered his barn and discovered that his mule had died in the night. This man then wept and cried aloud saying, “My trusty mule is dead and just when he was getting used to not eating.”

The crowd that now surrounded the storyteller roared with laughter. ‘What did the fool expect!’ shouted someone.

‘Exactly so!’ said the storyteller. ‘To expect the continued support of such a loyal companion, without any sustenance, is foolish. Yet that is how Man himself often behaves towards loyal friends, measuring the strength of their relationships through the lack of complaint they receive.’

‘But man is not an ass,’ shouted another bystander, accenuating the last word to another roar of laughter from the crowd. ‘He does not have to suffer in silence. When he is hungry everybody knows about it. He is like a bear with a sore head!’

‘But when he is hungry for something that really matters to him he is as silent as the night,’ said the storyteller. ‘People go to bed at night starving for affection, praise and love, more than they ever do for food. For it is their relationships that upset their stomachs more than lack of food.

‘In truth, we must never compromise the important relationships in our lives by reducing the level of sustenance every relationship must have to be strong. We must never take the silence of another as agreement to how well we think we are treating them. Indeed, we must never take any of our relationships for granted, for we might discover that one day the very spark of what was once good has slowly died.’

musicology #191

teachings of billionaire YenTzu #1

(Third World – Now That We Found Love)

new theme built around the teachings of legendary taoist Yen Tzu who, legend tells, founded a famous academy somewhere in the mountains of an Eastern Province in ancient China around two and a half thousand years ago which led him to become China’s first commercial billionaire. not that this is about money, rather self mastery through individual inner understanding which, for themusicologist is the only ‘way’ to navigate a course through life’s most dangerous waters.

this the first ‘lesson’ taught is known as ‘Taming The Bull‘ (harmonising communication)

‘Toeless Wong was crippled for allowing Duke Ling’s prize bull to run amok in the kilns,’ said Ho Chi, in answer to his fellow disciples question. ‘Indeed it is said that he lost a toe for every one of the ten Imperial vases that were smashed.’

‘In truth it was through having his feet stamped on by the mighty bull while he bravely fought to recapture it’, said their patriach, Yen Tzu, upon overhearing their discourse.

‘By my ancestors,’ exclaimed Ho Chi, ‘what courage!’

‘Indeed yes,’ said Yen Tzu, ‘but fighting yang with yang is not the way to communicate and overcome.’

‘It is said that yin and yang connect all,’ said Ho Chi, ‘but please explain how, in the context of such a difficult situation.’

‘the mutual seeking of yin and yang depends on opening and closing.’ Began Yen Tzu. ‘Opening and closing are the natural principles that influence the rise and fall in all of heaven and earth’s ten thousand things, including man and beast. Yin and yang should always be harmonious. for the opposite of one, redresses the balances of the other.

‘When the bull was in yang mode, so was toeless Wong. Rather than adapting yin mode, he fought charge with charge. He pitted his agression against the bulls. When yang is hard and agressive, only the yielding softness of yin can calm it. As a seasoned keeper, Wong knew full well how to calm the bull. But seeing the crashing commotion before him he forgot, and was as a fool rushing in. In doing so he was no different to the bull.

‘Yin and yang modes can be taught to be switched on or off according to what is needed. Yin or yang must be used as appropriate to tame that part within all of us which can be likened to a charging bull, and to soften the raging bull within others who appear to be attacking us. ‘Men’ do not mirror themselves in running water; they can only see themselves in still water. Only what is still, can calm to stillness others.

‘Always remember that it is important to know when to speak and when to remain silent. When you want to hear others’ voices, return to silence; when you want to be expansive, be withdrawn; when you want to rise, lower yourself; when you want to take, give; and when you want to overcome, give way.’

musicology #190

nowordsjustmusic #6

(Never Know What You Can Do Give It A Try – Leroy Hutson)

musicology #189

nowordsjustmusic #5

(Walter Jackson – What Would You Do)

musicology #188

nowordsjustmusic #4

(Jimmy Riley – Woman’s Gotta Have It)

after silence that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music

musicology #187

nowordsjustmusic #3

(Candi Staton – That’s How Strong My Love Is)

musicology #186

nowordsjustmusic #2

(Mahalia Jackson – I’m Going To Live The Life I Sing About)

musicology #185

nowordsjustmusic #1

(Will Greer Reading Woody Guthrie/Woody Guthrie – Do-Re-Mi)

musicology #184

soulsearching #6

(Sugar Minott – The More We Are Together)

the final cut of the soulsearching has found it’s way on to themusicologist’s, (endless), playlist at just the right time after five days spent alone. the synchronicity of music NEVER ceases to amaze me and I’m hoping that as time passes and runs I can look back on this tune as the one that inspired a new start.

majestic, top ranking piece of Jamaican musicology from the legendary Lincoln ‘Sugar’ Minott one of the island’s most inspirational singers, songwriters and producers as well as a man of great integrity and belief.

LISTEN TUNE ….

a look in a yourself jah man,
a look in a yourself yout’ man,
a look in a yourself jah man,
oh well, woohhh well,

the more we are together, the happier we shall be,
the more we are together, that’s the only way, we can be free,
thats the only way, for you and for me,

the more we love one another, the more we’ll see jah light,
the more we love our brothers thats the only way, for you and for me,
that’s the only way, ohh we can be free,

so look inna yourself yout’ man,
look inna yourself jah man,
the time you take linger,
pull trigger with your finger,
and shoot down your brother,
just fight ‘gainst your sister,
that no right unto jah, jah,
oh oh no, ohh no,

the more we are together, the happier we shall be,
the more we are together, that’s the only way,
oh, oh, we can be free,
thats the only way, oh for you and for me,

truth and right you cannot fight,
and if you keep doing wrong you no give me respect,

whether you a top rank, or you have ’nuff money in the bank,
jah no partial oh no, jah no partial oh no,

said the more we are together, the happier we shall be,
the more we love one another, that’s the only way, for you and for me,
thats the only way, ohhh we can be free,

a truth and right we a deal with now,
truth and right we a deal with now,

the more, we are, together

musicology #183

soulsearching #5

(Dinah Washington – Am I Asking Too Much)

penultimate cut of the soulsearching which, to be honest feels like it has been a piece disjointed and not quite how I imagined it. still…”The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry” to quote a, (much used by me), line from Rabbie Burns’s 1785 poem ‘To A Mouse’

But Mousie, thou are no thy-lane,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men,
Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promis’d joy!

Still, thou art blest, compar’d wi’ me!
The present only toucheth thee:
But Och! I backward cast my e’e,
On prospects drear!
An’ forward, tho’ I canna see,
I guess an’ fear

which, apoun reading inspired author John Steinbeck to change the name of his book from ‘Something That Happened’ to ‘Of Mice And Men’

anyway back to the music with a 1947 slice of the downbeat pie. this one shouldnt need any explanation and is as plain as the nose on my face. I’m trying hard to ‘Tame The Bull’ but at the moment it feels like an uphill climb to the bottom. if your ‘companion’ is treating you like dirt on the ground then you know how it feels, if not…then good luck to you.

musicology #182

soulsearching #4

(Little Roy – Hard Fighter)

today’s 1971 slice of the soulsearching pie comes from the island of Jamaica. first heard by themusicologist in the early 80’s courtesty of one of the corner stones of my musical education, Uncle Johnny. uplifting selection and one of the tunes that opened my ears to the sweet sounds of JA.

original 45 on the UK Punch Label. produced by Lloyd ‘Matador’ Daley

musicology#181

soulsearching #3

(Joe Quarterman & Free Soul – I Got So Much Trouble In My Mind Pt1)

‘rare groove’ funk screamer heard, played and thrown shapes to by themusicologist for more than twenty years. always been one of my personal favourites. being blessed/cursed with a troubled mind this is one of them cuts that often plays in the jukebox of my thoughts in times like these.

a 1972 New York release on the GSF label produced by Bill Tate, Cotter Wells and Cory Pearson.

musicology #180

soulsearching #2

(Major Lance – Sweet Music)

day two finds us sliding out of the downbeat, (Yin), and countering with one from the upbeat, (Yang), selection. a fine piece of 1964 Soul from, as far as I’m concerned, the premier record label of the period, OKeh. big shout I know but one I’m sticking with.

part of my reasoning behind that shout is that OKeh was the label where the combined talents of Curtis Mayfield, Carl Davis, Johnny Pate and Gerald Sims came together to deliver a musical style that became the benchmark for a lot of the Soul that followed. of course there was Tamla, Chess and Atlantic, (as well as many smaller labels), and there are many fine cuts on these but of them, it can be debated, that only Tamla – Motown exerted as much influence as OKeh on the direction Soul was to take.

listen tune…

musicology #179

soulsearching #1

(Bessie Smith – Poor Mans Blues)

kept a low one last week to consolidate and regroup for an assualt on this existence called life.

what has this got to do with music? I’m glad I asked..

having always provided themusicologist with a means to externalise the internal turmoil that is ever present music has always been a consistent, reliable guide and trusted companion on the journey. as we experience the rough and the smooth, (together), there is always a slice of the musical pie that nails the feeling and even though this next selection is completely self indulgent it is, I assure you, very necessary.

the idea is to try and lay down a musical dialogue between the yin and yang of a turbulent soul existing in the post modern world. sound deep? in all honesty it is..and bottomless to boot!!

day one of the soulsearching..and who better to start proceedings than the incomparable Bessie Smith…Queen of the blues with a belter of a tune from 1928 that is as true today as it was back then, especially poignant considering the ‘Great Depression’ was just around the corner. which just goes to show how little, (of substance), has changed as a result of the so called ‘age of progress’. Produced by legendary musicologist John Hammond and featuring the musical talents of:

Joe Williams, (Trombone)
Bob Fuller, (Clarinet/Alto Sax)
Ernest Elliott (Clarinet/Alto&Tenor Sax)
Porter Grainger (Piano)

a musical gem from a legendary performer…watch the ride.

mister rich man, mister rich man,
open up your heart and mind,
mister rich man, rich man,
open up your heart and mind,
give a poor man a chance
help stop these hard, hard times,

while you living in your mansion,
you don’t know what hard time means,
while you living in your mansion,
you don’t know what hard time means,
hard working mans wife is starving,
your wife is living like a queen,

please listen to my pleading ’cause I can’t stand these hard times long,
ohhh listen to my pleading, can’t stand these hard times long,
they’ll make an honest man do things that you know is wrong,

poor man fought all the battles,
poor man would fight again today,
poor man fought all the battles,
poor man would fight again today,
he would do anything you ask him in the name of the USA,

now the war is over poor man must live the same as you,
now the war is over poor man must live as the same as you,
if it wasn’t for the poor man mister rich man what would you do?

musicology #178

alternativesoundtrack2..Quadrophenia #10

(The Who – I’ve Had Enough)

final cut of the Quadrophenia selection and i’m finishing up with the piece of music that closes the film. pucker tune and one that definately had an impact on my mindset growing up.

Jimmy’s gone back to Brighton and had the final igmony of seeing ‘the face’ in his dayjob as nothing but a ‘bell boy’. it’s the final straw for him and reminds me of a saying that I once heard and took to heart…something like

“never try to reach out and touch a ‘golden idol’ as the gilding might come off in your hands..”

I always took it to mean, never idolise anyone as they chances are one day they will dissapoint you. it’s unfair to put such a weight of responsibility on someone elses shoulders because we are all human and full of contridictions.

for the record, even though I was introduced to ‘Mod Revival’ through the Jam’s first album ‘In The City’ a few years earlier than seeing the film the actual soundtrack was, for me, always a bit of a dissapointment. that said I rate Pete Townsend, (and the Who’s), original album from which the film was crafted. Townsend’s lyrics were a guide for themusicologist and will always hold fond memories.

“you were under the impression, that when you were walking forwards,
that you’d end up further onwards, but things ain’t quite that simple,

you got altered information, you were told to not take chances,
you missed out on new dances now your’e losing all your dimples,

my jacket’s gonna be cut slim and checked,
maybe a touch of seersucker with an open neck,
I ride a GS scooter with my hair cut neat,
I wear my war time coat in the wind and sleet,

love reign o’er me, love reign o’er me…..

I’ve had enough of living, I’ve had enough of dying,
I’ve had enough of smiling, I’ve had enough of crying,
I’ve taken all the high roads, I’ve squandered and I’ve saved,
I’ve had enough of childhood I’ve had enough of graves,

love reign o’er me, reign o’er me,
love reign o’er me…looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove

I’ve had enough of dancehalls, I’ve had enough of pills,
I’ve had enough of street fights, I’ve seen my share of kills,
I’m finished with the fashions and acting like I’m tough,
I’m bored of hate and passion, Iv’e had enough of trying to looooooooooooooooooooooooooooove

you stop dancing”

musicology #177

alternativesoundtrack2..Quadrophenia #9

(Marvin Gaye – Baby Don’t You Do It)

the film is nearing it’s conclusion and after the ‘tear up’ outside the cafe in the previous scene this penultimate one finds Jimmy trying to make it up with Steph, (or at least make some sense of it all)

the musicology is courtesy of mod favourite and Soul legend brother Marvin Gaye with one of the mod classics..it was actually featured in the film so it’s not alternative but it fits the bill so well that it couldn’t be ignored. BIG tune on the scene….the Small Faces often played it on the curcuit and also recorded it in the early days, (1965?), in tribute to their authenticity, (the only real mod band in my humble opinion), but nothing could touch the Marvin and themusicologist never tires of hearing the man sing, (the Marvelettes are singing back up on this one)

musicology #176

alternativesoundtrack2..Quadrophenia #8

(The Tams – Take Away)

strange how themusicologist seems to be drawn to art that reinforces one’s own predicament…maybe we all are?. not going into the details but lets just say I know how Jimmy feels.

this is the section after he has packed his job in and turns up at the Cafe to find all his ‘friends’. his so called best mate, (Dave), really takes the piss and the less said about young ‘tart’ Steph the better.

still, people are funny that way you trust them with your heart and 999 times out of a 1000 they’ll let you down but as Alan Watts said at the start of musicology #10

“that risk still has to be taken”

the musical accompaniment is a Mod screamer courtesy of Soul vocal group The Tams. I know for sure this was big on, (and in), the Scene that year and I must confess to taking a little bit of artistic license as it may have been released after the brief period in which the film was set. Couldn’t resist it though as it’s not only perfect for the alternative soundtrack it is perfect for me too.

p.s that ‘Glasgow kiss’ that he gives Dave after the ‘alleyway’ comment is quality and well deserved.

Audio Navigation Update

changed the boxnet order to run in sequence so that there’s no need to do it yourself. the only thing about it is that rather than list them from last to first, (#175-#1), it’s reversed the order, which is more effective anyway as they now run as intended.

so to listen to the most recent cut. scroll down the list.

thanks to rickdog for that solution…most appreciated.

musicology #175

alternativesoundtrack2..Quadrophenia #7

(The Blenders – Everybody’s Got A Right)

day seven and just to make things worse Jimmy has been dragged in to be patronised by his boss on how he should ‘count his lucky stars’ for having such an illustrious job, (especially considering his working class status !!)

this was, (and in many ways still is), how the establishment expects us to behave, that we should be happy with the ‘crumbs off the top table’. Elitism is very much alive today as is ‘class’, even though successive governments, whatever their persuasion, have tried over the past 30 years to convince us of the opposite.

money isn’t the issue. it’s all about ‘mind-set’ and this piece of dialogue has always been one of my favourites in the film. great piece of acting by Phil Daniels…full of emotion and pathos, (you tell him Jim)

the music is courtesy of foundation Soul vocal group The Blenders with what might not sound like a revolutionary piece of social commentary but when you consider the year (1963), is.

a 45 on the Witch label.

Listen tune