funk mp3

musicology #137

theGood,Bad&theUgly #4

(The Gaturs – Gator Bait)

we’ve already heard from ‘il Buono’ and ‘il Cattivo‘ over the preeceding three days and now it’s time for ‘il Brutto’ whose ‘nom de plume’, (Angel Eyes), seems to be well known to banditos like Tuco Ramirez.

Lee Van Cleef, (il Brutto), was a true veteran of the western genre first appearing in ‘High Noon’ with Gary Cooper in 1952 he went on to feature in many more such as ‘Gunfight at the OK Corral’, ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Vallance’, ‘How The West Was Won’, (along with Eli Wallach), and the second in the ‘Dollars’ trilogy ‘For A Few Dollars More’.

as a measure of the mans on screen qualities his name, (along with Clint Eastwood’s), was hijacked by Reggae DJ’s, (MC’s), and claimed as stage names, (Josey Wales too), so you can understand the huge impact these films and actors had on Jamaican music in particular.

todays slice of the musical pie is a quality piece of early 70’s New Orleans Funk by little known outfit The Gaturs featuring the keyboard skills of none other than Soul Singer supreme Wilson Turbinton A.K.A ‘Willie Tee’ whose Mod classic ‘Walking Up A One Way Street’ is sublime and will definitely get an outing on themusicologist some day…Until then hold this..

musicology #131

instrumentalsweek #4

(The J.B’s – Hot Pants Road)

today’s top ranking 1972 cut is courtesy of the hardest working band in show business, none other than the J.B’s with a tune that epitomises Funk. BIG on London’s, Rare Groove, dancefloors back in 1986/7 (probable line up)

* Fred Wesley – trombone
* Jimmy Parker – alto saxophone
* St. Clair Pinckney – tenor saxophone
* Bobby Byrd – organ
* Hearlon “Cheese” Martin – guitar
* Robert Coleman – guitar
* Fred Thomas – bass
* John “Jabo” Starks – drums
* Johnny Griggs – congas

musicology #129

instrumentalsweek #2

(Mulatu Astatqe – Yegelle Tezeta, (My Own Memory)

been trying to get the ‘early post’ in for the last couple of weeks otherwise my day gets backed up with things to do….this weeks selection looks like providing the opportunity I’ve been waiting for so I’m grabbing it with both hands and flinging this one down when the sun is shining, the birds are singing and my, much loved children are here brightening up the day …

this fine slice of Ethiopian funk was recorded and released in 1969, (available on the Top Ranking CD Ethiopiques #4), and is credited to Ethiopia’s premier musicologist Mulatu Astatqe who arranged, produced and also played on the session along with what sounds like the cream of Ethiopia’s ‘modernists’….

listen tune…

musicology #99

sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #22

(Curtis Mayfield – Kung Fu)

I enjoy and get great pleasure out of themusicologist but, (and it’s a price I’m prepared to pay), it takes up a lot of my time and doesn’t keep the wolves from banging on the family door. the bastards are circling, baying for blood and by the look in their eyes they sense victory…

what the wolves haven’t accounted for is, (with music as the proverbial shield and buckler), the determination to ride this wave of uncertainty and pass through this phase of insecurity not only in one piece but stronger, fitter and wiser, holding firm and not giving up as I continue the journey on the road to freedom with these words ringing in my heart and mind.

The wise man builds his house upon the rock while the foolish man builds his house apoun the ever shifting sand.

this cut is taken from the man’s beautifully crafted 1974 album Sweet Exorcist.

musicology #97

sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #20

(Curtis Mayfield – Hard Times)

one of the tunes that convinced me to ‘play-out’ back in London’s Rare Groove days of 1985/6, utilising Curtis as messenger for how it felt growing up on the streets of London at the time.

back then Curtis didn’t figure too tough on the capitals wheels of steel, James Brown, (and related), was the DJ’s choice, (along with a host of others), Curtis didn’t get much of a look in as he wasn’t considered danceable..obviously he was very highly regarded but was mainly enjoyed at home in moments of contemplation.

taken from his 1975 critique ‘There’s No Place Like America Today’

the spoken intro has been added by themusicologist to provide an insight on and from the man himself.

musicology #66

Ike Turner Tribute #6 (Happy But Lonely – The Family Vibes)

last piece to send Ike off and one that for themusicologist does a perfect job of communicating the yin and yang of the cat..type of tune that themusicologist would like to go out to … in fact i’m adding it to my ‘funeral march’ playlist. taken from the 1972 album Strange Fruit. Ike on organ duty, letting it all hang out.

Ike, thanks for the music it’s what themusicologist will remember you for.

musicology #64

Ike Turner Tribute #4

(Ghetto Funk – Ike Turner & Kings Of Rhythm)

over the past few days themusicologist has been involved in some heated, (internet), debate regarding the paying of tribute to Ike..not going into it here but one comment suggested that nobody would even know who Ike was if it wasn’t for his riding on the back of Tina’s talent !! hmmm..

now it’s one thing to try and tear his life to shreds with all kinds of personal insults, (scum/bastard..etc), but to disrespect his musical contribution is unforgiveable…someone even stated that he had wasted his life? how do they think his family feel about this abuse, and, make no mistake it is abuse.

all themusicologist is able to comment on is his musical contribution, which is huge and great. so here’s another fine piece from Mr Turner this time at the birth of Funk…taken from the 1969 LP A Black Man’s Soul.