instrumental

musicology #108

sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #31

(Jackie Mittoo – Juice Box)

final week of the six/six/six…and themusicologist would like to take this opportunity to let you know how much I have appreciated your support..last month, (and last week), set new records on themusicologist for ‘viewers/listeners’ which is encouraging. it means a lot to me to know that you are feeling the selection.

just as Soul would have taken an alternative route without Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield..the musical arts of Jamaica wouldn’t sound like they do without this next ‘artist’ whose skills as arranger, composer, player of instruments and ‘eye of the needle’ at the legendary Studio1 are well known to all who listen to Jamaican music.

many a great singer, song writer and instrumentalist has sprung from Jamaica’s well of musicologists but Jackie Mittoo’s contribution to developing the music known now as ‘Reggae’, (a one size fits all label that doesn’t have much meaning), demands and deserves a tribute selection in his honour.

this first cut from the album ‘Keep On Dancing’ was recorded and released in 1969 and features the man in his role as ‘Organist’, (one of the instruments that he went on to perfect..ranking with the best of ’em), wicked piece of Jamaican Funk for your Monday musical pleasure.

musicology #69

newyearboogie #1 (Walk Tall – Nat Cannonball Adderley Quintet- 1969)

just come back from a winter excursion to the area known commonly as the Lake District, an area of outstanding natural beauty in NW England. words can’t describe the feelings and thoughts being there inspired but maybe music can and as the mun dun gu, (musicology #68), vibes linger on themusicologist is rolling out an ‘inspirational’ selection to kick off the soundtrack for 2008.

driving, determined, focused .. tunes for stepping up to the challenges of living in this ‘iwah’ as the old becomes the new and we move, (together), through the age of uncertainty.

so, to set speed for 2008 hold this piece from the Nat ‘Cannonball’ Adderley Quintet taken from the 1969 ‘Country Preacher’ album recorded for Capitol in ‘Chi’

(introduction by the Reverend Jesse Jackson says it all)

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.