JazzFunk mp3

musicology #569

Down The Road A Piece #5

(Lonnie Liston Smith & The Cosmic Echoes – Expansions)

So, down to this the final cut of the ‘Vintage Goodwood’ selection..which I’m laying down first in tribute to Chris Hill, (foundation Selector on the Jazz Funk scene and part of the ‘Soul Patrol’ back in the mid – late 70’s), who played it on Sunday night in the Casino. Secondly to all the original Rare Groove massive. There was NO way I thought I would be able to hold out for his midnight – 2am set considering I had to drive back to the ‘Smoke but it was well worth the wait and I shook and fingerpopped from start to finish…the perfect end to a great weekend.

Today’s cut needs no introduction..absolute classic Jazz Funk/Rare Groove slice from the Legend Lonnie Liston Smith and his band of monumental players Cecil McBee, George Barron, Joe Beck, David Lee, Jr, James Mtume, Sonny Morgan, Badal Roy and Geeta Vashi A.K.A ‘The Cosmic Echoes’. The introduction, (and the cut), NEVER fails to send shivers down my spine. BIG tune going out to ‘The Anthill Mob’. London clubland memories are made of this.

“Expaaaaand your mind…..”

musicology #505

CoversWeek2 #2

(George Benson – Take 5)

Been a long time coming but after 8 months of trials and tribulations it feels like themusicologist is back in the saddle. To be honest there have been times over the past few months when I’ve asked myself whether I should continue to invest so much time and effort in the brave new world of the hyper-real as the ‘return on investment’ is almost impossible to quantify but as the months have rolled by and this new chapter in the book of life gets written I realise how essential it is, (for me at least), to have a soundtrack as well as how much the world is changing in relation to investment. As far as I can see the only life worth living is the one you want to live and not the one forced apoun us by fear, capitalism and politricks. I live and breathe music, (always have), and without it existence would be half of what it is..communication would be even more of a struggle and the continuing and ever more valuable dialogue I find myself engaging in would feel more like a monologue.

Music facilitates learning as it challenges the I to participate and question rather than just observe and obey whereas chasing financial success at the expense of all else is a fools quest..Something I have learnt along the way is that money ain’t worth the paper it’s printed on and the pursuit of it may leave you cold, bitter and empty whereas the pursuit of success as a human being opens up the possibilities to express your self and through that connect with others who are also crawling, walking or running along the road to freedom. I say fuck the money and let’s explore the love.

Today’s cut from master Guitarist George Benson, (a Cat who begun his career at the age of EIGHT playing in an unlicensed nightclub), says it all in two words.

Selected from his 1974 set ‘Bad Benson’