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musicology #0650 (Truth&RightsRemix)

Johnny Osbourne – Truth & Rights

themusicologist is back in the saddle today with a remix of the Johnny Osbourne Downbeat Roots Classic ‘Truth & Rights’. Recorded in the late 70’s at Sir Coxsons Studio 1, although in truth it was, like  much of Coxsons later output an overdub recorded over an early 70’s ‘golden age’ Studio 1 rhythm, a practice originated by Sugar Minott  a few years earlier.

By the late 70’s Jamaica was on the edge and Kingston was to all intents and purposes a battlefield. The economy had collapsed due, (in part), to outside influence as well as infighting between the opposing forces of the JLP and the PNP. Without going into too long a narrative Jamaica, (and the Caribbean) was on the frontline of the Cold War. Manley was a ‘Socialist’ and Seaga was a ‘Capitalist’ and the war that erupted was instigated by outside pressure to destabilise the situation. The age of ‘Roots & Culture’, One Love and ‘Ites was almost over and the ‘Gunman’ style was on the march. Studio 1, (as a creative force), was too all intents and purposes finished and Sir Coxson was relocating to the relative peace and safety !!! of Brooklyn signalling the end of the mightiest of Jamaica’s Musical powerhouses…

The rhythm for this tune was originally recorded at Studio 1 in the early part of the 70’s and released as ‘Take a Ride’ (miscredited to Al Campbell). Johnny Osbourne’s Truth and Rights was, (to the best of my knowledge), never released as a 7 Inch and was only available on the LP, (along with other ‘golden age’ overdubs), anyway…before i digress here is my tribute version to one of the mightiest of the Studio 1 roots cuts…

TruthRemix-Label

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 #142

SpectrumOfLove #2

(Johnny Mathis – 12th Of Never)

yesterday flew by without a post so today I’m getting this one in early.

what is Love? everyone has their own definition I suppose but for themusicologist this 1957 cut from well known singer Johnny Mathis goes a long way to providing an answer.

I read/heard somewhere that the music that touches us deeply gives us and others around us, (our ‘Loved’ Ones), an insight into how/who we would like to be in the ideal world, without the chains of our personal experiences that have shaped our lives. I don’t know about that but I do know that I gravitate towards songs about Love partly because It’s an emotion that I find very hard to express, (other than where my children are concerned), This is not because I haven’t received it, (thanks especially to my mum), and maybe therein lies the conundrum..for me the unconditional variety is the only one worthy of the name … but before this post gets too deep let’s return to the music.

This is the original version of a song first known to me sung by the magnificent Jamaican singer Pat Kelly who has already featured on themusicologist, (musicology #54), and I was going to lay down his top ranking reggae version but I feel that this one taken from the LP ‘Johnny’s Greatest Hits’ suits the SpectrumOfLove better….a beautiful ballad sung by a great singer that is all about the subject in question, LOVE

Listen Tune…

musicology #139

theGood,Bad&theUgly #6

(Sidney Bechet & The New Orleans Feetwarmers – Egyptian Fantasy )

penultimate day of the alternative soundtrack and it’s almost over. all three have managed to arrive at the cemetery and it’s time for the showdown. A winner takes all gunfight to the death…no prisoners taken.

Angel Eyes thinks he’s holding all the cards but Blondie has double crossed them both and is still the only one who knows the real name on the grave that contains the Gold. I’ll say no more and leave it to the man himself to elucidate…

the music is courtesy of virtuoso musician Sidney Bechet, (ably backed by ‘The New Orleans Feetwarmers), whose professional career stretches right back to the birth of ‘Jazz’ in New Orleans during the early 1900’s.

Along with ‘Duke’ and ‘Pops’ Bechet is credited with being instrumental, (no pun intended), in the development of the music that we know and love today and a listen to this should give you an indication as to why.

recorded in 1941 he plays both the clarinet and the soprano sax on this one and is joined by ‘The New Orleans Feetwarmers’

Henry Allen, (Trumpet), J.C Higginbotham, (Trombone), James Tolliver, (Piano), Wellman Braud, (Bass) and J.C Heard on drums.

musicology #88

sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #11

(Humble Pie Feat Steve Marriott – Strange Days)

penultimate piece of musicology magic from Mr Marriott and friends…can’t believe it’s gone so quick.

one of the many things I ‘love’ about the geezahh is his obvious dedication and commitment to communicating using the ‘universal language’. Not only as a vocalist or musician, (could, and did, play most of them), but also as a performer.

most people can sing, (some can play instruments), but what seperates the legends from the rest of us is how they deliver…Steve Marriott delivers as good as anyone and deserves to be ranked in the uppermost branches of the musical tree so that the sun can shine on him from morning to night..

hold this piece of 1971 Rock, Rhythm&Blues from one of the great English bands..Humble Pie .. telling it like it is…quality piece of musicology. a Glyn Jones/Humble Pie production..lyrics courtesy of Steve Marriott.

musicology #87

sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #10

(Small Faces – All Or Nothing)

couldnt throw down a Steve Marriott tribute without laying down the piece that kick started my appreciation of the brothers vocal and soulful qualities.

while not prolific in their collaborative output there’s no denying the Small Faces impact on contempory music and this one gets into the tribute for two reasons

1:Mod anthem

2: brings back memories of being 11/12 and 13 years old as a second generation Mod .. ahhhhhh .. music brings back so many memories..

so without further words hold this piece from the Mod band with the Mod classic, pinpointing the evolution and metamorphosis in the autumn of 1966 from American Rhythm & Blues to English Rock & Blues…

strangely, (or probobly not), one that my kids enjoy and sing along to just as another Mod revival begins to take shape in 2008

musicology #86

sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #9

(Steve Marriott – Help Me Through The Day)

What / Who Is Mod? … for themusicologist there are only a handful of cats who can lay claim to the title. one of them is Steve Marriott …

Why? because he lived life to the full, often at the extremes, always on the vanguard and didn’t compromise his personal values. Selfish? .. probably, Obsessed…almost definately, Dedicated….100%

Not suggesting that these qualities are the only, (or even most important), Mod credentials but if you dig deep enough they are, in themusicologist’s opinion ones that are ever present….another vital ingredient would be the love of Soul, Blues, Rhythm & Blues…without this you can’t be Mod !!

the aim is still to let the music do the talking and believe me I’m trying but the six/six/six is inspiring themusicologist to ‘nail me colours to the mast‘ ..

hold this cut from his solo album, simply titled Steve Marriott, (not his choice of title I hasten to add), recorded in 1975…pucker

musicology #85

sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial #8

(Humble Pie feat Steve Marriott – Desperation)

Round two of the Stevie Marriott selection finds the man dissilusioned with fame and looking for some ‘greener grass’, (in my experience a very common Mod trait), first and foremost the young man craved, and deserved, respect as a musician/performer/vocalist which was not possible, in his opinion, with the Small Faces as they were viewed as a bit of a pop/novelty band at the time.

His passion for music far outweighed his desire for fame, although as a street rat on a paltry ‘bobby moore’ a week with a healthy appetite borne out of the only authentic 60’s revolution, (the consumer one), he needed some ‘reddies in the bin‘

This cut, (a Steppenwolf cover written by John Kay), is taken from the 1969 album As Safe As Yesterday Is, the first recorded outing with the band he put together for Peter Frampton…Humble Pie. consisting of Jerry Shirley on Drums, Greg Ridley on Bass and Steve on, (second lead), guitar..as well as vocal duties of course….

musicology #84

sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial #7

(Small Faces feat Steve Marriott – Afterglow)

this week it’s all about the legend known as Steve Marriott. Small Faces/Humble Pie/Packet Of Three/Official Receivers front man who’s musical, vocal and performing talents were ten times larger than his physical stature. Following in the footsteps of original London Boy Joe Brown it was ‘little Stevie’, (together with the rest of the Small Faces), that put an authentic London sound on the musical map.

This cut, (one of Steves personal favourites), is taken from the ground breaking LP Ogdens ‘ Nut Gone‘ Flake named in deference to the rolling tobacco, (Ogdens Flake) favoured by the band for wrapping spliffs that after smoking guaranteed your ‘nut’ was gone. Who else but the Small Faces used the London Vernacular?…pure Mod. Proud of their culture and Cockney heritage

As with the previous ‘tribute’ themusicologist aims to let the music talk so hold this piece of London musicology from one of the great English bands…. of personal significence is that it comes from 1968..the year of themusicologist’s birth.

Special request to all the London boys who ‘live up a foreign’…you know who you are. hope this one reminds you of the auld country.

musicology #83

sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial #6

(Sam Cooke – A Change Is Going To Come

had to be this one to finish up the Sam Cooke tribute. one from themusicologist’s top10 tunes of all time, regardless of genre…

another quote from the excellent book about Sam Cooke, (Dream Boogie), by Peter Guralnick

“He had given Rene Hall the ‘civil rights’ song he had played for J.W (Alexander), with no specific instructions other than to provide it with the kind of instrumentation and orchestration that it demanded. Rene was in no doubt as to the momentousness of the charge.

“I wanted it to be the greatest thing in my life……..”

’nuff said…

musicology #80

sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial Sam Cooke Bonus #3

(Sam Cooke – Nobody Wants You When You’re Down & Out)

I know there are many out there who will be relating to and feeling this. no doubt that globally things are ‘coming on top’ for the man on the street and while the rich get richer “the little that the poor man got it shall be taken away”

‘Boom And Bust’ baby…crash and burn .. my advice….fiddle this one while Rome burns.

song written by Jimmy Cox, recorded for Sam’s 1961 album ‘My Kind Of Blues”
(Hugo & Luigi production)

musicology #79

sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial Sam Cooke Bonus #2

(Sam Cooke w/ The Soul Stirrers – Were You There)

even though Soul sprung from the well of gospel, (evident with the wealth of singers that sprung out of this tradition), there were certain ingredients that not many shared. only two artists, (of this period), managed to make the transition and shape the ‘new sound’. Sam Cooke and Clyde McPhatter before him. But only Sam stepped out of the gospel limelight to cast his long shadow over popular music in such a way.

the greatest singers share the ability to communicate and deliver the message to all people regardless of personal beliefs and musical preference and this one taken from his final Soul Stirrers recording session in 1957 is an example of this special quality…not being a christian doesn’t stop me from feeling it deeply.

musicology #78

sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial Sam Cooke Bonus #1

(Sam Cooke – If I Had A Hammer)

so..back in the Sam Cooke saddle after some techno issues regarding the Streaming Audio, (boxnet)

threw a small spanner in themusicologist works but rather than dwell on it I’ll take it as a sign that more Sam Cooke is required. Three bonus slices is how it is going to be dealt with, (mon/tue/wed), and then it’s back onto the original sixtune program for #’s 4/5/6, (thurs/fri/sat)

thinking about it…it’s fitting that Mr Soul gets 3 extra tunes as everything in the sixartist selection that follows shares a connection … his legacy. what was/is it about the man that is so special?

not just his voice which, let’s face it, is second to none..it was his capacity to move people of all colours and creeds communicating a message that crosses all boundries. as an example hold this one from a 1964 performance at the Copa in front of a full supper club audience. for themusicologist a killer performance…the way he drops it into a deeper meaning in the middle is breathtaking.

the way he delivers the message to this audience and then gets them involved is nothing short of a miracle, he also laid Bob Dylan’s freedom anthem Blowing In The Wind on them . Consider that for a moment..Sam Cooke singing Blowing In The Wind to a Copa audience…obviously the call and response to a soul/gospel audience was part of the performance and to be expected but at the Copa, to a tune like this, full of undercurrents is almost beyond belief but Mr Soul rinses it like NOBODY else could have done….

I’m in danger of waxing lyrical…Sam step up brother and let us know what it’s all about.……..

LOUD is how this one should be heard ..

“where?…..where?, (all over this land), that’s the place…huh”

I do believe that’s Bobby Womack, (along with Cliff White), pluckin’ strings

musicology #77

sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial # 3

(Sam Cooke – Nobody Knows)

continuing the sixartistweek selection with the third cut from Mr Soul. This one taken from his 1963 album ‘Night Beat’. for themusicologist a special album that helped get me through darkest days … what turned out to sadly be a prophetic song for Sam that I like to think helped him as much as it did me…

a tear jerker that never fails to touch the soul.

musicology #70

newyearboogie #2 (I Can Make It If I Try -The Royal Premiers)

“no matter how dreary the situation is and how difficult it may be .. you got to walk tall, walk tall, walk tall” ..

sticking with that sentiment this next one is from a little known vocal group from out of the ‘big city of dreams’, New York I do believe, (or at least thats’s where the tune was cut.) I can’t find any information on these cats anywhere other than a small mention in ‘the bible’, (R&B Indies), so if any of the soul and vocal group aficionados out there can ‘tip me the wink’ it would be most appreciated.

One from themusicologists top drawer, perfectly capturing the message of 60’s Soul, one of hope, a new day dawning and ‘nothing can stop me’ enthusiasm..

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 #68

themusicologist@thebbc part 3. (Cedric ‘Im’ Brooks – Mun Dun Gu)

this weeks selection is yet another from the Studio1 stable, Jamaica’s premier production house. progressive and innovative it reflected owner and musicologist Coxsone Dodd’s love of ‘the new’ in every sense.

for themusicologist this piece feels like hope and, (synchronistically), has a ‘better must come’ flavour. driving, determined and focused …. 2008 in a nutshell !!!

so for all the 2007 sufferers, (and I know there’s many), consign last year to history, mark it down to experience and Move On Up with this slice of musical connection and communication.

Wishing all of you the very best for the coming year and thanking you for your support in 2007. BIG things a gwaan in 2008, keep it locked, loaded and musical.

p.s last of the bbc selection for now. hopefully back in the radio saddle some time in 2008 for some more slices of musicology….thanks to brother Sean Rowley, (and Jim), for providing themusicologist with the opportunity to reach out and, (hopefully), connect with the Joy Of Music crew.

musicology #63

Ike Turner Tribute #3 (Ike&Tina Turner – The Argument – 1962 – Sue)

so theres been Ike as piano player, Ike as producer and now this piece of musicology from the golden year of 1962 finds Ike, (& Tina), on vocals, in tension..you can hear it not only in the lyrics but more importantly in the atmosphere. penned by Ike there’s menace in there.

like I said, I’m not going to speculate or pass judgment on the personal nature of the relationship especially as this piece says it all so I’ll just let the music tell the story.

musicology #62

Ike Turner Tribute #2 (Lonnie ‘The Cat’ Cation – The Road I Have To Travel – 1954 – RPM)

next up a piece from the mans early days as band leader, guitar player, piano player and all round orchestrator.

not sure if you know but Ike started his musical journey carrying the great bluesman Robert Nighthawk’s amplifier as well as learning the intricacies of the piano from boogie woogie king Pinetop Perkins so it comes as no surprise that he knew his musical onions inside out.

let’s face it he certainly knew how to make a recording and for this reason alone he deserves respect. A lot of people are cussing him for his treatment of Tina and forgetting about the music he left us with but themusicologist isn’t here to be passing judgement on his personal life so don’t expect any critique on it.

this 1954 slice of musicology courtesy of The Bobby Hinds Band features Lonnie ‘The Cat’ on Vocals with Ike tinkling the ivory’s.

Ike’s session work between 1951 – 64 is amazing, check it here (right click on your mouse and open as new window/tab), and see for yourself. thanks and respect to Pete Hoppula for the knowledge site.(www.wangdangdula.com)

musicology #59

coversweek .. day 6 (little milton – many rivers to cross)

‘little way different’ with this fine rendition of the Jimmy Cliff classic. Not often that you hear a reggae song covered by a soul artist..which is the complete reverse when it comes to Reggae Got Soul .. in fact the only two that spring to mind are this and I Shot The Sheriff by Clapton.

another example of bringing something different to a well known tune as well as the epitome of musicology, (communication through music)