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musicology #367

SuchIsLife #1

(Lord Creator – Such Is Life)

As promised, new theme kicks off today concerning musical wisdom as laid down by various Cats from across the musical spectrum, inspired by today’s slice of incredible musicology from Trinidadian singer, songwriter and sufferer,Kentrick Patrick, (A.K.A Lord Creator), who penned this unbelievable 1968 marrow trembler while down on his luck living in a tree!! in Jamaica having found himself ‘on the floor’ after a career stretching back to the dawn of Ska recording for the likes of Sir Coxsone and more prominently the producer Vincent ‘Randy’ Chin. In answer to his downturn in fortunes..Creator had this pearl of wisdom to say

“That is in my days of suffereation and alcohol, when I had nothing, when I could not pay rent, when I could not find food for me and my children to eat. While sleeping up in a plum tree with a pregnant woman, I put together a melody, and that is how I recorded the song called, ‘Such Is Life’. It was not a hit, it did not get much airplay, but it meant a lot to me”

For me this cut sums up the essence of music’s incredible power to communicate emotions..Respect is due to Alan from musical storeroom Honest Jon’s who brought me in on this one a few weeks back after a dialogue concerning music and the ‘Project’. I am eternally greatful..

“One day you got plenty money yeah…such is life, such is life,
Sometimes you ain’t got a penny no, such is life, such is life…..

musicology #365

Ideology&Philosophy #6

(Luciano – Know Yourself)

Following on from yesterday’s introduction to the ‘Enlightenment’ with a four minute critique of one of it’s most revered figures, Immanuel Kant whose contribution to the ideology of ‘Reason’ is as important as Plato’s was to ‘Dialogue’. The key word today is Metaphysics…

The musical wisdom is one from themusicologist’s top ten. Wicked slice of late 20th Century ‘steppers’ from the prophet Luciano on the Chant Out Label.

“The greatest knowledge is the knowledge of god and self, It surpasses material wealth,
Seek ye first wisdom ’cause that’s your health and strength,
It will preserve your soul until the end,
Consider yourself oh important my child..be positive and live upright,
Before you think about taking one’s life…think twice..”

musicology #364

Ideology&Philosophy #5

(The Wailers – The World Is Changing)

Out of the Tao and into the next phase in the wanderings with a slice of spoken word from a next facilitator of learning on the journey to the self. But as we move out of Classical Antiquity and into the modern world I would just like to add that a few minutes from each of these Cats is nowhere near enough to do such an important subject justice but doors are made to be opened and Philosophy along with music is, for me, a door to knowledge that has resonated loud and clear on the quest for ‘meaning’.

The music is yet another slice courtesy of The Wailers but this time it’s a later cut, (1968), on Danny Sim’s JAD label featuring the hard hitting Peter Tosh on lead with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer harmonising.

musicology #0331

DownbeatTheRuler #11

(Lone Ranger – Dance ‘A Fi Cork)

A rare treat for all ‘Downbeat’ Lovers…Lone Ranger in the dance waxing lyrical on the Larry Marshall Killer ‘Throw Me Corn’.

‘Late Night Blues’ connoisseurs selection  recorded live in the dance sometime in 1983?

Taken from the Studio 1 LP ‘Battle Of The DJ’s’

musicology #328

DownbeatTheRuler #8

(Horace Andy – Found Somebody Of My Own)

Today on the Downbeat Tribute it’s the turn of Horace Hinds, (cousin of Justin) A.K.A Horace Andy renamed by Sir Coxsone in time for his seminal 1970 set ‘Skylarking’, (one of the first Studio 1 LP’s that themusicologist had the pleasure of owning). Introduced by the inimitable ‘Dread At The Controls’…Mikey Dread from a radio program showcasing Studio 1. Could have been one from any number of Horace’s recordings but didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to pay a second tribute on themusicologist to Mikey Dread who is no longer with us. Not only that but it’s one that is lesser known although, for me, just as good as many of his classics. Taken from one of the mighty Dread’s Rockers In The Morning sets.

Mikey and Horace…come in and let the people know what you’re talking about.

musicology #299

JamaicanVocalGroupAction #10

(Mighty Diamonds – Have A Little Mercy)

Penultimate cut of the Jamaican Vocal Group selection…listening back over the proceedings I can’t help noticing that it has been heavily weighted in favour of the 60’s and with hindsight perhaps I should have called it ‘Sixties Jamaican Vocal Group Action’…still, hindsight is not all it’s cracked up to be as “too much thought spoils the action” in my opinion so even though there’s only two cuts from outside of the ’60’s, (make that 3 with todays), I hope this hasn’t dulled your enjoyment over the last couple of weeks.

Today’s outing on themusicologist is one from the Channel One stable which ruled the dancehalls, turntables and airwaves back in the mid 70’s after Coxsone lost the crown following major departures such as Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles and most of his big selling artists in search of a fairer deal. Channel One was set up by the Hookim Brothers and had the premier ‘Lab’ on the Island as well as the hottest young engineers and musicians such as Leroy ‘Horsemouth’ Wallace, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespere and Don D Junior as well as stalwarts such as ‘Marquis’, Sticky and Tommy Mc Cook.

This cut features the vocal abilities of Donald ‘Tabby’ Shaw, Fitzroy ‘Bunny’ Simpson and Lloyd ‘Judge’ Ferguson known collectivley as ‘The Mighty Diamonds’ making a heartfelt plea to the establishment to ‘Have A Little Mercy’

LISTEN TUNE

musicology #297

JamaicanVocalGroupAction #8

(The Meditations – Stranger In Love)

Moving into a wicked slice of late 70’s ‘Lovers’ from the Wambesi Stable. Produced by Roy Cousins.

musicology #233

communication #11

(The Wailers – Dreamland)

This one is dedicated to the woman of my dreams who I have had the pleasure of spending half my life with. and even though we are in the process of seperation and our paths are taking different turns I will, (and do), love and cherish her for as long as I draw breath. Yesterday was her 40th Birthday and I wanted to lay this one down especially for her.

As far as I’m concerned this is the Wailers at their best. ‘Bunny’ delivers lead on this one with Peter and Bob harmonising in true Impressions style and is yet another piece of majesty from Coxsone Dodd’s Studio1 label. I grew up listening to and being inspired by Third World’s version of this song from their, (1977), ’96 Degrees In The Shade’ LP and much as I cherish that version this ‘marrow trembler’ brings me to my knees whenever I hear it.

musicology #232

communication #10

(The Classics – Civilisation)

New day dawning? maybe. Let’s hope so.

First I would just like to congratulate the new American president on his victorious campaign to be elected. No doubt that it has significence. What that significence is though is not so easy to articulate. I don’t know a single policy of his but his acceptance speech was on in my house this morning, my 10 year old son has been made aware of Obama, (political ideology at work), at school. People were on the streets of London last night talking about it being a historical day…Why? because we are deep into globalisation and it is being enforced by the media as well as the politrickians.

Don’t get me wrong I am more than up for change but change of what exactly? I hear the word often. It has been Obama’s key word in the same way that I hear education over emphasised by the ‘Labour’ government here in England but, I don’t see it happening. We all know that words, (especially English ones), have many meanings, (perfect for politrickians), but without action signify nothing.

With that in mind today’s cut of the communication pie is a plea from themusicologist to those who run things. Quality Lee Perry production, attributed to The Classics, (Denzil Dennis and Milton Hamilton), recorded sometime in the late 60’s/early 70’s.

Finally I would just like to add a non globalised mention for English cultural icon Guy Fawkes whose day it is today. Unfortunately this tradition has, (over recent years), been supplanted by the American tradition of Halloween which for themusicologist has absolutely no cultural significence whatsoever.

Penny for the Guy anyone?

musicology #230

communication #8

(Dennis Brown – It’s Too Late)

Artist, producer and one of Jamaica’s most loved sons, Dennis Emmanuel Brown first recorded at the tender age of 11 for Derrick ‘One Stop’ Harriott but it was at Coxsone Dodd’s Studio 1 that he made his name starting with a cover of the Van Dykes cut, ‘No Man Is An Island’ in 1969. The man had a prolific career that stretched right up until his untimely death in 1999 at the age of 42.

This one written by Carol King is, for themusicologist, a great example of what a cover version should attempt to do, namely bring something new and fresh to a song. Something which Jamaica’s musicologists seem to have perfected….Recorded for Joe Gibbs sometime in the 80’s.

musicology #226

communication #4

(Alton Ellis – Breaking Up)

today’s slice of the communication pie is a 1968 cut credited to Tommy McCook and the Supersonics, (The Treasure Isle musical backbone), with no mention of the singer anywhere on the label. It is, of course, delivered in finest style by the unmistakeable voice of the Godfather of ‘Rock Steady’, Alton Nehemiah Ellis who, as some of you know, passed away this month.

Probably better known for his Studio1 version, this is the one he cut for Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid’s, (The Trojan), musical powerhouse, Treasure Isle. Released on an early, (Orange label), Trojan 45. . such a top ranking early reggae classic that it’s ‘easy’ to pass over due to it’s familiarity but there’s a chance that some of you may not have heard it and more than that the message cuts especially deep for themusicologist at this time so it had to be flung down.

Alton, come in brother man and let the people know what you’re talking about.

“when you turn and you walk through the door…(ahhh ahhh)”

musicology #222

tribute to alton #2

(Alton Ellis – Pearls)

round two of the Alton Ellis tribute….another fine piece from his days at Studio1.

musicology #221

tribute to alton #1

(Alton Ellis – I’ll Be Waiting)

regular vistors to themusicologist may recall a section flung down entitled sixartistsixweeksixtune. one of the artists featured was Alton Ellis (#90-95) who passed through this existence on Friday October 9th.

like to take this ‘opportunity’ to lay down a few more slices of the man’s legacy. starting with this one recorded for downbeat’s legendary Studio 1.  Alton Ellis..Rest In Peace.

‘JAH’ one more for you x

musicology #188

nowordsjustmusic #4

(Jimmy Riley – Woman’s Gotta Have It)

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

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 #163

malevocals2 #1

(Cornell Campbell – My Country)

kicking off this weeks selection with a mighty cut from one of Jamaica’s finest, Cornell Campbell who has been dropping musical bombs like this for almost 50, (count ’em), years. the man has laid down so many top ranking pieces it beggers belief that he is not an international star.

there at the birth of Jamaican musicology Cornell Cambell began his career at the tender age of 11, (according to the man himself), for none other than Coxsone ‘Downbeat the ruler’ Dodd. after a financial dispute he moved on to King Edwards, then formed vocal group ‘The Sensations’ with Jimmy Riley.

back to Dodd as a solo artist and lead singer of ‘The Eternals’ before hooking up with Bunny Lee in the early 70’s…the cat has worked with all of the great Jamaican producers throughout his long career, (which is still going strong), covering almost all of the styles from R&B through to Dancehall so I’m not going to bore you with the ‘information’ …. i’m just going to throw this one down and leave it to you to decide.

musicology #157

vocalgroupaction2 #2

(The Royals – Make Believe)

day two of the vocalgroup selection finds us tuning into some ‘sufferers’ courtesy of Jamaican vocal group The Royals with a mid 70’s piece on Roy Cousins’ Wambesi Label.

Roy Cousins was not only the producer and Wambesi label owner he was also the Royals lead singer. forming his first vocal group in 1962, (pivotol year for musicology), he went on to form the Royals, (originally called the Tempests), in 1965…recording for, (among others), Coxsone Dodd’s Studio 1.

sick of being ‘skanked’ by producers and label bosses he set up his own in 1971 and this one (Wambesi), in 1974 which attracted many a fine singer, vocal group and deejay evolving into a major force in the 70’s and 80’s.

the cat at the ‘controls’ on the dub is none other than Lloyd James. better known as..Prince Jammy…

musicology #153

duets2 #2

(Beres Hammond & Marcia Griffiths – Live On)

I had planned on throwing this one down yesterday but for some unknown reason my internet connection was playing tricks and locked me out of the ‘information highway’
so i’m taking this opportunity to fling it now in case it happens again.

day two of the duets selection is one of the tunes that drew me back to the sweet sounds of Jamaica in 1993 after a year spent in the musical wilderness waiting to be inspired after 5 years listening, playing and DJ’ing ‘house’ which by then had made the transition from under to overground and was being used to to sell cat food, yoghurt, etc …

the male vocal comes from the pipes of the mighty Beres Hammond whose career stretches back to the early 70’s but for themusicologist it was throughout the 90’s that he established himself as one of Reggae’s greats. one of those rare artists who rarely seem to put a foot wrong, (Bobby Bland is another who springs to mind), this cat could charm the birds out of the trees with his blend of harmony, sincerity and effortless timing.

the female vocal is courtesy of the queen of Jamaican music .. Marcia Griffiths. whose career stretches way back into the sixties, first as solo singer, (1964), then in tandem with Bob Andy, (musicology #37), then as member of Bob Marley & the Wailers backing group the I-Threes.

this piece, (which I never tire of hearing), produced by Donovan Germain for his trend setting Penthouse label is a slice of the ‘College Rock’ rhythm from 1992/3, a ‘digital’ reworking of Jackie Mittoo’s late 60’s Studio1 cut ‘Freak Out’…

beautiful song sung expertly by two of Jamaica’s premier vocalists….one especially for all the couples out there who understand what it takes to hold on when the road is rough and rocky.

“live on….”

musicology #144

SpectrumOfLove #4

(The Heptones – Meaning Of Life)

I was sitting in the ‘haddock & bloater’ last night on my way backfrom singing the ‘bourgeois blues’ thinking about the SpectrumOfLove and lo and behold this one appeared, floated soothingly like the warm summer breeze over my troubling mind and externalised what was/is in my heart and mind. So taking it as a sign i’m laying it on you..

sung by ‘article‘ Jamaican Vocal Group The Heptones, (Barry Llewelyn, Leroy Sibbles and Earl Morgan), who have featured heavily in themusicologists musical Journey from first being exposed to them as a youngblood via the 1976 album ‘Night Food’…

for themusicologist they are Jamaica’s foremost vocal group whose harmonics are as good as it gets.

Not sure who’s singing lead but it doesn’t sound like Leroy Sibbles so my guess is that it’s Barry Llewelyn? what I do know is that it’s a 1973 production by Alvin Ranglin released on the UK DownTown label.

to be honest it could have been any number of tunes from this group such is the quality of their output.

what a tune..

“I wanna know..what’s the meaning of life,

without a love of my own, without a love to call my own,

if this is life…then I dont want no part of life,

without a love of my own, without a love to call my own,

instead of loving me,..girl you’ve only hurt me all the while,

if its a love I already had..if it’s a love already lost,

this is life..then I don’t want no part of life,

without a love of my own, without a love to call my own,

ye-yeh I wanna know what is the meaning of life,

without a love of my own, without a love to call my own,

ooh darling I wannna know, why you do me you do me like you do,

you only hurt me all the while, you only tears me up inside”.

musicology #138

theGood,Bad&theUgly #5

(Dub Organizer – The Herb)

day 5 and the battle’s getting hotter..this section finds Tuco and Blondie back in the saddle together following Angel Eyes’s double cross (who’s expecting that Tuco was ‘taken care of’ back in the ‘pig-sty’)

for themusicologist this piece nails the atmosphere of the whole film in 5 mins of ranking ‘spaghetti dub’ and should go some way to providing a showcase of the influence that the films will always have.

the tune itself is courtesy of the UK based Fashion Label and was recorded at, (South London’s), A Class studio in 1997, (30 years after the film), the engineer on the session is the Dub Organizer, (Frenchie?), and it must be Augustus Pablo on the melodica, (no info on the label)