Soul

musicology #38

doublebubble .. day 4

(Tarheel Slim & Little Ann – I Submit To You)

day late but not a dollar short with this piece from 1965. better known for their 1959 hit, (it’s too late), which made the doublebubble playlist but, for me, doesn’t reach the heights of this one.

the male half of this husband and wife pairing was a foundation soul singer who first recorded gospel from 1946 as a member of The Southern Harmonaires, Selah Jubilee Singers and The Jubilators. Next stop, (1950) was early Vocal Group The Larks followed by some Blues cuts accompanied by the legendary Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee before moving to Bobby Robinson’s legendary label Red Robin ..

musicology #36

doublebubble .. day 2

(Marvin Gaye & Tami Terrel –

a match made in heaven .. this pair of songbirds were the first to record this ashford and simpson penned number in 1967.

shortly after, at the tender age of 22, Tammi collapsed on stage, (in Marvin’s arms), and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Her health deteriorated and she died in 1970. Marvin devastated, retreated into near isolation, (as well as other things to ease the pain), and wrote ‘What’s Going On’ still the only authentic LP loaded with hard hitting environmental questions.

so this one is not only for the two of them, but for all of us that appreciate how short, (and cruel), life can sometimes be …

musicology #35

doublebubble day 1

(Bobby Womack & Patti LaBelle – Through The Eyes Of A Child)

so we have heard from the ladies, the men have said their piece and now its time for doublebubble..the duets.

of particular interest for themusicologist is the difference between these three disciplines.

harmony between two people is a sound/sight to behold .. anything is possible and nothing is too much of a challenge and this weeks 7 pieces are, (I believe), all examples of such togetherness. kicking off with some fine 80’s soul&boogie delivered by two deep and soulful singers ‘the poet‘ & ‘lady marmalade‘ . musicologists that have been laying down quality almost 25 years before coming together on this one in 1984.

musicology #33

mansweek day 6..

(Sam Cooke – That’s Where It’s At)

just realised that 33 was the age which this legend died at. so thats nailed it for themusicologist ..

Mr Soul step up and let the people know what we’re talking about.

 

musicology #32

mans week day 5

(Major Lance – Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um)

“Iiiiiiiiii just couldnt help myself, guess I was born with a curious mind,
Iasked this man just what did he mean when he moaned if he’d be so kind .. and he just go” …

the article mans tune. um, um, um, um, um, um .. I can only imagine what it would have been like to hear this one on the streets of London Town back in early1964, (Released in US, December 1963), maybe somewhere like The Scene for instance, (the first club of it’s type in London) or even The Disc’ .. 150% MOD tune .

must have heard it at least a 100 times over the years but NEVER fails to tremble me marrow. no surprise though as, again, it has father Curtis at the helm. Lyrics, choice of singer, arrangement. probably even played on the session such was his genius. not forgetting the contributions of Gerald Sims and of course Carl Davis who together with Curtis were most responsible for reviving OKeh’s fortune as well as leading the direction Soul took from 1962.

musicology #29

mansweek .. day 2

(Jackie Wilson – I Want Somebody)

if you’re out there listening …

of the ten most soulful singers of the twentieth century, this cat is pushing for top spot and there can be no greater compliment paid than the one below from one of the others on the list:

“Jackie Wilson turned out to be probably my greatest idol that I ever had, as far as an entertainer,” said Smokey Robinson. “Because to me, he had everything. Jackie was just a complete package. The other guys could sing, but Jackie could sing and dance and entertain. He was really just great. So I think I probably admired him more so than all the other guys.”

musicology #25

Day 5..

(Ann Peebles – Tear You Play House Down)

slipping and sliding into a deep soulful piece from 1973. recorded in Memphis for the HI label.

chaps..listen this keenly.

musicology #19

(Delilah – Major Lance)

themusicologist is as much about the sharing of knowledge as the music itself. this fling is a fine example of what musicology means to me.

we were at a dear friends daughters second birthday bash, (happy birthday Nova), on Sunday and one of the guests was a beautiful baby girl whose name is this songs title.

of course as themusicologist there was only one thing to do and I enquired as to whether the child and parent were aware of the TOP tune I am about to throw down…as the answer was no I proposed to attach it to an email, (I would consider changing my name to be associated with such a slice of musicology), but this way it gives themusicologist a chance to indulge his passion for this singer, this particular tune and even more importantly the song writer/producer/musical genius whose message has been a constant inspiration throughout my whole life so without further ado .. this ones for you D*****H … from themusicologist.

musicology #10

day3

(Kleeer – Open Your Mind)

I did say no philosophy but, things change…

still sticking with the pucker boogie..and letting music do the talking. but had to mix in a bit of spoken word……y’know !!

It’s the full 12″.. thought about editing out the sax solo out but it wouldnt be the same without it so it stays..feeling it strong and it’s all good.