streaming audio

musicology #52

back to the musical diary…

(Little Ghetto Boy – Donny Hathaway – Freddy Luster Remix)

as themusicologist evolves, grows and unfolds it reminds the I of a stream, meandering slowly down from the hills following it’s natural path, but in places the stream widens into a river and flows with uncontrolled rage, dangerous, aggressive, unpredictable and threatening. At these junctions it becomes a sink or swim, fight or flight situation. Sink and drown or fight and conquer. Navigating such waters is a challenge and tools become a necessity to help point the way.

I speak in these metaphors as right now the stream is leading into the river and I’m looking at the navigational tools at my disposal and wondering what one to trust, the compass or the map?

not often that themusicologist favours the remix or the cover version, (keep it locked for a ‘coversweek’ theme) but this Freddy Luster rinse out adds to the original in my opinion.

hold it, hear it and watch the cultural ride.

musicology #48

vocalgroupaction .. day7

(Back Up Train – Soulmates)

last piece. 1967 .. who can tell us the name of the lead singer?

musicology #47

vocalgroupaction .. day 6 (Who’s That Lady – Isley Brothers)

cats..apologies for delay in posting this late in the day. had a late one last night, didnt get home until 7:30 am !! and subsequently slept the whole day .. well worth it though as I was out with my best spars who I NEVER fail to have a great time with. I’m dedicating this one to them. thanks for your unconditional support and friendship it is very much appreciated. this one from 1973 on the T Neck Label. The message is always in the music even if it does fall on ‘deaf ears’

musicology #46

vocalgroupaction .. day5

(Sincerley – Moonglows)

theres no way this one could have been left out of the vocalgroup selection. for themusicologist the benchmark against which all vocalgroupaction is measured. first heard this sometime in the early 70’s through a foundation musicologist who has often been the catalyst for introducing new sounds and it still sounds at least as sweet now as it did more than 30 years ago … amazing how music can trigger detailed memories, I can almost reach out and touch them.

One of these cats, Harvey Fuqua, (not singing lead on this one), was instrumental in the development of the vocal group sound eventually moving on, (with protege Marvin Gaye), to Detroit where he worked his creative magic and helped build the Motown Sound … Released in December 1954 on the Chess label out of Chi’

musicology #45

vocalgroupaction..day4 (Elephant Walk – Donald & The Delighters)

I first heard this about 6 / 7 years ago. I fell in love with it there and then at it has since become one of my favourite pieces of vocal group action..having enjoyed it many times it never ceases to amaze me how innovative it is. which, considering Donald Jenkins is on the session, (singing lead), is no surprise as, for themusicologist, his contribution, (especially), to the vocal development of Soul deserves a mention. check that use of echo and the mad jungle sounds .. wonder if Lee Perry knew the tune? one from the witch/cortland stable out of Chi’ from the summer of 1963

musicology #44

vocalgroup action day 3 (You Don’t Care – Techniques)

top ranking slice of Rock Steady from Duke Reid ‘the Trojan’s’ Treasure Isle stable.
a tune penned by father Curtis Mayfield, (a major influence on Jamaican musical direction)

lead vocal by the majestic Horatius ‘Pat’ Kelly.. backing by Winston Riley and Junior Menz, who went on to sing the equally heart wrenching lead on one of themusicologists favourite slices of Jamaican Soul..Queen Majesty.

musicology #43

vocalgroupaction .. day 2

(The Door Is Still Open – Cardinals)

recorded in 1955 by one of the pioneering vocal groups. formed in 1946, ( a year before the Orioles), they were ‘discovered’ in 1951 by an Atlantic Records executive during a company talent search and went on to record 12 singles over six years. during their time at Atlantic the lead singer, (the magnificent Ernie Warren), was drafted and the group lost their way, finding it only when Warren returned full time in 1954.

Penned by the multi talented Harold ‘Chuck’ Willis this piece has it all..vocals, lyrics, production and illustrates, perfectly, the doo-wop sound.

musicology #42

vocalgroupaction .. day 1 (Peace In The Valley – Soul Stirrers)

has to be this one to start proceedings.

no words neccesary.

listen tune..