“Can’t begin to understand,
I look the same but I’m a different man,
And inside I’m hurting So,
Loneliness it just won’t go,
Since you been gone,
Haven’t been myself,
This must be a dream,
Strange as it seems,
I never thought that this could ever be,
My friends don’t come around in sympathy,
But NOTHING they say or do could ease the pain,
Though I’m trying to work it out, it’s all in vain”
The Cool Ruler Rides Out Of Town #6
Gregory Isaacs – Rude Boy Bawl
Ranking slice of 1994 dancehall from the Rude Boy General recorded for and released on Junior Reids JR Productions label..Reminds me of Thursdays spent down at Dub Vendor on Ladroke Grove…soundmen, (and boys), lined up at the counter about to do battle for the best cuts..You had to be first to raise the finger and if you were ‘on the firm’ ‘Red’, (or ‘Face’), would look in your direction for the ‘one of them’ signal…be it a nod, wink, or a raised finger and it would be added to your pile..good times…
“Down a remand centre rude boy a chill out yeah,
And a wait pon trial…lord, lord, lord,
Him just a bust a small sweat yeah believe me,
Cause them a case there kinda crucial,
Him charge fe 3 murder and 4 armed robbery,
And illegal firearms,
So him sit down pon him bunk and him take a big bible,
Start to chant 2 psalms…”
Jamaica #24
(Gregory Isaacs – Financial Endorsement)
Out of the ‘Crown Prince’ selection and into one from the ‘Cool Ruler’…aka Jamaican Superstar Gregory Isaacs..who, (along with the Heptones and Beres Hammond), I will be catching Live at the Brixton Academy next week…
Born and raised in West Kingston’s notorious Denham Town, The Cool Ruler begun his recording career in 1968 with a self produced cut and followed with one for Prince Buster, (apparently under gentle persuasion from the notorious ghetto legend Jim Brown to offer his ‘bredren’ Gregory a platform to record), but amazingly it wasn’t until setting up his own African Museum label in 1973 in collaboration with Errol Dunkley that he began to climb his way up to the top. Why? certainly nothing to do with his immense talent, maybe he was just toorude for the producers to deal with for more than the odd session? anyway thankfully Gregory continued to record and has gone on to deliver some of the finest music to have ever graced themusicologist’s ears.
Today’s 1974 cut was recorded for producer Alvin Ranglin and released on his GG’s Label.
PoliceAndThieves #3
(Gregory Isaacs – Mr Cop)
Hmmm..don’t know what’s happened to the ‘Thieves’ selection..just have to keep rolling with the Police then…
Today’s cut is from none other than the ‘Cool Ruler’ a Cat who has been delivering TOP ranking cuts for 40…YES 40 years. which in this age of here today and gone tomorrow is no mean feat. His recording career begun in 1968 but it wasn’t until hooking up with Errol Dunkley in 1973 and setting up their African Museum label that he began his rise to the top of the Jamaican music tree working with producers such as Niney, Gussie Clarke, Roy Cousins, Alvin Ranglin and Lee Perry sealed his status as one of Jamaica’s top vocalists throughout the 70’s and 80’s. Always ahead of the game Gregory was and still is an inspiration for all Ghetto youths.
Still making TOP ranking music Gregory is the yardstick by which all Jamaican vocalists are measured…with only Dennis Brown for company. Yes there are other singers who are as good but none surpass Gregory…Lee Perry production on this one.
3 Is The Magic Number #1
(Gregory Issacs – Storm)
Today is my birthday..and I am having a great day..one of the best I have ever had ! Some beautiful and touching messages from my friends and loved ones..bought myself a wicked pair of ‘Rhythm & Blues’, (see Img below !!), slipping out for a few hours with two of my main spars and the icing on the cake…our children have arranged to take me out for a birthday meal…tears of joy.
As for the musicology…after the recent New York New York special, (words fail me), I would like to take this small window, (Christmas selection soon come !), to lay down 3 cuts in an effort to try and let the Cats know where I’m at..first up it’s one from the inimitable Cool Ruler. Jamaican music doesn’t get much better than when Gregry’ steps in to the studio, (or live on stage), and delivers. From 1968 right up to the present the legend has graced us with his ability to connect and communicate and this one is just one example out of, (quite literally), hundreds. Someone played themusicologist at his own game a few days ago and laid down a slice of Gregory which moved and inspired me and this piece is in reply. You know the score.
themusicologist 