the wailing wailers t shirt

musicology #645

tUmp #7

the Wailers – Sinner Man


what more can I say about the ‘Wailing Wailers’…the trio who went on to internationalise the music of Jamaica that has since had such a BIG impact on contemporary music especially ‘Hip Hop’ and ‘House’ both of which owe a great debt to the artists, producers and engineers who were always innovating and showing what was possible with limited technology. EVERY 21st ‘bedroom producer’, whether consciously or unconsciously, takes inspiration from Jamaican Urbanmusicology.

From the early 1950’s the Sound System pioneers helped to blaze the trail for what was to follow, chatting on the mic, selecting in the dance etc but it was in the 1960’s and particularly with Sir Coxsone Downbeat’s Brentford Road powerhouse, appropriately named ‘Studio 1’ that the music really took shape. Of course there were other BIG and influential producers at the time notably Duke Reid, Leslie Kong, Justin Yap, King Edwards, Prince Buster but Coxsone was the one who truly moved the focus out of the dance and into the Studio with artists such as the Wailers. Coxsone was a businessman but also a vanguard AND music lover who knew how to pick a winner and without him the musical landscape of not only Jamaica but, (in my opinion) the world would be a different place.

DOWNBEAT THE RULER will ALWAYS be the CHAMPION sound for me.

Wailing Wailers TributeTees designed and produced by themusicologist available EXCLUSIVELY at

bloodsweatandtees

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

musicology #644

tUmp #6

the Wailers – Freedom Time

More Ska from the Wailers, who were first introduced to Studio 1 by percussionist Alvin ‘Seeco’ Patterson and went by the name ‘the Teenagers’. Bob had already recorded a tune for Leslie Kong before arriving at Coxsone’s Brentford Road gate but as a (5 piece), group they were yet to record. Lee Perry was assigned the task of making the ‘Wailers’ the islands #1 group and encouraged them to work at their original material rather than the covers that Coxsone, (who was a fan of the group), was forwarding. This SUPERB piece is one of those original compositions..Jackie Mittoo on the keys leading the Studio 1 band, (formerly known as the Skatalites)

 

musicology #643

tUmp #6

the Wailers – Bend Down Low

Original Studio 1 version of Bend Down Low..later revisted by Bob Marley in 1974 for his first solo album ‘Natty Dread’.

musicology #300

JamaicanVocalGroupAction #11

(The Wailers -Cry To Me)

So…the day has finally arrived when ‘The Project’ is revealed. (Imgs Below)

Allow me to elucidate..Ever since I first clapped eyes and ‘pulled up’ for my first ‘statement Tee’, (shirt), back on a stall in Greenwich market as a sixteen year old, (1984), I have harboured a dream to design and produce screen prints that communicate a message. The one that spoke to me was the classic, (UK), Red and White Studio One Label, blown up and screen printed onto a plain white t-shirt. Nowdays it is not uncommon to see ‘Label Tees’ for all different genres but back then, (at least in London), it was fresh and new.

That Tee went everywhere with me and I always wore it with pride, connecting myself with the music and message of Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae. I still own and cherish that same Tee even though it has almost disintegrated and can’t be worn. So last year I decided to take the plunge and learn the art of screen printing. Essentially I am an ‘ideas man’ and my head and heart are full of tributes to Artists, Producers, Genres and even Songs, (among others), so the actual process of printing was neceesary to learn as I wanted to design, produce and provide authentic Tee Shirts that encapsulated the passion I have for Culture without dilution from external economic influences.

After 8 months I feel ready to share these ‘Tribute Tees’ with you and what better place to start than with the legendary Wailing Wailers who have had a major impact on themusicologist from my earliest days…

Available to order in Four ‘cuts’ and, (for now), Three Sizes, (Small / Medium / Large)

The 45, (Plain WhiteTee),  33, (Long Sleeve), Dubplate, (Bamboo&Organic Cotton), and The Sweat Shirt.

At the moment I am working on the most effective way to provide them online but for now the only way to make the transaction will be via my ebay account. It is more of a passion than a business but as we all know a man needs to make a living !! and this is the way I aim to do it by sharing a genuine passion for music, originality, style and culture wrapped up in the humble Tee or Sweatshirt…Feedback and Critique is most welcome, appreciated and valued.

The cut featured today is a song probably better known for the version on Marley’s Rastaman Vibration. But for themusicologist there is no comparison with this 1964? cut featuring the Wailers at their most effective and original. No doubt that as great as Bob Marley was he in no way overshadowed his two partners Bunny and Peter. This cut bears witness to that. Listening to this Trinity of cats harmonizing brings not only tears to my eyes but also joy to my ears and heart. The only downside is that it finishes….but at least it can be enjoyed for free and the message be spread far and wide.

Click on Images To See them in all their glory…