themusicologist

musicology #408

Catharsis #6

(Bill Withers – I Wish You Well)

final cut of the Catharsis and what better way to end the theme than with another slice from one of my primary guides on the journey…William Harrison Withers Jnr with a piece of sentiment from the deepest depths of my heart. Released in 1975, borrowed from his ‘Making Music’ set.

“I wish you flowers, sunshine and smiles,
I wish you children that grow to make make you proud,
I wish you…pretty things to wear…sweet things to smell,

I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),

I wish you good friends that always treat you fair,
Wanna wish you ribbons to tie round your hair,
I wish you…truck loads of cheer,
Many happy years,

I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),

Wanna wish you freedom to do all the things you love,
Wanna wish you blesssings and kindness from above,
Wanna wish you sunlight through the clouds,
Hope you laugh out loud,

I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
Oh now I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
Lord now, I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well)”

musicology #407

Catharsis #5

(India Arie – Slow Down)

Working the Tees yesterday and couldnt find the time and space to throw down a slice of the Cathartic Pie. Listening to and learning from music ALL day though so was most definately In Training for themusicologist and today’s artist will always hold special memories for me due to her part in helping me navigate the roughest and rockiest road I have ever stumbled down. India Arie EPITOMIZES catharsis for me and is one of the most inspirational artists I have ever had the pleasure to connect with and to.

With that in mind hold this cut from one of the GREAT sets. For themusicologist rarely does a whole set hit the bullseye but this one, (Voyage to India), certainly does.

musicology #406

Catharsis #4

(Otis Redding – Old Man Trouble)

Apologies for yesterday. Today I’ll make sure the cut is laid down with the post !!

Catharsis..
1: A purification or purgation of the emotions primarily through art.
2: A purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension.
3: elimination of a complex by bringing it to consciousness and affording it expression.

For me themusicologist delivers all of the above and for that I am more than greatful. In fact over the past few days the raging inner storm is calming and the ‘weight’ is lifting.

I’m assuming that most, if not all, of us are feeling some kind of pressure as the curtain finally closes on the Modern World and opens on what in Philosophical terms is defined as the Post Modern world of, (among other things), decentralization, insecurity, globalization, unpaid work, marketocracy, crowdsourcing and so on and on and on. Many Modern projects that have informed us since the Enlightenment such as freedom, democracy, education and the family are being dismantled and replaced by degrees of economic slavery. It’s always a changing world but sometimes the speed of change is surprising.

So as much as I take responsibility for my actions I also know that there are external forces at work that have a great impact on the herd who tend to be oblivious to the control tactics of the masters. Therefore I will continue on the road of authenticity with my head held high and my eyes, ears and nose wide open and dismiss the one sided Apollonian ideology that reduces art to no more than “amusement governed by empty concepts” and firmly deny Plato’s view that “Art is a secondary imitation of reality and a counterfeit substitute for life itself”

Today’s cut is a fine piece of Art courtesy of the ‘Big O’. Borrowed from the great 1965 ‘Otis Blue’ set….Plato…this one’s all yours.

musicology #405

Catharsis #3

(David Ruffin – Pieces Of A Man)

Day three..no time to waste…no time to juggle so I’ll just leave it to one of the great singers Davis Eli Ruffin to tell it like it is with this 1969 cut from his debut solo LP for Tamla Motown. Produced by Soul heavyweights and longtime musicologists Harvey Fuqua, Ivory Joe Hunter and Johnny Bristol.

musicology #404

Catharsis #2

(Bobby Womack – Games)

While listening to a series of lectures on the subject of Ancient Greek philosophy one of the threads focused on the opposition between Plato/Socrates and the Pre Socratics particularly the ideas of the Sophists. According to the lectures the Sophists, (in debate), are not concerned with the Truth but rather the art of persuasion while Socrates/Plato hold that it’s the Truth that matters most when determining the outcome of a debate. To put it another way Politics, certainly in the current age, is Sophistic and deals in rhetoric while Science is Socratic.

I find myself in agreement with certain aspects of each method but also refute just as much which I found confusing but yesterday I came to a realisation that much western Philosophy builds arguments on the underlying concept of Right and Wrong. Socrates for example invites opponents to play the game using his rules, (question/answer), and then proceeds to beat his opponent using logic and reason. For example Socrates might start the game by saying “Do you agree that….” and once the opponent answered would tear down the Relativist/Sophist argument based on the answer given. But there is one Sophist in Plato’s Republic who doesn’t play Socrates’ game and what this highlights is that there is of course more than one game and each one has their own set of rules.

Problems arise when we find ourselves in dialogue with those whose game and rules are different to our own. My experience is that games and rules only become clear when one or both parties are trying to base their argument on ‘Right and Wrong’ which is a concept that personally  I don’t accept.

Today’s cut is courtesy of ‘the Poet’ a.k.a Bobby Womack a Cat who triggers many memories for themusicologist due to his music and message being a constant during my formative years with a piece taken from the 1981 set that was the man’s response to how life had, in his own words “turned on him”.

Just like to make clear that each slice of this cathartic pie is inspired by instinct and as such is nothing more than part of the process so bear in mind that interpretation is wholly subjective.

musicology #403

Catharsis #1

(Lord Creator – I’m Wasting Time)

Still struggling to find direction on themusicologist. It’s not inspiration that’s the problem, (music always delivers), or that I don’t have themes in mind maybe it’s a simple matter of the fallout from the metamorphosis that I am in the middle of. Want it straight?

My partner, (and mother of our children), has, after twenty years, called time on our relationship for the second, (and final), time in 12 months. Why am I laying this out here on themusicologist? ’cause it’s distracting, painful and needs exorcising and where better to get some therapy than here through the form that for me has always delivered catharsis.

Don’t worry though as I’m certainly not going to let the black cloud descend. Nietzsche once wrote, (in The Genealogy Of Morals)

“All instincts which do not find a vent outside oneself turn inwards” and that in a sentance sums up what themusicologist is for me…a vent for my instincts.

First up is a piece from Kendrick Patrick a.k.a Lord Creator who has already featured on themusicologist with his majestic 1968 cut Such Is Life. Produced by Vincent Chin and released on his Top Ranking Randy’s label in the first half of the 1960’s.

musicology #402

Sound&Fury #5

(Admiral Tibet – Time Is The Master)

Momentum…Focus….Discipline. I find them a constant challenge. Take your eye off either one for more than a breath and they try to slip away, (the bastards !) take themusicologist for example when the momentum slips the focus wavers and the discipline flies out the window making it difficult to get back on the right track.

‘So many things to do and so little time to do them in’ is a well worn cliche but fits me like a John Pearse tailored suit. Not that I’m complaining…I would much rather be busy than not it’s just that there are, (as we all know), only 24 hours in a day and it just isn’t enough for me to get the job done. So with that in mind allow me to lay this cut on you.

A slice of Jamaican ‘Steppers’ from themusicologist’s ROCKET BOX. One of my most cherished pieces of the shiny black stuff from One of my favourite Dancehall artists, Kenneth ‘Mr Reality’ Allen a.k.a Admiral Tibet whose consciousness and integrity are something to behold. Never have I heard the Admiral speak anything other than righteousness. An artist that, like Terry Callier, deserves our FULL support.

BOSS TUNE.

musicology #401

Sound&Fury #5

(Prince Buster – Too Hot)

Original cut of the song made ‘public’ by the Specials. The Prince has already featured on themusicologist so no need for me to wax lyrical about his life. Suffice to say that the Cat is a legend of Jamaican musicology.

musicology #399

Sound&Fury #3

(Ray Sharpe & The King Curtis Orchestra – Help Me Get The Feeling Pts 1&2)

Fuck…not sure how you cats are feeling but for themusicologist it sure is a hard road fe travel at the moment. not complaining, moaning or, (worst of all), looking for sympathy just an observation and comment on this part of the journey.

I’m always up for the challenge but the constant pressure is taking it’s toll. So with that in mind I’m going to lay down this wicked piece of 60’s Soul. Keeping in mind that although it’s the ‘Sound&Fury’ signifying nothing music speaks and themusicologist can’t help but listen. Quality double sider of urban musicology that I had no choice but to edit the two seperate parts together.

1966 ‘Atlantic’ release originally released on the Atco Label courtesy of Ray Sharpe featuring one of the top bands of the period none other than The, (King), Curtis Orchestra.

musicology #398

Sound&Fury #2

(Terry Callier – Darker Than A Shadow)

Slowing down the tempo a piece with this the second cut on the sound&fury courtesy of a Cat who has been a constant feature on themusicologist’s playlists over the past few weeks..poetic lyricologist of the highest order, childhood friend of Curtis Mayfield and one time Cabrini Green resident, Terry Callier.

This majestic slice is borrowed from his 2002 set ‘Speak Your Peace’. Just like to add thas far as I am concerned Terry Callier is an artist who deserves our support. Buy his sets, go to his concerts and let him know that he has some ‘warriors’ by his side.

“Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,

I was asleep and having dreams,
Awakened by a silent scream,
A raging wind and clouds of steam,
It was..darker than a shadow,

Unprepared for scenes like these,
With heavy air and boiling seas,
Destruction of societies,
It was..darker than a shadow,

What type insanity is this,
Standing on a precipice,
That leads into a deep abyss,
And it is darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,

There was a storm like this before,
Aftermath where angels walked,
Poisoned waters, wasted shores,
And it was..darker than a shadow,

Is this all we have learned my friends,
We’re doing now what they did then,
Repeating great mistakes again,
Darker than a shadow,

What type insanity is this,
We are walking in a scorching mist,
Leads down to a deep abyss,
And it is darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,

And then from out the deepest void,
There came a flaming asteroid,
One third of this world was destroyed,
It was…darker than a shadow

Mankind was in a raging fit,
And thermo-neuclear fires were lit,
We never saw the end of it,
‘Cause it was…darker than a shadow,

What mad insanity is this,
Standing on a precipice,
That leads into a deep abyss,
It is darker than a shadow
What type insanity is this,
Standing on a precipice,
That leads into a deep abyss,
And it is darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow”

musicology #397

Sound&Fury #1

(The Poets Of Rhythm – Guiding Resolution)

“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing”. – William Shakespere –

I am utilising this quote NOT because that is my belief regarding the journey but because this theme, (unlike some), signifies nothing so my advice, (if needed), is “don’t waste time looking under rocks for scorpions”. There’s nothing deep about this theme other than the music.

First up is a majestic piece of musicology from German born, (and raised), hipsters ‘The Poets Of Rhythm’ who in the 90’s began their journey to redifine the parameters of Authentic ‘Funk’ with their fantasic sound. This cut is from their 2001 set Discern/Define. Anyone who knows, (as well as those who don’t), will, I hope, agree that this groove is as good as ‘it’, (the genre), gets. Soul and Funk was my entry into the world of clubbing and DeeJaying in 1985 on London’s  ‘Rare Groove’ scene and I can assure you that had this been around then it would have been well and truly rinsed..

musicology #396

PostMod/ernist #6

(Toussaint McCall – Nothing Takes The Place Of You)

Final cut on the PostMod/ernist. To be honest I have struggled with this theme. The circumstances I find myself in have affected my confidence which, unlike belief, is buried in the unconscious making it impossible, in my opinion, to cultivate, (again unlike belief), internally. Put simply it’s other people who are responsible for our fragile confidence and my observation is that too many don’t take responsibility for making and breaking it. I’m not laying any blame as that’s for the immature. Neither am I making any excuses, life is a two way street and I must be just as guilty of being irresponsible.

As you may already be aware themusicologist for me is and always has been a kind of diary shot through with Joy & Pain and utilising the power of music as communicator, comforter and guide.

Bottom line…my lifetime’s observation so far is that people will always let you down. Rarely intentionally but that doesn’t lessen the impact. One way to lessen the impact is to not have what Charles Dickens called ‘Great Expectations’. Shoot for the stars but accept that the probability is that you will miss. This attitude has led me to the belief that it’s the journey of and through life that’s important rather than the destination and along the way our companions will come and go. Some will last longer than others. Some will bring and share love while others will try to hurt and hinder. Live by your own values and pass no judgement on those of others. It’s a mean, fucked up world and, from what I can see, it’s only getting meaner. Play by your own rules and do what you think is neccesary for survival and bear in mind that the society that we live in has been created without our consent.

The final cut is a classic slice of 1967 Southern Soul courtesy of Louisiana born Organist and Vocalist Toussaint McCall with a tune that is known to Soul fans the world over which never fails to tremble themusicologist’s marrow. Especially poignant and a fitting end not only to this theme but also to the 20 year relationship I have had the pleasure to share.

musicology #395

PostMod/ernist #5

(Fuller Brothers – Stranger At My Door)

One of themusicologist’s most loved slices of 60’s Soul…BIG tune. Released on San Francisco’s GD&L label.


musicology #394

PostMod/ernist #4

(Leon Ware – What’s Your World)

Quality piece of Soul from long time musicologist, arranger, singer and songwriter extraordanaire who’s career stretches back to the late 1950’s. First brought to themusicologist’s attention in 1982 as the Cat responsible for the Soul&Boogie / ‘Jazz-Funk’ classic ‘That’s Why I Came To California’. A BIG tune with London’s hipsters at the time of it’s release. Mr Ware is still going strong and celebrates HALF A CENTURY in what must be one of the most cut throat, back stabbing industrys out there. Today’s slice is borrowed from his excellent debut album released on United Artists in 1972.

musicology #393

PostMod/ernist #3

(Paul Weller – I Didn’t Mean To Hurt You)

Today’s cut is from PostMod/ernist supreme and musicologist inspiration who, for me, always creates and delivers ‘value’ (on top of being one of England’s most cherished talents), none other than Paul John Weller with a piece taken from the 1992 album that, (to his critics), signalled his so called return while to his appreciators it was nothing more than a part of his evolution. No prizes for guessing who this one is dedicated to.

I heard them all talking,
I guess you have too,
Adding flickers to the flame,
How I’ve treated you,
Yes I take the blame,
Let me say, that they don’t know,
The fools don’t know, they really don’t know,
That I really didn’t mean to hurt you,

Oh darling, I didn’t mean to hurt you,
Please believe me when I say,
I never meant to hurt you,
Hey I didn’t mean to hurt you girl,

Whatever they tell you,
There’s more I could say,
Lending motion to the wheel,
How you built me up,
When I was falling down, down,
But who knows you just might find,
Just might find that I’m just your kind,
And I really didn’t mean to hurt you,
Oh darlin’ I didn’t mean to hurt you,
Deep down inside I never meant to hurt you,
Oh child..didn’t mean to hurt you girl,

I was looking there for something,
But some things have no meaning,
While I was looking there for something,
Everything went wrong,
Was looking there for something,
But some things have no meaning
While I was looking there for something,
Everything had gone,

Soon as I looked, I lived,
Soon as I lived, I wondered,
Soon as I looked, I lived,
Soon as I lived, I wondered,

‘Cause they don’t know the fools don’t know,
They really don’t know,
That I didn’t mean to hurt you,

Deep down inside I never meant to hurt you,
Yeah..didn’t mean to hurt you girl,
Please believe me when I say,
Didn’t mean to hurt you,
I didn’t mean to hurt you girl,

I was looking there for something,
But some things have no meaning,
While I was looking there for something,
Somethings have no meaning,
While I was looking there for something,
Some things have no meaning,
While I was looking there for something,
Some things have no meaning,

Soon as I looked, I lived,
Soon as I lived, I wondered,
Soon as I looked, I lived,
Soon as I lived, I wondered

musicology #392

PostMod/ernist #2

(Ronnie Taylor – Without Love)

Slice of early 70’s Deep Soul courtesy of Bill Moss’s Ohio Label CapSoul. Rediscovered and released by the Numero musicologists on their top ranking, solid gold series of lost Soul Sets.

musicology #391

PostMod/ernist #1

(Terry Callier – Keep Your Heart Right)

Transcendental cut from one of the great sets, (Timepeace), courtesy of the genius that is Terry Callier. Dedicated to my two children who have had to endure much in their young lives and today is no exception. Know that no matter what lies ahead, Dad is, and will always be, by your side.

“Can you feel the way the world is turning,
Will we live to love another day,
Is the lesson too late for the learning,
And do our emotions just get in the way,
Ohhh what d’ you say,
If the truth appears,
Will you turn away, turn away, turn away

In brightest day or darkest night
Dont give up the faith and keep your heart right,
Like a mountain stand for eternity,
Ohh your light will shine for the world to see

Keep your heart right,
Keep your heart right,

In a weary world that needs redemption,
Maybe we can learn to love again,
And this time there will be no exemptions,
Only better days ahead for us my friend
And it’s time to begin,
And if the thoughts are true wooohh,
The song never ends, never ends, never ends,

In brightest day or darkest night
Dont give up the faith and keep your heart right,
Like a mountain stand for eternity,
And your light will shine for the world to see,

Keep your heart right,
Keep your heart right,

musicology #390

Modernist #18

(Ernestine Anderson – Keep An Eye On Love)

Cats…apologies for leaving you all ‘hanging’ for this final slice..my excuse is that it has been ‘on me like a rash’ for the last couple of weeks and I haven’t been able to find the time for themusicologist. The Project is taking up most of my time leaving precious little for Mod/ernist musings although the combination of the two has produced the latest addition to the Tribute Tees below. Available in two colours, sizes from Small to XLarge and THREE cuts ‘Dubplate’, ‘Classic’, and ‘Double A’, (American Apparel) see Tribute Tees for further information

Final cut on the Mod/ernist theme..and I’m wrapping it up with this fine piece by extraordinary singer Ernestine Anderson whose long career stretches back to the early 50’s when as a teenager she toured with the, (legendary), Johnny Otis band and then Lionel Hampton’s. Essentially a Jazz singer but I’m sure she could ‘sit down’ on any piece of music with effortless ease. Recorded and released in 1963 it won’t come as a surprise to those who know this cut but for those who don’t know it, (as well as them that do),

Released on New York’s Sue Label (another slice of the Juggy Murray pie), and in the UK on the Mod/ernist’s most cherished Red & Yellow label of the same name. Apparently it didn’t get much play at the time, (according to my sources), but for me this piece is ‘well modern’ and If I had been on the wheels of steel back then it would have been one of themusicologist’s choice plays….what’s ironic is the timing of today’s cut. I have honestly tried my best to ‘Keep an Eye’ but all my efforts have been in vain…

LISTEN TUNE…

musicology #389

Modernist #17

(Charlie & Inez Foxx – MockingBird)

Penultimate day of the Mod/ernist theme, (honest guvnuh !!), and then it’s onto musicolological pastures new. Hard for me to leave this theme as I love the music and am really enjoying the dialogue.

Couldn’t complete a mod/ernist theme without including this one from Charlie & Inez Foxx…1963 cut on Juggy Murrays Symbol label. BIG, BIG tune from back in the day.

musicology #388

Modernist #16

(The Orlons – The Wah Watusi)

Have to keep it brief today as I’m up to my eyeballs with various things that demand my full attention making it nigh on impossible to wax lyrical about Mod/ernists, Musicology, Sociology, Philosophy, The Bauhaus and all of the other strands that woven together inform who I am or even ‘we’ are.

So without delay hold this cut. Yet another from the magic year of 1962 by vocal group The Orlons..one of the important things about this cut is that it made #2 in the U.S Pop chart which for an ‘R&B’ vocal group was no mean feat and for me highlights one of the reasons that 1962 was an important year sociologically. Before then the likelyhood is that it would have been re-recorded by a more shall we say marketable vocal group but ‘walls’ were breaking down especially in America and ‘Race’ music was leading the charge.