themusicologist

musicology #236

inmodwetrust #3

(The Miracles – Mickey’s Monkey)

another slice from the 1963 selection, the year that ‘Mod’ grew out of various shadows to establish it as more than a handful of ‘dressers’/stylists/modernists into a movement. Same year that the (New) Scene opened it’s doors in Ham Yard, (Soho), to become the premier London club and forum for all things ‘mod’ and hip in the capital.

The cut is delivered in fine style by legendary Detroit vocal group The Miracles with William ‘Smokey’ Robinson on lead supported by Bobby Rogers, Marv Tarplin, childhood friend and, (along with Smokey), former 5 Chimes member Ronald White and female vocalist Claudette Rogers. The Miracles paved the way for Motown’s success in the early sixties with cuts like ‘Shop Around’, ‘You Really Got A Hold On Me’ and this one apoun which the Berry Gordy empire was built.

musicology #235

inmodwetrust #2

(Joe Hinton – You Know It Ain’t Right)

Round two of the mod/ernist musical merry go round and this time it’s courtesy of a relatively obscure vocalist by the name of Joe Hinton who up until 1958 had been a gospel singer but, it was with this one, (recorded for Don Robey’s Backbeat label in 1963), that he broke through. Going on to have a minor ‘hit’ with his version of Willie Nelson’s ‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ the following year. Unfortunately his career was cut short in 1968 after losing a battle with Skin Cancer but for themusicologist he is, (almost), immortalised by this slice of the Mod/ernist pie.

musicology #234

inmodwetrust #1

(Walter Jackson – That’s What Mama Say)

new theme on themusicologist and one that is very much a part of my musical education due to the fact that both my mum and dad were first generation mod/ernists, (1962-1966). the cuts laid down this week were all played in and around London during the above period.

first up is a piece from one of the premier ‘mod’ labels, operating out of ‘Chi’, OKeh. A label that was one of the first to focus on ‘immigrant’ music in the 1920’s recording many of the early Jazz pioneers such as Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Sidney Bechet and Mamie Smith. After some time spent lost in the musical wilderness the company’s fortunes were reignited by employing Carl Davis in 1962 as head of A&R who had the vision to employ Curtis Mayfield as associate producer in 1963 as well as three of the best arrangers Johnny Pate, Riley Hampton and Gerald Sims who is quoted to have said

“the Chicago sound came from basically one source…Curtis Mayfield”

This one from 1963 is sung by one of themusicologist’s favourite singers, Walter Jackson. Produced by the aforementioned Carl Davis, arranged by Riley Hampton and songwriten by none other than Curtis Mayfield with, (possibly), the Impressions harmonising.

musicology #233

communication #11

(The Wailers – Dreamland)

This one is dedicated to the woman of my dreams who I have had the pleasure of spending half my life with. and even though we are in the process of seperation and our paths are taking different turns I will, (and do), love and cherish her for as long as I draw breath. Yesterday was her 40th Birthday and I wanted to lay this one down especially for her.

As far as I’m concerned this is the Wailers at their best. ‘Bunny’ delivers lead on this one with Peter and Bob harmonising in true Impressions style and is yet another piece of majesty from Coxsone Dodd’s Studio1 label. I grew up listening to and being inspired by Third World’s version of this song from their, (1977), ’96 Degrees In The Shade’ LP and much as I cherish that version this ‘marrow trembler’ brings me to my knees whenever I hear it.

musicology #232

communication #10

(The Classics – Civilisation)

New day dawning? maybe. Let’s hope so.

First I would just like to congratulate the new American president on his victorious campaign to be elected. No doubt that it has significence. What that significence is though is not so easy to articulate. I don’t know a single policy of his but his acceptance speech was on in my house this morning, my 10 year old son has been made aware of Obama, (political ideology at work), at school. People were on the streets of London last night talking about it being a historical day…Why? because we are deep into globalisation and it is being enforced by the media as well as the politrickians.

Don’t get me wrong I am more than up for change but change of what exactly? I hear the word often. It has been Obama’s key word in the same way that I hear education over emphasised by the ‘Labour’ government here in England but, I don’t see it happening. We all know that words, (especially English ones), have many meanings, (perfect for politrickians), but without action signify nothing.

With that in mind today’s cut of the communication pie is a plea from themusicologist to those who run things. Quality Lee Perry production, attributed to The Classics, (Denzil Dennis and Milton Hamilton), recorded sometime in the late 60’s/early 70’s.

Finally I would just like to add a non globalised mention for English cultural icon Guy Fawkes whose day it is today. Unfortunately this tradition has, (over recent years), been supplanted by the American tradition of Halloween which for themusicologist has absolutely no cultural significence whatsoever.

Penny for the Guy anyone?

musicology #231

communication #9

(Jimmy Ruffin – What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted)

A song that we, (should), all know delivered with pathos by one of the great Soul singers about a subject that is plainly close to my heart. Older brother of the Temptation’s member David, Jimmy hasn’t received the acclaim he deserves. This version, (the original), has the spoken intro which was removed for the final mix that made it onto the 45, (can’t understand why?)

Lyrics by James Dean, music composed by William Weatherspoon and Paul Riser, music played by the Funk Brothers, background vocals by The Originals, (Freddie Gorman, Walter Gaines, Hank Dixon, Joe Stubbs), and the Adantes, (Jackie Hicks, Marlene Barrow, Louvain Demps), song produced by Weatherspoon and William Stevenson.

musicology #230

communication #8

(Dennis Brown – It’s Too Late)

Artist, producer and one of Jamaica’s most loved sons, Dennis Emmanuel Brown first recorded at the tender age of 11 for Derrick ‘One Stop’ Harriott but it was at Coxsone Dodd’s Studio 1 that he made his name starting with a cover of the Van Dykes cut, ‘No Man Is An Island’ in 1969. The man had a prolific career that stretched right up until his untimely death in 1999 at the age of 42.

This one written by Carol King is, for themusicologist, a great example of what a cover version should attempt to do, namely bring something new and fresh to a song. Something which Jamaica’s musicologists seem to have perfected….Recorded for Joe Gibbs sometime in the 80’s.

musicology #229

communication #7

(Otis Redding – These Arms Of Mine)

time for a slice of Otis…unquestionably one of the finest singers of the Soul genre, (or any other come to that), loved and respected by all the musicians and producers who had the good fortune to work with the man. this one is taken from his first album, (although this cut was recorded and released initially as a Volt 45 in 1962), Pain In My Heart.

Recorded at ‘Soulsville U.S.A’, lyrics by the man himself, produced and probably engineered by Label owner Jim Stewart, (maybe even Steve Cropper?). players of instruments the magnificent Booker T & the MG’s: Steve Cropper, Booker T. Jones, Al Jackson and Lewie Steinberg.

musicology #228

communication #6

(Sam Cooke – Please Don’t Drive Me Away)

didnt throw one down yesterday, too much on me plate and there wasn’t one tune in particular that communicated the message. today is another day and already there are at least four or five cuts that I would like to lay down. so without further delay…hold this one from another of me favourite artists and communicators…the Lion, Sam Cooke. Taken from the 1963 album Night Beat featuring a sixteen year old Billy Preston on the organ…Arranged by Rene Hall.

musicology #227

communication #5

(Curtis Mayfield – Oh So Beautiful)

what more can I say about one of the 20th Century’s greatest musical communicators? regulars to themusicologist will know how much the man has been an inspiration to me. featured heavily over the last 20 months and will be featured many, many more times in the future.

This cut is taken from his final album New World Order. Recorded seven years after the incident that not only paralysed but was eventually to kill him. Remarkably he managed to finish this set laying on his back, (the only way he could get enough air into his lungs), singing one line at a time. After he recorded each line, the songs were edited together.

Eric Clapton is quoted to have called it “the greatest album of the year”

Curtis, step up and let us know what ‘time’ it is.

LISTEN TUNE…..

“It is glorious….
this is Curtis…never forget the life we live is oh so beautiful, yeah…
this life we live, (life we live) is oh so beautiful, (oh it’s so beautiful),

and I just want to tell you, i’m inspired to live my life,
you trust in me I trust in you, we try to do what’s right,
long as we we can grow, it doesn’t matter where you go,
there’ll always be you see, some sacrifice,

????????????????????????????
sometimes I gotta struggle day and night,
but I must do what I do,
cos life is truly really good,
now it’s time to get the money and watch my people grow,
and now I gots to go to another level,
I made my moves, and paid my dues it’s on again, (it’s on again yeah),

this life we live, (life we live) it is oh so beautiful, (is oh so beautiful), oh so beautiful,
(oh so beautiful life is beautiful),
the love we give, (the love we give), is oh so beautiful, (is oh so beautiful),

to see the sun shine,
you gotta come out sometimes,
it’s not for us to know, or wonder why,
reaching out in harmony,
praying for longevity,
just trying to find,
some meaning of my life

know when life’s got a way of making things look tough,
but still i’m thinking that is not enough,
t’aint ever make me feel like giving up,
i’m never gonna stop, don’t stop, won’t stop
i gots to have my fun,
wont be like be that it will be so dull and done
so I’m chillin’ and ill never fake the fun, (don’t fake the fun, don’t fake the fun)

this life we live, (life we live) is oh so beautiful, (oh so beautiful), oh so beautiful,
(oh so beautiful oh yeah)
this love we give, (the love we give), is oh so beautiful, (is oh so beautiful), oh so beautiful,
(so beautiful)

imagine if the people of the world girl,
could find the balance, to take the challenge, my my,
just to solve your conflict with another,
sister and brother,
father and mother, hey hey

to reap all the glory,
we must take inventory,
and love everything in it,
cos this is our planet,

this life we live, (this life we live) is oh so beautiful, (oh so beautiful), oh so beautiful,
(do you know what I’m talking about),
this love we give, (yeah, yeah), it is oh so beautiful, (oh yeah), oh so beautiful, (it is glorious),
this life we live is oh so beautiful, (you got to reap everything you sow in life, oh yeah) oh so beautiful,
keep love on the planet we live in,
this love we give, (oh yes) is oh so beautiful,
smell a rose sometime, stop this crime

musicology #226

communication #4

(Alton Ellis – Breaking Up)

today’s slice of the communication pie is a 1968 cut credited to Tommy McCook and the Supersonics, (The Treasure Isle musical backbone), with no mention of the singer anywhere on the label. It is, of course, delivered in finest style by the unmistakeable voice of the Godfather of ‘Rock Steady’, Alton Nehemiah Ellis who, as some of you know, passed away this month.

Probably better known for his Studio1 version, this is the one he cut for Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid’s, (The Trojan), musical powerhouse, Treasure Isle. Released on an early, (Orange label), Trojan 45. . such a top ranking early reggae classic that it’s ‘easy’ to pass over due to it’s familiarity but there’s a chance that some of you may not have heard it and more than that the message cuts especially deep for themusicologist at this time so it had to be flung down.

Alton, come in brother man and let the people know what you’re talking about.

“when you turn and you walk through the door…(ahhh ahhh)”

musicology #225

communication #3

(Billy Bragg – I Keep Faith)

ok..the vibes are beginning to flow. feels a bit like running waist deep through water but they are, at least, on the move. bit of motion on the ocean rather than still waters running too deep.

music connects, we know that and also purifys, nourishing the soul. but in my experience one of its greatest gifts is to inspire. and with that in mind it’s time for a prime slice from inspirational musicologist Billy Bragg.

the second cut from his 2008 set Mr Love & Justice to feature on themusicologist. the other being a critique of ‘Big Pharma’ entitled The Johnny Carcinogenic Show, (musicology #127)

multi faceted dimensions on this cut..but especially going out to all my loved ones….I hope you all know who you are.

musicology #224

communication #2

(Al Green – How Can You Mend A Broken Heart)

sliding out of that beautiful piece of musicology from Sade into this next slice of the musicology pie, written by the brothers Gibb, (Barry and Robin), produced by the legendary Willie Mitchell and delivered, in spades, by the ‘Reverend’.

listen tune….

musicology #223

communication #1

(Sade – Flow)

not finding it easy to concentrate at the moment. suffering from a touch of confusion with a side order of indecision so i’m just going to lay down a selection of cuts that, for me, communicate the/a message and inspire the ‘flow’… so for the next little while I’ll let the music do what it does best…the talking.

first up is a piece from UK Soul pioneers, Sade featuring the sublime vocals of Helen Folasade Adu in harmony with the nucleus of the band who have been together since first appearing as a unit in 1982. selected from the top ranking ‘Lovers Rock’ set recorded in the year 2000 …. Quality, (with a capital Q)

musicology #222

tribute to alton #2

(Alton Ellis – Pearls)

round two of the Alton Ellis tribute….another fine piece from his days at Studio1.

musicology #221

tribute to alton #1

(Alton Ellis – I’ll Be Waiting)

regular vistors to themusicologist may recall a section flung down entitled sixartistsixweeksixtune. one of the artists featured was Alton Ellis (#90-95) who passed through this existence on Friday October 9th.

like to take this ‘opportunity’ to lay down a few more slices of the man’s legacy. starting with this one recorded for downbeat’s legendary Studio 1.  Alton Ellis..Rest In Peace.

‘JAH’ one more for you x

musicology #220

12AngryMen #15 (alternativesoundtrack #3)

(The Marquees – Wyatt Earp)

end of the 12 angry road. the not guilty count is now 11-1. last man standing is Lee J Cobb whose personal vendetta against juveniles is obviously related to how he feels about his own son which, is not enough of a reason to send a teengaer to the ‘chair’ when all the evidence has been shot down in flames.

this last piece of the musicology pie is another from the OKeh label featuring a young drummer by the name of Marvin Pentz Gay whose recording career begun on this piece. signed to the label by Bo Diddley the record was a commercial failure so Bo introduced them to Rhythm& Blues legend Harvey Fuqua who incorporated them into his New Moonglows in 1957.

around 1958/9 Fuqua moved to Detroit, married Gwen Gordy, set up a couple of his own labels and when Berry Gordy convinced him to be an influential part of Motown introduced Marvin to the fold. and the rest, as they say, is history.

musicology #218

12AngryMen #13 (alternativesoundtrack #3)

(Donnie Elbert – What Can I Do)

so it’s almost over…not only for the 12angry but also for this chapter in the book of life. institutions are crashing and burning after almost a century of ‘rinsing’ it. no surprise that ‘man on the street’ is being asked to shoulder the load..it’s all in the game.

the dialogue features two of the three remaining ‘guiltys’ (with Lee J Cobb in commanding form in the supporting role). the music, I must confess, is a personal favourite and any chance to throw it down is good enough reason. but in true musicologist style when the right time come, up steps a tune to ‘express the inexpressible’ and this one is no exception. a piece, (no need to tell you from what year !!), that signals a shift away from Rhythm & Blues into a new style. one where the lead singer steps out of the vocal group shadow and into the spotlight. pioneered by cats like Donnie Elbert, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke this sound became known as Soul…

Listen Tune……

musicology #217

12AngryMen #12 (alternativesoundtrack #3)

(Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – Yellow Coat)

back in the 12 angry saddle after almost a month ‘lost’ to philosophical meanderings, holidays, heartbreak, earning a living and soul searching…what have I learnt?

That true friends are essential, that a life lived alone is almost not worth living, that money is valued far beyond it’s worth and has become too important in the scheme of things. I believe it was Ruskin that said

“the only wealth is health” (and he wasn’t only refering to the physical). mind fuck is almost unbearable. harder to overcome than an expanding ‘darby’, which if youre careful can be dealt with by exercise and nutrition. I don’t know about you but my ‘butterfly mind’ is in a constant whirl and no matter how much I try to tame it’s fluttering wings with discipline or ‘will’ it always eludes me. I’m not going to go any deeper right now because it’s got nothing to do with the soundtrack, (at least not consciously), I just wanted to offer a ‘reason’ for my abscence, not an excuse.

anyway…back to the soundtrack with this classic piece of dialogue. a painful piece of prejudiced bigotry the likes of which, unfortunately, can still be heard around the globe today. not sure whether you remember the scene but one by one the jurors turn their backs on him in a show of contempt. the musicology, from Rhythm & Blues legend Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, was released in, yep you’ve guessed it, 1957 on Chicago’s famed OKeh label.

musicology #216

foreignpon’tour #1

(Aaron Broomfield – I’m Gonna Miss Ya)

small interlude in the 12angry finds themusicologist ‘on tour’ in Cyprus. Had to mark it with a slice of the musical pie. wicked piece of 80’s Boogie that will always bring back memories of the time spent here.

Update Febuary 16 2009… lyrics request from a Funk and Boogie Cat out of Japan?..

Girl you are my baby, I love you so dear,
but im looking at tomorow, and I know I wont be here,
the day for me is coming, when I gotta find my way,
I gotta go out in this world, find us a better place,

gonna miss yah, day and night,
gonna miss yah, gonna miss just holding you tight,
gonna miss yah when my days are blue,
Im gonna miss yah but i’ll be back for you,
gonna misss yah, day and night,
I’m gonna miss yah, gonna miss just holding you tight,

there’s things I want to tell you, and dont you ever, ever forget,
you are my only baby, no matter who I’m with,
keep searching for tomorrow, keep looking on ahead,
and when you think that you are all alone,
Ill be back for you instead,

I’m gonna miss yah, day and night,
I’m gonna miss yah, gonna miss just holding you tight,
gonna miss yah when my days are blue,
I’m gonna miss yah but ill be back for you,
gonna misss yah, said day and night,
I’m gonna miss yah, gonna miss just squeezing you tight,
gonna miss yah, when my days are blue,
I’m gonna miss yah, but I’ll be back for you

I’m gonna miss you, gonna miss your loving,
oh girl, oh girl I know I’m gonna miss you so much,
ohhh deep down in my heart, gonna miss your loving arms
I’m gonna miss your love song,
i’m so blue im so blue, but I’ll be there for you