musicology #644
27 Feb 2012 4 Comments
in Jamaica, Studio1, Ska, Tribute T-Shirts, Lee Perry, tUmp, bloOdsweatandtees Tags: themusicologist, coxsone dodd, jackie mittoo, the skatalites, bob marley, peter tosh, bunny wailer, Lee Perry, the wailers mp3, the wailing wailers t shirt, bloOdsweatandteeS, tUmp, theUrbanMusicologyProject, vocal groups, Freedom Time
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)
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musicology #643
25 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Reggae, Jamaica, Studio1, Ska, Tribute T-Shirts, tUmp, bloOdsweatandtees Tags: themusicologist, reggae mp3, coxsone dodd, bob marley, peter tosh, bunny wailer, Lee Perry, the wailers mp3, the wailing wailers t shirt, bloOdsweatandteeS, tUmp, theUrbanMusicologyProject, vocal groups, Bend Down Low
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 #642
23 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Reggae, Jamaica, Tribute T-Shirts, Lee Perry, tUmp Tags: themusicologist, reggae mp3, bob marley, peter tosh, bunny wailer, Lee Perry, the wailers mp3, wailers t shirt, bloOdsweatandteeS, Lee Perry t shirt, tUmp, theUrbanMusicologyProject, SouL RebeL, vocal groups
tUmp #5
the Wailers – SouL Rebel
moving out of the Wailers at Studio1 into a piece from their period under the guidance of theUpsetter, (for me their most groundbreaking), with the tune that named a whole style…SouL RebeL.
Bearing in mind that Lee Perry had been there since their earliest days it was he who was most responsible, (outside the trio), for turning them into ‘the Wailers’ that went onto to international ‘stardom’. Rumour has it that Bob Marley returned from America in 1969 sought out theUpsetter and asked him for his help to make him a solo ‘star’. Perry convinced Marley that his future lay in reforming the Wailers as their harmony was something almost unique and was the perfect vehicle for creating the ‘Soul Revolution’ sound that would come to dominate Jamaican music over the next few years..
So here is the 1970 Lee Perry produced version of Soul Rebel. Highlighted off the SouL Rebels LP…
BIG Piece of UrbanMusicology from one of the great Jamaican vocal Groups.
the tees below were designed and produced by themusicologist in TRIBUTE to the Cats responsible for delivering some of the most inspirational sounds to ever float out of Jamaica..available EXCLUSIVELY at the home of Authentic tributeteeS …
bloOdsweatandteeS
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musicology #641
22 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Jamaica, Rock Steady, Studio1, Ska, Tribute T-Shirts, tUmp Tags: themusicologist, bob dylan, coxsone dodd, Rolling Stone, studio 1 mp3, bob marley, peter tosh, bunny wailer, rock steady mp3, Lee Perry, the wailers mp3, wailers t shirt, Jackie Mitoo, bloOdsweatandteeS, tUmp, theUrbanMusicologyProject
tUmp #4
the Wailers – Rolling Stone
one of themusicologists favourite early Wailers cuts…a TOP ranking interpretation of Bob Dylan’s ‘Rolling Stone’ from the time when Ska was slowing down and making the transition into the Rocksteady (1965/66)….I’m getting bored of saying “yet another example of the Downbeat sound” but it is…
musicology #640
21 Feb 2012 9 Comments
in Reggae, Jamaica, Rock Steady, Studio1, Tribute T-Shirts, tUmp Tags: themusicologist, coxsone dodd, studio 1 mp3, bob marley, peter tosh, bunny wailer, rock steady mp3, Lee Perry, the wailers mp3, wailers t shirt, Ken Boothe mp3, Jackie Mitoo, bloOdsweatandteeS, tUmp, theUrbanMusicologyProject
tUmp #3
Ken Boothe & the Wailers – The Train Is Coming
more Rocksteady from the Downbeat stable but this time featuring themusicologist’s #1 Jamaican vocalist Ken Boothe on lead and the Wailers on back up…DEFINITELY touched by the hand of Lee Perry and Jackie Mitoo….
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musicology #639
20 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Reggae, Jamaica, Rock Steady, Studio1, Tribute T-Shirts, tUmp Tags: themusicologist, coxsone dodd, studio 1 mp3, bob marley, peter tosh, bunny wailer, rock steady mp3, the wailers mp3, wailers t shirt, bloOdsweatandteeS, tUmp, theUrbanMusicologyProject
tUmp #2
the Wailers – Let Him Go
Sticking with the Early Wailers selection with this piece of Rockin’ Steady social commentary on the Emerging Rude Boy who was beginning to make his presence felt in and around Kingston’s more notorious districts and parishes as the reality of Independence unfolded and the ‘hustle’ became the primary way of earning a living and even more importantly a reputation for the ghetto sufferers.
Yet another example of why Sir Coxsone Downbeat’s Studio 1 was establishing itself as the prime Studio for recording and releasing the authentic sound of independent Jamaica.
musicology #638
19 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Reggae, Jamaica, Studio1, Tribute T-Shirts, Accoustic, tUmp Tags: themusicologist, coxsone dodd, studio 1 mp3, bob marley, peter tosh, bunny wailer, the wailers mp3, wailers t shirt, bloOdsweatandteeS, tUmp, theUrbanMusicologyProject
tUmp #1
the Wailers – Where is my mother
been busy…(still am), as I continue crossing the border into the ‘brave new world’ where the ‘immaterial’ is overtaking the ‘material’ and hegemony reigns…
but for me themusicologist has always been the space where I come to let off, connect and communicate with music that speaks so today sees the beginning of a new theme….tUmp (theUrbanMusicologyProject), of which there are, (already), material and immaterial parts.
The first step I took over the brave new threshold was here with themusicologist almost 5 years ago but the actual journey was already well under way. I’m a traveller, (it’s my nature), and I’m always ‘on the road’ with music as my only consistent companion along the way. theUrbanMusicologyProject is who, what and why I am and the next few weeks is the latest movement in the(Urban)musicologist’s symphony.
First up is a cut from the Wailers whose Urbanmusicology I was originally introduced to by my family in the early 1970′s, (‘Catch a Fire’ with the zippo style album cover), and it was there that my Jamaican music lesson began and the ‘SouL RebeL’ sound has remained a BIG part of my narrative ever since.
Today’s unreleased? accoustic cut is from the mid 60′s features the mighty trio at the place where their combined journey began, Sir Coxsone’s mighty Brentford Road musical power-house…Studio 1.
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musicology #0637
21 Dec 2011 Leave a Comment
in Christmas, Jamaica, Ska, themusicologist Tags: beverleys all stars, Charlie Organaire, Christmas music, frank cosmo, Merry Christmas, Ska, themusicologist
Frank Cosmo – Merry Christmas
themusicologist has been on, (what we call here on the streets of London), a ‘long ting’ these last few weeks refining the project but I’m back in the saddle for a christmas Jamboree..
(keep it locked as I’m planning on delivering a little musicologistChristmasSpecial sometime between now and Christmas Day !!)
regular musicologists will be aware that it’s traditional for me to throw down a christmas selection so keeping that tradition alive hold this piece of 1963 Christmas Ska courtesy of Frank Cosmo and the Beverley’s All Stars featuring what sounds like Charlie Organnaire blowing on the harmonica…
musicology #0634
22 Nov 2011 3 Comments
in Jamaica, Lee Perry, Reggae, Social Commentary, themusicologist, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: 1972, bloOdsweatandteeS, coxsone dodd, Ken Khouri, Lee Perry, Leroy Wallace, Lloyd Parks, Randy's Studio, reggae mp3, reggae t-shirt, Shenley Duffus, themusicologist, To Be A Lover mp3, tommy mccook, William Bell
Shenley Duffus – To Be A Lover
Part #7 of the Upsetter tribute….
Slowing the tempo down with the original, (Reggae), cut of a William Bell soul tune sung by foundation Jamaican vocalist and LONG time Lee Perry friend and collaborator Chenley Duffus whose career begun at the age of 12 in 1950. First recording in 1958 at Federal and then with Coxson in the early 60′s which is where he met and formed a lasting bond with the Upsetter.
Todays cut was recorded a decade later at Randy’s Studio in 1972. Backed by his brother Kenneth and cousin Keith and a trio consisting of Tommy Mc Cook on Keyboards, Leroy ‘Horsemouth’ Wallace, (with his trademark attacking, military style), on drums and the man Lloyd Parks on Bass, (vocalist in his own right). A BIG hit, (the biggest of Chenley’s career), which according to Lee Perry caused tension between himself, Coxsone and Ken Khouri..Such is the nature of the intense rivalry between producers in Jamaica Coxsone wanted to fight them both !!
t available at bloOdsweatandtees
musicology #0633
10 Nov 2011 2 Comments
in Jamaica, Lee Perry, Reggae, Social Commentary, themusicologist, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: 1969 Reggae, bloOdsweatandteeS, Lee Perry t shirt, Milton Henry mp3, No Bread and Butter mp3, Prince Allah, Randys, reggae mp3, reggae t-shirt, Skinhead Reggae mp3, the Hippy Boys, the Upsetter
Milton Henry – No Bread & Butter
Day #6 of the Upsetter tribute and today’s cut is another Upsetter scorcher but this time from 1969. Voiced by Milton ‘Morris’, (aka Milton Henry) and recorded at either Dynamic, Studio 1 or ‘Randys’.
Former member of the Leaders with Keith ‘Prince Allah’ Blake and Roy ‘Soft’ Palmer, The Progressions, (Studio 1′s Jets), and the Emotions as well as one time member of the ‘Hippy Boys’….Henry got about !! but it was with this early piece of ‘Sufferers’ that he made an impact.
By this time the Upsetter was well and truly ‘shaking up Orange Street’ with his unique sound and those who had underestimated him were no doubt beginning to wish they hadn’t….
click on image to see it in all it’s glory.
available at bloOdsweatandtees
musicology #0632
07 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Jamaica, Lee Perry, Reggae, themusicologist, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: 1968, bloOdsweatandteeS, Down In The Park mp3, Downbeat The Ruler, Jimmy London, Lee Perry t shirt, Ransford White, reggae mp3, reggae t-shirt, Skinhead Reggae mp3, studio 1, The inspirations mp3, the Upsetter, Trevor Shaw
the Inspirations – Down In The Park
Day #5 of the Upsetter tribute and after spending the first few years of his career helping to build Sir Coxson’s Studio 1, (and the Downbeat sound), into the #1 outfit on the Island Lee Perry became dissilusioned with Coxson’s lack of appreciation as well as any real opportunities to progress his career so he decided it was time to break free and make his OWN play but it wasn’t really until 1968 when things began to look up for the Upsetter.
Lee Perry was already well on his way to mastering the art of picking, creating and crafting hit records but funds were tight and it wasn’t easy but in the year of the earth monkey, (1968), the English market began to gather speed due, in part, to the rise of Jamaican musics popularity with the working class youngbloods who became known as Skinheads.
Today’s cut is another Upsetter scorcher from 1968. Voiced by the Inspirations, (Trevor Shaw & Ransford White), and recorded at either Dynamic or the Chin family’s ‘Randys’ studio. (Trevor Shaw went on to reinvent himself as ‘Jimmy London’)
the (Limited Edition) Upsetter tribute tee (available in 3 Colours), below was designed and produced as a direct reference to these times…
click on image to see it in all it’s glory.
musicology #0631
05 Nov 2011 1 Comment
in themusicologist, Reggae, Jamaica, Lee Perry Tags: reggae mp3, studio 1, jackie mittoo, peter tosh, Lee Perry, black ark, bloOdsweatandteeS, The Ethiopians mp3, Leonard Dillon
The Ethiopians – Life Is A Funny Thing
If you only listen to ONE tune from the(urban)musicologist’s Upsetter tribute it HAS to be this one from the Ethiopians. Leonard Dillon, Stephen Taylor and Aston Morrison. KILLER piece from the early days, (1974), of the Black Ark released in JA on theUpsetter’s Justice League Label.
Leonard Dillon’s career first hooked up with Lee Perry at his Studio 1 audition in the 60′s when he cut 4 tunes for Sir Coxsone…on the strength of his connection to the Wailers. Those present at the audition were Downbeat, Jackie Mittoo, Peter Tosh and Lee Perry. It was here where he got his nickname…
Leonard Dillon….Rest In Peace
musicology #0630
04 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Jamaica, Lee Perry, Reggae, themusicologist, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: Black Ark mp3, bloOdsweatandteeS, derrick harriott, duke reid, Earl 16, Lee Perry, Reggae, Small Axe, Steelie, the Upsetter, themusicologist
Earl Sixteen – Freedom (theUrbanmusicologist mix)
Today’s MASSIVE cut is courtesy of The MAJESTIC Earl John Daley aka Earl 16..who started his recording career at Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle in vocal group The Flaming Phonics but had little impact until after going Solo in 1975. Teaming up first with Derrick Harriott and then Boris Gardner before linking with Lee Perry in the late 70′s when he waxed a few gems for the Upsetter at the Black Ark..
In a, (top ranking), interview from AUTHENTIC Reggae periodical Small Axe Earl has this to say about the session….
“We actually laid the track with Dalton Browne, that was actually the first time that Steelie came to the studio as well, we first brought him, Steelie, Albert Malawi, (he used to play in sound system, but he’s a drummer), and Dalton Browne, that’s the musicians that we used for that session, and we did four songs all at once. We did “Cheatin” (?) was played by Boris Gardener, and “Bird in the Hand”, those two were played by Boris Gardner, but “Give Black People Freedom” and “Do Good and Good Will Follow You” was played by Albert and them lot”.
BIG piece of Rebel Music, (mixed down by themusicologist)…….
musicology #0629
03 Nov 2011 1 Comment
in Jamaica, Lee Perry, Reggae, themusicologist, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: black ark, bloOdsweatandteeS, Dub, Errol Walker mp3, george gershwin, In These Times mp3, Lee Scratch Perry, Reggae, reggae t-shirt, studio 1, Summertime, the Upsetter, the upsetter t shirt, themusicologist
Errol Walker – In These Times
day Two of theUpsetter triBute……I’ll keep it brief and let the music speak.
the bat eared amongst you will notice that this is of course a version of the George Gershwin song Summertime but rinsed through the genius of Lee Perry and the Black Ark.
KILLER Black Ark selection from Errol Walker and theUpsetter…I have mixed in the, (at the time), unreleased Dub for the FULL Black Ark Experience….
musicology #0628
02 Nov 2011 2 Comments
in Jamaica, Lee Perry, Reggae, themusicologist, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: Ansel Collins, Benbow Creary, black ark, bloOdsweatandteeS, Bring It On Home To Me, coxsone dodd, Delroy Denton, duke reid, Gilmore Grant, Hux Brown, Keith Coley, King Tubby, Lee Scratch Perry, Ranchie McClean, Reggae, reggae t-shirt, sam cooke, studio 1, the Silvertones, the Upsetter, the upsetter t shirt, themusicologist
The Silvertones – Bring It On Home
For the next couple of weeks themusicologist is focusing on Lee Perry, The Upsetter, Chicken Scratch, Little Lee. A man whose impact on Jamaica’s, (and the world’s), soundtrack is, (almost), as big as Coxsone Dodd’s.
No surprise that the Upsetter began his career beside Dodd and even less of a surprise that they parted due to, (as far as Lee Perry is concerned), Downbeat’s failure to reward his creative endeavours….a common Jamaican tale which I am not in a position to pass judgement on, (and nor would I no matter what I knew)
Anyway, the(urBan)musicologist ain’t about hearsay and rumour….STRICTLY music and Lee Perry and Coxsone Dodd helped shape Jamaican music into what we know and love.
Studio 1 carried the swing throughout the 1960′s and early 1970′s but Lee Perry emerged with the ‘Soul Rebel’ sound in the late 60′s and wrestled the (recording) Crown from Sir Coxsone between 1972-1977..Channel 1 was there as where a whole host of producers during the period but, (as with Coxsone Dodd), Lee Perry changed the game.
It was Lee Perry who insisted that Bob Marley reform the Wailers rather than go it alone after returning from abroad in 1968 and history went on to be made. It was Lee Perry whose ‘Black Ark’ RULED from late 1973 until 1978 recording a HEAP of classic, KILLER material with many of the great Jamaican musicologists and whenever we reflect on Jamaican musical history Lee Perry’s name is right up there with the Champions.
Today’s cut is courtesy of The Silvertones Gilmore Grant, Keith Coley and Delroy Denton who first recorded for Duke Reid in 1965? with the magnificent Ska tune ‘True Confession’, (buried somewhere on themusicologist !!) following up with some quality Rock Steady and early Reggae for various producers, (including Lee Perry).
Before I drown in a sea of monologue and information please allow me to cut this short..
According to David Katz’s excellent book ‘People Funny Boy’ the rhythms for this piece were recorded at the, (almost completed), Black Ark and the vocals at King Tubby’s Studio at the dawning of 1973? and the musicians consisted of Hux Brown, Ansel Collins, Ranchie McLean and Anthony ‘Benbow’ Creary…
Finally I just want to add that I rate this tune and the Silvertones HIGHLY…oh yeah….It’s a cover of Sam Cooke’s ‘Bring It On Home To Me’
theUpsetter triButetee available in various colours @
bloOdsweatandteeS
musicology #0627
28 Oct 2011 2 Comments
in themusicologist, Reggae, Jamaica, Studio1, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: themusicologist, studio 1, coxsone dodd, horace andy, jackie mittoo, leroy sibbles, Sound Dimension, bloOdsweatandteeS, Mellow Sounds and System Dub
Sound Dimension – Tricky (Just Say Who)
round 2 of the(urban)musicologist’s audio/video combos highlights a tune from the ‘Mellow Sounds & System Dub’ LP.
Dubwise to Horace Andy’s KILLER ‘Just Say Who’. One of my FAVOURITE pieces that drifts like the scent of honeysuckle on a summer breeze and never fails to move me.
The eagle eyed amongst you may notice my blatant product placement of the mellow sounds tee on the video…but if a man can’t mix, blend and share theUrbanMusicologyProject (tUMp) on here then where else !
Just to let you know that I won’t be making themusicologist an advert for bloOdsweatandteeS…it’s just how I’m rolling right now and the ‘project’ is what it is.
bloOdsweatandteeS Launched
25 Oct 2011 2 Comments
in Jamaica, Reggae, Studio1, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: Augustus Pablo t shirt, bloOdsweatandteeS, Lee Perry t shirt, reggae t-shirt, Sir Coxsone Downbeat, studio 1 t shirt, the upsetter t shirt, themusicologist, triButeteeS, urbanmusicologist, wailers t shirt
BIG day for themusicologist….
a material part of theurbanmusicologyproject (t_um_p) is up and running.
bloOdsweatandteeS is locked and loaded with the first wave of triButeteeS in, (VERY LIMITED), stock and ready to go
fellow musicologists who have watched as themusicologist has evolved over the years will know that the tees are not only a labour of love but also an authentic part of themusicologist’s project to honour, share, connect and communicate with the music that continues to deliver 100% satisfaction.
the first wave of teeS consists of two designs, (although EXTRA colour combinations now available), that will be familiar to the cats who knOw how themusicologist has already rolled..
The Wailers
PLUS
3 new tees (in various colour combinations)
Mellow Sounds
A.P Special
The Upsetter
all feedback, critique, dialogue, thoughts, connections and communication appreciated…
musicology #645
01 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
by themusicologist in Social Commentary, Reggae, Jamaica, Rock Steady, Studio1, Ska, Tribute T-Shirts, Lee Perry, tUmp, bloOdsweatandtees, theUrbanMusicologist Tags: themusicologist, duke reid, coxsone dodd, jackie mittoo, the skatalites, bob marley, peter tosh, bunny wailer, king edwards, Prince Buster, Lee Perry, the wailers mp3, the wailing wailers t shirt, Justin Yap, Leslie Kong, bloOdsweatandteeS, tUmp, theUrbanMusicologyProject, vocal groups, theUrbanMusicologist
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
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