musicology #0622

24 Dec 2010 2 Comments

by themusicologist in America, Christmas, femalevocalsUSA, Rhythm&Blues, Soul, themusicologist Tags: , , , ,

ChristmasComing #15

Hadda Brooks – White Christmas

Can’t believe that I haven’t already laid it down on themusicologist over the last 4 years..!! For me the BEST version of this Irving Berlin penned classic courtesy of the MAJESTIC Hadda ‘Queen Of The Boogie’ Brooks.

LISTEN TUNE…

musicology #0616

11 Dec 2010 1 Comment

by themusicologist in America, Christmas, femalevocalsUSA, Rhythm&Blues, vocal group Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

ChristmasComing #9

The Nic Nacs – Gonna Have A Merry Xmas

Moving out of the festive sounds of Jamaica and into this majestic slice of West Coast Rhythm and Blues/Doo Wop/Vocal Group Christmas action from the Nic Nacs, fronted in the finest style by the vocal talents of Mickey Champion who has been working it since being ‘discovered’ by the Legendary band leader Johnny Otis in L.A back in the mists of time…BOSS tune.

musicology #575

08 Sep 2010 2 Comments

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, mod/ern/ist, Rhythm&Blues Tags: , , , , ,

Essential Cuts #5

(Little Esther Phillips – Mojo Hannah)

Fuck the words…hold this ESSENTIAL, (1964), Rhythm & Blues cut from one of the GREAT female vocalists.

musicology #560

04 Aug 2010 4 Comments

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, Mod, Soul, vocal group Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Tales From The Underground #2

(Barbara & The Browns – In My Heart)

Today’s cut is courtesy of the Brown family, (Barbara, Roberta, Betty and Maurice), with a 1964 Southern Soul cut on the Stax label. Co written by the prolific Steve Cropper and Deanie Parker.

Just like to add that for themusicologist it’s always been about the music and not the format. I know that may be controversial but the truth is that when I first started collecting, (back in the late 70′s), vinyl was the only format but media has moved on and so have I. Now days I have a Vestax VCI 300 console which is connected to my Macbook Pro and a harddrive which is far more suitable for storing, transporting and playing the music that I love. Don’t get me wrong I still buy, enjoy and collect the shiny black stuff but, (for me), the quest is for musical satisfaction and NOT nostalgia.

Finally I would really appreciate some feedback both on the tune itself and the new method of consumption, (the player)..doesn’t require a comment but just a click, (in complete anonymity), on the ‘stars’ above the tune to let me know whether you’re feeling it or not. That said actual dialogue is always highly valued. Respect is due to the cats and kittens who take/make the time to connect.

musicology #557

09 Jul 2010 1 Comment

by themusicologist in America, duets, femalevocalsUSA, Mod, Rhythm&Blues, Soul Tags: , , , , , , ,

Shake It Up & Go #4

(Inez & Charlie Foxx – Hurt By Love)

Continuing with the Shake selection that I threw down last weekend. 1964, (New York), cut on Juggy Murray’s Symbol label.

musicology #555

07 Jul 2010 1 Comment

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, Mod, Rhythm&Blues Tags: , , , , , , ,

Shake It Up & Go #2

(Ike & Tina Turner – Tina’s Dilemma)

Part two of the ‘Shake’ selection that I played on Saturday night. Big Rhythm & Blues cut courtesy of the Trailblazing Ike Turner, featuring Tina on vocals and, I imagine, the Iketttes on backup.

I remember when I laid down a tribute to Ike on themusicologist to mark his passing I found myself in dialogue with some who felt it was their duty to remind me of his treatment of Tina and pour scorn on the man for his behaviour. I replied that themusicologist is a page for honouring music and passing judgement on peoples ‘business’ holds absolutely no interest for me. Personally I have never laid a hand on a woman or bullied anyone but I have seen the results of it for myself and knew the couple very well and I remember asking her, (as I found it impossible to comprehend), why she stayed to which she replied wholeheartedly that she loved him….who was I to argue.

45 on Juggy Murray’s Sue Label released in the pivotal year of 1962, (important year for mod/ernists)

Listen Tune…

musicology #550

12 Jun 2010 1 Comment

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, Gospel Tags: , , , ,

Times #2

(Sister Rosetta Tharpe – Rock Me)

“During the dark hours I felt my sick heart expand and beat more furiously, and I no longer made any distinction between pleasure and pain, both hurt and both were precious. Whether my inner life went well or badly, my discovered strength stood peacefully outside looking on and knew that light and dark were closely related and that sorrow and peace were rhythm, part and spirit of the same great music…” Hermann Hesse – Gertrude  – 1955

musicology #502

26 Feb 2010 2 Comments

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, Soul Tags: , , ,

SoulBoy #21

(Ann Peebles – Give Me Some Credit)

last few cuts on the SoulBoy..looking forward to listening back to the theme in all it’s glory. almost impossible when in the eye of a theme. So without further delay hold this quality cut from Soul songstress Ann Peebles.

musicology #495

13 Feb 2010 1 Comment

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, Soul Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

SoulBoy #14

(Bettye Lavette – Easier To Say Than Do)

What is Soul? have I asked this question before? can’t remember and to be honest I don’t think I’ll go back over the last 494 diary entries to satisfy my curiousity ! all I can say is that for me Soul communicates with my emotions in ways that only music seems to be able to. I enjoy looking at Art and reading it too but there’s something about listening to it that has a transcendent quality that words can’t describe..So instead I’ll leave it to the music..

Today’s cut is a first on themusicologist not only for the artist but also for the way in which it was delivered.courtesy of a fellow musicologist who I have had the pleasure to hook up with via the musical diary. The first in a series? of collaborations between themusicologist and audience. Recorded in 1970 for Shelby Singletons SSS International label but not released? BIG label for the Northern Soul Cats this is a fine piece of Soul from a great singer who first recorded at the dawn of Soul in 1962. Probably best known in the Soul community for her Marrow trembling ‘Let Me Down Easy’ .. Still going strong Bettye Lavette is a genuine Soul singer of the highest order.

musicology #494

12 Feb 2010 5 Comments

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, metamorphosis, Soul, themusicologist Tags: , , , , , ,

SoulBoy #13

(Angie Stone – Everyday)

Another day another Soul dollar..sticking with The Ladies for the next few days, (seems rude not to !!), but (almost), moving into the 21st Century with this cut from the magnificent Angie Stone..yet another artist who started out singing Gospel..Have to be quick today as I’m on a course refreshing my screen printing skills so can’t wax lyrical..

Today’s 1999 cut is highlighted from Ms Stone’s debut set ‘Black Diamond’..co written by D’Angelo. QUALITY mod/ernist Soul from one of themusicologists favourite contemporary artists.

musicology #493

11 Feb 2010 2 Comments

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, Mod, Soul Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

SoulBoy #12

(Irma Thomas – Ruler Of My Heart)

Love the way the SoulBoy is shaping up….Soul and Reggae are the two musical languages that I am fiercely passionate about..I like many genres and almost all styles but nothing connects with the I like these two. Maybe it’s because I was brought up with them? especially Soul, the sweet sounds of Jamaica didn’t make an appearance until I was 3 or 4 years old but Soul is in my flesh, blood and bones…prenatal style !!

Seems like the Soul Kitchen’s hotting up with every cut so i’ll keep up the pressure with this piece from the superb Irma Thomas..well known to Soul Cats and Kittens for many a fine slice, (this being one of them), ‘The Queen of New Orleans Soul’ started out singing in a Baptist Church choir as a teenager but it wasn’t until 1960 that she ‘waxed her first side’. Like all the great New Orleans Soul singers of the sixties it was on the pioneering label Minit that she really begun to cut loose under the wing and watchful eye of the legendary Allen Toussaint, producer, arranger, songwriter and piano maestro whose contribution to the emerging sound now known as Soul deserves, (and gets), honourable recognition. Today’s cut was reinterpreted by the ‘Big O’ for his first solo outing ‘Pain In My Heart’ and as good as that is, for me, this one reaches out even further. 1963 recording on the Minit label. Already featured twice on themusicologist, (#150/ #359 Irma Thomas oozes Soul.

musicology #492

09 Feb 2010 5 Comments

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, Gospel, Mod, Soul Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SoulBoy #11

(Doris Troy – Please Little Angel)

Ladies with Soul … Lots to choose from; Aretha Franklin, Carla Thomas, Candi Staton, Randy Crawford, Millie Jackson, Mary Wells, Gwen McCrae, Vicki Anderson, Marva Whitney, Lyn Collins, Barbara Lewis, Etta James, Dee Dee Warwick, Fontella Bass, Minnie Ripperton, Marie Knight, Dee Dee Sharp, Mitty Collier…as well as contemporary kittens such as Angie Stone, Brandy, India Arie, Beyonce…and those are just the ones off the top of my head !

As difficult as it was to choose..today’s cut, (courtesy of Doris ‘Just One Look’ Troy), has ALL the right ingredients; Vocals, Lyrics and Production..

Bronx born Doris Higginsen begun her career singing Gospel in her fathers choir but it was as a songwriter that she scored her first hit ‘How About That’ recorded by Soul pioneer Dee Clark in 1960. Three years later she was spotted by James Brown working as an usherette at the Apollo and in that same year she wrote and recorded the Mod/ernist classic ‘Just One Look’. Not sure how or why but Doris didn’t go on to receive the critical acclaim that her talents deserved. Employed by the Beatles at Apple as Artist, Writer and producer Doris sung backup and worked with some of the UK’s most established musicologists, (The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton and The Moody Blues), but failed to make a commercial impact as an artist in her own right. After a few years in the wilderness Doris’s story became a successful stage show ‘Mama I Want To Sing’ which is scheduled for a cinema release this month? I didn’t know that before researching for today’s cut but musicology works in mysterious ways so it makes complete sense to me.

musicology #491

08 Feb 2010 5 Comments

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, Gospel, Soul Tags: , , , , , ,

SoulBoy #10

(Candi Staton – To Hear You Say You’re Mine)

Listening back over the SoulBoy I realised that the Ladies hadn’t got a look in !! so this week I aim to rectify that and roll with some female action..starting with this one from the SUPERB Candi Staton. Yet another graduate from the school of Gospel..(where almost ALL the greatest Soul Singers started), Candi Staton is best known for ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ but at the end of the 60′s and into the early 70′s she recorded for Rick Hall and his majestic Fame label from whence today’s cut came.

musicology #475

14 Jan 2010 6 Comments

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, Jazz, Lyrics Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

(Billie Holiday – My First Impression Of You)

Today will always be a very special date in my calender…our beautiful son’s birthday. The boy is 12 and I love him more than words alone could ever suggest. The kid is a constant source of joy and inspiration, (they both are), and I just want to lay one down for the kitten in an effort to express my feelings for him.

Recorded 72 years ago, (almost to the day), in New York on January 6th 1938 and featuring an all star cast of Buck Clayton, Benny Morton, Lester Young, Teddy Wilson, Freddie Green, Walter Page and Jo Jones.

Fabian this one’s ALL yours…LISTEN TUNE…..

“My first impression of you was like a sight of flowers in spring,
You were a glorious thing..to see,
My first impression of you was something indescribably new,
I stood there looking at you smiling at me,
If you had stepped right out of heaven it wouldn’t surprise me more,
I thought you were an angel from heavens door,
It may sound silly but true my heart just stopped when I caught your eye,
So overwhelming was my first impression of you”….

musicology #474

11 Jan 2010 2 Comments

by themusicologist in America, duets, femalevocalsUSA, metamorphosis, Rhythm&Blues, Soul, themusicologist, vocal group Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

2LegendsClash II #10

(Dinah Washington – Journey’s End)

So just leaves Dinah to wrap up this session..beautiful duet with vocal group supreme The Ravens who along with The Mills brothers and The Orioles set the tone for the Doo Wop explosion that followed.

musicology #473

10 Jan 2010 13 Comments

by themusicologist in America, blues, femalevocalsUSA, Jazz Tags: , , , , , , , ,

2LegendsClash II #9

(Billie Holiday – Big Stuff)

penultimate cut of the two legends…feels like the time has come to move on up.

1946 cut on the Decca label. Recorded in New York on March 13th. Featuring Joe Guy, Joe Springer, Tiny Grimes, Billy Taylor and Kelly Martin.

musicology #472

09 Jan 2010 1 Comment

by themusicologist in America, blues, femalevocalsUSA, Jazz, Soul Tags: , , , , , , ,

2LegendsClash II #8

(Dinah Washington -The Man That Got Away)

Today’s appropriate cut from the Legend that we know as Dinah Washington is one for those who know that the only blues is the ‘done lost my wo/man’ blues and no-one sings ‘em better than Ruth Jones….Hold this quote from Pianist Junior Mance, ( 2 year musical companion of Dinah’s), who said;

“When I went to work with Dinah Washington, I learned what the blues were all about”

That’s not to say that the Blues are all about sadness…they’re not. I wrote recently about catharsis and that is what the blues are really all about. No good suppressing your feelings as one day when you are least expecting it they will come back and tear the heart and soul out of you. Another thing to bear in mind is that as sure as the sun shines trouble don’t last always and if you don’t feel pain you won’t recognise joy when it returns into your life.

This one from Dinah is from her Roulette days, (which turned out to be her last), recorded and released in the early 60′s by which time she had been married SEVEN times, (For those who don’t know her story she died at the tender age of 39 on December 19th 1963). Amazingly there are some who felt/feel that Dinah’s voice during this period had “lost it’s lustre” !! If I was there when they said it I would have simply replied;

“you’re talking shit and you don’t have a clue about music”…Job Done.

musicology #470

07 Jan 2010 4 Comments

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, Jazz, themusicologist Tags: , , , ,

2LegendsClash II #6

(Dinah Washington – Stairway To The Stars)

“When you get inside of a tune, the soul in you should just come out. You should just be able to step back and let that soul come right out”  -Dinah Washington-

With that in mind..

musicology #469

06 Jan 2010 1 Comment

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, Jazz, Lyrics, metamorphosis, themusicologist Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2LegendsClash II #5

(Billie Holiday – Travelin’ All Alone)

Still ‘Moanin’ Low’ today…like to shake the blues but they seem to be stuck to me like glue. need to get my self together..breathe some fresh air and flex but the rain won’t stop falling on my troubled mind so with that in mind I’ll try to catch some catharsis with today’s cut which as I said on day 1 of the theme is the piece that kicked off my love affair with Billie Holiday way back sometime in the late 70′s. Beautiful piece of tenor sax from The President, (Lester Young), sets the tone for Billie to cut loose and then a final flourish from clarinet master Buster Bailey to finish. Fine example of a group in complete harmony.

Recorded in New York, 13 September 1937, Released on Vocalion.

Buck Clayton, Buster Bailey, Lester Young, Claude Thornhill, Freddie Green, Walter Page, Jo Jones

I’m so weary and all alone,
Feet are tired like heavy stone,
Travelin’, travelin all alone,
Who will see and who will care,
‘Bout this load that I must bear,
Travelin’, travelin all alone,

Prayers I sent to heaven above,
‘Bout my burdens, woes and love,
Head bowed down with misery,
Nothing now appeals to me,
Travelin’, travelin all alone,

Give me just another day,
There’s one thing I want to say,
Friends, the world and all it’s gold,
Leave you always when you’re old
Travelin’, travelin all alone,

musicology #467

04 Jan 2010 8 Comments

by themusicologist in America, femalevocalsUSA, Jazz, metamorphosis, themusicologist Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

2LegendsClash II #3

(Billie Holiday – Pennies From Heaven)

Apologies for yesterday’s absence. Truth is I am feeling low and was unable to find whatever it is in me that makes themusicologist happen. For a few reasons life is on me like a concrete suit at the moment and even though I tried most of the day to post a cut both the words and the music eluded me so today I’m just going to lay a slice down, try not to get too wrapped up in the language of my solitude and let the two legends speak. But before Billie steps up for today’s piece of musicology hold this quote from nightclub owner Barney Josephson who was quoted to have said about her

”She never had a really big voice-it was small…..like a bell that rang and went a mile..”

Recorded for Brunswick in New York on November 1936 featuring Teddy Wilson & Orchestra; (Jonah Jones, Benny Goodman, Ben Webster, Allan Reuss, John Kirby and Cozy Cole)

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