musicology #453

TheManWithTheBag #3

(Butterbeans & Susie – Papa Ain’t No Santa Claus)

Top ranking slice of the Christmas pie courtesy of three swingin’ Cats, Butterbeans & Susie, (Jodie Edwards and Susie Hawthorne), a long standing and much loved Vaudeville duo who teamed up in 1916 !! and Jazz pianist Eddie Heywood….who went on to play with such luminaries as Billie Holiday, Benny ‘King’ Carter and Coleman Hawkins as wel as performing in his own right. Recorded in New York City, (ahhh…New York…what memories), on Wednesday August 13th 1930 and released on an OKeh 78.

musicology #445

NewYork NewYork #4

(Leadbelly – New York City)

Ranking slice of New York musicology from the man known as Leadbelly. Much speculation as to the origin of the name but my money is on his fellow inmates in ‘Angola’ mispronouncing it. The two others that I like the sound of are his ability to drink hardcore moonshine and the belly full of lead he apparently took from a 12 bore shotgun…

Not sure where I’ll be posting from tomorrow..as I’m landing in JFK around 1pm but I’ll try my best to keep up the flow..

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 #370

SuchIsLife #4

(Howlin’ Wolf – How Many More Years)

Missed yesterday’s date with themusicologist but returning early this morning with a wicked slice of 1951 Rhythm & Blues from the magnificent Chester Burnett, (A.K.A Howlin’ Wolf), and band featuring none other than Ike Turner on Piano, Willie Steele on drums and Wille Johnson on guitar with the Wolf blowing up a storm on Harmonica. (Produced By Sam Phillips)

musicology #352

AlternativeSoundtrack4 #19

(Memphis Slim – Mother Earth)

Today’s dialogue is unique in that it’s the first piece that doesn’t feature Paul Newman. The trio have arrived in Kentucky and Eddie has sloped off to join some old pool hustling aquaintances he meets in the foyer of the hotel they are staying at. Bert has aquired two adjoining rooms, (much to Sarah’s disaproval), and the two of them are left to ’stake their claim’ on the kid. Bert finishes the scene with menace, (the first time we have seen this side of him), leaving an impression that he is not as cool, calm and collected as he prentends to be………

The music today is quite simply one of the best slices known to man, woman, child or beast from the mouth and hands of the majestic Memphis Slim whose career stretched over many decades. Starting out playing ‘Jukes’ in the 1930’s and later in the decade hooked up with Big Bill Broonzy whom he backed on many sessions. He was also a major influence during the 1940’s in the development of what became known later as Rhythm & Blues but at the time was known as ‘Jump’….Have to cut it short here as I’m off to earn a crust and need to get my skates on !!!

musicology #347

AlternativeSoundtrack #14

(Buddy Guy – First Time I Met The Blues)

After taking an old school battering as well as having his thumbs broken by the roughnecks who didn’t take kindly to his hustle Eddie turns up back at Sarahs apartment looking like he’s been ten rounds with Cassius Clay. She takes pity on the kid and wants to take care of him. Some women are funny that way…or is it just the mothering instinct? ..all the bravado and ‘front’ has gone and we catch a glimpse of the boy behind the man. If youve been there you know how it feels.

The music today is yet another slice of the Chess Blues pie but this time from guitar virtuoso George ‘Buddy’ Guy whose influence has spread far and wide touching almost every guitar player that followed; Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton have all cited Guy as a major inspiration, (especially Hendrix who was known to cancel concerts to go and hear Guy play). His stage antics are legendary which according to the man himself were inspired by, (at the age of 13),  seeing Guitar Slim perform in 1949.

musicology #343

AlternativeSoundtrack4 #10

(Otis Spann – The Hard Way)

On today’s slice of dialogue we hear the return of Eddie’s former partner Charlie who has tracked him down and wants to go back on the road hustling. Eddie doesn’t want to know and the truth comes out that he is planning on taking Minnesota Fats on again. Sarah is silent throughout the dialogue between them but sees a new, (to her at least), ruthless side to Eddie that hits her hard and during the conversation Eddie spits Charlie out showing a heart as cold as Ice which leads her to the painful conclusion that the ‘good times’ are over…

The musicology is courtesy of legendary Blues pianist and long time Muddy Waters cohort Otis Spann with a cut taken from a 1960 session featuring Robert Lockwood Jr on guitar and St Louis Jimmy on vocal duties.

musicology #340

AlternativeSoundtrack4 #7

(John Lee Hooker – I’ll Know Tonight)

Our man Eddie wakes up from his short sleep at the bus station, sticks his bag in a locker there and heads back into NYC trying to decide what to do next..he hits a local bar and there in a booth, alone in an empty bar is the girl whose magnetism drew him to her at the Station..He buys her a drink and finds out that ‘Sarah’ is a ‘boozer’. Something about this lady intrigues and ‘attracts’ him but he only knows the “fast and loose” hustle so that’s the way he plays it..she clocks his small town play and initially declines his offer but as we are to find out later, birds with broken wings are a perfect match especially if they can help each other to become whole again.

The musicology is a 1960 slice borrowed from the LP ‘Travellin’ on Calvin and Vivian Carter’s Vee Jay label from the Inimitable John Lee Hooker, (featuring Lefty Bates, Sylvester Hickman and Jimmy Turner),with his unique combination of Delta and City blues perfected whilst drifting up from his birthplace near Clarksdale Missisippi through Memphis and eventually settling in Detroit.

musicology #289

twolegendsclash #12

(Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra – Basin Street Blues)

Final cut of the ‘legends’ and it’s down to ‘Gate’ to close the show. Just like to say that such is the quality, (and quantity), from the twolegends that this selection could last a year !! The Cats featured over the last two weeks are an inspiration and deserve all the accolades that have been written and spoken about them over the last 100 years…

Today’s cut is the first of his many recordings of the legendary ‘Basin Street Blues’ recorded in Chicago 1928 on a special day for themusicologist, (December 4th), one of my favourite Satchelmouth cuts.. featuring two other legendary musicologists Earl Hines and Zutty Singleton.

musicology #288

twolegendsclash #11

(Sidney Bechet & His New Orleans Feetwarmers – Preachin’ Blues)

“What  a weeping and a waling, when the two legends clash….”

Final cut from Sidney Bechet and what a treat…Recorded in New York during January or Febuary 1940. A precursor to the Rhythm & Blues that was to follow and in turn be reclassified as Rock & Roll. All the hallmarks are there, small line-up, Electric Guitar, Boogie Woogie Piano, honking Sax…

Before signing Bechet off, according to a piece of information on Wikipedia;

“In the 1940s, (Louis), Jordan released dozens of hit songs, including the swinging ‘Saturday Night Fish Fry’ (one of the earliest and most powerful contenders for the title of First rock and roll record),”

I’m a BIG fan of Louis Jordan and his music certainly deserves all the accolades and he was certainly at the forefront in the development of Rhythm & Blues but  the above mentioned cut was released in 1949. Whereas this one from Bechet is almost a decade earlier !!…which, as far as I can hear is as close to ‘Rock & Roll’ as it gets, Especially Brother Bechet’s playing.

As it’s the end of the Bechet road it just leaves me to thank the inspirational Cat for leaving us a recorded legacy of the HIGHEST quality…I’m sure he’s up there standing at the gate cutting the angel Gabriel to ribbons.

Blow Bechet…Blow.

musicology #276

newyearboogie #4

(Roy Milton’s Solid Senders – New Years Resolution Blues)

Today’s cut is courtesy of pioneering combo The Solid Senders, led by singer, drummer and band leader Roy Milton who together with Joe Liggins and Johnny Otis helped shape, (in the late 40’s), the emerging sound that became known as Rhythm & Blues. A much smaller sound than the precceding style made popular by the likes of Count Basie, Louis Jordan and Joe Turner. The contribution of female pianist Camille Howard is worthy of special mention as it was, (along with Milton’s drums), the driving force behind Milton’s hits. For themusicologist Roy Milton’s vocals and the Solid Senders music always hit ‘the spot’.

p.s the sentiment in the cut does not reflect, (as is often the case), my own feelings on the subject.

musicology #275

newyearboogie #3

(Blind Lemon Jefferson – Happy New Year Blues)

1928 slice of the new year pie from pioneering bluesman Blind Lemon Jefferson whose contribution to the genre looms as large as any of his contempories. Originator of the ‘Texas’ Style his legacy stretches from T-Bone Walker, (who learned how to play from Jefferson), through Chuck Berry, right up to and beyond Jimmy Hendrix. Reknowned for his dexterity both as player and songwriter the cat ’swung’ the blues all over the Southern States.

musicology #272

sleighbellsring #20

(Leadbelly – On A Christmas Day)

Christmas day cut from Undisputed King of the 12 String guitar, social commentator and bluesman supreme Huddie Ledbetter A.K.A  ‘Leadbelly’….another cat, (along with the Mighty Sparrow), we will be hearing more from in 2009 on themusicologist.

musicology #261

sleighbellsring #9

(Lowell Fulson – Lonesome Christmas)

One more from the Christmas Blues canon and then I’m rolling out a selection of seasonal favourites. Hope you have enjoyed the sufferers interlude.

The 1950 slice on the Hollywood label is courtesy of West Coast Rhythm & Blues legend, bandleader, guitarist and songwriter Lowell Fulson with a cut that may include Brother Ray tinkling the ivories?…

musicology #260

sleighbellsring #8

(Harmon Ray – Xmas Blues)

Another Blues slice of the Christmas pie, this time from a cat I know nothing about other than the date and place recorded, (Chicago 1947), and the piano player…Eddie Boyd. What I do know is that not only am I a sucker for Christmas music I’m also a big fan of the piano. For themusicologist it’s the instrument of choice when it comes to communicating the message. Favourite players include Little Brother Montgomery, Fats Waller, Pete Johnson, Albert Ammonds, Meade Lux Lewis, Count Basie, The Duke, Ray Charles, Mempis and Sunnyland Slim and last but definately not least…Amos Milburn.

Love the intro on this cut.

musicology #259

sleighbellsring #7

(Tampa Red – Christmas & New Years Blues)

Rolling into a little christmas blues…not, I hasten to add, that it reflects my situation…it doesn’t. It’s just that there are too many screamers to leave out. Tampa Red come in sing one for the yuletide sufferers…

musicology #257

sleighbellsring #5

(Riff Ruffin – Xmas Baby)

Apologies for not posting up yesterday’s cut until this morning. Thought I had until one o’ youse  ‘tipped me the wink’.

Today’s 1956 cut is one from the Rhythm & Blues canon…ranking slice. A must for all the Christmas HEP cats out there around the globe.

musicology #215

12AngryMen #11 (alternativesoundtrack #3)

(John Lee Hooker – Little Wheel)

not long to go now as the ‘guiltys’ fall like dominoes. each piece of evidence is being scutinized and eventually found to be unworthy.

the music is courtesy of  Bluesman supreme, the pioneering John Lee Hooker whose first recording, (Boogie Chillen’) was in 1948. This one, from 1957,  is one from his days spent at Vivian Carter and James Bracken’s Vee Jay Label.

musicology #213

12AngryMen #9 (alternativesoundtrack #3)

(Jimmy Smith & Lou Donaldson – Summertime)

so the count is now 9 to 3 in favour of the guilty’s. The evidence is being torn to shreds piece by piece and what started as an open and shut case is turning into a battle of subjectivite opinion vs objective facts.

the two performances that, for me, are outstanding are Henry Fonda and Lee J Cobb. The others are good but these two are special. both are featured on this piece of dialogue.

the song which comes courtesy of organist supreme Jimmy Smith and Blue Note stable mate, Saxophone legend Lou Donaldson is a haunting 1957 rendition of the George Gershwin classic Summertime, (penned for the Opera Porgy & Bess). A song that has been covered more times than I’ve had hot dinners, rumour has it that Gershwin adapted it from a Ukranian lullaby ‘Oy Khodyt Son Kolo Vikon’, (A Dream Passes By The Windows), which he heard in 1926.

musicology #212

12AngryMen #8 (alternativesoundtrack #3)

(Sherman Booker & The Blue Notes – Cool Daddy’s Blues)

back to round 8 of the ‘alternative’ and brother Henry is on a roll. The Guilty’s are falling like dominoes as the ‘Socratic method’ employed by our man continues to work it’s magic.

Philosophy is such an important part of our lives that it’s shocking how little is taught in our schools. Unless we count the almost complete domination of the Greek School of thought which is taught ideologically to young children in an effort to set them up as ‘citizens of the future’ rather than introduced as a tool to help them aquire ‘knowledge’. For me Philosophy is all about asking, (and answering), questions and coming to your own conclusions which obviously doesn’t fit in with current politrickal ideas of mass control. With that in mind and before I get too far into the saddle of my high horse I’ll get back to the music.

today’s cut of the ‘57 pie is a piece of ‘blues’ from an almost unknown outfit, Sherman Booker & The Blue Notes, about whom I know absolutely nothing, other than they recorded this one in 1957 for L.A’s Combo Label.

musicology #21

ladiesweek #1

(Billie Holiday – Love Me Or Leave Me)

Kicking off ladiesweek with possibly the most influential female vocalist of all time…Eleanora Fagan Gough popularly known as Billie Holiday who most certainly had a right to sing the Blues and sing them she did but in a new ‘uptown’ style that took it’s lead from the one and only Louis Armstrong.

Of course there’s Bessie Smith, Mahalia Jackson and Dinah Washington  to consider but let’s leave that debate to one side.

very difficult to pick one slice of musicology from her repertoire but one it must be…

Accompanied by the sublime artistry of Teddy Wilson and full crew from sometime in the 1930’s … Billie step up to the m.i.c and let us know what time it is..