musicology #414

Terry Callier #6

(Terry Callier – Got To Get It All Straightened Out)

Caught in a triangle between me, the father and the holy spirit at the moment and for the record art doesn’t imitate life it is life. Hold this cut.

Huh, Gotta get it all straightened out,
Gotta see what it’s all about,
It’s time we should make a stand,
If we want to I know we can,
They’ve opened the curtains now,
And I know for certain now
We gotta get it all straightened out yeah,

Gotta see if it’s hit or miss,
Gotta see what the meaning is,
Gotta look back at where we been,
We don’t want to go wrong again,
This time we can make it right,
And bring all the truth to light,
We gotta get it all straightened out,

It seems to me that this old world,
Is nothing but doubt and confusion,
This old world might not be ending,
But I think it’s coming to a conclusion,
Heaven help us to see,
So we can be free of hate and illusion,
We all dreamers,
We need a light to banish the night away,
For once, for all and forever,
Come what may,
Heaven help us to see,
So that we can be free,
To stand in the light of day,

Gotta get it all straightened out,
Gotta see what it’s all about,
It’s time we should make a stand,
If we want to I know we can,
They have opened the curtains now,
And I know for certain now,
We’ve gotta get it all straightened out,

Gotta see if it’s hit or miss,
Gotta see what the meaning is,
Gotta look back at where we been,
We don’t want to go wrong again,
This time we can make it right,
And bring all the truth to light,
We gotta get it all straightened out,

Gotta get it all straightened out,
Got To get it all straightened out,
Gotta get it all straightened out,
Got To get it all straightened out,
Gotta get it all straightened out,
Got To get it all straightened out,
Gotta get it all straightened out,
Got To get it all straightened out,

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 #382

Modernist #10

(Derrick & Patsy – Housewife’s Choice)

Sticking with the Jamaican selection with a next piece that was spun back in the day. The quote below from a cat named Ian Hebditch confirms conversations about them days that I have had with a good friend of mine’s Dad, (hold this one Don), who is Jamaican, born in 1947 and was there on the London scene at the time in question.

“There was a great degree of respect between the Mods and the West Indian Community. I personally found that. Within the Mod movement I don’t recollect any element of racism at all and by racism I mean anti-black feeling”.

Many a reason for this but one I would like to add is that in my experience Jamaicans have much of the mod/ernist attitude. Confident, Proud, Defiant, Dynamic are all attributes I have come across in my friends and their familys over the years and often have I witnessed this being interpreted as them having ‘a chip on their shoulder’ a misinterpretation that lingers on to this day.

Today’s cut is a 1962 slice from early Ska proponent Derrick Morgan in combination with a female singer by the name of Patsy Todd and I’ll leave it to Johnny Spencer to give you the details of the cut, a picture of the label and an informative piece of writing on it here on his magnificent project

musicology #348

AlternativeSoundtrack4 #15

(Etta James & Harvey Fuqua – My Heart Cries)

Today’s dialogue is especially poignant in as much as it offers an insight into not only the two characters, (Eddie & Sarah), but also a fundamental difference in the sexes. Don’t forget that this is 1961 and the dawn of a new era in the dialogue between man and woman. Sarah makes it as clear as crystal how she feels about Eddie leaving no ambiguity and he, (in time honoured fashion), tries to sidestep the issue but she reiterates her feelings and lets him know in no uncertain terms what she wants to hear him say.

The music is a beautiful piece of Soul from two great singers both of whom have already featured on themusicologist, Etta James and, (her husband at the time), Harvey Fuqua with yet another slice of the Chess records pie, (as influential as any label in the development of what is now known as ‘Urban’ music). Recorded and released in, yep you guessed it, 1961 and featured on Etta’s fantastic album ‘At Last’. Arranged by musicologist Riley Hampton.

musicology #323

DownbeatTheRuler #3

(Alton & Hortense Ellis – Easy Squeeze)

Out all day yesterday working the tees so apologies for not dropping a next ‘Downbeat bomb’ through your speakers. Hopefully today’s slice of the Coxsone pie will make up for it.

A classic piece of Brentford Road Rock Steady that has trembled my marrow for many years. Could have thrown it down a few times on previous themes but for reason unbeknown to ‘mesang’ didn’t until today.

One of the most emotive, hard hitting, Rough & Tough cuts of the Rock Steady period in my humble opinion…lyrics, vocals, music all combining in soul searching harmony to communicate a message concerning  the quest for that most elusive of feelings, True Love.

Recorded and first released in 1966? for Dodd by the Godfather Of Rocksteady Alton Ellis alongside his younger Sister Hortense, both of whom are sadly no longer with us. What is however (and will be for as long as music like this is being loved and played), are their ‘works’ many of which sit comfortably at the very top of the musicology tree.

Hortense was Jamaica’s ‘first female vocalist’ cutting her teeth as early as 1959 on such legendary talent shows as Vere John’s Opportunity hour, (where many a ‘Jam Down’ legend begun their careers), but it wasn’t until a few years later in 1961 under the tutelage of Downbeat that she begun a recording career. For sure having Alton as a brother helped but anyone who has heard her sing would agree that merit was the foundation stone apoun which she built a career that stretched right up to her untimely death in 2000 AD. Recording for many of the greatest Jamaican producers such as Duke Reid, Bunny Lee, Harry Mudie and Gussie Clarke, (to name a few)

As regulars may be aware Alton has featured more than any other Jamaican artist on themusicologist over the preceeding two years so I won’t wax lyrical on the man and his music today other than to reiterate that it was he and the previous Artist, (Bob Andy), who first opened my ears and heart to Downbeat The Ruler’s output and for that I am eternally grateful..

So in Tribute to the memories of Alton, Hortense and Clement Seymour ‘Sir Coxsone / Downbeat The Ruler’ Dodd hold this…..

musicology #315

SongsOfProtest&Freedom#1

(Woody Guthrie & Cisco Houston – Better World A Comin’)

this weeks selection is a collection of songs that speak the language of protest and freedom. bypassing the rhetoric of the chattering classes to deliver the message as directly as possible to those who have the power to make change….the people.

The ‘establishment’ know this so, as with all modes of communication, do their best to bury such knowledge and even wisdom beneath the mountains of information that are served up 24 – 7 – 365.

Who and what are the establishment?..I’m not saying there is a group whose ‘job’ it is to serve up such mis-information I don’t believe that’s not the nature of such things…ideology provides such a platform so no one person or even group is to blame, making it almost impossible to step outside of. Our times are not much different from previous ones although globalisation can and does, (for now), provide an opportunity to connect and communicate instantly which is relatively new. Obviously this is a two sided coin making it easier to spread the word of freedom as well as slavery but at least there is a choice as to what we spend our time doing, listening to, reading and watching.

only time will tell what opportunity is taken? education or entertainment.

With that in mind hold this cut from one of the fathers and greatest proponents of the protest/freedom song, Woodrow Wilson Guthrie, (named after the former president of the USA), whose relatively short life was FULL of experience and incident…

Mr Authenticity as far as I’m concerned whose musicology has touched my heart and mind from first hearing it a couple of years ago.Since introduction themusicologist is often to be found rocking and a rolling to this Cat.. This cut taken from the 1940’s ‘Asch’ Recording dates features his friend the singer and one time actor, Cisco Houston who along with Jim Longhi persuaded Woody to join the Merchant Marines during W.W II. Being political Woody was against supporting what was considered by some a Capitalist Fraud but rather than be drafted he settled for washing dishes and entertaining the troops.

Anyway….enough of the words and on with the music.

musicology #281

twolegendsclash #4

(Louis Armstrong – Weather Bird)

After deliberating ALL day on what piece of the Satchelmouth pie to serve, (and still not really coming up with a firm favourite), I’m just going to bite the bullet and lay this one down. A 1928 !!! cut featuring not only the improviser supreme but also one of the greatest players to ever tinkle the Ivories…Earl Hines.

Amazing duet that, to me, sounds almost like a whole orchestra such is the ‘fullness’ of the sound produced. One of his own compositions recorded for OKeh on December 5th 1928 in Chicago and the first to bear just his name, (all previous cuts were either featuring him or with an orchestra), What is impossible for us to comprehend is the impact that these 20’s cuts of his had. Granted there are probably players who came after him that could match his technique and as previously mentioned there were also those from before recording whose names shine bright but NONE of them had the same impact on 20th Century music. Louis blazed the trail for everyone who followed and not just in the field of instrumentals.

Ride on Mr Armstrong and let the Cats here know exactly what your’e talking about…

musicology #277

newyearboogie #5

(Mel & Tim – Starting All Over Again)

New Month, New Year…New day dawns.

Listen Tune…

p.s flying home tonight so back in the saddle tomorrow with a new theme. A ‘clash’ between two of the greatest soloists ever recorded who together refined the language of improvisation and lifted it to new heights. I’ll leave it to your imagination as to who it could be. One thing’s for sure though it will swing so hard that by the end of it you’ll find your dancing shoes worn so thin you could use them to wrap a ‘zut’ !!

musicology #274

newyearboogie #2

(Johnny Otis Orchestra – Happy New Year Baby)

what can I say about 2008?..pure ‘hill and gully ride’ for me. Learnt a LOT, more than I would have thought possible. Ended on a real high..New Years Eve up on a rooftop in Spain with my son under the stars listening to Sidney Bechet swing out the old year in finest style. I could go on and on about how much this holiday means to me but I’ll just say that last night, especially, was one of the great moments in my life so far, (and there have been a few I am happy to say), that’s TWO top ranking holidays in 2008 that I will cherish for ever, thanks to the Cyprus cats for the previous one and the Fam for this one.. Weather here is glorious, company is first class and the soundtrack has been led by a diet of cuts from the early part of the 20th century most notably from the master, Brother Louis Armstrong while reading a very informative and well written book on his early life in New Orleans.

Today’s cut is courtesy of bandleader Johnny Otis and his Orchestra. Can’t add any more info at the moment like singers, date, label etc so i’ll leave it at that other than to say:

HAPPY NEW YEAR BABY….

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 #155

duets2 # 4

(Loe & Joe – Little Ole Boy, Little Ole Girl)

slipping out of the Jamaican selection into some Detroit action with a piece from one of post war urban music’s great innovators Harvey Fuqua…original lead singer of the Moonglows, (musicology #46), and Soul legend. influential in moulding the new sound that sprung out of the wells of Rhythm & Blues and Gospel, Harvey Fuqua helped, (along with Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Marv Johnson…), to ‘create’ the Detroit sound as head of artistic development at Motown after tiring of the effort required to run his own label, (which this one is on),

the duet is courtesy of almost unknown pairing, Lorrie Rudolph and Joe Murphy, who certainly do the song justice. more than that I can only add that it’s a 45 from 1961 and it’s on the ‘Harvey’ label.

musicology #154

duets2 #3

(Jackie & Doreen – Welcome Home)

the boxnet audio widget is not working as well as I would have hoped so I’m going to have to make
some changes and find a more effective way to digest the music.

for now though I’m sticking with the duets and another one from Jamaica but this time it’s a 1965 Ska classic from one of Jamaican music’s foundation vocalists, Jackie Opel about whom Alton Ellis once said:

“to see Jackie Opel was a life affirming event – he was a performer in the style of young Jackie Wilson whose act was a predominate influence. Opel would spin and fall to the ground in a crescendo of legs drooping and flailing arms, a small man in stature but a big man in heart and personality”

and from the pen of music critic Al Gilkes:

“On stage Jackie forced his way into the hearts of his audience to make them share his experience. His tears were their tears, his joy theirs …….. Jackie was a prodigy, a rare blend of pure, raw voice and composing ability … what captured you about his singing was its utter savagery: the apparent unlimited range to his voice: … when he sang, every word that came out seemed to come from deep inside with an eternity of pain which life forever bought him ……”

partnered on this one by Doreen Schaffer and to top it all…backed by the mighty Skatalites..an early Studio1 production from right out of the top drawer. a UK release on the top ranking R&B label

watch the ride…

musicology #152

duets2 #1

(Isley Brothers – Busted)

trying to keep a low one about not posting two cuts yesterday..(hoping that the quality and not the quantity is enough to earn themusicologist a reprieve)

this week it’s duets …. SIX cuts, (one a day), from across the ages. starting with this one produced, written and arranged by R’n'B supremo R.Kelly. performed by Ron Isley and Kim Johnson of JS and released in 2003.

musicology #118

jamboree #5

(Ozone – Gigolette)

all things considered..has to be this one. for three reasons.

1: It’s me dear Uncle Bassie’s Hawaii Five-O birthday bash today and I’m sure he will appreciate the four string on the track

2: Big night out tonight celebrating ms Steen’s birthday at Brother Sean Rowley’s Guilty Pleasures,
(Leisure Wear theme !!)

3: The piece was released in 1981 (same year as the notorious Diadora Borg Elite which will be on ‘me plates’ tonight)

Good Enough…

1981 was also the year themusicologist became a teenager, Raygun became president, the Brixton, Toxteh, (and Lewisham), Riots boiled over, 13 people died when a house in New Cross burned to the ground. Britain was deep in recession, Bombs were going off in the capital, Berbatov was born, Bob Marley died and Spurs won the FA cup, (themusicologist was there at Wembley to see Ricardo ‘ Ricky’ Villa score the winner), beating Manchester City in a glorious replay….

musicology #95

sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #18

(Alton Ellis & Eddie Perkins – My Heaven)

last of the Alton selection..and it’s this one from the earliest days of Jamaican musicology…recorded for none other than Clement Seymour Dodd. The second of his two cuts with Eddie Perkins as the duo Alton & Eddie from 1959, (cut three weeks after his first recording ‘Muriel’)

Alton..thank you for the music.

p.s next week it’s the turn of themusicologists first musical icon..Curtis Mayfield.

musicology #63

Ike Turner Tribute #3 (Ike&Tina Turner – The Argument – 1962 – Sue)

so theres been Ike as piano player, Ike as producer and now this piece of musicology from the golden year of 1962 finds Ike, (& Tina), on vocals, in tension..you can hear it not only in the lyrics but more importantly in the atmosphere. penned by Ike there’s menace in there.

like I said, I’m not going to speculate or pass judgment on the personal nature of the relationship especially as this piece says it all so I’ll just let the music tell the story.

musicology #58

coversweek .. day #5

(Womack&Womack -Angie)

this next piece is an example of how the ‘cover’ can almost make you forget the original. don’t get me wrong the Rolling Stones cut is a great song which, considering they are not really my bag shows how music can and does overcome all the subjective obstacles we place in it’s way but, and maybe I’m in the minority, I have always found them to be more concerned with the fame and the lifestyle which, for themusicologist, seems to come across in their songs. that said if any of you are big Stones fans and disagree then I would appreciate you directing me to the songs that you feel do communicate a message.

finally, as you may have concluded, themusicologist is not too knowledgeable in the popular music department so will be more than happy to stand corrected. in the meantime hold this soul bearing selection that should always have been sung by a man and a woman and if you have ever loved and lost this ones for you and try to remember that the hardest part is saying goodbye.

musicology #41

doublebubble..#7

(Wornell Jones – It Must Have Been Love)

finishing off the 3 round theme with the icing on the cake. a barely known 80’s Boogie, marrow trembler from this musicologist/songwriter/singer/bass player. what more can be said about it other than

“it must have been love”

one thing themusicologist would like to add to the diary is a few words on how music is so often the catalyst for change. this week I undertook a new journey .. therapy… relationship therapy to be precise. for an ‘alley-cat’ this is almost unheard of for many reasons but, (almost), anything and everything is worth investigating and as communication breakdown is all too common in this age there is obviously value in wise counsel. this musical diary is my therapy, best friend, shoulder to cry on and this week here we are without planning, scheming or manipulating listening to duets, two people in harmony… bliss and strangely almost confessional.

the point to make here is that no matter how hard one ‘knocks’, (and themusicologist is an example of this pursuit), if the door to the heart is closed and nobodys home the time will come when the person outside packs the emotional bags and hits the road. Darryl Banks knew this back in ‘66 and laid down an anthem, (musicology #11), to guide us but if you don’t ‘listen’ you can’t hear. so this piece of musicology goes out to all those who aren’t listening as well as those who are.

musicology #40

doublebubble .. day6

(Womack & Womack – Woman)

If you like your soul straight up, no chaser this is one of them tunes that does all the talking .. lovers/haters hold this marrow trembling 4mins 17 seconds of 80’s soul duet heaven from Linda and Cecil and let the music be your guide…

musicology #39

doublebubble .. day 5

(Chuck Jackson & Maxine Brown – Don’t Go)

sticking with the 1965 selection this one brings together two of Souls shining lights that, (as is all too often the case), didn’t receive the accolades due for their musical efforts. Maxine Brown and Chuck Jackson were there recording in the ‘new style’ as Soul emerged from the shadows of Doo Wop and Rhythm & Blues in the early 60’s to become the force it is today. the second tune this week to flow from the pen of the majestic songwriting duet Ashford&Simpson.

just so you know, for themusicologist the term Soul covers any song about affairs of the heart sung with genuine feeling … regardless of race, creed or colour.

musicology #38

doublebubble .. day 4

(Tarheel Slim & Little Ann – I Submit To You)

day late but not a dollar short with this piece from 1965. better known for their 1959 hit, (it’s too late), which made the doublebubble playlist but, for me, doesn’t reach the heights of this one.

the male half of this husband and wife pairing was a foundation soul singer who first recorded gospel from 1946 as a member of The Southern Harmonaires, Selah Jubilee Singers and The Jubilators. Next stop, (1950) was early Vocal Group The Larks followed by some Blues cuts accompanied by the legendary Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee before moving to Bobby Robinson’s legendary label Red Robin ..

musicology #37

doublebubble .. day3

(Bob & Marcia – Always Together)

one of themusicologists favourite duets. this time from 1970 and the island of Jamaica. epitomising the sound of late 60’s early 70’s reggae and one that many a genuine rudeboy/skinhead would have moved to down at El Partido.

I have 3 versions of this, the UK mix/the dancehall 12″ and this one which, after much deliberation is the one that has come out on top. I love the 12″ just as much but it’s more of a specialists cut, (9 mins long), made for playing ‘in the dance’….

the male singer in the duet is also the songwriter, (one of Jamaicas finest poets), and I would imagine, for this session at least, is heavily involved in arrangement, production and final mix down. no prizes for guessing that its yet another Studio1 production.

musicology #36

doublebubble .. day 2

(Marvin Gaye & Tami Terrel -

a match made in heaven .. this pair of songbirds were the first to record this ashford and simpson penned number in 1967.

shortly after, at the tender age of 22, Tammi collapsed on stage, (in Marvin’s arms), and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Her health deteriorated and she died in 1970. Marvin devastated, retreated into near isolation, (as well as other things to ease the pain), and wrote ‘What’s Going On’ still the only authentic LP loaded with hard hitting environmental questions.

so this one is not only for the two of them, but for all of us that appreciate how short, (and cruel), life can sometimes be …

musicology #35

doublebubble day 1

(Bobby Womack & Patti LaBelle – Through The Eyes Of A Child)

so we have heard from the ladies, the men have said their piece and now its time for doublebubble..the duets.

of particular interest for themusicologist is the difference between these three disciplines.

harmony between two people is a sound/sight to behold .. anything is possible and nothing is too much of a challenge and this weeks 7 pieces are, (I believe), all examples of such togetherness. kicking off with some fine 80’s soul&boogie delivered by two deep and soulful singers ‘the poet‘ & ‘lady marmalade‘ . musicologists that have been laying down quality almost 25 years before coming together on this one in 1984.