musicology #401

Sound&Fury #5

(Prince Buster – Too Hot)

Original cut of the song made ‘public’ by the Specials. The Prince has already featured on themusicologist so no need for me to wax lyrical about his life. Suffice to say that the Cat is a legend of Jamaican musicology.

musicology #367

SuchIsLife #1

(Lord Creator – Such Is Life)

As promised, new theme kicks off today concerning musical wisdom as laid down by various Cats from across the musical spectrum, inspired by today’s slice of incredible musicology from Trinidadian singer, songwriter and sufferer,Kentrick Patrick, (A.K.A Lord Creator), who penned this unbelievable 1968 marrow trembler while down on his luck living in a tree!! in Jamaica having found himself ‘on the floor’ after a career stretching back to the dawn of Ska recording for the likes of Sir Coxsone and more prominently the producer Vincent ‘Randy’ Chin. In answer to his downturn in fortunes..Creator had this pearl of wisdom to say

“That is in my days of suffereation and alcohol, when I had nothing, when I could not pay rent, when I could not find food for me and my children to eat. While sleeping up in a plum tree with a pregnant woman, I put together a melody, and that is how I recorded the song called, ‘Such Is Life’. It was not a hit, it did not get much airplay, but it meant a lot to me”

For me this cut sums up the essence of music’s incredible power to communicate emotions..Respect is due to Alan from musical storeroom Honest Jon’s who brought me in on this one a few weeks back after a dialogue concerning music and the ‘Project’. I am eternally greatful..

“One day you got plenty money yeah…such is life, such is life,
Sometimes you ain’t got a penny no, such is life, such is life…..

musicology #360

Ideology&Philosophy #1

(The Silvertones – Smile)

So as one theme ends another begins…Didn’t have a clue what it might involve until last night when it came to me while soaking in some ’spoken word’, (a daily occurence in the home of themusicologist). So to keep it fresh in my heart and mind I would like to share and combine two of my passsions with the crew, music…and the ‘love of wisdom’ or what’s better known as Philosophy.

My intention is to keep the dialogue going and start each slice of musicology with a bit of spoken word followed by what I believe is a piece of musical wisdom. Not sure how it will unfold but as with all the themes on themusicologist I feel compelled by something other than logic or reason so I’ll continue to let intuition be the guide.

Day one features an introduction to the Western Worlds first and still prevalent Ideology, Greek Philosophy. Borrowed from a ‘top ranking’ lecture on the subject by a lecturer called David Roochnik who, for me does a perfect job in explaining the meaning of ‘Dialectic’. A word that I have heard and read many times but until this Cat laid out this definition was never satisfied with my understanding of it. A very important concept that continues to have a major impact on all our lives

The musicology is a fine piece of wisdom from Jamaican vocal group, the Silvertones featuring the talents of Gilmore Grant, Keith Coley and Delroy Denton. Yet another piece of ‘Coxsone’ magic, (first press 45), from the back end of the sixties…

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 #312

Live&Direct #8

(Prince Buster – Move Over ‘Live’)

Time for a slice of the Rocksteady pie from legendary Jamaican musicologist Cecil Bustamente Campbell a.ka Prince Buster a nickname gained from his days alongside Lee Perry, (among others), as Coxsone’s ‘Security’ in the early days of the fierce rivalries between the various Sound Systems . ‘Prince’ Buster was known in and around Kingston for his boxing skills and fearlessness when confronted with opposing promoters ‘Dance Crashers’ whose sole purpose was to disrupt and close down the dance but it was with the ground breaking 1960 recording ‘Oh Carolina’ featuring Count Ossie and the Mystic Revelation that his music career began to take shape.

Recorded live in London at either the Marquee or Brixton’s Ram Jam in 1967. Taken from the ‘Live On Tour’ Set..

musicology #303

JamaicanVocalGroupAction #14

(The Paragons – The Tide Is High)

The end of the road for this theme. hard to pick a favourite but I’m going for the Wailers – Cry To Me. Tunes like that certainly don’t grow on trees and it resides in my top twenty of all time.

Today’s final slice of the ‘action’ is perhaps better known to many for the Blondie Version from the early 80’s. Or even the most recent version by Kardinal Offishal..My daughter reminds me that, (among others), there was also a poor pop version by The Atomic Kittens but thankfully I don’t know it. Blondie’s version was ok but not a scratch on this, the original from another one of the great J.A Vocal Groups led by John Holt, (who also wrote it)

The group also featured such luminaries as Bob Andy, Tyrone Evans, (who formed the group), and Junior Menz who, following Pat Kellys departure, sung lead for the Techniques most notably on Queen Majesty, (musicology #293), completing the trio on this cut was Howard Barret. A Duke Reid ‘Treasure Isle’ classic from 1967.

musicology #302

JamaicanVocalGroupAction #13

(The Voiceroys – Love & Unity)

Today’s slice of the J.A vocal group pie is yet another from the ‘Golden Age’ of the Vocal Group, the 1960’s. In fact, thinking about it, by the mid 1980’s the group sound had almost disapeared to be replaced by the single artist and ‘DJ’. Not sure exactly why? but it would probably have something to do with economics..the least people involved, the less money would have to be paid out. Producers are generally the people who earn the lions share of the ‘reddies’ leaving the artist, (especially in Jamaica), with very little. It’s a sad state of affairs that hopefully we are seeing change as the internet could and should reverse such injustice…let’s hope so.

This one is a Coxsone Dodd, (Studio 1), production from 1967 led by Wesley Tinglin, backed up, (probably) by Linval Williams and/or Daniel Bernard..

Listen Tune..

musicology #301

JamaicanVocalGroupAction #12

(The Uniques – Hooray, (One Fine Day)

Seeing this theme through until the end of the week and then I’ll be rolling out something fresh on Monday. Just like to thank all you Cats for the visits and comments on the Wailers cut, (and tee), most apprecited. Following a marrow trembler like that is nigh on impossible..one of them cuts that has left me ‘chewing canvas’ to use an old boxing colloquilism…you know the score, hanging on to the opponent for dear life hoping that the bell tolls for the end of the round..so without further delay hold this cut from one of Jamaica’s finest vocal groups The Uniques featuring one of the greatest vocalists to ever grace the M.I.C…Keith ‘Slim’ Smith, alongside Jimmy Riley and Lloyd ‘Charmers’ Tyrel with a first outing on themusicologist. A 1967 Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee production that sounds like it was recorded at the Dukes ‘Treasure Isle’ studio…the home of Rocksteady.

musicology #298

JamaicanVocalGroupAction #9

(Justin Hinds & The Dominoes – Save A Bread)

TOP RANKING 1967 slice of the Rock Steady pie for all the Financial Crisis sufferers out there. Recorded and released at and for Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label, (backed by Tommy Mc Cook and the Supersonics)

Not that, (if you live in good old ‘Blighty’), savings are going to get you out of the egg ‘n’ bubble as the Interest rates tumbling to 0% doesn’t make it an attractive proposition at the moment, resulting in all of us taking the proverbial ‘kick in the bollocks’ while the value of everything crash and burn…I think it’s called ‘The PolitRicKs Of Fear‘…

Looks to me like the new age is apoun us and the strategy is “if you can’t swim then you’re going to sink”. Employment as we have known it is in it’s death throes and now a larger percentage of people have something to lose, (property for example), an updated form of, (wage), slavery is rearing it’s ugly head. I have no answers other than to let the music, (and your community), be your guide…so in the words of foundation Jamaican musicologist Justin Hinds

“Today can be gladness mister, (you don’t know),
tomorrow can be sadness sister, (you don’t know),
what makes the world go around, (round and round),
you’ll never know, (you don’t know),
so save a bread mister, (save it for the future),
save a bread sister, (’cause things will be better),
you know not the minute nor the hour, (man shall come),
you know not the minute nor the hour, (for the time is now),

what you know you know, (what you don’t know you don’t know),
greatest thing is to know, (what you don’t know you don’t know),
anywhere you go, (what you don’t know you don’t know),

Today can be gladness mister, (you don’t know),
tomorrow can be sadness sister, (you don’t know),
what makes the world go around, (round and round),
you’ll never know, (you don’t know),
so save a bread mister, (save it for the future),
save a bread sister, (’cause things will be better),
you know not the minute nor the hour, (man shall come),
you know not the minute nor the hour, (for the time is now),

what you know you know, (what you don’t know you don’t know),
greatest thing is to know, (what you don’t know you don’t know),
anywhere you go, (what you don’t know you don’t know),

musicology #296

JamaicanVocalGroupAction #7

(The Melodians – Swing & Dine)

Apologies for not posting yesterday’s Three Tops cut on the Audio Widget until this morning !! … Been grafting like a dog, especially over the last few weeks, in preparation for phase two of ‘the project’ which is almost ready for exposure. As a result themusicologist had to take a back seat. From my point of view the quality hasn’t suffered, (and never will),but the quantity is a piece erratic so hopefully youse Cats will continue to cut me some slack whilst I adjust.

Today’s piece of Vocal Group Action is a solid gold late Rock Steady, Early Reggae classic from one of the Island’s most loved trios….The Melodians, featuring the sublime talents of Tony Brevett, Brent Dowe, Trevor McNaughton? and Renford Cogle. A group known globally for their influential ‘Rivers Of Babylon’,  tune which certainly helped the music of Jamaica to gain more exposure and then acceptance outside of the few places that knew and raved about it. This slice is well known to the reggae community but maybe not so well outside of it. A 1968 Sonia Pottinger production for her Gayfeet label that, at least as far as I’m concerned, climbs and reaches the highest heights.

Listen tune……

musicology #294

JamaicanVocalGroupAction #5

(The Bassies – River Jordan)

Continuing this week with the JA selection. Originally it was only going to be a one week special but over the last few weeks I have been working like a Trojan to bring ‘the project’ into the next phase resulting in my not being able to dedicate as much time to themusicologist as I would have liked….(All will be revealed by the end of the week !!), Not only that but while perusing my Jamaica musical vaults it was obvious that 1 week would be nowhere near enough space for such a rich theme so it has to be extended.

On with the music…today’s slice of the Jamaican vocalist pie is one more from Coxsone Dodd’s mighty Studio 1 stable courtesy of a group known as The Bassies, featuring a young cat by the name of Fred Locks Rocking Steady as the sound was making the transition into what became known and loved the world over as Reggae.

musicology #293

JamaicanVocalGroupAction #4

(The Techniques – Queen Majesty)

Fourth slice of the vocalgroup and the second outing, (link below), on themusicologist for a group of Cats known collectively as The Techniques with their unique rendition of the Curtis Mayfield / Impressions 1961 cut ‘Minstrel & Queen’. Recorded for the Trojan’s, (Duke Reid), outstanding set up, Treasure Isle.

If you don’t know it and you like your music sweet and soulful then as far as I’m concerned you’re in for a treat. Lead on this one is sung by Junior Menz, (previously of the Ambassadors), with backing by Winston Riley but not Pat Kelly, (who sung lead on ‘You Don’t Care’), as he had returned to America to continue with his education…

“Queen majesty, may I speak with thee,
So much I’ve longed , I’ve longed to speak to you alone,
True I agree, I’m not of your society,
I’m not a king just a minstrel,
With my song to you I sing,
Though just a minstrel in life we’re so far apart,
But royal queen I see love in your heart, your heart
I love you too, your majesty…….hmmmmm,

Isn’t this really true,
These things I ask of you…hmmmm,
Oh,oh majesty would you really care for me,
As long as you love me,
And it wont be so hard,
As long as I see love in your heart, (your heart),
I love you too, (honest I do),
Hmmmm..(your majesty), hmmmm..(your majesty)
Ohh I love you too, (your majesty)
Hmmmm queen majesty…”

musicology #290

JamaicanVocalGroupAction #1

(Johnny & The Attractions – Young Wings Can Fly)

New theme on themusicologist featuring some of the cream of the Island’s musicologists. The music of Jamaica has been a feature of my musical education from my earliest days thanks, especially to two of my uncles, Dell and ‘Johnny One Stop’. Like many a youngblood growing up on the streets of London through the Seventies and Eighties Jamaican music loomed large. Starting in the early Seventies with groups like the Wailers and the Heptones, (both will be featured), and evolving backwards with the inner sanctum of Rocksteady and Roots as the Seventies moved into the Eighties Reggae has always been close to my heart. I learnt a lot about life through the sounds of the Groups, Artists and Producers whose music touched my soul with their authentic cries of ‘the struggle’ for survival and freedom.

Many’s the time I have turned to and found solace in the sounds of Jamaica, from Independence Ska all the way through to ‘Computerised’. So this week is a tribute to a small selection of the Cats who have shaped my life with their ‘weeping and a wailing’

First up is one from the second half of the sixties, released in the UK on Doctor Bird during 1968. Produced by Sonia Pottingers Gayfeet team delivered in a Rock Steady style by a group called Johnny & The Attractions….doesn’t get much better than this as far as I’m concerned.

musicology #267

sleighbellsring #15

(Owen Gray – Collins Greetings)

Was just about to lay down a doo wop slice of the christmas pie until this one floated out of the speakers…

Instinctively I would say it’s a Duke Reid piece of Rocksteady, I have it by someone else.., (I think it’s a cut of ‘People Get Ready’ by Alton Ellis ), but as it’s Owen Gray it could also be a Coxsone production. Whoever produced it…well done and thank you.

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 #161

vocalgroupaction2 #6

(The Uniques – Lessons Of Love)

day six !! of the vocalgroup selection and the tunes just keep on coming…by now i’m sure you’ve realised that the two genres that feature heaviest on themusicologist are Soul & Reggae and today’s cut is no exception.

courtesy of one of the most ‘important’ of Jamaica’s vocal groups The Uniques whose previous incarnation, (The Techniques), had already played a huge part in shaping the vocal group sound of Jamaica with Duke Reid at Treasure Isle. (for an example of the Techniques work with ‘The Trojan’ take a listen to musicology #44).

but it was as this pivotal line-up, (Roy Shirley, Jimmy Riley, Lloyd ‘Charmers’ Tyrell and Keith ‘Slim’ Smith), produced by the Islands top producer at the time Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee that they rose to the top of Jamaica’s vocal group tree with a string of Rock Steady classics such as ‘Gypsy Woman’, ‘My Conversation’, ‘The Beatitude’, Love & Devotion, ‘Facts Of Life’ (to name a few)

briefly…Bunny Lee was a major figure in the evolution of Jamaican musicology especially during this period. One of the first, (the first being Cecil ‘ Prince Buster’ Campbell), independent producers to challenge Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid he was instrumental in breaking the hold the two held over the music resulting in the emergence of other notable producers such as Derrick’ One Stop’ Harriott and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.

Recorded in Kingston at the Treasure Isle, (or W.I.R.L), studio in 1968.

musicology #112

sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #35

(Wailers – Rude Boy)

penultimate slice of musicology on the six/six/six and one from Jamaica’s most famous vocal group, The Wailers.

Not sure whether this had a UK release at the time? the one we are hearing is taken from the Coxsone Import 45. But with a title like ‘Rude Boy’ it wouldn’t have got much promotion on these English shores. As we all know the Wailers went on, (certainley Marley anyway), to become a household name. Jackie Mittoo on the other hand didn’t receive anywhere near the recognition that he deserved for all the musicology he brought to each and every Studio1 session from 1963 up to his emigration to Canada in 1969? which is, unfortunately, an all too common story when it comes to the cats who  played the instruments.

Arranger, Piano player session leader and all round musicologist it would have been Jackie, (as much as any single artist), that drove the music towards the Spaghetti Western influenced, Gun Man Style that was to become more popular as the times got tougher and the rudies got ruder in Kingston, Jamaica.

for themusicologist Jamaican music is still the ‘voice of the people’….how long will it last? only time will tell but from 1962 to today it has always reflected and communicated the thoughts and feelings of the ‘man on the street’ .. and this one is no exception.

musicology #93

sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #16

(Alton Ellis – I’m Still In Love)

a piece of Valentines day musicology delivered by Mr Soul of Jamaica…Alton Ellis.

if it sounds familiar but you can’t quite place it this is the original cut to Trinity’s top ranking Saturday night special ‘Three Peice Suit’ which in turn spawned the more well known cut by Althea & Donna ..’Uptown Top Ranking’

musicology #90

sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #13

(Alton Ellis – If I Could Rule This World)

this week it’s the turn of ‘Mr Soul of Jamaica’, the legendary Kingstonian..Alton Ellis.

foundation reggae artist who has been recording authentic Jamaican music since the late 1950’s !!

starting out his recording career with Coxsone, (Dodd), before he had set up Studio1, Alton Ellis has been at the forefront of Jamaican music for almost half a century and stands as tall as any other artist Jamaica has produced. name checked by most, if not all, of the Jamaican singers that followed as an inspiration, Alton recorded and worked with all the major players of the Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae periods..musicians, producers, engineers..have all been touched by the mans qualities. you don’t come by the name ‘Mr Soul’ for nothing…(checkback to the first of the six/six/six artists..Sam, (Mr Soul), Cooke. musicology #75-83)

setting the tone for the coming week of Jamaican musicology this piece is taken from his 1967 album ‘Mr Soul Of Jamaica’ produced by rock-steady king Duke Reid the ‘Trojan’ and backed by Tommy McCook and the Supersonics

just like to mention that Alton is, (hopefully), recovering from treatment for a serious life threatening illness and if any one is in contact with him please let him know that this weeks tribute to a legend on themusicologist is all about him and his musical legacy..wishing and hoping for a full recovery

musicology #60

coversweek day 7 (Alton Elllis – Massachusetts)

last of the covers and what better way to call it a day than with the soulful voice of Alton Ellis, a foundation artist who helped shape the Jamaica sound that we know and love. To be honest I don’t know the original too tough, I’ve heard it a few times but for me Alton makes it his own.

taken from one of the first reggae LP’s I had the pleasure of procuring, full of top cuts, straight out of the top drawer and yet another from the Brentford road crew… (might have to make a separate category for Mr Dodd as time goes by).
ahhh, sweet music…

musicology #50

(Loving Paper – Dobby Dobson – Treasure Isle)

keeping a low one this week, (but not musically of course), only thrown the Gregory so far but as this is a musical diary heres another entry.

of interest, (to me at least), is the realisation that as one who, from a young age, was schooled in the ways of the catholic church, especially during secondary education, (11-16), themusicologist is the place I come to ‘confess’

strange thing confession .. and regular as clockwork through my school years, (at least once a week),

anyway back to themusicologist as the confessional box. I’m caught between music being the antagonist or the protagonist. of course there is the eternal balance and the can’t have one without the other and although I accept that in theory, for me, life is not theoretical or a game played in the mind. music is not theoretical it’s out there exposed to be acted on.

everytime I hear Curtis sing move on up, (musicology#30), it moves me, calls me to arms and shows me the way

“so move on up and keep on wishing .. remember your dream is your only scheme, so keep on pushing”

I first heard this at the tender and impressionable age of two where it stuck like glue and opened my heart and mind to the power of music to communicate a message. ever since then the thirst for music has been unquenchable, over time becoming the only constant companion as well as the voice that is always heard. I mention all this because right now I find myself standing at the crossroads and wondering where music will lead me. this piece of Trojan produced RockSteady on the Treasure Isle Label has also been a constant source of inspiration since first feeling it back in the 80’s

come in dobby dobson and help shine the light.

“I’m not in a position to maintain you ……….”

musicology #44

vocalgroup action day 3 (You Don’t Care – Techniques)

top ranking slice of Rock Steady from Duke Reid ‘the Trojan’s’ Treasure Isle stable.
a tune penned by father Curtis Mayfield, (a major influence on Jamaican musical direction)

lead vocal by the majestic Horatius ‘Pat’ Kelly.. backing by Winston Riley and Junior Menz, who went on to sing the equally heart wrenching lead on one of themusicologists favourite slices of Jamaican Soul..Queen Majesty.