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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

bloodsweatandtees

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musicology #644

27 Feb 2012 4 Comments

by themusicologist in Jamaica, Studio1, Ska, Tribute T-Shirts, Lee Perry, tUmp, bloOdsweatandtees Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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)

 

musicology #643

25 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment

by themusicologist in Reggae, Jamaica, Studio1, Ska, Tribute T-Shirts, tUmp, bloOdsweatandtees Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 #641

22 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment

by themusicologist in Jamaica, Rock Steady, Studio1, Ska, Tribute T-Shirts, tUmp Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

by themusicologist in Reggae, Jamaica, Rock Steady, Studio1, Tribute T-Shirts, tUmp Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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….

musicology #639

20 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment

by themusicologist in Reggae, Jamaica, Rock Steady, Studio1, Tribute T-Shirts, tUmp Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

by themusicologist in Reggae, Jamaica, Studio1, Tribute T-Shirts, Accoustic, tUmp Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

musicology #0627

28 Oct 2011 2 Comments

by themusicologist in themusicologist, Reggae, Jamaica, Studio1, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: , , , , , , , ,

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

by themusicologist in Jamaica, Reggae, Studio1, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

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..

Downbeat the RuleR,

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 #0623

04 Jan 2011 2 Comments

by themusicologist in Jamaica, metamorphosis, Reggae, Social Commentary, Studio1, themusicologist Tags: , , , , , , ,

Heard But Not Seen #1

Wille & The Brentford Disco Set – No One Can Stop Us

It’s a new day..Listen Tune.

musicology #0621

23 Dec 2010 Leave a Comment

by themusicologist in Christmas, Jamaica, Reggae, Studio1, themusicologist Tags: , , , , ,

ChristmasComing #14

Doreen Schaffer – Wishing You A Merry Christmas

Sticking with the Jamaican festivities and rolling with this cut courtesy of Doreen Schaffer and the Downbeat crew voiced over a classic Studio 1 rhythm..

musicology #6010

04 Dec 2010 1 Comment

by themusicologist in Christmas, Jamaica, Studio1, vocal group Tags: , , , ,

ChristmasComing #3

The Silvertones – Bling Bling Christmas

Part three of themusicologist’s christmas jamboree finds one of my favourite Jamaican vocal groups the Silvertones in the mood…harmonising over the Studio 1 produced Heptone’s cut ‘I Shall Be Released’…

musicology #589

03 Oct 2010 8 Comments

by themusicologist in dancehall, Jamaica, metamorphosis, Reggae, Studio1, themusicologist Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Flow #8

Doreen Schaffer & the Brentford Disco Set – This Love

I feel like I have shortchanged all you musicologists out there and not delivered enough Soul food recently so today I’m going to lay a three course meal on you in an effort to fill your musical plates with enough cuts to keep them ‘belly full’. I have been locked into preparing sets over the last few days and as a result have unearthed some gems from deep within the vaults.

For starters we have a musicologist favourite from what, (for me), was one of Sir Coxsone’s most harmonious periods, a little window sometime in the mid 1970′s where the Studio 1 team recorded and released some of the finest music ever recorded. The vocalist is none other than Doreen Schaffer who begun singing for Downbeat at the birth of his studio in the early 60′s. Best known for her duets with Jackie Opel this one never fails to tremble my marrow. The perfect balance between Soul, Reggae and available studio technology. Had to mix in the dub..haunting. I hope you’ll find it to your taste..

Scratchy on the intro but to be honest all the best tunes are because they have been well and truly RINSED..

musicology #0581

17 Sep 2010 2 Comments

by themusicologist in instrumental, Jamaica, Reggae, Studio1 Tags: , , , , , ,

mOareEssentials #4

(Cedric Im Brooks – Mun Dun Gu)

Been a long time coming but I feel the fog is clearing. Troubled mind can be a living hell. In my world change happens, isn’t forced so I find myself riding the downs same way as the ups…for all their worth. Too often over the past few years I’ve been hanging on by my shredded and torn fingertips, knuckles white as winter snow. Bwoyyyyyy it’s been a long dance but the music’s changed and it’s time to step to a new beat.

Hold this next entry courtesy of the MAJESTIC Cedric ‘Im’ Brooks. Studio 1 in all it’s glory..Second time round on themusicologist having featured it when I laid it down on the BBC back in the day. Slipped it into my set at the weekend..to me it communicates a message of a new day dawning..

musicology #574

06 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment

by themusicologist in Jamaica, Reggae, Studio1 Tags: , , , , ,

Essential Cuts #4

(Nina Soul – Sleeping Trees)

Sticking with the Sir Coxsone selection with an ESSENTIAL cut by Nina Soul.

musicology #573

05 Sep 2010 1 Comment

by themusicologist in Jamaica, metamorphosis, Reggae, Studio1, themusicologist Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Essential Cuts #3

(Jerry Jones – Still Waters)

Didn’t manage to lay a cut yesterday..BIG night Friday and as a result I floated through yesterday in a bit of a bubble. That’s one of the things about BIG nights out..sleep deprivation..Worth it though. Music was excellent, company too. Met some good people, (all genuine music lovers), which is always a real pleasure. In fact it was a proper gathering of musicologists. The Filthy Six were excellent and by a strange serendipitous, (having already laid it down on themusicologist a few hours earlier) quirk had included Sookie, Sookie in their set. If any of you cats and/or kittens get the opprtunity to catch them live…take it. If not then second best is to buy their self titled set available on Acid Jazz.

Part of what I, (Sir Errol too judging from his recent comment), enjoy about music is the voyage of ‘discovery’ and on the night Corinna Greyson and Noel McKoy were both welcome additions to my list of noteworthy vocalists. I can’t lay an example of Corrina’s vocals on you as I don’t have any to pass on but I bought 2 copies of Noel’s latest CD, (Brighter Day), on the night so hopefully, (if/when I confirm with him that it’s ok), I’ll lay down an example on themusicologist.

So on with the Essentials…(all cuts that, for me, ‘stand’ at the top of the musical mountain). Today’s cut is another from the number one Jamaican sound ‘Sir’ Coxsone ‘Downbeat The Ruler’s Studio 1. Absoulte marrow trembler released 1970 in the UK on the Bamboo label….Jerry Jones’s version of the Four Tops scorcher.

Listen Tune.

musicology #553

23 Jun 2010 2 Comments

by themusicologist in instrumental, Jamaica, Reggae, Studio1, themusicologist Tags: , , , , , ,

Times #5

(Sound Dimension – Soulful Strut)

Wicked piece of instrumentalism, (Cover of the Young Holt Unlimited Soul Classic),  from the Studio 1 house band of the period, (late 60′s – Early 70′s), known collectively as the ‘Sound Dimension’. (Cover of the Young Holt Unlimited Soul Classic)

musicology #548

21 May 2010 2 Comments

by themusicologist in Jamaica, Reggae, Studio1, themusicologist Tags: , , , ,

Jamaica #28

(Ken Boothe – Be Yourself)

Top Ranking piece of Jamaican musicology sung by one of it’s greatest artists recorded for and released by it’s champion studio, (Studio 1), and backed by the cream of the island’s instrumentalists.

Doesn’t get better than this as once again I find myself sitting in the park on a scorching day..soaking up the rays…and listening to the sweet sounds of Jamaica. Not sure of the year but do I give a F**K?…no. Peace and love to the haters and doubters that would take pleasure from seeing me stumble and fall..don’t hold your breath ; )

LISTEN TUNE

musicology #545

30 Apr 2010 2 Comments

by themusicologist in Jamaica, Reggae, Studio1, themusicologist Tags: , , , , ,

Jamaica #25

(Burning Spear – Weeping & Wailing)

Sliding into this early 70′s cut from the legendary Winston Rodney aka Burning Spear..already featured on themusicologist a few times so I won’t try to ‘stand in the same river twice’ and repeat the same information..Suffice to say that the Spear kicks arse…always has done and always will. Today’s cut is from his early days at Coxsone’s Studio 1.

Looking Forward to shaking me boots tonight down at the Jazz Cafe…strictly Soul, Funk & Boogie..so don’t hold your breath waiting for a slice of the Jamaica pie tomorrow !!

musicology #541

15 Apr 2010 Leave a Comment

by themusicologist in Jamaica, Reggae, Social Commentary, Studio1, themusicologist Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jamaica #21

(Wailing Souls – Don’t Fight)

So as the 70′s begun Jamaican music yet again changed gear this time from the light soulful, and more accessible sounds of the 60′s into the roots and culture. Why? of course there are many reasons but the ones that stand out for me are 1: The artists were beginning to grow weary of being exploited by the producers 2: the social fabric of the island was rapidly disintegrating and 3: Rastafarianism was becoming ever more popular in the ghettos especially with the artists and musicians. Of course the Big producers couldn’t really get involved as they were, in essence, Capitalist.

Not surprisingly this change of gear didnt go down well with the record buying public ‘up a foreign’ who weren’t really interested in Ghetto music that talked about sufferation, poverty, exploitation, (no change there then) No they would rather hear about how much the sun shined, unrequieted love and how Jamaica was a paradise…a holiday destination that they could one day envisge visiting. Truth is that most people don’t listen to music to hear about harsh reality, (unless it’s glamourised of course), rather use music to escape reality. So Jamaican music turned inwards, (due mainly to internal demand), and the Roots & Culture came to dominate the dancehall.

I’m sticking with the roots, (as unpopular as it is), because for me it’s the essence of Jamaican, (and all come to that), music. Today’s cut is another one from the hallowed halls of Sir Coxsone Dodd’s Studio 1 sung by the MAJESTIC Wailing Souls. (essentially Winston ‘Pipe’ Matthews and Lloyd ‘Bread’ McDonald), Both born and raised in Trenchtown a Kingston district synonymous with Reggae producing greats such as Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, Joe Higgs and the Wailers, (to name but a few), Joined in this period by the notorious Errol ‘Batman’ Wilson, (brother of Delroy), who was immortalised in the Slickers cut ‘Johnny Too Bad’. But it was as a quartet in 1969/1971 that they truly made their mark first at Studio 1 with a selection of cuts from where this one is taken and then following on at the Wailers label Tuff Gong.

LISTEN TUNE

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