musicology #482

SoulBoy #1

(The Miracles – I’ll Try Something New)

Waiting for the inspiration for a new theme it suddenly arrived yesterday out of nowhere… Soul. Why? well…above all musical genres Soul is in my flesh, blood and bones. Deeply ingrained from before I was born. allow me to outline my historicity

My mum and dad were both Original London Mod/ernists from 1962 and anyone who knows will agree that the authentic soundtrack to Mod/ernist is Soul…Rhythm & Blues too of course but whereas Rhythm&Blues had been around for many years Soul was ‘modern’ (albeit a fusion between Doo Wop and Gospel).

Between 1958 and 1960 the seeds of Soul were sown as the cultural boundaries began to be crossed in earnest and as is often the case it was music that blew the trumpet for change loud and clear. No more would the universal language be categorised strictly by ‘Race’ (my belief is that it’s the only language that speaks to all regardless of colour, nationality or creed). Artists such as Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, Smokey Robinson, Jerry Butler, Curtis Mayfield, Gene Chandler, Dee Clark, Otis Redding, Solomon Burke, Wilson Pickett, Marvin Gaye, (along with a whole host of lesser known but just as illuminating singers, songwriters and musicologists), began to flex their musical muscles and craft the ‘new lick’ without the backing of Corporate thieves and vultures.

In December 1968 themusicologist was born with the soundtrack of Soul ringing in my heart and soul and from that day to this it has been ever present. Beginning with the ‘classics’ I have matured throughout the 70′s 80′s 90′s and into the 21st Century with the heartbeart of such priceless musicology as the soundtrack to my existence. There have been and are many other genres that have had a profound impact on the I but Soul still is (and always will be), my first musical love.

Kicking off with one of my favourite early Soul cuts courtesy of the pioneering  ‘Miracles’ who first recorded in 1958 for Chess, but it wasn’t until hooking up to Berry Gordy’s fledgling Motown Label that the musical sparks began to truly fly. Just like to add that without doubt The Miracles were a foundation stone on which the Berry Gordy empire was built…

musicology #78

sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial Sam Cooke Bonus #1

(Sam Cooke – If I Had A Hammer)

so..back in the Sam Cooke saddle after some techno issues regarding the Streaming Audio, (boxnet)

threw a small spanner in themusicologist works but rather than dwell on it I’ll take it as a sign that more Sam Cooke is required. Three bonus slices is how it is going to be dealt with, (mon/tue/wed), and then it’s back onto the original sixtune program for #’s 4/5/6, (thurs/fri/sat)

thinking about it…it’s fitting that Mr Soul gets 3 extra tunes as everything in the sixartist selection that follows shares a connection … his legacy. what was/is it about the man that is so special?

not just his voice which, let’s face it, is second to none..it was his capacity to move people of all colours and creeds communicating a message that crosses all boundries. as an example hold this one from a 1964 performance at the Copa in front of a full supper club audience. for themusicologist a killer performance…the way he drops it into a deeper meaning in the middle is breathtaking.

the way he delivers the message to this audience and then gets them involved is nothing short of a miracle, he also laid Bob Dylan’s freedom anthem Blowing In The Wind on them . Consider that for a moment..Sam Cooke singing Blowing In The Wind to a Copa audience…obviously the call and response to a soul/gospel audience was part of the performance and to be expected but at the Copa, to a tune like this, full of undercurrents is almost beyond belief but Mr Soul rinses it like NOBODY else could have done….

I’m in danger of waxing lyrical…Sam step up brother and let us know what it’s all about.……..

LOUD is how this one should be heard ..

“where?…..where?, (all over this land), that’s the place…huh”

I do believe that’s Bobby Womack, (along with Cliff White), pluckin’ strings

musicology #75

sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial #1

(Sam Cooke w/The Soul Stirrers – That’s Heaven To Me)

this next section is dedicated to six artists, (1 a week), who have been instrumental in themusicologists education. not just musically but also culturally. every one of them having successfully communicated the message on many occasions…I like to think of them as ‘foundation artists’ who, for themusicologist, are the benchmark against which all others are measured, (not compared).

they are…Curtis Mayfield, Steve Marriott, Sam Cooke, Paul Weller, Alton Ellis and Jackie Mittoo. there are others. but the six above hold a special place in my heart for having a major impact on the direction my life has taken. I’m sure we all agree that music has the profound power to shape the heart and mindset and for the next 6 weeks it’s all about these cats and their legacy.

starting proceedings with none other than Mr Soul himself the legendary Sam Cooke. King of the genre and a lion among men. Not only for his musical contribution but also for his style both in delivery of the message and the way he conducted himself.

it’s beyond doubt that without Sam Cooke themusicologist’s world would have been a less inspirational place in which to live. his life is well documented so the next six days, (no fling on the sabbath), are just about the priceless gift he left us with.

I could wax endless lyrics about anecdotes, musicological facts and information but information alone is useless, unless it leads to knowledge which although has value is not comparable to wisdom.

for themusicologist Sam Cooke delivers the holy grail of wisdom.

“the things that I see as I walk along the street ……..”

musicology #57

(The Soul Stirrers – Glory, Glory Hallelujah)

after a small period of, (enforced), rest from themusicologist due to technical restraints placed by my so called service provider I have been forced to search for a new connection solution. Without boring you with the details .. i’m back in the saddle and not a moment too soon .. the coversweek theme will be finished but first it’s a musicology special

this slice of musicology is dedicated to my Nan, (god rest her soul), who passed away this week, in peace, without warning or prolonged suffering, which the lord only knows she deserved after a life, lets just say .. lived.

for me this is what themusicologist is here for, some comfort when words alone wont do. not suggesting that music alone washes the ‘troubles’ away but it sure takes some beating.

so without further delay I would like to dedicate this piece to a devout catholic who put her faith in God. Nan, I know you’ve waited a long time to be together with Grandad and I’m sure he’ll be there to greet you on the other side. XX

musicology #42

vocalgroupaction .. day 1 (Peace In The Valley – Soul Stirrers)

has to be this one to start proceedings.

no words neccesary.

listen tune..