musicology #142
07 May 2008 4 Comments
in America, Soul Tags: 12th Of Never, 1957, Johnny Mathis mp3, Love song, mp3, pat kelly, themusicologist
SpectrumOfLove #2
(Johnny Mathis – 12th Of Never)
yesterday flew by without a post so today I’m getting this one in early.
what is Love? everyone has their own definition I suppose but for themusicologist this 1957 cut from well known singer Johnny Mathis goes a long way to providing an answer.
I read/heard somewhere that the music that touches us deeply gives us and others around us, (our ‘Loved’ Ones), an insight into how/who we would like to be in the ideal world, without the chains of our personal experiences that have shaped our lives. I don’t know about that but I do know that I gravitate towards songs about Love partly because It’s an emotion that I find very hard to express, (other than where my children are concerned), This is not because I haven’t received it, (thanks especially to my mum), and maybe therein lies the conundrum..for me the unconditional variety is the only one worthy of the name … but before this post gets too deep let’s return to the music.
This is the original version of a song first known to me sung by the magnificent Jamaican singer Pat Kelly who has already featured on themusicologist, (musicology #54), and I was going to lay down his top ranking reggae version but I feel that this one taken from the LP ‘Johnny’s Greatest Hits’ suits the SpectrumOfLove better….a beautiful ballad sung by a great singer that is all about the subject in question, LOVE
Listen Tune…
musicology #139
26 Apr 2008 2 Comments
in America, instrumental Tags: 1941, Egyptian Fantasy mp3, Henry Allen, J.C Heard, J.C Higginbotham, James Tolliver, Jazz mp3, mp3, New Orleans Jazz, Sidney Bechet, the good the bad and the ugly soundtrack, themusicologist, Wellman Braud
theGood,Bad&theUgly #6
(Sidney Bechet & The New Orleans Feetwarmers – Egyptian Fantasy )
penultimate day of the alternative soundtrack and it’s almost over. all three have managed to arrive at the cemetery and it’s time for the showdown. A winner takes all gunfight to the death…no prisoners taken.
Angel Eyes thinks he’s holding all the cards but Blondie has double crossed them both and is still the only one who knows the real name on the grave that contains the Gold. I’ll say no more and leave it to the man himself to elucidate…
the music is courtesy of virtuoso musician Sidney Bechet, (ably backed by ‘The New Orleans Feetwarmers), whose professional career stretches right back to the birth of ‘Jazz’ in New Orleans during the early 1900′s.
Along with ‘Duke’ and ‘Pops’ Bechet is credited with being instrumental, (no pun intended), in the development of the music that we know and love today and a listen to this should give you an indication as to why.
recorded in 1941 he plays both the clarinet and the soprano sax on this one and is joined by ‘The New Orleans Feetwarmers’
Henry Allen, (Trumpet), J.C Higginbotham, (Trombone), James Tolliver, (Piano), Wellman Braud, (Bass) and J.C Heard on drums.
musicology #88
08 Feb 2008 11 Comments
in Mod, Steve Marriott, UKPressure Tags: 1971, Glyn Jones, Greg Ridley, humble pie mp3, Jerry Shirley, Mod, mp3, peter frampton, rock, rock on, Steve Marriott, Strange Days, themusicologist, UKPressure
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #11
(Humble Pie Feat Steve Marriott – Strange Days)
penultimate piece of musicology magic from Mr Marriott and friends…can’t believe it’s gone so quick.
one of the many things I ‘love’ about the geezahh is his obvious dedication and commitment to communicating using the ‘universal language’. Not only as a vocalist or musician, (could, and did, play most of them), but also as a performer.
most people can sing, (some can play instruments), but what seperates the legends from the rest of us is how they deliver…Steve Marriott delivers as good as anyone and deserves to be ranked in the uppermost branches of the musical tree so that the sun can shine on him from morning to night..
hold this piece of 1971 Rock, Rhythm&Blues from one of the great English bands..Humble Pie .. telling it like it is…quality piece of musicology. a Glyn Jones/Humble Pie production..lyrics courtesy of Steve Marriott.
musicology #87
07 Feb 2008 4 Comments
in Mod, Steve Marriott, UKPressure Tags: 1966, All Or Nothing mp3, Ian McLaglan, Kenney Jones, Mod Anthem, Mod music, modernmusicology, mp3, Ronnie Lane, Small Faces, Steve Marriott, themusicologist, UKPressure
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #10
(Small Faces – All Or Nothing)
couldnt throw down a Steve Marriott tribute without laying down the piece that kick started my appreciation of the brothers vocal and soulful qualities.
while not prolific in their collaborative output there’s no denying the Small Faces impact on contempory music and this one gets into the tribute for two reasons
1:Mod anthem
2: brings back memories of being 11/12 and 13 years old as a second generation Mod .. ahhhhhh .. music brings back so many memories..
so without further words hold this piece from the Mod band with the Mod classic, pinpointing the evolution and metamorphosis in the autumn of 1966 from American Rhythm & Blues to English Rock & Blues…
strangely, (or probobly not), one that my kids enjoy and sing along to just as another Mod revival begins to take shape in 2008
musicology #86
06 Feb 2008 3 Comments
in Mod, Soul, Steve Marriott, UKPressure Tags: 1975 help me through the day, clem clempson, ian wallace, leon russell, Mod, mp3, rock mp3, Steve Marriott, UKPressure
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #9
(Steve Marriott – Help Me Through The Day)
What / Who Is Mod? … for themusicologist there are only a handful of cats who can lay claim to the title. one of them is Steve Marriott …
Why? because he lived life to the full, often at the extremes, always on the vanguard and didn’t compromise his personal values. Selfish? .. probably, Obsessed…almost definately, Dedicated….100%
Not suggesting that these qualities are the only, (or even most important), Mod credentials but if you dig deep enough they are, in themusicologist’s opinion ones that are ever present….another vital ingredient would be the love of Soul, Blues, Rhythm & Blues…without this you can’t be Mod !!
the aim is still to let the music do the talking and believe me I’m trying but the six/six/six is inspiring themusicologist to ‘nail me colours to the mast‘ ..
hold this cut from his solo album, simply titled Steve Marriott, (not his choice of title I hasten to add), recorded in 1975…pucker
musicology #85
05 Feb 2008 2 Comments
in Mod, Steve Marriott, themusicologist, UKPressure Tags: 1969, As Safe As Yesterday Is, Desperation, Greg Ridley, humble pie, Jerry Shirley, John Kay, Mod music, mp3, peter frampton, rock mp3, Steppenwolf, Steve Marriott, themusicologist, UKPressure
sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial #8
(Humble Pie feat Steve Marriott – Desperation)
Round two of the Stevie Marriott selection finds the man dissilusioned with fame and looking for some ‘greener grass’, (in my experience a very common Mod trait), first and foremost the young man craved, and deserved, respect as a musician/performer/vocalist which was not possible, in his opinion, with the Small Faces as they were viewed as a bit of a pop/novelty band at the time.
His passion for music far outweighed his desire for fame, although as a street rat on a paltry ‘bobby moore’ a week with a healthy appetite borne out of the only authentic 60′s revolution, (the consumer one), he needed some ‘reddies in the bin‘
This cut, (a Steppenwolf cover written by John Kay), is taken from the 1969 album As Safe As Yesterday Is, the first recorded outing with the band he put together for Peter Frampton…Humble Pie. consisting of Jerry Shirley on Drums, Greg Ridley on Bass and Steve on, (second lead), guitar..as well as vocal duties of course….
musicology #84
04 Feb 2008 10 Comments
in Mod, Steve Marriott, UKPressure Tags: 1968, Afterglow, Ian McLagan, Joe Brown, Kenney Jones, Mod music, mp3, Ogdens Nut Gone Flake, Ronnie Lane, Small Faces, Steve Marriott, themusicologist
sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial #7
(Small Faces feat Steve Marriott – Afterglow)
this week it’s all about the legend known as Steve Marriott. Small Faces/Humble Pie/Packet Of Three/Official Receivers front man who’s musical, vocal and performing talents were ten times larger than his physical stature. Following in the footsteps of original London Boy Joe Brown it was ‘little Stevie’, (together with the rest of the Small Faces), that put an authentic London sound on the musical map.
This cut, (one of Steves personal favourites), is taken from the ground breaking LP Ogdens ‘ Nut Gone‘ Flake named in deference to the rolling tobacco, (Ogdens Flake) favoured by the band for wrapping spliffs that after smoking guaranteed your ‘nut’ was gone. Who else but the Small Faces used the London Vernacular?…pure Mod. Proud of their culture and Cockney heritage
As with the previous ‘tribute’ themusicologist aims to let the music talk so hold this piece of London musicology from one of the great English bands…. of personal significence is that it comes from 1968..the year of themusicologist’s birth.
Special request to all the London boys who ‘live up a foreign’…you know who you are. hope this one reminds you of the auld country.
musicology #79
29 Jan 2008 4 Comments
in America, Sam Cooke, vocal group Tags: 1957, art rupe, gospel music, mp3, sam cooke, specialty, the soul stirrers
sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial Sam Cooke Bonus #2
(Sam Cooke w/ The Soul Stirrers – Were You There)
even though Soul sprung from the well of gospel, (evident with the wealth of singers that sprung out of this tradition), there were certain ingredients that not many shared. only two artists, (of this period), managed to make the transition and shape the ‘new sound’. Sam Cooke and Clyde McPhatter before him. But only Sam stepped out of the gospel limelight to cast his long shadow over popular music in such a way.
the greatest singers share the ability to communicate and deliver the message to all people regardless of personal beliefs and musical preference and this one taken from his final Soul Stirrers recording session in 1957 is an example of this special quality…not being a christian doesn’t stop me from feeling it deeply.
musicology #77
23 Jan 2008 6 Comments
in America, Sam Cooke, Soul, themusicologist Tags: 1963, hugo and luigi, mp3, mr soul, night beat, sam cooke, soul mp3, soul music
sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial # 3
(Sam Cooke – Nobody Knows)
continuing the sixartistweek selection with the third cut from Mr Soul. This one taken from his 1963 album ‘Night Beat’. for themusicologist a special album that helped get me through darkest days … what turned out to sadly be a prophetic song for Sam that I like to think helped him as much as it did me…
a tear jerker that never fails to touch the soul.
musicology #70
09 Jan 2008 Leave a Comment
in America, Mod, Soul, themusicologist Tags: 60's soul, Mod, mp3, northern soul, royal premiers, Soul, vocal group
newyearboogie #2 (I Can Make It If I Try -The Royal Premiers)
“no matter how dreary the situation is and how difficult it may be .. you got to walk tall, walk tall, walk tall” ..
sticking with that sentiment this next one is from a little known vocal group from out of the ‘big city of dreams’, New York I do believe, (or at least thats’s where the tune was cut.) I can’t find any information on these cats anywhere other than a small mention in ‘the bible’, (R&B Indies), so if any of the soul and vocal group aficionados out there can ‘tip me the wink’ it would be most appreciated.
One from themusicologists top drawer, perfectly capturing the message of 60′s Soul, one of hope, a new day dawning and ‘nothing can stop me’ enthusiasm..
musicology #68
31 Dec 2007 4 Comments
in @thebbc, instrumental, Jamaica, Reggae, Studio1, themusicologist Tags: bbc london, cedric brooks, coxsone dodd, mp3, Reggae, sean rowley, studio 1, the joy of music, themusicologist
themusicologist@thebbc part 3. (Cedric ‘Im’ Brooks – Mun Dun Gu)
this weeks selection is yet another from the Studio1 stable, Jamaica’s premier production house. progressive and innovative it reflected owner and musicologist Coxsone Dodd’s love of ‘the new’ in every sense.
for themusicologist this piece feels like hope and, (synchronistically), has a ‘better must come’ flavour. driving, determined and focused …. 2008 in a nutshell !!!
so for all the 2007 sufferers, (and I know there’s many), consign last year to history, mark it down to experience and Move On Up with this slice of musical connection and communication.
Wishing all of you the very best for the coming year and thanking you for your support in 2007. BIG things a gwaan in 2008, keep it locked, loaded and musical.
p.s last of the bbc selection for now. hopefully back in the radio saddle some time in 2008 for some more slices of musicology….thanks to brother Sean Rowley, (and Jim), for providing themusicologist with the opportunity to reach out and, (hopefully), connect with the Joy Of Music crew.
musicology #63
18 Dec 2007 6 Comments
in America, duets, Mod Tags: duet, ike turner, ike&tina turner mp3, mp3, Soul, soul45, sue45
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 #62
17 Dec 2007 7 Comments
in America, Rhythm&Blues, themusicologist Tags: 1954, ike turner, kings of rhythm, mp3, Musicology, rhythm & blues, rock & roll, RPM, the road i have to travel, themusicologist
Ike Turner Tribute #2 (Lonnie ‘The Cat’ Cation – The Road I Have To Travel – 1954 – RPM)
next up a piece from the mans early days as band leader, guitar player, piano player and all round orchestrator.
not sure if you know but Ike started his musical journey carrying the great bluesman Robert Nighthawk’s amplifier as well as learning the intricacies of the piano from boogie woogie king Pinetop Perkins so it comes as no surprise that he knew his musical onions inside out.
let’s face it he certainly knew how to make a recording and for this reason alone he deserves respect. A lot of people are cussing him for his treatment of Tina and forgetting about the music he left us with but themusicologist isn’t here to be passing judgement on his personal life so don’t expect any critique on it.
this 1954 slice of musicology courtesy of The Bobby Hinds Band features Lonnie ‘The Cat’ on Vocals with Ike tinkling the ivory’s.
Ike’s session work between 1951 – 64 is amazing, check it here (right click on your mouse and open as new window/tab), and see for yourself. thanks and respect to Pete Hoppula for the knowledge site.(www.wangdangdula.com)
musicology #58
05 Dec 2007 Leave a Comment
in America, duets, Soul Tags: covers, duets, mp3, rolling stones, Soul, themusicologist, womack&womack
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 #83
03 Feb 2008 14 Comments
by themusicologist in America, Sam Cooke, Social Commentary, Soul, themusicologist Tags: 1964, civil rights, hugo and luigi, mp3, rene hall, sam cooke, Sam Cooke mp3, soul mp3, soul music
sixartist,sixtune,sixweekspecial #6
(Sam Cooke – A Change Is Going To Come
had to be this one to finish up the Sam Cooke tribute. one from themusicologist’s top10 tunes of all time, regardless of genre…
another quote from the excellent book about Sam Cooke, (Dream Boogie), by Peter Guralnick
“He had given Rene Hall the ‘civil rights’ song he had played for J.W (Alexander), with no specific instructions other than to provide it with the kind of instrumentation and orchestration that it demanded. Rene was in no doubt as to the momentousness of the charge.
“I wanted it to be the greatest thing in my life……..”
’nuff said…
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