musicology #0630
04 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Jamaica, Lee Perry, Reggae, themusicologist, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: Black Ark mp3, bloOdsweatandteeS, derrick harriott, duke reid, Earl 16, Lee Perry, Reggae, Small Axe, Steelie, the Upsetter, themusicologist
Earl Sixteen – Freedom (theUrbanmusicologist mix)
Today’s MASSIVE cut is courtesy of The MAJESTIC Earl John Daley aka Earl 16..who started his recording career at Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle in vocal group The Flaming Phonics but had little impact until after going Solo in 1975. Teaming up first with Derrick Harriott and then Boris Gardner before linking with Lee Perry in the late 70′s when he waxed a few gems for the Upsetter at the Black Ark..
In a, (top ranking), interview from AUTHENTIC Reggae periodical Small Axe Earl has this to say about the session….
“We actually laid the track with Dalton Browne, that was actually the first time that Steelie came to the studio as well, we first brought him, Steelie, Albert Malawi, (he used to play in sound system, but he’s a drummer), and Dalton Browne, that’s the musicians that we used for that session, and we did four songs all at once. We did “Cheatin” (?) was played by Boris Gardener, and “Bird in the Hand”, those two were played by Boris Gardner, but “Give Black People Freedom” and “Do Good and Good Will Follow You” was played by Albert and them lot”.
BIG piece of Rebel Music, (mixed down by themusicologist)…….
musicology #0629
03 Nov 2011 1 Comment
in Jamaica, Lee Perry, Reggae, themusicologist, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: black ark, bloOdsweatandteeS, Dub, Errol Walker mp3, george gershwin, In These Times mp3, Lee Scratch Perry, Reggae, reggae t-shirt, studio 1, Summertime, the Upsetter, the upsetter t shirt, themusicologist
Errol Walker – In These Times
day Two of theUpsetter triBute……I’ll keep it brief and let the music speak.
the bat eared amongst you will notice that this is of course a version of the George Gershwin song Summertime but rinsed through the genius of Lee Perry and the Black Ark.
KILLER Black Ark selection from Errol Walker and theUpsetter…I have mixed in the, (at the time), unreleased Dub for the FULL Black Ark Experience….
musicology #0628
02 Nov 2011 2 Comments
in Jamaica, Lee Perry, Reggae, themusicologist, Tribute T-Shirts Tags: Ansel Collins, Benbow Creary, black ark, bloOdsweatandteeS, Bring It On Home To Me, coxsone dodd, Delroy Denton, duke reid, Gilmore Grant, Hux Brown, Keith Coley, King Tubby, Lee Scratch Perry, Ranchie McClean, Reggae, reggae t-shirt, sam cooke, studio 1, the Silvertones, the Upsetter, the upsetter t shirt, themusicologist
The Silvertones – Bring It On Home
For the next couple of weeks themusicologist is focusing on Lee Perry, The Upsetter, Chicken Scratch, Little Lee. A man whose impact on Jamaica’s, (and the world’s), soundtrack is, (almost), as big as Coxsone Dodd’s.
No surprise that the Upsetter began his career beside Dodd and even less of a surprise that they parted due to, (as far as Lee Perry is concerned), Downbeat’s failure to reward his creative endeavours….a common Jamaican tale which I am not in a position to pass judgement on, (and nor would I no matter what I knew)
Anyway, the(urBan)musicologist ain’t about hearsay and rumour….STRICTLY music and Lee Perry and Coxsone Dodd helped shape Jamaican music into what we know and love.
Studio 1 carried the swing throughout the 1960′s and early 1970′s but Lee Perry emerged with the ‘Soul Rebel’ sound in the late 60′s and wrestled the (recording) Crown from Sir Coxsone between 1972-1977..Channel 1 was there as where a whole host of producers during the period but, (as with Coxsone Dodd), Lee Perry changed the game.
It was Lee Perry who insisted that Bob Marley reform the Wailers rather than go it alone after returning from abroad in 1968 and history went on to be made. It was Lee Perry whose ‘Black Ark’ RULED from late 1973 until 1978 recording a HEAP of classic, KILLER material with many of the great Jamaican musicologists and whenever we reflect on Jamaican musical history Lee Perry’s name is right up there with the Champions.
Today’s cut is courtesy of The Silvertones Gilmore Grant, Keith Coley and Delroy Denton who first recorded for Duke Reid in 1965? with the magnificent Ska tune ‘True Confession’, (buried somewhere on themusicologist !!) following up with some quality Rock Steady and early Reggae for various producers, (including Lee Perry).
Before I drown in a sea of monologue and information please allow me to cut this short..
According to David Katz’s excellent book ‘People Funny Boy’ the rhythms for this piece were recorded at the, (almost completed), Black Ark and the vocals at King Tubby’s Studio at the dawning of 1973? and the musicians consisted of Hux Brown, Ansel Collins, Ranchie McLean and Anthony ‘Benbow’ Creary…
Finally I just want to add that I rate this tune and the Silvertones HIGHLY…oh yeah….It’s a cover of Sam Cooke’s ‘Bring It On Home To Me’
theUpsetter triButetee available in various colours @
bloOdsweatandteeS
musicology #110
05 Mar 2008 10 Comments
in instrumental, Jamaica, Reggae, Studio1 Tags: coxsone dodd, jackie mittoo mp3, leroy sibbles, meditation, Reggae, studio 1 mp3. Count Ossie, themusicologist
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #33
(Cout Ossie & The Cyclones – Meditation)
words can’t do this one justice so I’ll leave it up to Count Ossie, Jackie Mitto and Leroy Sibbles to converse with you.
musicology #109
04 Mar 2008 2 Comments
in Jamaica, Reggae, Studio1, themusicologist Tags: Bob Andy mp3, coxsone dodd, feeling soul, jackie mittoo mp3, Jamaica, leroy sibbles, Reggae, studio 1 mp3, the skatalites, themusicologist
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #32
(Bob Andy – Feeling Soul)
Donat Roy Mittoo was born in Kingston, (on March 3rd 1948), and grew up around music as language.
a child prodigy it was Clement Seymour Dodd, (Studio1 Boss), who presented him with the opportunity as a teenager (16 !!), to not only supervise the sessions at his newly formed Brentford Road Studio but also be a founder member of the legendary Skatalites…..
So let’s get that clear, Jackie Mittoo, (at the age of 16), joined some of the cream of Jamaican musicologists to heaed the greatest instrumental group to come out of Jamaica, as well as supervise the recording sessions at the birth of Studio1.
as that sinks in hold this next cut..it’s a Bob Andy classic from around 1969 I would imagine but it’s got Jackie all over it, (organist, arranger, musicologist), the only other backing musician I can be sure of identifying would be Leroy Sibbles playing bass..
musicology #108
03 Mar 2008 4 Comments
in instrumental, Jamaica, Studio1 Tags: 1969, coxsone dodd, instrumental, jackie mittoo mp3, Jamaica, juice box mp3, keep on dancing, Reggae, studio 1 mp3
sixartist, sixtune, sixweekspecial #31
(Jackie Mittoo – Juice Box)
final week of the six/six/six…and themusicologist would like to take this opportunity to let you know how much I have appreciated your support..last month, (and last week), set new records on themusicologist for ‘viewers/listeners’ which is encouraging. it means a lot to me to know that you are feeling the selection.
just as Soul would have taken an alternative route without Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield..the musical arts of Jamaica wouldn’t sound like they do without this next ‘artist’ whose skills as arranger, composer, player of instruments and ‘eye of the needle’ at the legendary Studio1 are well known to all who listen to Jamaican music.
many a great singer, song writer and instrumentalist has sprung from Jamaica’s well of musicologists but Jackie Mittoo’s contribution to developing the music known now as ‘Reggae’, (a one size fits all label that doesn’t have much meaning), demands and deserves a tribute selection in his honour.
this first cut from the album ‘Keep On Dancing’ was recorded and released in 1969 and features the man in his role as ‘Organist’, (one of the instruments that he went on to perfect..ranking with the best of ‘em), wicked piece of Jamaican Funk for your Monday musical pleasure.
musicology #74
19 Jan 2008 Leave a Comment
in Jamaica, Reggae, themusicologist Tags: atra label, augustus pablo, horace andy, keith hudson, leonard chin, Reggae, reggae mp3, rockers, themusicologist
newyearboogie #6 (Horace Andy – Problems)
penultimate piece from the newyearboogie selection and then it’s into the oneartistspecial rundown.
this one from Horace Andy is a tune that’s been in my possesion for more than 20 years, (how time flies!!), and is from the early days of my quest for reggae knowledge..it’s a Leonard ‘Santic’ Chin production from the mid 70′s on Keith Hudson’s Atra Label…one of two different, (but equally boss), tunes by Horace that go by the same name. the other being an Augusto Pablo production for his ‘Rockers’ Label, which is a different tune entirely.
Many’s the time this tune has lifted the problem monkey off me back with it’s simple message of faith and determination in our ability to overcome…”no matter how dreary the situation is and how difficult it may be”. one of the vibes that attracted me to reggae is the sincerity and honesty that comes across in much of it and this one is a prime example…
for themusicologist a foundation reggae tune.
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 #51
08 Nov 2007 2 Comments
in dancehall, Jamaica Tags: mp3, Musicology, Reggae, streamingaudio, themusicologist
(One Drop Of Rain – Wayne Wonder)
Another day another dollar, (or not as the case may be)
fulfilling a request from a dear friend for this one so without delay JP, this one’s especially for you
pucker slice of 1996 dancehall, (produced by the Shocking Vibes crew), from one of my favourite singers. A cat who has been dropping musical bombs for nigh on 20 years and delivers almost, (nobodys perfect), everytime he takes the mic .. Mr Charles, y’ large.
musicology #50
02 Nov 2007 12 Comments
in Jamaica, Rock Steady, themusicologist Tags: dobby dobson, duke reid, loving pauper, mp3, Musicology, Reggae, rocksteady, themusicologist, treasure isle 45
(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 #49
30 Oct 2007 Leave a Comment
in dancehall, Jamaica Tags: dancehall mp3, gregory issacs mp3, Love, mp3, Musicology, Reggae, streamingaudio, techniques 45, themusicologist, winston riley
(Once I Was Lonely – Gregory Issacs)
still spinning .. rollin and tumblin. hold this top piece of ‘lovers’ from the
‘cool ruler’ who had this to say..
” I think that the power of music is in love songs because every day people fall in love, Gregory Issacs doesn’t fall in love, Gregory Issacs stands in love”
lyrics, don Gregory, lyrics ..
mid 90′s Winston Riley production for his own Techniques label.
musicology #44
24 Oct 2007 4 Comments
in Curtis Mayfield, Jamaica, Rock Steady Tags: curtis mayfield, duke reid, junior menz, pat kelly, Reggae, rocksteady, streaming audio, the techniques, themusicologist, treasure isle 45, vocal group, winston riley
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.
musicology #28
08 Oct 2007 4 Comments
in Jamaica, Reggae, Studio1, themusicologist Tags: choking kind, coxsone dodd, ken parker, mansweek, Musicology, Reggae, streamingaudio, studio 1 mp3, sudio1, themusicologist
day 1..mansweek
(Ken Parker – Choking Kind)
this is a big challenge. selecting 7 male vocal pieces from the vaults when the truth is it could easily be 7 from one artist or one year !! so without delay and to ‘set the speed’ .. heres the first piece from none other than the Brentford Road reggae powerhouse known as Studio 1 the place where musical history and magic were made on a regular basis.
almost all the reggae greats learnt the ropes under the direction of mr Coxsone Dodd a genuine musicologist who knew his onions inside out ..
this week, it’s seven from themusicologists heart which some may find ‘painful’. if thats the case then pretend you were on holiday because the ‘truth’ is something that I can’t hide.
musicology #27
07 Oct 2007 Leave a Comment
in dancehall, Jamaica Tags: beres hammond, Colin Bulby York, dancehall mp3, female vocals, harmony house 45, jamaican music, ladiesweek, Reggae, streamingaudio, themusicologist
day 7 .. Ladiesweek.
(Timi – It’s Over)
its been tough staying on top of the theme but, musicologically, worth the effort.
last one from the ladies and yep..it’s from the 90′s.
moving out of the soul into one of themusicologists other musical passions .. the sweet sounds of Jamaica. This one, produced by Beres, and mixed by ‘Bulby’ is from 1998.
musicology #401
14 Jul 2009 1 Comment
by themusicologist in Jamaica, Rock Steady, Social Commentary Tags: jamaican music, Prince Buster mp3, Reggae, rock steady mp3, The Specials, themusicologist, Too Hot mp3
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.
Share this:
Like this: