“In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do.” -Bob Marley
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
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)
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’.
tUmp #5
the Wailers – SouL Rebel
moving out of the Wailers at Studio1 into a piece from their period under the guidance of theUpsetter, (for me their most groundbreaking), with the tune that named a whole style…SouL RebeL.
Bearing in mind that Lee Perry had been there since their earliest days it was he who was most responsible, (outside the trio), for turning them into ‘the Wailers’ that went onto to international ‘stardom’. Rumour has it that Bob Marley returned from America in 1969 sought out theUpsetter and asked him for his help to make him a solo ‘star’. Perry convinced Marley that his future lay in reforming the Wailers as their harmony was something almost unique and was the perfect vehicle for creating the ‘Soul Revolution’ sound that would come to dominate Jamaican music over the next few years..
So here is the 1970 Lee Perry produced version of Soul Rebel. Highlighted off the SouL Rebels LP…
BIG Piece of UrbanMusicology from one of the great Jamaican vocal Groups.
the tees below were designed and produced by themusicologist in TRIBUTE to the Cats responsible for delivering some of the most inspirational sounds to ever float out of Jamaica..available EXCLUSIVELY at the home of Authentic tributeteeS …
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…
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….
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.
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.
Jamaica #16
(The Wailers – Caution)
FAR too nice a day out there to spend it slaving over a hot keyboard so I’ll keep it brief..Today’s cut is one from the stable of the Kong Brothers whose Beverley’s Label was an important part of Jamaican recording history from the earliest days of Ska right through to Leslie Kong’s death in 1971.
The arrangements were mainly in the hands of Derrick Morgan and Roland Alphonso with most of the musicians moonlighting from Tommy McCook’s band the Supersonics who together with the Bunny Lee All Stars and The Sound Dimension pretty much played on everything that came out of the Studios in Jamaica. Not sure if they have all been namechecked yet on the theme so I’ll do it here.
The Supersonics were made up of Jackie Jackson, Gladstone Anderson, Theo Beckford, Lynn Tait, Hux Brown, Ronnie Bop, Douggie Bryan, Paul Douglas, Drumbago, Hugh Malcolm and the man cited by many as the cat who gave Reggae it’s defining character Organist supreme Winston Wright.
The vocals on today’s cut are provided by a vocal group we are all familiar with, (if only by name), The Wailers featuring, (of course), Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. One of my favourites of theirs from the period..Thankfully they require no background information so I’ll just let the music speak.Enough…I’m gone to soak up the sunrays..
TheManWithTheBag #1
(The Wailers – Christmas Time)
The time has come to roll out this years Christmas selection..what a difference a year makes !! could never have imagined that my/our whole world would have turned on it’s head but in the words of Lord Creator…Such Is Life or even master Terry Callier, C’est La Vie..(yet to feature but soon come), if I thought 2008 was a hill and gully ride then F**k knows what to call 2009 !! still..we made it through and I’m feeling very positive about the prospects for 2010, (couldn’t get any worse?…hahahahahahahahaha…I gots to laugh), one thing about adversity…you either get through it and emerge stronger or it gets the best of you and f**ks you good and proper. For all the Cats on both sides of this fence…I feel for you..know that musically themusicologist has ‘got your back’ and if you want me to lay one down especially for you then check me and I’ll see what I can do.
First cut is a top ranking slice of the Christmas musicology pie from None other than the Wailin’ Wailers (Peter, Bob and Bunny), with a majestic piece of rip roaring Ska out of the bowels of Sir Coxsone Dodds legendary Studio 1. Originally released in December 1964 as a 45 in JA on Dodd’s Muzik City label as ‘Christmas Is Here’ backed, (of course), by The Skatalites
Ideology&Philosophy #5
(The Wailers – The World Is Changing)
Out of the Tao and into the next phase in the wanderings with a slice of spoken word from a next facilitator of learning on the journey to the self. But as we move out of Classical Antiquity and into the modern world I would just like to add that a few minutes from each of these Cats is nowhere near enough to do such an important subject justice but doors are made to be opened and Philosophy along with music is, for me, a door to knowledge that has resonated loud and clear on the quest for ‘meaning’.
The music is yet another slice courtesy of The Wailers but this time it’s a later cut, (1968), on Danny Sim’s JAD label featuring the hard hitting Peter Tosh on lead with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer harmonising.
DownbeatTheRuler #5
(Burning Spear – Creation Rebel)
Today’s cut is from one of music’s greatest ambassadors; Winston Rodney better known as Burning Spear whose message of defiance and determination has always been as clear as crystal.
The Spear was born in March 1948 and raised in St Ann’s Bay Jamaica along with Bob Marley, (and before them Marcus Garvey), who introduced him to Coxsone in 1969. Over the next few years he recorded without much success or financial reward until hooking up with Jack Ruby who produced his seminal works Marcus Garvey and Man In The Hills. The rest as they say is History.
This one, recorded sometime in the early 70’s and backed by the ‘New Establishment’ (including the ‘dub’), holds a special place in themusicologist’s heart as it was one of the pieces that helped me through my darkest hours a few years back and as a result will always hold deep meaning.
For more information on the man and his music check his personal site..and take a listen to his personal message.
JamaicanVocalGroupAction #11
(The Wailers -Cry To Me)
So…the day has finally arrived when ‘The Project’ is revealed. (Imgs Below)
Allow me to elucidate..Ever since I first clapped eyes and ‘pulled up’ for my first ‘statement Tee’, (shirt), back on a stall in Greenwich market as a sixteen year old, (1984), I have harboured a dream to design and produce screen prints that communicate a message. The one that spoke to me was the classic, (UK), Red and White Studio One Label, blown up and screen printed onto a plain white t-shirt. Nowdays it is not uncommon to see ‘Label Tees’ for all different genres but back then, (at least in London), it was fresh and new.
That Tee went everywhere with me and I always wore it with pride, connecting myself with the music and message of Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae. I still own and cherish that same Tee even though it has almost disintegrated and can’t be worn. So last year I decided to take the plunge and learn the art of screen printing. Essentially I am an ‘ideas man’ and my head and heart are full of tributes to Artists, Producers, Genres and even Songs, (among others), so the actual process of printing was neceesary to learn as I wanted to design, produce and provide authentic Tee Shirts that encapsulated the passion I have for Culture without dilution from external economic influences.
After 8 months I feel ready to share these ‘Tribute Tees’ with you and what better place to start than with the legendary Wailing Wailers who have had a major impact on themusicologist from my earliest days…
Available to order in Four ‘cuts’ and, (for now), Three Sizes, (Small / Medium / Large)
The 45, (Plain WhiteTee), 33, (Long Sleeve), Dubplate, (Bamboo&Organic Cotton), and The Sweat Shirt.
At the moment I am working on the most effective way to provide them online but for now the only way to make the transaction will be via my ebay account. It is more of a passion than a business but as we all know a man needs to make a living !! and this is the way I aim to do it by sharing a genuine passion for music, originality, style and culture wrapped up in the humble Tee or Sweatshirt…Feedback and Critique is most welcome, appreciated and valued.
The cut featured today is a song probably better known for the version on Marley’s Rastaman Vibration. But for themusicologist there is no comparison with this 1964? cut featuring the Wailers at their most effective and original. No doubt that as great as Bob Marley was he in no way overshadowed his two partners Bunny and Peter. This cut bears witness to that. Listening to this Trinity of cats harmonizing brings not only tears to my eyes but also joy to my ears and heart. The only downside is that it finishes….but at least it can be enjoyed for free and the message be spread far and wide.
Click on Images To See them in all their glory…
JamaicanVocalGroupAction #10
(Mighty Diamonds – Have A Little Mercy)
Penultimate cut of the Jamaican Vocal Group selection…listening back over the proceedings I can’t help noticing that it has been heavily weighted in favour of the 60’s and with hindsight perhaps I should have called it ‘Sixties Jamaican Vocal Group Action’…still, hindsight is not all it’s cracked up to be as “too much thought spoils the action” in my opinion so even though there’s only two cuts from outside of the ’60’s, (make that 3 with todays), I hope this hasn’t dulled your enjoyment over the last couple of weeks.
Today’s outing on themusicologist is one from the Channel One stable which ruled the dancehalls, turntables and airwaves back in the mid 70’s after Coxsone lost the crown following major departures such as Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles and most of his big selling artists in search of a fairer deal. Channel One was set up by the Hookim Brothers and had the premier ‘Lab’ on the Island as well as the hottest young engineers and musicians such as Leroy ‘Horsemouth’ Wallace, Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespere and Don D Junior as well as stalwarts such as ‘Marquis’, Sticky and Tommy Mc Cook.
This cut features the vocal abilities of Donald ‘Tabby’ Shaw, Fitzroy ‘Bunny’ Simpson and Lloyd ‘Judge’ Ferguson known collectivley as ‘The Mighty Diamonds’ making a heartfelt plea to the establishment to ‘Have A Little Mercy’
LISTEN TUNE
communication #11
(The Wailers – Dreamland)
This one is dedicated to the woman of my dreams who I have had the pleasure of spending half my life with. and even though we are in the process of seperation and our paths are taking different turns I will, (and do), love and cherish her for as long as I draw breath. Yesterday was her 40th Birthday and I wanted to lay this one down especially for her.
As far as I’m concerned this is the Wailers at their best. ‘Bunny’ delivers lead on this one with Peter and Bob harmonising in true Impressions style and is yet another piece of majesty from Coxsone Dodd’s Studio1 label. I grew up listening to and being inspired by Third World’s version of this song from their, (1977), ’96 Degrees In The Shade’ LP and much as I cherish that version this ‘marrow trembler’ brings me to my knees whenever I hear it.
duets2 #2
(Beres Hammond & Marcia Griffiths – Live On)
I had planned on throwing this one down yesterday but for some unknown reason my internet connection was playing tricks and locked me out of the ‘information highway’
so i’m taking this opportunity to fling it now in case it happens again.
day two of the duets selection is one of the tunes that drew me back to the sweet sounds of Jamaica in 1993 after a year spent in the musical wilderness waiting to be inspired after 5 years listening, playing and DJ’ing ‘house’ which by then had made the transition from under to overground and was being used to to sell cat food, yoghurt, etc …
the male vocal comes from the pipes of the mighty Beres Hammond whose career stretches back to the early 70’s but for themusicologist it was throughout the 90’s that he established himself as one of Reggae’s greats. one of those rare artists who rarely seem to put a foot wrong, (Bobby Bland is another who springs to mind), this cat could charm the birds out of the trees with his blend of harmony, sincerity and effortless timing.
the female vocal is courtesy of the queen of Jamaican music .. Marcia Griffiths. whose career stretches way back into the sixties, first as solo singer, (1964), then in tandem with Bob Andy, (musicology #37), then as member of Bob Marley & the Wailers backing group the I-Threes.
this piece, (which I never tire of hearing), produced by Donovan Germain for his trend setting Penthouse label is a slice of the ‘College Rock’ rhythm from 1992/3, a ‘digital’ reworking of Jackie Mittoo’s late 60’s Studio1 cut ‘Freak Out’…
beautiful song sung expertly by two of Jamaica’s premier vocalists….one especially for all the couples out there who understand what it takes to hold on when the road is rough and rocky.
“live on….”
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.
themusicologist 