musicology #412

Terry Callier #4

(Terry Callier – Fool em I Fool R U)

LISTEN

Slipping out of Mr Callier’s first cut in 1963 into today’s piece of MAJESTY from his current 2009 set ‘Hidden Conversations‘. TOP ranking piece of 21st century ‘Steppers’ from the Man. A message of genuine authenticity from a man who walks it like he talks it…and let’s be honest, they don’tgrow on trees..

Oh yeah…I’m experimenting with a new piece of interactivity on themusicologist today..it’s a ‘Ratings’ thing just to get a better idea of what the community are in to. Not sure whether It will be a permanent fixture yet…just testing it to see if it has any value.

Well….? Huh, Is this a game we play, Just a phase we go through, Is this the price we pay, Will there be reperations too, If we’re not careful what we say, If we ain’t careful what we do, What kind of fool am I, What kind of fool are you,

You can read it on the printed page, It’s a fender bender…and road rage, One for all and all for one, Until some asshole pulls a gun, Somebody’s hurt and somebody cries, And somebody lives…somebody dies, And we hear pleas of innocence.. Mental impairment and self defense, Hey what can the matter be, What’s happening with society, And what’s the ransom and the cost, To save a generation lost, Who’s able to complete the task, Solve the riddle and lift the mask, Yeah pardon me but I just got to ask

This a game we play, Just a phase we going through, Is this the price we pay, Will there be reparations too, If we’re not careful what we say, We ain’t careful what we do, What kind of fool am I, What kind of fool are you,

And so we catch the evening news, With all of these conflicting views, Plague and famine..third world plights, Poverty and womens rights, Yea bishop when does life begin, And what’s a crime and what’s a sin, Hey is there some kind of master plan, To bring peace to the holy hands, In brightest day or darkest night, There’s rifle fire left and right, And on this dark and dangerous road, How long before the world explodes, But one for the money…two for the show, If we got to reap just what we sow, Hey pardon me but I just got to know,

Is this a game we play, Just a phase we going through, Is this the price we pay, For reparations overdue, If we’re not careful what we say, If we ain’t careful what we do, What kind of fool am I, What kind of fool are you.

musicology #411

Terry Callier #3

(Terry Callier – Look At Me Now)

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Mr Callier’s first recording. Released as a 45 in 1963 !!

Now my people think that I just fake it,
I know I do things they don’t understand,
So I’ve got to show ‘em I can take it yeah,
I’ve got to show ‘em I can be a man,
Still there’s somethings that never have appealed to me,
Like standing out in front of a crowd,
Well people just you wait and see,
I’m gonna give you reason to be proud,

I’m gonna make it some day,
I’m gonna make it somehow,
Then I’ll be able to say hey,
Take a look at me know,
Yeah look at me know,

Well now my woman thinks I’m just a dreamer,
And she’s right about me I suppose,
But I could never, never, never be a schemer,
I don’t know the things a schemer knows,
But I do know there’s a better day coming up soon,
And baby just you wait and see,
I’ll find us a light in this darkness,
If you just have faith in me,

I’m gonna make it some day yeah,
Gonna make it somehow,
I’ll be able to say yeah, yeah, yeah
Baby look at me know,
Look at me know,
Look at me know,
Look at me know

musicology #410

Terry Callier #2

(Terry Callier – Alley Wind Song (Original Demo)

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A quote from the man himself:

“People everywhere are searching, searching for a spiritual base to stand on, reach out from and react to. The way I understand it, I’m supposed to put the message out there as clearly as I can. The rest has to take care of itself.”

“And hear some strange magic man work some ju-ju if you can,
Or do you know a spell that’s worth repeating,
Trace your pictures in the sand,
Tell me can you work a mojo hand,
Can you start the drums of Kuru beating,
Beware of the South wind,
The heart and mind and mouth wind
And search the sacred sands for a solution,

And tell me now..is it true if I put faith in you,
Will you lead me to the bridge of bright tomorrows,
And will your grace see me through,
Will incense and candles do,
Will prayer remove me from the reach of sorrow,
Oh beware of the North wind,
A king of worlds comes forth wind,
And blow apoun the land in retribution,

In the land of the free where the huddled masses flee,
From the cold and cruel worlds of wars dominion,
In a dusky mirror that I see,
Dont you know it got a hold back on my jubilee,
If freedom’s just a matter of opinion,
Ah beware of the West wind,
A bitter black suppressive wind,
That leads your children home for revolution,
That leads your children home for revolution,

Listening ones…if I sing,
Will that make you do your thing,
Will the chatting reach your high and lofty places,
And what is this strange gift you bring,
It’s sparkling like a diamond ring,
Will that bright light reveal the prince of faces,
Beware of the East wind,
A god of man and beast wind,
A famine and or feast wind,
And the last but not the least wind,
A threat of silver fleece wind,
A follow great release wind,
Blowin all across the land,
Blowin all across the land,
Where you stand,
Where will you stand,

musicology #409

Terry Callier #1

(Terry Callier – What Colour Is Love)

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“After the storm say there must be a calm and as much as the process of catharsis continues for me I feel like the, (metaphorical), dark clouds are lifting and the sun is beginning to break through. Intense and passionate, (whatever the situation), I tend to immerse myself in the joy and the pain of existence and am always looking to engage with the project of living rather than watch it pass me by. I don’t believe in the afterlife and have witnessed how short our time on this beautiful rock can be. Not for me to look back and wonder what might have been so the “what if” question is never asked. Music for me doesn’t imitate life it opens a dialogue and last weeks theme has delivered aspace for reflection and resolution.

Today’s cut kicks off a week long tribute to a Cat who has been an important and valued guide over the past few months the inspirational Terry Callier whose qualities are beyond doubt and question. A poet who stands tall in an age where it seems to me many are retreating to Plato’s ‘cave’ of illusion and appearance.

Highlighted from his 1973 set ‘What Colour Is Love’

Listen Tune.

“Is it wrong or is it right,
Is it black or is it white,
What colour is love,
Is it here or is it there,
Is it really everywhere,
What colour is love,
Is it strong like the mountains
Or deep like a fountain,that’s flowing free
And what about me,
How can you receive,
If youre not a believer
Is it blue like the sky,
And does it really reach that high,
What colour is love,
Is it near or is it far,
Is it distant like a star,
What colour is love,
Does it glow like an ember,
And do you you remember,
If love doesn’t last,
Does it live in the past,
And a heart cannot live,
If a heart isn’t giving,
When it’s over does it show,
Does it leave an afterglow
And I really want to know,
What colour is love?

musicology #408

Catharsis #6

(Bill Withers – I Wish You Well)

LISTEN

final cut of the Catharsis and what better way to end the theme than with another slice from one of my primary guides on the journey…William Harrison Withers Jnr with a piece of sentiment from the deepest depths of my heart. Released in 1975, borrowed from his ‘Making Music’ set.

“I wish you flowers, sunshine and smiles,
I wish you children that grow to make make you proud,
I wish you…pretty things to wear…sweet things to smell,

I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),

I wish you good friends that always treat you fair,
Wanna wish you ribbons to tie round your hair,
I wish you…truck loads of cheer,
Many happy years,

I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),

Wanna wish you freedom to do all the things you love,
Wanna wish you blesssings and kindness from above,
Wanna wish you sunlight through the clouds,
Hope you laugh out loud,

I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
Oh now I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
Lord now, I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well),
I wish you well, (oh I wish you well)”

musicology #407

Catharsis #5

(India Arie – Slow Down)

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Working the Tees yesterday and couldnt find the time and space to throw down a slice of the Cathartic Pie. Listening to and learning from music ALL day though so was most definately In Training for themusicologist and today’s artist will always hold special memories for me due to her part in helping me navigate the roughest and rockiest road I have ever stumbled down. India Arie EPITOMIZES catharsis for me and is one of the most inspirational artists I have ever had the pleasure to connect with and to.

With that in mind hold this cut from one of the GREAT sets. For themusicologist rarely does a whole set hit the bullseye but this one, (Voyage to India), certainly does.

musicology #406

Catharsis #4

(Otis Redding – Old Man Trouble)

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Apologies for yesterday. Today I’ll make sure the cut is laid down with the post !!

Catharsis..
1: A purification or purgation of the emotions primarily through art.
2: A purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension.
3: elimination of a complex by bringing it to consciousness and affording it expression.

For me themusicologist delivers all of the above and for that I am more than greatful. In fact over the past few days the raging inner storm is calming and the ‘weight’ is lifting.

I’m assuming that most, if not all, of us are feeling some kind of pressure as the curtain finally closes on the Modern World and opens on what in Philosophical terms is defined as the Post Modern world of, (among other things), decentralization, insecurity, globalization, unpaid work, marketocracy, crowdsourcing and so on and on and on. Many Modern projects that have informed us since the Enlightenment such as freedom, democracy, education and the family are being dismantled and replaced by degrees of economic slavery. It’s always a changing world but sometimes the speed of change is surprising.

So as much as I take responsibility for my actions I also know that there are external forces at work that have a great impact on the herd who tend to be oblivious to the control tactics of the masters. Therefore I will continue on the road of authenticity with my head held high and my eyes, ears and nose wide open and dismiss the one sided Apollonian ideology that reduces art to no more than “amusement governed by empty concepts” and firmly deny Plato’s view that “Art is a secondary imitation of reality and a counterfeit substitute for life itself”

Today’s cut is a fine piece of Art courtesy of the ‘Big O’. Borrowed from the great 1965 ‘Otis Blue’ set….Plato…this one’s all yours.

musicology #405

Catharsis #3

(David Ruffin - Pieces Of A Man)

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Day three..no time to waste...no time to juggle so I'll just leave it to one of the great singers Davis Eli Ruffin to tell it like it is with this 1969 cut from his debut solo LP for Tamla Motown. Produced by Soul heavyweights and longtime musicologists Harvey Fuqua, Ivory Joe Hunter and Johnny Bristol.

musicology #404

Catharsis #2

(Bobby Womack – Games)

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While listening to a series of lectures on the subject of Ancient Greek philosophy one of the threads focused on the opposition between Plato/Socrates and the Pre Socratics particularly the ideas of the Sophists. According to the lectures the Sophists, (in debate), are not concerned with the Truth but rather the art of persuasion while Socrates/Plato hold that it’s the Truth that matters most when determining the outcome of a debate. To put it another way Politics, certainly in the current age, is Sophistic and deals in rhetoric while Science is Socratic.

I find myself in agreement with certain aspects of each method but also refute just as much which I found confusing but yesterday I came to a realisation that much western Philosophy builds arguments on the underlying concept of Right and Wrong. Socrates for example invites opponents to play the game using his rules, (question/answer), and then proceeds to beat his opponent using logic and reason. For example Socrates might start the game by saying “Do you agree that….” and once the opponent answered would tear down the Relativist/Sophist argument based on the answer given. But there is one Sophist in Plato’s Republic who doesn’t play Socrates’ game and what this highlights is that there is of course more than one game and each one has their own set of rules.

Problems arise when we find ourselves in dialogue with those whose game and rules are different to our own. My experience is that games and rules only become clear when one or both parties are trying to base their argument on ‘Right and Wrong’ which is a concept that personally I don’t accept.

Today’s cut is courtesy of ‘the Poet’ a.k.a Bobby Womack a Cat who triggers many memories for themusicologist due to his music and message being a constant during my formative years with a piece taken from the 1981 set that was the man’s response to how life had, in his own words “turned on him”.

Just like to make clear that each slice of this cathartic pie is inspired by instinct and as such is nothing more than part of the process so bear in mind that interpretation is wholly subjective.

musicology #403

Catharsis #1

(Lord Creator – Wasting Time)

LISTEN

Still struggling to find direction on themusicologist. It’s not inspiration that’s the problem, (music always delivers), or that I don’t have themes in mind maybe it’s a simple matter of the fallout from the metamorphosis that I am in the middle of. Want it straight?

My partner, (and mother of our children), has, after twenty years, called time on our relationship for the second, (and final), time in 12 months. Why am I laying this out here on themusicologist? ’cause it’s distracting, painful and needs exorcising and where better to get some therapy than here through the form that for me has always delivered catharsis.

Don’t worry though as I’m certainly not going to let the black cloud descend. Nietzsche once wrote, (in The Genealogy Of Morals)

“All instincts which do not find a vent outside oneself turn inwards” and that in a sentance sums up what themusicologist is for me…a vent for my instincts.

First up is a piece from Kendrick Patrick a.k.a Lord Creator who has already featured on themusicologist with his majestic 1968 cut Such Is Life. Produced by Vincent Chin and released on his Top Ranking Randy’s label in the first half of the 1960’s.

musicology #402

Sound&Fury #5

(Admiral Tibet – Time Is The Master)

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Momentum…Focus….Discipline. I find them a constant challenge. Take your eye off either one for more than a breath and they try to slip away, (the bastards !) take themusicologist for example when the momentum slips the focus wavers and the discipline flies out the window making it difficult to get back on the right track.

‘So many things to do and so little time to do them in’ is a well worn cliche but fits me like a John Pearse tailored suit. Not that I’m complaining…I would much rather be busy than not it’s just that there are, (as we all know), only 24 hours in a day and it just isn’t enough for me to get the job done. So with that in mind allow me to lay this cut on you.

A slice of Jamaican ‘Steppers’ from themusicologist’s ROCKET BOX. One of my most cherished pieces of the shiny black stuff from One of my favourite Dancehall artists, Kenneth ‘Mr Reality’ Allen a.k.a Admiral Tibet whose consciousness and integrity are something to behold. Never have I heard the Admiral speak anything other than righteousness. An artist that, like Terry Callier, deserves our FULL support.

BOSS TUNE.

musicology #401

Sound&Fury #5

(Prince Buster – Too Hot)

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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.

musicology #400

Sound&Fury #4

(Freddie Hubbard – Backlash)

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Following on from the Ray Sharpe & King Curtis hold this ranking piece of 1966 Jazz Funk courtesy of legendary trumpeter Freddie Hubbard with a piece that swings so hard it could wake the dead.

Also featuring the collective talents of Ray Baretto on percusion, Bob Cunningham on bass, Ray Appleton on drums, James Spaulding on Sax and Albert Dailey smashing the ivories. This, the title track, is borrowed from his first in a series of sets for Atlantic and I noticed that ‘Pickett’ is credited with writing this one so I assume that it would be none other than the ‘Wicked’ Pickett (Wilson), himself? although whoever wrote it the credit here belongs to the players who are fluent in the universal language and communicate the message perfectly.

musicology #399

Sound&Fury #3

(Ray Sharpe & The King Curtis Orchestra – Help Me Get The Feeling Pts 1&2)

LISTEN

Fuck…not sure how you cats are feeling but for themusicologist it sure is a hard road fe travel at the moment. not complaining, moaning or, (worst of all), looking for sympathy just an observation and comment on this part of the journey.

I’m always up for the challenge but the constant pressure is taking it’s toll. So with that in mind I’m going to lay down this wicked piece of 60’s Soul. Keeping in mind that although it’s the ‘Sound&Fury’ signifying nothing music speaks and themusicologist can’t help but listen. Quality double sider of urban musicology that I had no choice but to edit the two seperate parts together.

1966 ‘Atlantic’ release originally released on the Atco Label courtesy of Ray Sharpe featuring one of the top bands of the period none other than The, (King), Curtis Orchestra.

musicology #398

Sound&Fury #2

(Terry Callier – Darker Than A Shadow)

LISTEN

Slowing down the tempo a piece with this the second cut on the sound&fury courtesy of a Cat who has been a constant feature on themusicologist’s playlists over the past few weeks..poetic lyricologist of the highest order, childhood friend of Curtis Mayfield and one time Cabrini Green resident, Terry Callier.

This majestic slice is borrowed from his 2002 set ‘Speak Your Peace’. Just like to add thas far as I am concerned Terry Callier is an artist who deserves our support. Buy his sets, go to his concerts and let him know that he has some ‘warriors’ by his side.

“Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,

I was asleep and having dreams,
Awakened by a silent scream,
A raging wind and clouds of steam,
It was..darker than a shadow,

Unprepared for scenes like these,
With heavy air and boiling seas,
Destruction of societies,
It was..darker than a shadow,

What type insanity is this,
Standing on a precipice,
That leads into a deep abyss,
And it is darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,

There was a storm like this before,
Aftermath where angels walked,
Poisoned waters, wasted shores,
And it was..darker than a shadow,

Is this all we have learned my friends,
We’re doing now what they did then,
Repeating great mistakes again,
Darker than a shadow,

What type insanity is this,
We are walking in a scorching mist,
Leads down to a deep abyss,
And it is darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,

And then from out the deepest void,
There came a flaming asteroid,
One third of this world was destroyed,
It was…darker than a shadow

Mankind was in a raging fit,
And thermo-neuclear fires were lit,
We never saw the end of it,
‘Cause it was…darker than a shadow,

What mad insanity is this,
Standing on a precipice,
That leads into a deep abyss,
It is darker than a shadow
What type insanity is this,
Standing on a precipice,
That leads into a deep abyss,
And it is darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow,
Darker than a shadow”

musicology #397

Sound&Fury #1

(The Poets Of Rhythm – Guiding Resolution)

LISTEN

“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing”. – William Shakespere -

I am utilising this quote NOT because that is my belief regarding the journey but because this theme, (unlike some), signifies nothing so my advice, (if needed), is “don’t waste time looking under rocks for scorpions”. There’s nothing deep about this theme other than the music.

First up is a majestic piece of musicology from German born, (and raised), hipsters ‘The Poets Of Rhythm’ who in the 90’s began their journey to redifine the parameters of Authentic ‘Funk’ with their fantasic sound. This cut is from their 2001 set Discern/Define. Anyone who knows, (as well as those who don’t), will, I hope, agree that this groove is as good as ‘it’, (the genre), gets. Soul and Funk was my entry into the world of clubbing and DeeJaying in 1985 on London’s ‘Rare Groove’ scene and I can assure you that had this been around then it would have been well and truly rinsed..