musicology #464

TheManWithTheBag #14

( The Cats & The Fiddle – Hep Cat’s Holiday)

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New dawn yesterday for themusicologist and family/friends/regulars and even recent travelers along the way know there’s been a few false ones over the past few months and years. Life is funny that way but one observation on the journey through it is that it’s not what happens to us that it’s how we respond. My, (learned), belief is that I don’t choose which path to take It just unfolds before me. Intuition is the guide and I feel my way through the darkness until the day breaks anew and the sun begins to shine once more. In certainty…day always follows night no matter how long it lasts.

Hope you do me the honour of rolling with me on this post as I try me best to wax lyrical on the final musings of 2009. I could say it has been the worst year of my life but that would be a lie. Not only have I had a few that would make your toe and fingernails curl but as this one ends I am counting my blessings….1……2……3 and they are all so beautiful. Yep, (in metaphorical style), like a ship that’s lost at sea I have been tossed and battered by some powerful crashing waves but as the storm clears not only do I find myself still afloat but on assessment of the damage I am finding both my hull AND keel stronger than ever before.

Was it Nietzsche? that commented “that which doesn’t kill one makes one stronger” well whoever it was got that right as did Ray Charles who was quoted to have said “Live everyday like it’s your last because one day it will be”. Wisdom can’t be taught, only lived whereas knowledge and the garbage that is information are both aquired, often to the detriment of growth. I have no agenda here other than to be which Is my resolution for the rest of my days and even though this existence ain’t no bowl of fuckin’ cherries the essence can taste so sweet.

So for all you ’shoulder to the wheel’ crew out there who are suffering, (and we all do), try to bear in mind that the harder the battle…the sweeter the victory. Breathe deep, pick yourself, (or even better find/ask someone else to help you), up from the canvas and let’s prepare ourselves for the next round which is where we begin to make an authentic comeback..

musicology 462

TheManWithTheBag #12

(Count Basie – Jingle Bells)

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Apologies for not uploading the Jackie Wilson cut until this morning…butterfly mind got the better of me. Not that I’m complaining or making excuses as the butterfly has led me down many interesting and fruitful paths along the way.

Last night it was football with the chaps..weekly game down the New Den on the indoor pitch. Being a striker my job is to hold the ball up and score goals. Bagged 5 last night and held the ball up so all told…job done. My cousin was on our team last night which is always a pleasure as we have the synchronicity that flows.

Today’s slice of the yuletide pie is courtesy of the swinging Count Basie Orchestra featuring of course the Count himself tinkling the ivories.

musicology #461

TheManWithTheBag #11

(Jackie Wilson – O Come All Ye Faithful)

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Just got back to the ‘Big Smoke’ after a few days spent in natural paradise with two angels. The landscape up there, (North West England), never fails to inspire me and I always come back with a bit more of a ‘Tigger Bounce’ in my step. Knocking on the Christmas door now as we come down the home straight. Tree’s up, presents beneath it, kids excited. Just have a few more things to do and then it’s kick back time from tomorrow.

A question for you all out there..has the quality of song writing, (and singing come to that), gone downhill over the last few years or am I just not being exposed to the ‘right’ material? don’t know if you noticed but I listen to a LOT of music from as far back as the early 20’s all the way through to today and if the term ‘popular’ has any meaning/value as far as making judgement is concerned then the quality of pop today is, (generally), to my ears..poor. By NO means am I suggesting that quality music isn’t still being made as I don’t need to listen any further than Master Terry Callier, (for instance), to know that marrow trembling cuts are still being made but as I listen to the ‘charts’, (not out of choice but due to having two children over the age of ten), I can’t help but be disappointed. Where are the Dinahs, Arethas, Maxine Browns, Etta James’s? the Sam Cookes, Otis Reddings, Jackie Wilsons, Clyde McPhatters, Ben E Kings, Smokey Robinsons, Marvin Gayes, Curtis Mayfields, Bobby Womacks. The Gregory Issacs, Pat Kellys, Slim Smiths, Ken Boothes, John Holts, (the list could go on and on), who are the singers and songwriters kicking arse and trembling marrows in the 21st Century??

Today’s cut is courtesy of one of the afore mentioned legends, Jackie Wilson. A man who needs no introduction with his version of the hymn ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’

musicology #460

TheManWithTheBag #10

(Dinah Washington – Silent Night)

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Have to throw down early today, (didn’t happen !!) as we, (kids and I), are off on a little excursion up to the beautiful Lake District, (Ambleside to be precise), for a few days to kick back before Christmas and I don’t think the internet has reached there yet !! so themusicologist won’t be able to throw down until returning to the big smoke.

STOP PRESS……in fact I’m throwing this down from Ambleside in a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi..i’ll keep it as brief as possible..our daughter is on me like a rash to get on facebook but it’s, (proper), snowing up here and the junior musicologist and I have climbed a mountain today, (look out for the pics…soon come)

Today’s fine cut is courtesy of, (in my subjective opinion of course), one of the greatest singers to have ever graced the mic. A voice overflowing with expression and emotion, drawn from the deep well of existence, (and essence), when Dinah Washington opens her heart and sings even the birds stop to listen and nod in appreciation. Born Ruth Jones, she first came to the attention of Lionel Hampton in 1943 and for the next 19 years waxed some of the most heart wrenching slices of musicology known to wo/man. Personally speaking…it’s her Mercury output that brings me to my knees, trembles my marrow and brings tears to my ‘minces’ but I could never turn Dinah off no matter what the period. (This one is from the Mercury 78)

musicology #459

TheManWithTheBag #9

(Amos Milburn – Let’s Make Christmas Merry Baby)

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Intended on breaking the mould today and throwing the cut early?, (unless of course you’re in NYC, LA, ‘Chi’ or pretty much any State in America), but as Robert Burns wrote:

“The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men
Gang aft agley,
An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,
For promis’d joy!”

So stick that in yer pipes and smoke it !! while we slide into this cut from one of the great Rhythm & Blues pioneers Amos Milburn who, (along with Louis Jordan), had a major impact on the transition from swing to Rhythm & Blues in the mid 1940’s. recorded in 1949 for Eddie & Leo Mesner’s powerhouse Aladdin label, (the home of West Coast Rhythm & Blues).

musicology #458

TheManWithTheBag #8

(The Meditation Singers – What The World Needs For Christmas)

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Playing catch up these last couple days !!. (just noticed that yesterday’s cut was missing from the music box !!!), themusicologist’s ‘drum’ is a bit of a 2 n’ 8, (but my head’s not, even though I had a tooth pulled today). Christmas is in full swing. Presents under the tree for the youts them. Nothing but the seasonal sounds playing day and night..Attended our beautiful daughters Carol service last night, (she’s in the choir), and needless to say it was BOSS. Oh yeah and the snow fell today. Don’t know how long it will last but we are all dreaming of a white one this year.

Must confess that it feels a bit strange this year but of course that’s only natural after sharing the preceeding 21 years in a deep and, at least for me, meaningful relationship but, again, such is life. My experience is that it’s not what happens to you along the way it’s how you roll with it. So with that in mind hold this cut from the majestic Meditation Singers. Formed by none other than Della Reese in 1947 members have included Earnestine Rundless, Lillian Mitchell, Marie Waters, Cassietta George and James Cleveland. Della moved on in 1953 and was replaced by Earnestine’s adopted teenage daughter Laura Lee Rundless. This piece was recorded for and released on Chess/Checker. Haven’t got the LP at hand, (in storage), so can’t remember the recording date but if memory serves me right it was 1969. One thing is for sure though…It’s TOP RANKING.

LISTEN TUNE..

musicology #457

TheManWithTheBag #7

(The Kingstonians - Merry Christmas)

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After a day's sabbatical yesterday, (big night out Sunday !!), time to climb back into the musicology saddle. Also that last piece by Nitty Gritty deserved more exposure than just one evening so it all worked out for the best !! hahahahahahaha that's the story I'm sticking to anyway.Just like to add that it was a top night had. Spent with two of the best friends a person could ever wish to know..entertained on the night by some fantastic sounds courtesy of my favourite House DJ John 'Le Plage', supported by a cast that included Sasha and Bushwacka. The music was quite literally top ranking as was the company I kept.

Wore my cherished red and cream Fila BJ, (original of course), vintage pair of deadstock Lee Cooper Camel coloured Jumbo Cords, Navy blue Modernist T-shirt and a Primary Blue pair of Cousteau's courtesy of my favourite shoe company...Clae...Cats were complimenting me all night and one in particular came up and said I was the best dressed man in the house....I had to reign my ego in, (which wasn't too hard), and I replied that I genuinely appreciated such a lovely comment.

Anyway...enough of that nd on with the music....today's cut is another slice of the 'Jamdown but this time it's a slice of Rocksteady from the Kingstonians'.

musicology #456

TheManWithTheBag #6

(Nitty Gritty – We 3 Kings)

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Moving out of the 50’s Doo Wop into a majestic slice of mid 80’s Christmas dancehall Reggae from Santa’s ‘JamDown’ bag courtesy of Glen Augustus Holness a.k.a ‘Nitty Gritty’ one of my favourite DJ’s. Born in Kingston in 1957 His life was cut short at the tender age of 34 outside Super Power record shop in New York. Much speculation as to the who and why and as I wasn’t there I’m not going to add to it. Suffice it to say that yet another talented artist was cut down in his prime by gunshot.

musicology #455

TheManWithTheBag #5

(The Drifters – The Bells Of St Mary’s)

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One of themusicologist’s personal Christmas favourites. Been with me for as long as I can remember. Recorded and released on an Atlantic 78/45 in 1954. Over half a century old and still as fresh as spring daisies..(the cracks and hisses aside !!), Of course it’s Clyde McPhatter on lead just after he had left Billy Ward’s Dominoes to form the first incarnation of the Drifters.

musicology #454

TheManWithTheBag #4

(Jimmy Smith – Silent Night)

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What is it with 1964?? 3 out of 4 so far from that year…hmmm. Anyway on with the Christmas showdown with a cut from Organist supreme Jimmy ‘The Cat’ Smith with a piece that just gets better and better as the tune unfolds. We all know his qualities so no need to wax lyrical about them….Recorded for and released on Verve. Step up Jimbo and let the people know what time, (of year), it is.

musicology #453

TheManWithTheBag #3

(Butterbeans & Susie – Papa Ain’t No Santa Claus)

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Top ranking slice of the Christmas pie courtesy of three swingin’ Cats, Butterbeans & Susie, (Jodie Edwards and Susie Hawthorne), a long standing and much loved Vaudeville duo who teamed up in 1916 !! and Jazz pianist Eddie Heywood….who went on to play with such luminaries as Billie Holiday, Benny ‘King’ Carter and Coleman Hawkins as wel as performing in his own right. Recorded in New York City, (ahhh…New York…what memories), on Wednesday August 13th 1930 and released on an OKeh 78.

musicology #452

TheManWithTheBag #2

(Carla Thomas – Gee Whiz It’s Christmas)

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Slipping out of the Wailers into a festive 60’s Soul cut courtesy of Jim Stewart’s majestic Memphis Rhythm & Blues/Soul shack…Stax.

From memory, (my wax is locked away while I navigate this period of transition), it was released (I have it on an Atlantic 45), in 1964. The singer is the beautiful and hugely talented song bird Carla Thomas whose voice melts my soul quicker than hot butter on breakfast toast. (Backed by Booker T and The MG’s).

musicology #451

TheManWithTheBag #1

(The Wailers – Christmas Time)

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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

musicology #450

3 Is TheMagicNumber #3

(India Arie – Headed In The Right Direction)

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Final cut of the magic number and then it’s on to the Christmas selection…beginning to feel like I can walk on emotional water which makes a big difference from feeling like I was drowning in it. last week I learned the difference between the language of being and the language of having and it is a beautiful, liberating feeling that I have yet to find the words to express. I don’t know if I ever will but in truth..to feel it is enough.

Picking a piece out of THOUSANDS is always a challenge, (and no mistake), but for me that’s what themusicologist is there for…communicating a message utilising the universal language.. It’s been almost 3 years now that I have been bearing my soul on this musical diary and not only is it extremely cathartic but It has also allowed me the space to express myself with authenticity.

Today’s cut is courtesy of an artist who has helped me to learn the difference between having and being. Borrowed from her second set Voyage To India…a set that everyone should own. Just like to add that one of the authors who has been a guide over these last few weeks goes by the name of Erich Fromm especially his book ‘The Art Of Being’.

musicology #449

3 Is TheMagicNumber #2

(Beres Hammond – Always Be There)

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Small piece frazzled today..didn’t have a late one, (home by 1:30am), but people kept offering to buy me drinks once they found out it was my birthday and I know I could have refused or had water but I didn’t….got to change my poison from vodka as it doesn’t do me any favours the day after. In fact I very rarely drink alcohol, (only when I’m out on the tiles), so it should be easy for me to swerve it. Good night though spent with two true spars. the kind of friends that you would stand with under any circumstances no matter what the odds. I love them both dearly and always enjoy their company and spending the remainder of my birthday with them was a bonus on top of a fantastic day.

today’s cut is courtesy of another Jamaican musicologist and vocalist of the highest order who has already featured on themusicologist and will have his own week on here soon..Hugh Beresford Hammond with the type of cut the man is famous across Jamaica for delivering with all the sincerity and tenderness that could be poured into a song..from memory the 45 is on the Star Trail label which is responsible for many, many fine cuts of 90’s reggae. I’m shooting from the hip but, again from memory, I believe the year to be 1996/7

musicology #448

3 Is The Magic Number #1

(Gregory Issacs – Storm)

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Today is my birthday..and I am having a great day..one of the best I have ever had ! Some beautiful and touching messages from my friends and loved ones..bought myself a wicked pair of ‘Rhythm & Blues’, slipping out for a few hours with two of my main spars and the icing on the cake…our children have arranged to take me out for a birthday meal…tears of joy.

As for the musicology…after the recent New York New York special, (words fail me), I would like to take this small window, (Christmas selection soon come !), to lay down 3 cuts in an effort to try and let the Cats know where I’m at..first up it’s one from the inimitable Cool Ruler. Jamaican music doesn’t get much better than when Gregry’ steps in to the studio, (or live on stage), and delivers. From 1968 right up to the present the legend has graced us with his ability to connect and communicate and this one is just one example out of, (quite literally), hundreds. Someone played themusicologist at his own game a few days ago and laid down a slice of Gregory which moved and inspired me and this piece is in reply. You know the score.