musicology #212

12AngryMen #3 (alternativesoundtrack #8)

(Sherman Booker & The Blue Notes - Cool Daddy’s Blues)

LISTEN

back to round 8 of the ‘alternative’ and brother Henry is on a roll. The Guilty’s are falling like dominoes as the ‘Socratic method’ employed by our man continues to work it’s magic.

Philosophy is such an important part of our lives that it’s shocking how little is taught in our schools. Unless we count the almost complete domination of the Greek School of thought which is taught ideologically to young children in an effort to set them up as ‘citizens of the future’ rather than introduced as a tool to help them aquire ‘knowledge’. For me Philosophy is all about asking, (and answering), questions and coming to your own conclusions which obviously doesn’t fit in with current politrickal ideas of mass control. With that in mind and before I get too far into the saddle of my high horse I’ll get back to the music.

today’s cut of the ‘57 pie is a piece of ‘blues’ from an almost unknown outfit, Sherman Booker & The Blue Notes, about whom I know absolutely nothing, other than they recorded this one in 1957 for L.A’s Combo Label.

musicology #206

12AngryMen #3 (alternativesoundtrack #3)

(Sun Ra & His Arkestra - El Viktor)

LISTEN

what strikes me is how much quality dialogue is in this film and thinking about it that's probably what drew me in when I first saw it. I enjoy language and words very much and crave dialogue and communication. themusicologist provides and delivers a great opportunity for me to connect using the universal language that speaks to us all, (if we listen), and is a manifestation of this desire to communicate.

back to the '12 Angry' selection...the dialogue paints it's own picture and introduces the Henry Fonda character in Socriatic style.

the music is courtesy of Maverick Pianist Sun Ra, (and Arkestra), a cosmic cat of the highest order whose life seems as rich a tapestry as could be woven. Born around 1914, he grew up with Jazz and played the piano/organ/keyboard consistently for his whole life, (recording over a thousand songs). His first recording in 1946 was as Pianist for Rhythm & Blues legend Wynonie Harris. I'm not going to lay out his life story as it's well documented so I'll just leave it to Ra and Arkestra to 'speak'.

musicology #205

12AngryMen #2 (alternativesoundtrack #3)

(Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers - I’m Not A Juvenile Delinquent)

LISTEN

day two of the 12 Angry Men selection and the ‘action’ begins. 12 jurors, 1 Room, Hottest day of the year…No Air-Con. The jockying has already started as Lee J. Cobb, (Juror #3), lets his feelings known on what he thinks the verdict should be.

themusicologist wasn’t even born in 1957 but from what I have read and heard the ‘Teenager’ had most definately arrived. Music, (Rock and Roll), being an example of this. The way I have understood it, before World War II music was made predominantly by and for ‘grown ups’. Swing had begun to change that but by the time Rock and Roll emerged the writing was well and truly on the wall for who to target…Teenagers.

the slice of, (1956), musicology, (released in early ‘57), is courtesy of 13 year old !! Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers, (Herman Santiago, Joe Negroni, Jimmy Merchant, Sherman Garnes), who epitomised the change as well as anyone. Of note is that the majority of the group members were of Puerto Rican descent, as was the kid charged with murder in the film, and half of the subjects of the original 1957 Broadway production of West Side Story.

musicology #204

12AngryMen #1 (alternativesoundtrack #3)

(Bo Diddley - Before You Accuse Me, (Take A Look At Yourself)

LISTEN

I have enjoyed laying down the alternativesoundtracks so much that it will be a regular feature on themusicologist. this third instalment is another one of my favourite films, the classic 1957 film 12 Angry Men, directed by Sidney Lumet. I first saw this one back in the early 80's and have loved it ever since.

the opening slice of the musicology pie was released in the same year, (1957), as the film and is courtesy of the legendary Ellas Otha Bates, (McDaniel), better known as Bo Diddley, who passed away at the ripe old age of 80 on June 2nd of this year. I am proud to say that I had the honour of sharing a stage with the man about 25 years ago in deepest, darkest South East London where my cousin and I were invited on stage to 'throw some shapes'. A treasured memory.

Bo...this ones yours...thanks for the music and the memories...priceless.