musicology #548

Jamaica #28

(Ken Boothe – Be Yourself)

Top Ranking piece of Jamaican musicology sung by one of it’s greatest artists recorded for and released by it’s champion studio, (Studio 1), and backed by the cream of the island’s instrumentalists.

Doesn’t get better than this as once again I find myself sitting in the park on a scorching day..soaking up the rays…and listening to the sweet sounds of Jamaica. Not sure of the year but do I give a F**K?…no. Peace and love to the haters and doubters that would take pleasure from seeing me stumble and fall..don’t hold your breath ; )

LISTEN TUNE

musicology #515

Duets2 #5

(Dudley Sibley and Peter Austin – Hole In Your Soul)

LISTEN

Today’s cut is yet another RockSteady scorcher but this time courtesy of Sir Coxsone ‘ Downbeat The Ruler’ Dodd’s Brentford Road powerhouse…Studio 1. Regulars on themusicologist should know by now of my ongoing ‘affair’ with the sounds of Sir Coxsone..for me the premier recording studio and Jamaica’s most important sound. Not to say that there aren’t many other producers and studios that deserve recognition and undying support but Downbeat will always wear the crown as far as I’m concerned.

musicology #513

Duets2 #3

(Winston & George – Denham Town)

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Moving out of the soul searching and into the social commentary for todays cut with a classic piece of 1966/7 RockSteady critiquing the state of West Kingston District ‘Denham Town’ as it ‘Turned Vietnam’. Produced by Leslie Kong and featuring Gladstone Anderson on Piano Jackie Jackson on Bass and sax man supreme Roland Alphonso. Released in the UK on a Pyramid 45.

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.

musicology #432

butterfly mind #2

(Anthony Malvo – Simmer Down)

LISTEN TUNE

part two of the butterfly..

majestic piece of 90’s steppers from ‘Red Rose’. have an even better cut !! on this rhythm but I’ll keep that one in reserve until the right time come.

musicology #323

DownbeatTheRuler #3

(Alton & Hortense Ellis - Easy Squeeze)

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Out all day yesterday working the tees so apologies for not dropping a next ‘Downbeat bomb’ through your speakers. Hopefully today’s slice of the Coxsone pie will make up for it.

A classic piece of Brentford Road Rock Steady that has trembled my marrow for many years. Could have thrown it down a few times on previous themes but for reason unbeknown to ‘mesang’ didn’t until today.

One of the most emotive, hard hitting, Rough & Tough cuts of the Rock Steady period in my humble opinion…lyrics, vocals, music all combining in soul searching harmony to communicate a message concerning the quest for that most elusive of feelings, True Love.

Recorded and first released in 1966? for Dodd by the Godfather Of Rocksteady Alton Ellis alongside his younger Sister Hortense, both of whom are sadly no longer with us. What is however (and will be for as long as music like this is being loved and played), are their ‘works’ many of which sit comfortably at the very top of the musicology tree.

Hortense was Jamaica’s ‘first female vocalist’ cutting her teeth as early as 1959 on such legendary talent shows as Vere John’s Opportunity hour, (where many a ‘Jam Down’ legend begun their careers), but it wasn’t until a few years later in 1961 under the tutelage of Downbeat that she begun a recording career. For sure having Alton as a brother helped but anyone who has heard her sing would agree that merit was the foundation stone apoun which she built a career that stretched right up to her untimely death in 2000 AD. Recording for many of the greatest Jamaican producers such as Duke Reid, Bunny Lee, Harry Mudie and Gussie Clarke, (to name a few)

As regulars may be aware Alton has featured more than any other Jamaican artist on themusicologist over the preceeding two years so I won’t wax lyrical on the man and his music today other than to reiterate that it was he and the previous Artist, (Bob Andy), who first opened my ears and heart to Downbeat The Ruler’s output and for that I am eternally grateful..

So in Tribute to the memories of Alton, Hortense and Clement Seymour ‘Sir Coxsone / Downbeat The Ruler’ Dodd hold this…..