musicology #458

TheManWithTheBag #8

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

LISTEN

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 #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 #255

sleighbellsring #3

(Otis Redding - White Christmas)

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Day late but definately not a dollar short for a special musicologist tribute in memory of Mr Otis Redding who died on December the 10th 41 years ago, (1967), at the tender age of 26. I won’t lie and say it’s a date that’s in my diary which for me makes it all the more special and even transcendental that he has risen in the unconscious to let us know ‘what time it is’…one of them performances that could wake the dead. As good as ‘White Christmas’ gets. Listen out for the Otis tribute on themusicologist in the new year.