musicology #535

Jamaica #15

(Sound Dimension - Baby Face)

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As far as the music of Jamaica is concerned for themusicologist there is only one studio that stands above all others..Coxsone Dodd's legendary Studio 1. Almost every singer, instrumentalist, songwriter, arranger has at one time passed through the Brentford Road gates. Far too many to list or even mention so I won't even try, suffice to say that if you pick a name he will have a connection. Coxsone was a visionary...and as such allowed others far more suited to the creative process to express themselves. He opened the doors for Jamaican music to carve itself a unique sound that finally arrived during the period now in question...(late 60's early 70's), known globally as Reggae. To wax a tune at Studio 1 meant that, as an artist, you had made it to the top. Not financially but artistically. No matter how much the sound was crafted by others, (and it most certainly was), it was Coxsone who drove it. His greatest skill was in his ability to see the wider picture and create a platform to realise it. Ideas are the lifeblood of innovation but on their own they are no more than talk....when you check it no one person did more than Coxsone to establish Jamaican music as a global force and the music stands as witness to such a claim.

So with that in mind hold this wicked instrumental cut from the previously mentioned Studio 1 house band..Sound Dimension. One listen, (for those who don't know it), should be enough to realise why Studio 1 is the Don Sound. 1969 Release, (in the UK), on the English Bamboo label. BIG Tune.

musicology #522

Jamaica #2

(Jackie Opel – You’re Too Bad)

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Various Cats have laid claim to ‘inventing’ the Ska but as far as I can hear it seems to have been more of an evolution. In an attempt to provide a little insight for those who are not clued up on the historicity of Jamaican musicology before Ska there was what’s known as ‘Shuffle’ which to be brutal was more of a home grown version of American Jump/Rhythm & Blues so popular in the dance. Early Operators such as Tom The Great Sebastian and Count Nick were followed by hungrier Cats such as Duke Reid, Coxsone Dodd and Prince Buster who needed a constant source of new material to ‘mash up the dance’ and ‘Kill’ opposing Sound Systems. The competition was ferocious and it was this more than anything that fed the emerging scene for home grown talent. Combine such a need for a constant supply of fresh cuts, (Concurrent with the decline of Rhythm and Blues and looming Independence from colonial rule), with Jamaica’s strong sense of ‘national’ pride and identity and the stage was set for ‘Ska’

Coxsone led the way by setting up the legendary Studio 1 recording studio in 1963 and the icing on the cake was a collective of the hottest musicologists on the island coming together in 1964 as the Skatalites. As previously mentioned on themusicologist Jackie Mittoo was Coxsone’s musical director and as such is as responsible as anyone for defining Ska.

Today’s cut is a prime slice of the Skatalites pie from 1964? featuring the majestic Jackie Opel on vocals and the combined talents of any number of Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso, Lloyd Brevett, Lloyd Knibb, Lester Sterling, Don Drummond, Jah Jerry, Jackie Mittoo, Johnny Moore and Percival Dillon…in a word..BOSS

musicology #521

Jamaica #1

(Delroy Wilson - Joe Liges)

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Right...been waiting, (impatiently), for inspiration regarding the next theme and I'm pleased to announce that it has arrived. Random cuts are all well and good but they have no direction which is something the butterfly mind is prone to suffer from in all honesty. I say suffer because direction is, at least for me, essential when travelling down satisfaction's long and winding road.

So what is the theme I hear you ask? Obviously the title should give you a clue...Jamaica and it's RICH musical heritage. In fact I would go so far as to say that contemporary music owes a HUGE debt disproportionate to the Country's size and population. How was it that such a small and as far as many people are concerned, (me most definately NOT being one of them), insignificent island produced such a treasure trove of musicology? I'm not planning on transcribing Jamaica's history as I don't know enough about it but at the risk of sounding like I'm blowing my own trumpet...I do know about the islands musical historicity. A genuine love affair that stretches back to some of my earliest musical memories starting in the early 70's and, (along with Soul), stretching up to today. Fact is I truly LOVE Jamaican music with a passion. So much it has given me that I would like to try and repay the debt in the only way I know how and that is by sharing it with youse Cats and Kittens.

For the officionados among you I doubt there will be anything you havent already heard but themusicologist is not in the business of unearthing cuts that nobody has heard rather I'm in the business of playing what I consider to be cuts from the top of the tree and lets face it those are sometimes the best known. That said you won't be hearing the internationally known 'popular' tunes during this theme purely because they are not the ones that I know and love.

I have been listening to and collecting Reggae since the early 80's from I was a teenager whereas before that it was only what I was introduced to by family members. Just like to give an extra nod to one of my Uncles whose debt I will always be in for introducing me to such profound musicology..

Before we begin I would just like to lay me cards on the table and confess my alliegance to what I consider to be the premier studio and sound system to hail from the land of wood and water none other than Sir Coxsone 'Downbeat The Ruler' Dodd's CHAMPION sound..Studio 1. Above all others it's the Coxsone sound that has hit me hardest but there have been far too many TOP RANKING artists and producers along the way to namecheck, rest assured I will do my best to represent as many as I can as the theme unfolds over the coming days and weeks.

The format will be linear starting not at the dawn, (the late 50's), of the Island's musicology but rather when Jamaican music found it's own unique 'voice' after Independence in 1962. The sound was named 'Ska' a term many are already familiar with so I'm not going to get caught up in the why's, who's and wherefores of the terminology as I would rather let the music speak. Of course this is only one persons subjective evaluation of the music and I'm sure that others will have their own 'favourites' but that's part of what makes 'Reggae' so special...'Every Man Does His Thing A Little Way Different'

Finally..before I begin the sessions proceedings I would just like to add that I may 'double up' on some of the cuts that I have already thrown over the preceding 3 years so forgive me if I do...

First up is a cut from 1963..featuring the 13 year old Delroy Wilson singing a piece written by Dodd employee and all round musicologist Lee Perry concerning former Coxsone Sound Man, Enforcer and 'dance crasher' Prince Buster who, (thank the stars for us music lovers), decided to step to his own beat...

45 released in England on the pioneering R&B Label.

musicology #517

Duets2 #7

(Earth & Stone - Jailhouse Set Me Free)

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Final cut on Round 2 of the duets theme and i'm finishing up with this mighty slice from sublime Jamaican duo Albert Bailey and Clifton Howell otherwise known as Earth & Stone. The pair first cut their musical teeth with Coxsone but quickly moved onto the Hookim brothers legendary Channel 1 in 1973 and for 5 years they recorded some of the finest 'Rockers' known to man.

Not 100% sure but I'm guessing that the top ranking rhythm track is courtesy of the majestic Skin, Flesh & Bones, (Lloyd Parks, Charles 'Sly' Dunbar and Ansel Collins), who were the backbone responsible for creating what became known as the revolutionary sound.

musicology #515

Duets2 #5

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

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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 #507

CoversWeek2 #4

(Cornell Campbell – Ten To One)

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Slipping back into the sweet sounds of Jamaica for today’s cut with a piece by one of the islands great artists the MAJESTIC and pioneering Cornell Campbell . A Cat who begun his recording career at the tender age of 11 in the mid 1950’s for Coxsone, moved on to record with King Edwards in the mid 60’s, harmonised within ‘The Sensations’ for Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle, returned triumphantly to Studio 1 with ‘The Eternals’ and then begun a long solo career that continues HALF A CENTURY later to this day.

Here heard cutting his teeth on a Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions soul classic. As far as I’m concerned an absolute marrow trembler from start to finish and yet another musical diamond mined from the Studio1 archives. One listen should leave us in no doubt as to the influence both Curtis Mayfield and Coxsone Dodd had on Jamaican musicology….LISTEN TUNE.

musicology #504

CoversWeek2 #1

(Hortense Ellis – Sitting In The Park)

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This week I’m revisiting an earlier musicology theme concerning cover versions. Cat’s got my tongue a piece today and I have plenty to do regarding ‘the project’ so I’ll just get straight down to business and kick off the proceedings with Hortense Ellis’s top ranking Studio1 version of Billy Stewart’s Soul classic ‘Sitting In The Park’. Always been a bit of a mystery to me why there are so few female singers to have emerged from Jamaica…The only three I can think of are Marcia Griffiths, Phyllis Dillon and Hortense Ellis?..During her career Hortense recorded for all the top producers Coxsone, Duke Reid, Lee Perry, Bunny Lee, Gussie Clarke but, (like 99% of all Jamaican artists), never had any great commercial success….shame.

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 #428

noExcuses #5

(Live Good – Burning Spear)

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oi..3 days running !!

are the storm clouds lifting and is that the sun I can see trying to break through?
dont know for sure but what I am learning along the way is how authenticity can and does challenge existence. when someone wants to hurt and blame you for the muck in their life there’s a choice for you to make.
do you look to excuse, (blame), yesterdays behaviour and argue or do you genuinely take full responsibility for your actions, recognise your weakness and resolve to not make the same mistakes again? as the title of this theme suggests for themusicologist the choice I choose to make is, noExcuses.

Today’s cut is courtesy of the genius that is Winston Rodney a.k.a Burning Spear with a top ranking slice of the Studio 1 musicological ‘pie’…

musicology #417

AfterTheStorm #2

(Skatalites - The Reburial)

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Stepping up the pace with this majestic piece of Jamaican musicology, (a tribute to Marcus Garvey), from the vaults. Recorded at Coxsone's Brentford Road powerhouse, Studio 1 for Justin Yap and released on his top ranking Top Deck label

musicology #367

SuchIsLife #1

(Lord Creator - Such Is Life)

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As promised, new theme kicks off today concerning musical wisdom as laid down by various Cats from across the musical spectrum, inspired by today's slice of incredible musicology from Trinidadian singer, songwriter and sufferer,Kentrick Patrick, (A.K.A Lord Creator), who penned this unbelievable 1968 marrow trembler while down on his luck living in a tree!! in Jamaica having found himself 'on the floor' after a career stretching back to the dawn of Ska recording for the likes of Sir Coxsone and more prominently the producer Vincent 'Randy' Chin. In answer to his downturn in fortunes..Creator had this pearl of wisdom to say

"That is in my days of suffereation and alcohol, when I had nothing, when I could not pay rent, when I could not find food for me and my children to eat. While sleeping up in a plum tree with a pregnant woman, I put together a melody, and that is how I recorded the song called, 'Such Is Life'. It was not a hit, it did not get much airplay, but it meant a lot to me"

For me this cut sums up the essence of music's incredible power to communicate emotions..Respect is due to Alan from musical storeroom Honest Jon's who brought me in on this one a few weeks back after a dialogue concerning music and the 'Project'. I am eternally greatful..

"One day you got plenty money yeah...such is life, such is life,
Sometimes you ain't got a penny no, such is life, such is life.....

musicology #360

Ideology&Philosophy #1

(The Silvertones - Smile)

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So as one theme ends another begins...Didn't have a clue what it might involve until last night when it came to me while soaking in some 'spoken word', (a daily occurence in the home of themusicologist). So to keep it fresh in my heart and mind I would like to share and combine two of my passsions with the crew, music...and the 'love of wisdom' or what's better known as Philosophy.

My intention is to keep the dialogue going and start each slice of musicology with a bit of spoken word followed by what I believe is a piece of musical wisdom. Not sure how it will unfold but as with all the themes on themusicologist I feel compelled by something other than logic or reason so I'll continue to let intuition be the guide.

Day one features an introduction to the Western Worlds first and still prevalent Ideology, Greek Philosophy. Borrowed from a 'top ranking' lecture on the subject by a lecturer called David Roochnik who, for me does a perfect job in explaining the meaning of 'Dialectic'. A word that I have heard and read many times but until this Cat laid out this definition was never satisfied with my understanding of it. A very important concept that continues to have a major impact on all our lives

The musicology is a fine piece of wisdom from a Jamaican vocal group called the Silvertones featuring the talents of Gilmore Grant, Keith Coley and Delroy Denton. Yet another piece of 'Coxsone' magic from the back end of the sixties...

musicology #333

DownbeatTheRuler #13

(The Wailers - Do It Right)

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Final cut of the Coxsone Tribute. Have to finish up with this 1965 piece of rip roaring Ska sung by the Wailers. Featuring not only Jamaica’s premier band the Skatalites but also no less than Sir Coxsone Dodd himself on ‘Beer Bottle Percussion’ Duties !! Just like to add that many a deserved artist didn’t get a spot on the Downbeat Tribute most notably The Heptones, Jackie Mittoo, Dennis Brown, Sugar Minott, Ken Parker, Cornell Campbell, The Clarendonians..(too long a list to name them all). Some of them have already featured on themusicologist and I imagine that all will eventually..

In addition, the Second in the Tribute Tee series is to communicate my appreciation, (in more ways than one), for the man who made it all possible. Clement Seymour ‘Sir Coxsone/Downbeat The Ruler’ Dodd whose musical legacy is, for themusicologist, second to none.

musicology #332

DownbeatTheRuler #12

(Delroy Wilson - I Want Justice)

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Penultimate cut of the Downbeat Tribute selection. Just like to make clear that for themusicologist Sir Coxsone’s Studio 1 is the Number 1 sound which is obviously a reason for paying a two week tribute to the musical legacy he laid down. Of course without the musicians, singers, producers and engineers who contributed it wouldn’t be. So even though this is a tribute to Downbeat it’s just as much a tribute to all who participated in delivering some of greatest music ever made and I hope the last two weeks have been as enjoyable for you as it has been for me.

Tomorrow I will be releasing part two of ‘The Project’ that has occupied an ever growing part of my heart and mind for more than 20 years and as always would appreciate your feedback/critique/opinions on it.

Today though it’s time for a slice from Mr Delroy Wilson who begun his career with Coxsone at the tender age of 13. Born in 1948 Delroy first enjoyed ’success’ with his musical attacks on Dodd’s one time employee Prince Buster, ( ‘Joe Liges’), which I was going to lay down, but it was during the Rocksteady period, (and after), that his star truly shone with cuts like I’m Not A King, Dancing Mood, Riding For A Fall, Keep On Trying etc, (all of which almost made it onto the tribute), At the tail end of the Sixties Delroy and Sir Coxsone parted ways and he drifted between various producers such as Bunny Lee, Gussie Clarke, Niney The Observer and the Hookim Brothers Channel 1 but as with many of Jamaica’s foundation artists the 80’s weren’t kind to him and his star begun it’s descent into almost obscurity by his untimely death in 1995.

So if you’re listening Delroy…this one’s for you….a top ranking slice of the Ska pie from 1965 originally released as a 45 on the Studio 1 label featuring, (unless my ears are deceiving me), what sounds like The Wailers on backup.

musicology #331

DownbeatTheRuler #11

(Lone Ranger - Dance 'A Fi Cork)

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A rare treat for all 'Downbeat' Lovers...Lone Ranger in the dance waxing lyrical on the Larry Marshall Killer 'Throw Me Corn'.

'Late Night Blues' connoisseurs selection recorded live in the dance sometime in the early 1980's...1983?

Taken from the Studio 1 LP 'Battle Of The DJ's'

musicology #330

DownbeatTheRuler #10

(Wailing Souls - Don't Fight)

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Today's cut, for me, epitomises the Studio 1 sound apoun which much of Reggae was built. Drum, Bass and Harmony..the trinity and who better to provide an example on the Downbeat tribute than the mighty 'Wailing Souls'

Their story begins with Winston "Pipe" Matthews who as a youth living in Kingston in the early '60s, learned to sing at the feet of singer supreme Joe Higgs, (already a veteran vocalist with a string of hits to his name, coaching up and coming talent in his tenement yard, his most famous protégés being the Wailers). Higgs' training stood Matthews in equally good stead and by 1963, the aspiring singer and his vocal group the Schoolboys had come to the attention of Prince Buster. In 1965, the Schoolboys folded, but Matthews was soon back with a new group, the Renegades. This vocal trio comprised Matthews, Lloyd "Bread" McDonald, and George "Buddy" Haye, both of whom were also alumni of Higgs' vocal classes. It was at this point that the trio came to the attention of Coxsonne Dodd and the Renegades embarked on a fruitful career at Studio One.

In 1968, Haye departed, in his place came two new singers, Oswald Downer and Norman Davis. Such a shift of lineup prompted the group to totally cut ties with the past, and they changed their moniker to the Wailing Souls. Studio One eventually released two seminal compilations of recordings from this period, The Wailing Souls and the LP from which today's piece is taken Soul and Power.

Still going strong after more than 40 years the Wailing Souls continue to deliver soul stirring musicology that stands as a testament to both their quality and longevity. For more 'Souls' Knowledge visit their site from where the above information was unashamedly gleaned.

An early 70's cut, with the bassline echoing the Larry Marshall classic 'Throw Me Corn'.

musicology #329

DownbeatTheRuler #9

(Ken Boothe - Just A Little Bit Of You)

Short but sweet today as I’m out early morning back late afternoon and then out playing football in the evening. Today’s slice of the Downbeat pie is one of my absolute favourites from what, for themusicologist is Studio 1’s Golden age. Delivered by a Cat who has already featured on this theme but, in true musicology style, the axiom “as in music so in life” comes through loud and clear on this one…so this one it had to be.

I’m gambling that it’s Leroy Sibbles on Bass? with full Sound Dimension crew locked tightly in the groove….

Listen Tune..

musicology #328

DownbeatTheRuler #8

(Horace Andy - Found Somebody Of My Own)

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Today on the Downbeat Tribute it’s the turn of Horace Hinds, (cousin of Justin) A.K.A Horace Andy renamed by Sir Coxsone in time for his seminal 1970 set ‘Skylarking’, (one of the first Studio 1 LP’s that themusicologist had the pleasure of owning). Introduced by the inimitable ‘Dread At The Controls’…Mikey Dread from a radio program showcasing Studio 1. Could have been one from any number of Horace’s recordings but didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to pay a second tribute on themusicologist to Mikey Dread who is no longer with us. Not only that but it’s one that is lesser known but, for me, just as good as many of his classics. Taken from one of the mighty Dread’s Rockers In The Morning sets.

Mikey and Horace…come in and let the people know what you’re talking about.

musicology #327

DownbeatTheRuler #7

(Charlie Organaire - Rude Boy Charlie)

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Day 7 of the Downbeat selection is a roasting piece of Ska featuring Harmonica player, producer and original member of Bobby Aitken's Rocksteady pioneers The Caribbeats, Charles Cameron. Anytime you hear a harmonica played on a slice of Jamaican music, (especially Ska and Rocksteady), more than likely it's the 'Organaire' blowing on sessions for the likes of Coxsone, (of course), Prince Buster, Duke Reid and King Edwards as well as many others.

This cut is also likely to feature the musical talents of Lloyd Brevett on Bass, Lloyd Knibb on Drums, Jah Jerry Haynes, on Guitar and Jackie Mittoo on piano the musical backbone apoun which the Studio 1 sound and success was built.

musicology #326

DownbeatTheRuler #6

(Dave Barker - Johnny Dollar)

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Today’s page of the Downbeat story is a 45 from an artist known by the name of Dave Barker, (a nom de plume courtesy of Lee Perry), who is probably best known for his part on the well known single ‘Double Barrel’. A singer and ‘DJ’ who was among the earliest proponents of the ‘chatting’ style made popular by such luminaries as U-Roy, Dennis Alcapone, I-Roy and Dillinger. There were earlier Cats who dropped ‘chat pon the mic’ but it wasn’t until Hugh Roy stepped up that the genre came of age and flew out of the dance and into the recording studio in 1970 on Arthur ‘Duke ‘ Reid’s definining rocksteady rhythms.

This one, a 1970 cut on the English Studio 1 subsidary label Ackee, is a cover of Garnett Mimm’s earlier majestic 1964 Soul recording ‘A Quiet Place’ and finds Mr Barker, who in my opinion was a much better singer than ‘DJ’, in fine voice expressing concerns about people intruding on his quiet time.