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 #543

Jamaica #23

(Dennis Brown - No More Will I Roam)

LISTEN

Looking back over the past week on themusicologist I couldn't help but notice my absence..in truth the weather was too nice and I had much street walking, hustling, networking, planning and dreaming to do and themusicologist had to take a back seat but the weather is still scorching so I'll have to come up with a new plan for this week...ahh got it...more music less scribbles, (it's the scribbling that takes ALL my time)

So with that in mind....forward up with the sweet sounds of JA.

Ranking piece from the 'Crown Prince' Dennis Emmanuel Brown produced by Winston 'Niney the Observer' Holness for his Obsever label in 1974.

Listen Tune..

musicology #542

Jamaica #22

(Horace Andy - Let Your Teardrops Fall)

LISTEN

Went to see Dean Chalkley's 'New Faces' exhibition at the Book Club last night with...Good night, Good music, (Led by the Cheeba), excellent venue and the photographs were absolutely spot on. What's that got to do with the Jamaica theme? nothing but you know this is my musical diary so I just wanted to keep yers in the loop and inform the Cats and Kittens of how, (and where), this 'stone' known to some as themusicologist is rolling.

Anyway...back to Jamaica..and today's cut is courtesy of the man Horace 'Sleepy' Hinds aka Horace Andy whose recording career started in 1966 under the guiding hand of heavyweight producer Phil Pratt but didn't really go anywhere until he turned up at Studio 1 guitar in hand, (which he had spent the preceeding 4 years learning), and waxed 'Got To Be Sure' and 'Something On My Mind' and a star was born.

Today's cut is from 1972/3. Don't know who produced it and to be honest I don't really care too much as for me it's only ever about the music and not the information.

musicology #539

Jamaica #19

(Rome - Lloyd Jones)

LISTEN

When I first heard this cut, (more than 20 years ago), I had to sit down. Still to this day I don't know what it is about it that continues to tremble my marrow but as I live and learn about life through the ups and downs there are certain tunes that are an integral part of the soundtrack to my existence...this is one of them. The sounds that pulsed out of the Kingston ghettos during the early 70's continue to speak with unmatched authenticity to my Soul and even though I am a big fan of Ska, Rocksteady and early Reggae it is this period, (the 'Golden Age'), between 1970 and 1976 that really does it for me, (the 90's too but we'll have to wait until later to hear them)

The vocalist on today's piece is Lloyd Jones, (a cat I know nothing about), but what I do know though is that, (as far as I'm concerned), music doesn't get better than this. For 20+ years this cut has been a BIG part of my life. Why? can't say for sure but it's one of the tunes that I will NEVER tire of hearing. Larry, (the field), Marshall cut it at Studio 1 and I'm not sure who waxed the original but I think it's this one....not that it matters of course and whether it's called Babylon, Rome, the Shitstym, Capitalism or Globalisation it's all just 'The Game' and I for one despise it. Sufferers all bleed the same colour blood and it's always RED so be you black, white, pink, brown, yellow or blue this one's for all of us...45 on the English Bullet label.

"From since I was a kid they have had me down as slave,
Keep pushing me everyday until they push me out of the way,
Woooooh Rome I want to go home,
Woooooooh Rome I can't stay no longer in Rome"

musicology #538

Jamaica #18

(Winston Hines - Cool Down)

LISTEN

Between the cat, (who's got my tongue), the monkey, (who's on my back), and the wolves, (who are howling round my door), I feel more like a zoo keeper than a musical curator so without further delay I'm just going to lay this one on you. Final cut of the early Reggae and then it's on to the Reggae proper.

45 on the English Camel label, (another one of my early 'revival' memories), sung by Winston Hines..and yes it's 1969.

musicology #537

Jamaica #17

(Dennis Walks - The Drifter)

LISTEN

Today's cut is a piece from my earliest 'Revival' Reggae memories, (early 80's), introduced to me by my uncle whose commitment to top ranking music was and still remains one of the most important contributions to my existence ever made. Produced by Spanish Town's..Harry Mudie. Early Sound System owner, (mid 50's), whose first production in '62, (Babylon Gone), was one of the first to feature Count Ossie. The late 60's saw a return to production for Mr Mudie who then went on to introduce Spanish Town Sound System legend I Roy to the record buying public as well as producing some of the most established Jamaican artists of the 70's. This one is voiced by Dennis Vassell aka Dennis Walks and was originally released in...yep you've guesssed it...1969 !!

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 #532

Jamaica #12

(Barrington Spence - Contemplating Mind)

LISTEN

Final cut of the Rocksteady and then it's on to the 'Moonstomp' Reggae. But before that it's time to roll one out from Sir Coxsone 'Downbeat' Dodd's Studio 1. A cut featuring the vocal talents of Barrington Spence who began singing in the early sixties but stepped out of Kingston for a few years and didnt return until around 1966 whereupon he hooked up with Naggo Morris and Sylvan Clarke, (as the Soul Boys), and cut a few tunes at Studio 1 and Treasure Isle?

Just like to finish by adding that even though Coxsone got left behind a small piece during the Rocksteady, in part due to the emergence of producers such as those featured over the last week as well as his less than fair business practices concerning artists and musicians, he was still 'swinging' and turning out top quality music, (as today's cut bears witness to), but it would be in the next phase of Jamaican musical development that he began to take back the crown and deliver the 'golden age' of Studio 1.

LISTEN TUNE...

musicology #531

Jamaica #11

(Johnny & The Attractions – Coming On The Scene)

LISTEN

Penultimate cut of the Rocksteady excursion features a vocal group that go by the name of Johnny & The Attractions, (already featured on themusicologist), who waxed some of the most beautiful Rocksteady of the day. Amazingly, (or not so if you know a little about Jamaican music), next to nothing is known about these cats so I can’t fill you in on any personal details. All I do know is that the producer was Sonia Pottinger and the label it originally appeared on was ‘Gayfeet’ and the year was most likely 1968, an important year in themusicologist’s life as well as in the progression of Jamaican music as it was in this year that Reggae first emerged.

To be honest RockSteady was not a commercial success and is still to this day not well known, (outside of the community), which has always surprised me but then again if we look at what was going on at the time maybe it was too ’simple’, slow or authentic to attract much interest in a world that was plunging headlong into complexity and inauthenticity but ever since being introduced to it in the early 80’s it never fails to reach out and touch my soul.

Anyway…enough of the sentimentality and on with the transcendental TOP RANKING musicology..

musicology #529

Jamaica #9

(Larry Marshall – Money Girl)

LISTEN

Moving out of the Derrick Harriott and into yet another fine piece but this time it’s courtesy of producer George Phillips better known as Phil Pratt..a name bestowed on him by Caltone founder Blondel Keith Calneck, (Ken Lack).

You may have noticed that one of the things about Jamaican music is the significence of the producer in musical proceedings and Phil Pratt is certainly one of them. Horace ‘Andy’ Hinds, (cousin of Justin), The Heptones and Bunny Lee all begun their journey beside the Cat at Caltone so it’s, (and his), importance in the development of Reggae deserves wider recognition.

The cut today is courtesy of singer Larry Marshall, (who would go on to find a place at Coxsone’s Studio 1), and features the talents of Rocksteady’s core protagonists that include Lynn Taitt, Gladstone Anderson, Winston Wright, Clifton Jackson, and one from Winston Grennan, Hugh Malcolm or Arkland Parks. From the sounds of it I would hazard a guess that it’s a 1967 recording but I could easily be mistaken and if so it would be early 1968. Whatever the year it was arranged by a name we have become familiar with over this week…Lynn Taitt.

Finally just like to praise a man who has previously graced themusicologist with his knowledge Steve Barrow’s Pressure Sounds for releasing the CD, (Safe Travel), from which today’s cut emerged. ESSENTIAL purchase…FULL of TOP Ranking Rocksteady that were you to try and buy the 45’s featured would cost you a small fortune, (if you were lucky enough to find them)

LISTEN TUNE…

musicology #528

Jamaica #8

(Derrick Harriott – Do I Worry)

LISTEN

So what is it about Rocksteady that is different? Musically Rocksteady is built on the ‘One Drop’, (3rd Beat), whereas Ska was built around the ‘after beat’. That and the pronounced Bass evident on the Rocksteady combined to deliver a rhythm that the dancers could sway and ‘Rock Steady’ to while holding up a beer, maybe a spliff and even a girl. While Rocking Steady a man could look nonchalant and slick whereas the ‘Ska’ was all about the wild swinging of arms…not slick and certainly no chance of winding, grinding, smoking and drinking.

In fact to make it clear..Hold this quote from the drummer who many credit with originating the ‘one drop’, Winston Grennan

‘I give a hard blow on the third..that would be a hard one drop and it would cut the beat in half”

Of course there were other key players involved such as the afore mentioned Lynn Taitt, Hugh Malcolm, Bobby Aitken, Gladstone Anderson as well as legends such as Jackie Mittoo, Roland Alphonso and the Soul Brothers and of course Tommy McCook and the Supersonics. Apologies If I have missed some…hopefullly some of you musicologists out there can ‘pipe up’ and let us know?

Right enough of the words and on with the music. I was going to drop cuts chronologically but on reflection I’ll just do my best to throw down cuts that for me define the genres. If I had planned it differently I would probably thrown down a week of Rude Boy cuts that were so prevalent in 1966 but I didn’t so I’ll just continue !!

Today’s piece is from one of Jamaica’s greatest talents the pioneering vanguard Derrick ‘One Stop’ Harriott, a Cat who was there at the birth of the Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae delivering sublime musicology. Have to say that this is one of my all time faves.

Finally…Just like to add that I continually get lost for hours, days and weeks in what I consider to be one of the most original, informative and all round TOP RANKING sites out there

Johnny Spencer’s

musicology #526

Jamaica #6

(The Skatalites – Confucius)

LISTEN

Finishing up Round one of the Jamaican Musical History selection with this piece courtesy of the Chinese/Jamaican producer Justin Yapp who for 3 years, (1962-65) produced and delivered Ska that is as good as anything ever waxed. Yet another piece led and written by the legendary Don Drummond. Of course it’s the Skatalites, (who else !!), providing the impeccable back up. Recorded and released on Yapp’s Top Deck Label in 1964.

musicology #521

Jamaica #1

(Delroy Wilson - Joe Liges)

LISTEN

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 #520

Randoms #3

(Errol Dunkley – A Little Way Different)

LISTEN

Apparently it was 3 years ago that themusicologist stepped into the global arena in an attempt to communicate. 3 years later and I’m still trying. SO much water has gone under the bridge since then it almost seems like I have lived at least three lives. In fact the ONLY constant in my life has been the music. Companions on the journey who I thought would be there for the duration have stepped off and significant others have stepped in. I suppose that is the way it has to be. Nothing lasts forever, (other than music of course)

The journeys soundtrack along the way has been just as hill and gully as the existence itself..sometimes so raw that I wince when I listen but there’s no taking it back, (nor would I want to), so I’ll just keep rolling out the message and let the dialogue unfold naturally as it always has and most likely will be.

Today’s messenger is the majestic Errol Dunkley a cat who first sung his way into the musicologist’s heart and mind with his 1966 cut, at the crossroads between Ska and Rocksteady), ‘Love Me Forever’ but it’s this one that I identify him with. The TOP ranking ‘A Little Way Different’. This version is the 12″ rather than the Sonia Pottinger produced 1972 original. Both equally superb in their own right.

musicology #519

Randoms #2

(Bill Withers – Take It All In And Check It All Out)

LISTEN

Next cut on the random selection…and it’s time for this one from the great Bill Withers one of the three major teachers for themusicologist from my formative years one listen should help you understand why when the man speaks themusicologist listened. Highlighted from his 1972 TOP RANKING ‘Still Bill’ set. Recorded in LA at the Record Plant and released on Sussex. Also featuring the combined talents of Obbye Hall, Benorce Blackmon, Melvin Dunlap, James Gadson and Raymond Jackson.

LISTEN TUNE…

“You can fill up a room with idle conversation,
You can stir up a whole darn nation with your mouth,
But before you start to show your indignation,
About a situation,
You oughta take it all in and check it all out,

You can create a boom with uh catchy information,
You can shake up a lot of people if you shout,
But before you begin to grin about the success of your creation
You oughta take it all in and check it all out

You can make out a plan with aimless dedication,
You can hang up a million slogans in your house,
But before you put it into operation,
Before you man your station now,
You oughta take it all in and check it all out,
You oughta take it all in and check it all out,
Find out what it’s all about uh huh,
You oughta take it all in and check it all out,
You oughta take it all in and check it all out Find out what it’s all about uh huh,
You oughta take it all in and check it all out,
You oughta take it all in and check it all out”

musicology #518

Randoms #1

(Barrington Levy – Girl I Love You)

LISTEN

Wednesday already and I have yet to fling down this week…too busy trying to catch butterflies but as of yet no luck. I have a few themes lined up but none seem to be speaking to me so for the moment I’ll just roll with a few choice cuts from the vaults while I stand with open mouth and watch the butterflies dance.

First up is a, (1984), piece from the land of wood and water, (Jamaica), courtesy of the unmistakable Barrington Levy.. a 12″ on the Greensleeves label.

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 #514

Duets2 #4

(Lee Dorsey and Betty Harris – Love Lots of Lovin’)

LISTEN

Slipping out of Jamaica and back to America with this 1968 piece of New Orleans Soul courtesy of Deep Soul songstress Betty Harris in harmony with Crescent City native and Mod/ernist favourite Lee Dorsey. Produced by a man who has featured many times on themusicologist; Mr New Orleans….Allen Toussaint and released on his and Marshall Sehorn’s Sansu label. I’ll take an educated guess and say that it’s The Meters providing the funk but one thing is for sure and that is the contribution Allen Toussaint made to delivering some of the cream of Crescent City musicology throughout the 60’s and into the 70’s. Respect is always due.

musicology #513

Duets2 #3

(Winston & George – Denham Town)

LISTEN

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 #512

Duets2 #2

(Am I A Good Man - Them Two)

LISTEN

Today's marrow trembler finds themusicologist standing in 'still waters' that run almost too deeeeeeeeeep and I'm probably shooting myself in the foot by peering into the darkest recesses of my soul in such a public way but authenticity compels me to continue asking the question....what/who am I? (not that I'm expecting or even asking for an answer as I don't believe there is a definitive but unfortunately that doesn't stop the internal dialogue).

Paradoxically? the question has reared it's head at the onset of this 'Harmony' theme but in the words of Blues man supreme Little Willie Littlefield 'Life is like that' and no amount of running and hiding will alter a truth.

The musicology presented by the TOP RANKING Numero Label was originally recorded for and released on Miami's Deep City label sometime in the late 60's? and features the combined harmonies of Clarence Reid and Willie Clarke ably backed and driven by Helene Smith, Arnold Albury and Reed Roberts. For me music doesn't get 'better' than this...what a tune.

har·mo·ny

–noun,plural-nies.

agreement; accord; harmonious relations.

a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts; congruity.

Origin:
1350–1400; ME armonye <>

—Related forms

non·har·mo·ny, noun,plural-nies.

pre·har·mo·ny, noun

—Synonyms
1. concord, unity, peace, amity, friendship. 2. consonance, conformity, correspondence, consistency.