musicology 499

SoulBoy #18

(Bobby Womack – Tried and Convicted)

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Final week of the Soul theme and who better as far as themusicologist is concerned to bring us down the final furlong than one of my most cherished artists Bobby Womack. As I have mentioned before, along with Curtis Mayfield it was Bobby Womack who had the most influence on a young child running wild on the streets of South London in the 1970’s. Cuts like I Can Understand It, If You Want My Love, O.V Wright’s That’s The Way I Feel About Cha, Stop On By, A Woman’s Got To Have It, Communication, (to name a few)…are all integral parts of the soundtrack to my existence. In fact often when I hear, (early 70’s), Bobby, Curtis, Bill Withers, Stevie and Marvin I can view the world through the eyes of a child once more. Music does that for me like nothing else can. I don’t think of what I was doing or wearing to identify the stepping stones in my life it’s ALWAYS what I was listening to and no doubt always will be. So without further delay, (and before I get all misty eyed), hold this late 60’s slice of the Bobby Womack pie recorded for and released on the, (New Orleans powerhouse), Minit Label. Produced by Chips Moman

musicology #490

SoulBoy#9

(O.V Wright – Motherless Child)

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Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. Lee Fields was so hot last night but the Menahan Street Band were on fire. Deeeeeeeeeeep Soul and funk that has to be heard and seen live to be fully appreciated. WHAT a show. EVERY song a winner. They almost tore the roof off at the Bloomsbury last night which considering its underground was quite a feat ! If you like Soul and Funk and they are playing in your town then do yourselves a favour and make sure you attend.

Bit of a dilemma as to what to lay down today? TOO MUCH choice on the Soul front and as I go to lay one down another comes up and ’speaks’. Been listening to Legends like Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Al Green, Leroy Hutson as well lesser known but just as majestic Cats like James Carr, O.V Wright, and a whole host of 45’s from the 60’s and 70’s so rather than face the dilemma I’m just going to lay down this 60’s Soul marrow trembler and be done…..Recorded for and released on Don Robey’s BackBeat Label in 1965, (from the album If It’s Only For Tonight)

musicology #482

SoulBoy #1

(The Miracles – I’ll Try Something New)

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Waiting for the inspiration for a new theme it suddenly arrived yesterday out of nowhere… Soul. Why? well…above all musical genres Soul is in my flesh, blood and bones. Deeply ingrained from before I was born. allow me to outline my historicity

My mum and dad were both Original London Mod/ernists from 1962 and anyone who knows will agree that the authentic soundtrack to Mod/ernist is Soul…Rhythm & Blues too of course but whereas Rhythm&Blues had been around for many years Soul was ‘modern’ (albeit a fusion between Doo Wop and Gospel).

Between 1958 and 1960 the seeds of Soul were sown as the cultural boundaries began to be crossed in earnest and as is often the case it was music that blew the trumpet for change loud and clear. No more would the universal language be categorised strictly by ‘Race’ (my belief is that it’s the only language that speaks to all regardless of colour, nationality or creed). Artists such as Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, James Brown, Smokey Robinson, Jerry Butler, Curtis Mayfield, Gene Chandler, Dee Clark, Otis Redding, Solomon Burke, Wilson Pickett, Marvin Gaye, (along with a whole host of lesser known but just as illuminating singers, songwriters and musicologists), began to flex their musical muscles and craft the ‘new lick’ without the backing of Corporate thieves and vultures.

In December 1968 themusicologist was born with the soundtrack of Soul ringing in my heart and soul and from that day to this it has been ever present. Beginning with the ‘classics’ I have matured throughout the 70’s 80’s 90’s and into the 21st Century with the heartbeart of such priceless musicology as the soundtrack to my existence. There have been and are many other genres that have had a profound impact on the I but Soul still is (and always will be), my first musical love.

Kicking off with one of my favourite early Soul cuts courtesy of the pioneering ‘Miracles’ who first recorded in 1958 for Chess, but it wasn’t until hooking up to Berry Gordy’s fledgling Motown Label that the musical sparks began to truly fly. Just like to add that without doubt The Miracles were a foundation stone on which the Berry Gordy empire was built…

musicology #0441

Fragments #7

(Gil Scott Heron – Inner City Blues)

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“Four vital functions as basic as the four elements: Sexuality, sociality, ideation and glory. Or: pleasure, speech, thought and prestige.
Being deprived of any of the four leads to stupor and death.”

Final piece of the Fragments selection..could have gone on for a while longer but new inspiration is knocking on themusicologist’s door so tomorrow I’m rolling out a new theme…just like to finish the ‘Fragments’ by paying a final tribute to Baudrillard for delivering such profound insights into the age of banality that we find ourselves inhabiting..for me the Cat penetrates some dark corners with illuminating observations.

What better way to wind up this session than with a combination of Marvin Gaye and Gil Scott Heron..I’ll say no more and just leave it up to the two of them to lay it on you.

musicology #372

SuchIsLife #6

(Bill Withers – World Keeps On Going Around)

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Final slice of the SuchIsLife theme…which for me have been less demanding mentally than the two that preceeded it so I’m almost tempted to stick with it but, there’s a subject that I would like to share that is not only close to my heart but has informed the I since birth and that subject is ‘Modernist’. I’ll say no more about it until tomorrow when it kicks off.

Back to today though and what more authentic way to finish than with this cut from a Cat whose influence on themusicologist stretches way back to the early seventies when as a toddler he was often to be heard, (along with Bobby Womack, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder), drifting out of the speakers. Especially this 1973 album ‘Live At Carniege Hall’ which has been etched into my consciousness from the age of 4. Exceptional album from an exceptional Lyricist, Singer, Social Commentator and Performer. Still moves me and always will..every slice a winner. Not often that themusicologist makes recommendations but if you get the chance buy this album.

musicology #243

soul&boogie #4

(Maze - Before I Let Go)

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Boogie of the highest order from the legendary Maze featuring, of course, Frankie Beverly. Too many bombs dropped by them to list and every one a winner. Already featured twice on themusicologist so no need for the introduction. This one, released in 1981has got it all..lyrics, vocals, production and of course impeccable syncopation.

musicology #220

12AngryMen #15 (alternativesoundtrack #3)

(The Marquees - Wyatt Earp)

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end of the 12 angry road. the not guilty count is now 11-1. last man standing is Lee J Cobb whose personal vendetta against juveniles is obviously related to how he feels about his own son which, is not enough of a reason to send a teengaer to the ‘chair’ when all the evidence has been shot down in flames.

this last piece of the musicology pie is another from the OKeh label featuring a young drummer by the name of Marvin Pentz Gay whose recording career begun on this piece. signed to the label by Bo Diddley the record was a commercial failure so Bo introduced them to Rhythm& Blues legend Harvey Fuqua who incorporated them into his New Moonglows in 1957.

around 1958/9 Fuqua moved to Detroit, married Gwen Gordy, set up a couple of his own labels and when Berry Gordy convinced him to be an influential part of Motown introduced Marvin to the fold. and the rest, as they say, is history.

musicology #220

12AngryMen #15 (alternativesoundtrack #3)

(The Marquees - Wyatt Earp)

LISTEN

end of the 12 angry road. the not guilty count is now 11-1. last man standing is Lee J Cobb whose personal vendetta against juveniles is obviously related to how he feels about his own son which, is not enough of a reason to send a teengaer to the ‘chair’ when all the evidence has been shot down in flames.

this last piece of the musicology pie is another from the OKeh label featuring a young drummer by the name of Marvin Pentz Gay whose recording career begun on this piece. signed to the label by Bo Diddley the record was a commercial failure so Bo introduced them to Rhythm& Blues legend Harvey Fuqua who incorporated them into his New Moonglows in 1957.

around 1958/9 Fuqua moved to Detroit, married Gwen Gordy, set up a couple of his own labels and when Berry Gordy convinced him to be an influential part of Motown introduced Marvin to the fold. and the rest, as they say, is history.