(Jimmy Smith – Silent Night)
What is it with 1964?? 3 out of 4 so far from that year…hmmm. Anyway on with the Christmas showdown with a cut from Organist supreme Jimmy ‘The Cat’ Smith with a piece that just gets better and better as the tune unfolds. We all know his qualities so no need to wax lyrical about them….Recorded for and released on Verve. Step up Jimbo and let the people know what time, (of year), it is.
(Butterbeans & Susie – Papa Ain’t No Santa Claus)
Top ranking slice of the Christmas pie courtesy of three swingin’ Cats, Butterbeans & Susie, (Jodie Edwards and Susie Hawthorne), a long standing and much loved Vaudeville duo who teamed up in 1916 !! and Jazz pianist Eddie Heywood….who went on to play with such luminaries as Billie Holiday, Benny ‘King’ Carter and Coleman Hawkins as wel as performing in his own right. Recorded in New York City, (ahhh…New York…what memories), on Wednesday August 13th 1930 and released on an OKeh 78.
(Carla Thomas – Gee Whiz It’s Christmas)
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).
(The Wailers – Christmas Time)
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
(India Arie – Headed In The Right Direction)
Final cut of the magic number and then it’s on to the Christmas selection…beginning to feel like I can walk on emotional water which makes a big difference from feeling like I was drowning in it. last week I learned the difference between the language of being and the language of having and it is a beautiful, liberating feeling that I have yet to find the words to express. I don’t know if I ever will but in truth..to feel it is enough.
Picking a piece out of THOUSANDS is always a challenge, (and no mistake), but for me that’s what themusicologist is there for…communicating a message utilising the universal language.. It’s been almost 3 years now that I have been bearing my soul on this musical diary and not only is it extremely cathartic but It has also allowed me the space to express myself with authenticity.
Today’s cut is courtesy of an artist who has helped me to learn the difference between having and being. Borrowed from her second set Voyage To India…a set that everyone should own. Just like to add that one of the authors who has been a guide over these last few weeks goes by the name of Erich Fromm especially his book ‘The Art Of Being’.
(Beres Hammond – Always Be There)
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
3 Is The Magic Number #1
(Gregory Issacs – Storm)
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.
