This is for my father; Mr.Abdullah Mohammed: http://8tracks.com/harlep...o-abdullah



Poker night, Sunday 8 PM on the dot. Enter Abdullah and 3 of his buddies, alot of gossip and ALOT what you hear in this mix.

Prior to these songs, my love for music was limited to the girl groups of the 90s, Mariah and Mary J.

Had it not been for my father, I would've never came across them, and to me they are EXACTLY gates that introduced me to the same gold mine which I'm still feeding my knowledge from to this very day.

1. Twennynine - Peanut Butter (1979): Written by the keyboard spider(as my daddy used to call him), Mr.Don Blackman. All song history aside, I've been fimiliar with the "Don Blackman" name eversince I could remember, turned out that he & my daddy were buddies back in the day. If daddy wasn't behind his computer counter, he and his crew would hunt down all the spots that Don and the "Jamaica State" musicians would go to for jam sessions. Took me years to stumble on his name again, thats when my obsessing over sample credits led me to his name through Snopp Dogg's Gz and Hustlas where he sampled "Haboglabotribin", sung by Bernard Wright(and written by none other the spider himself). Daddy would've been a good keyboardist had he invested time into playing the instrument, and he always looked up for TWO, one was Erroll Garner and the other was Don Blackman.

2. Toney Allen - Afro Disco Beat (1977): I assume that Mr.Allen was prominantly known as Fela Kuti's drummer. I wasn't fimiliar with either, ONLY the song, I wasn't even aware of the ""Afro-Funk" genre untill years later. Rediscovered the song when I watched The Last King of Scotland movie in the scene where Idi Amin dodged an assassination attempt.

3. Moods - Grooving When We Meet (1978): LOL I wish could tell you anything about this group, but this is exactly the reason why I included it in this mix, to generate some info I guess. All I know daddy used to play this song to death along with their Neither One Of Us(I'm assuming its The Gladys Knight cover song but I could be wrong ).

4. Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band - Sunshower (1976): Another band that my daddy followed religiously. He could've done without Cory Daye(the singer) but he loved Kid Creole and his band.

5. The Isley Bros & Jimi Hendrix - Wild Little Tiger (1964): I think this is from the earliest session by Jimi with the Isley Bros. Being a completist freak, daddy collected EVERY record that Jimi was featured on as a "session musician", this gem happen to be my fave.

6. The Sweet Inspirations - Alfie (1968): The most soulful version to me, beautifully sung by Ms.Cissy Houston. That song was my daddy's responce to me when I thought nobody could beat Whitney's singing Needless to say, I didn't see it then, but I've wised up in time.

7. The Chosen Few - In The Rain (1976): I could never quite figure out daddy's fascination with reggae/rock steady artists singing renditions of famous soul/R&B songs. Mind you, I love those artists, but this is the ONLY reggae rendition of an R&B classic that I like. Like Moods earlier, I'd appreciate it if you guys have any info about this group.

8. Little Jimmy Scott - Please Give Me A Chance (I wanna say 1951): The 1st song I listened to, I wasn't exactly a quite baby and everytime I raised hell, this song was the BEST thing to calm me down. Jimmy Scott is my father's single FAVE artist, and among the vast type of music he enjoyed, Jimmy is the one I resonate with in the most personal sentiment.

9. Johnny Ace - Anymore (1954): I remember this tune mainly because this is the song that my daddy used to practice on the piano mostly. I could ramble on & on about the man behind the singing voice, but its best to let him get the point across on his own.

10. Fats Waller - The Jitterbug Waltz (1942): Now, this is 1st song that my father played fully on the keys when he 1st fell in love with the instrument. Of course there was a long process before he played it properly

And there it is ya'll,,,,,random, rookie as hell and completely personal. I hope you enjoy listening.
[Edited 3/1/10 5:39am]

Love the title. I'll update the master thread now.
[Edited 3/1/10 6:51am]

Going to listen now. Love Jimmy Scott's voice. It always sounds to me like it's on the verge of breaking.

Have you ever listened to Coby Koehl? He's very similar to Jimmy Scott.

I'm going order my lunch in lock my office door and enjoy.

listening

love the title and the theme going on by the way.

what i love about you is that your choices of songs are always too authentic they make me feel i am a part of those eras listening to those songs. you know just how to make us live the experience!

GirlBrother said:

I don't think I have, thanx for the recommendation I will.

Jimmy's voice to me is what "raw nerves" would've sounded like. To this day it takes alot of strength from me to listen to I'm Afraid(The Masquerade Is Over), his version always makes me an emotional wreck.

I hope tA chimes in soon. I think he's gonna love this mix.

Also, where'd the art come from, Harlepolis?
[Edited 3/1/10 9:26am]

Lammastide said:

An ad from an old issue of Ebony magazine(circa 1955) which is the year of my father's birth.

A friend of mine did the rest.
[Edited 3/1/10 9:30am]

Harlepolis said:

Perfect.

What a magnificent playlist.

Dope!!
And Salaams to Mr Abdullah!!

Im looking forward to checking this out

I'll have to check this out later when I'm at home. Just looking at the song titles and descriptions, I see you started out right with "Peanut Butter" and I see several others from the late 1970s which is one of my favorite eras. The prior stuff looks interesting too. Your father definately exposed you to a variety. I was wondering where your tastes came from.

OK, this ain’t gonna be long as I dont have much to say about less poppy mucic like this....

1 Peanut Butter-Twennynine. Ok, this is fun. I like the Woody Woodpecker impression as well. Yep I noticed. Cool track.

2) Afro Disco Beat-Tony Allen. Don’t like this much. Sorry. Its cool to dance to t hough, or if you hear it blasting from someone’s house on the street LOL.

3) Grooving When We Meet-Moods. This is a cool song. Just about poppy enough to get me interested LOL. Sorta sounds abit spooky to me for some reason. All that falsetto or something LOL, who knows? Very catchy, and I love the synth on it. A bit long for me though, but I dig it a lot. One of those tracks that instantly hooks you in. Definitely gonna play this one a lot more.

4) Sunshower-Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band. Ok, this track is awesome! Very uplifting. Kids voices are a guilty pleasure, and I like how it the kid is used on the sing-songy kid like chorus. Would this be called poppy world music? Who cares really. Great song! The harmonies sound like they are Hollywood era 1940’s. Hard to explain. Pretty odd.

5) Wild Little Tiger-Jimi Hendrix & The Isley Brothers. Its OK. Abit short (after myself complaining track 3 was too long LOL).

6) Alfie-The Sweet Inspirations. Christ, how many times has this been covered? I still prefer the film’s version (which was Cher right?). Great film though LOL

7) In The Rain-The Chosen Few. Wow, so this is the original version? Sorta reggaeish or Ska even? (I don’t know?). I grew up on the Keith Sweat version LOL. To be fair to Keith and producer Teddy Riley, at least his version is different. Much more like a ballad and obviously slowed down. Cool song. Always liked Keith’s version and dig this version aswell.

8) Please Give Me A Chance-Little Jimmy Scott. Whoops, I thought this was a woman singing at first. Nice song. Sorta thing my Dad would listen to, who has miles better taste is music then I do LOL.

9) Anymore-Johnny Ace. This song sounds like it should have a big melodramatic production LOL. Cool song, very 50’s. Sorta classic 50’s prom like.

10) The Jitterbug Waltz-Fats Waller. Wow, the latter half of your mix is kinda subdued LOL. This is a real nice old school tune. Very relaxing. Reminds me of old cartoons/Hollywood movies. I know it’s a silly comparison, but it does LOL.

Wow, you have very varied taste. Completely different to mine. Fav tracks are “Grooving When We Meet” and In particular, “Sunshower”. What a choon that is. Love it!

OK, I just finished listening and here is what I thought....

1. Twennynine - Peanut Butter (1979):
This was the only song in your playlist that I was familiar with. I've always loved this jam.

2. Toney Allen - Afro Disco Beat (1977):
The intro was a little too long before the rest of the instruments kicked in but once it got started, I liked it.

3. Moods - Grooving When We Meet (1978):
This one was pretty good.

4. Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band - Sunshower (1976):
I recognized the name of the group because I have their song "Cherchez La Femme" on a disco compilation CD so I was expecting to like this. However, I didn't care for this one at all.

5. The Isley Bros & Jimi Hendrix - Wild Little Tiger (1964):
Definately not the type of sound I'm accustomed to when listening to The Isley Brothers but I liked it. I had forgotten how far back they go.

6. The Sweet Inspirations - Alfie (1968):
I didn't care for this one at all. Just not my taste, that's all.

7. The Chosen Few - In The Rain (1976):
This one's OK but I still prefer The Dramatics' version.

8. Little Jimmy Scott - Please Give Me A Chance (I wanna say 1951):
9. Johnny Ace - Anymore (1954):
10. Fats Waller - The Jitterbug Waltz (1942):
OK, these last three were a little too "classy" for a country bitch like me but then again, they were posted by a classy lady with much more diverse taste than me. They are OK, but just not really my cup of tea. My boss would love these three though. She seems to always have similar sounding stuff playing in her car.

You definately have a diverse range of taste and I mean that as the highest compliment. You seem to have the class to rub elbows with the elite but also can get down and dirty with the ass shaking party freaks. That's a good quality. If you were a little older, we'd have to do some matchmaking and hook you up with TheAudience.

Checking it out... Love the b/w 'cover'.

vainandy said:

I just KNEW you're gonna say that

But hey, I'm just GLAD you took the time to listen to this stuff anyway. I know how your patience runs out when heavy drum licks and deep bass lines ain't in the picture

...

Hey Harle!!!! Just diggin' your mix...

1. Twennynine - Peanut Butter (1979):

Ok, you already know how I feel about these MF's--I was bouncin’ from the first note!!! Back in 79, this tune put me onto Don Blackman’s stuff, and his later solo album just confirmed his great talent. I'm knocked out that he and your Dad used to hang out together! That's Too Kool!!!


2. Toney Allen - Afro Disco Beat (1977):

Wow, this is my first time hearing Tony’s solo stuff --reminds me a little of Afro-Soul groups like Osibisa...

3. Moods - Grooving When We Meet (1978):

Man, this is obscure--- it sounds like it was produced and recorded locally, wherever the city was located. The folks at Dusty Groove think that the group was based in St Louis, but even they aren’t sure. I like the sound, as well as the way it blends with Dr Buzzard’s Savannah Band, in terms of the light, airy feel....

4. Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band - Sunshower (1976):

Damn, I loved this group and this album! Most people got it for Cherchez La Femme, but my favorites were always Sunshower, and We Got it Made. They managed to stay together for a couple more albums, but I wish August and Stoney had stayed together for a while longer. As much as I dig Kid Creole, I miss the big band feel of the Savannah Band.

Y'know I've been hearing that a lot about Cory Daye lately, that some folks never did like her voice--maybe it wandered to much for their taste, or whatever...I always thought she really suited the material, but then again, I've never heard her solo stuff....


5. The Isley Bros & Jimi Hendrix - Wild Little Tiger (1964):

I love listening to early Isleys,and those handful of Jimi cuts. I always thought Jimi’s guitar was a nice compliment to Ronnie’s voice, I can see why they kept that dynamic in the later group, with Ernie...
This just an aside, but on one of their cuts with Jimi, Move Over and Let me Dance , I used to wonder if that was were Jimi got a few vocal ideas --The way Ronnie Isley's voice kinda purrs and teases, it reminds me of the way Jimi's voice would eventually sound on his albums ...anyway, I always thought it was a great combination...


6. The Sweet Inspirations - Alfie (1968):

Never heard this version, but I can see why your dad was such a fan-- soulful!!

7. The Chosen Few - In The Rain (1976):

Kool! Never heard this version of the song, but I’m really diggin’ the dreamy feel and open atmosphere---the flute and strings are a nice addition...

8. Little Jimmy Scott - Please Give Me A Chance

Great piece from Mr. Scott!!! Jimmy’s got the most distinctive voice-- My mom first turned me onto his stuff back in the day,alongside singers like Shirley Horn, and like a lot of folks, I just assumed it was a woman’s voice! I was glad to see a resurgence of his stuff in the late eighties--early nineties, in large part because of the TV series Twin Peaks...


9. Johnny Ace - Anymore (1954):

Wow, this an education, I don't think I'd ever actually heard Ace's stuff. I certainly see why he had the following he did... I love that with pieces like this, you can hear blues giving birth to soul...that's how I hear it, anyway...

10. Fats Waller - The Jitterbug Waltz (1942):

I absolutely love this piece! I haven’t heard much Fats Waller since the 70's My mom and uncle used to play stuff like Honeysuckle Rose and Ain't Misbehavin, but I don't remember Jitterbug Waltz... I got some digging to do...



...
[Edited 3/2/10 12:44pm]

paligap said:

I'm glad I was exposed to this song early on. My daddy had such an affinity with pianists, so naturally, Fats fit the bill easily.

I wasn't aware with the fact that he was considered a "novelty act" untill later in life(which kinda shocked me, even though I understand why folks felt that way).

Pieces like this one, really showed that the man was a force to be reckoned with.

As for Kid Creole,,,


This is a nice compilation from his side projects. It doesn't have much of the "big band" feel you dig, but it reminds us how versatile the man is.

But knowing you, I bet you already have it somewhere

Thanx for the heads up, Pali
[Edited 3/2/10 12:53pm]

I'm gonna listen to this tonight


I'm compiling mine now. It'll be my last post on the Org for awhile

Harle I've listened to your 'Org Mix-tape Project' 5 times. Whenever I've purchased an album, record, tape or been given music to listen to it's a process -a series of steps. The first time I'm too excited and it's impossible for me to hear everything -even when I'm familiar with the material. So, the third time, was the charm a pleasure as I sat in my music room alone listening intently; I allowed the music to flow over me and listen for all little nuances.

I won't speak of each song or those I'm very familiar such as 'Peanut Butter' because I love it, it's an ass shaker. The two song I've heard sparingly have been Cissy Houston/TSI cover of "Alfie" and The Chosen cover of "In The Rain". This version of "Alfie" I've heard in bits and pieces for years so it was nice to hear this song in it's entirety. In both instance each group made these songs their own and maintained their emotional impact. When I listened to "Alfie" I wanted to hear two things: how would Ms. Houston handle the lyrics at the beginning and how she'd sing, "If life only belongs to the strong.. Alfie". She nailed it. The same can be said of The Chosen cover of "In The Rain" which is sort of a melo-drama and if not handled correclty, the song could come off as corny. To my surprise the reggae beat/rhythm complimented the pace of the song.


My favorite songs for various reasons were, "Grooving When We Meet", "Sunshower", "Wild Tiger", and "Please Give Me A Chance". 'Grooving When...' just brings back memories. I have some friends who sung that song a capella style for one year, everyday. I enjoy the classic doo-wop sound intertwined with R&B sensibilities. My favorite line in this song, "slow yourself down girl"! I smiled when I heard the intro to "Sunshower" because I knew who it was immediately. Such a breezy, "clean" song... with the right amount of balance/economy. It's remarkable when you've realized, they've taken music genres of the Americas and meshed them together to create something unique but still familiar. "White Tiger" is a favorite of mine because you hear Rock, R&B, and Gospel. It would take all of 5 minutes to arrange that song into an all out gospel song, I double clapped through out that song. Little Jimmie Scott what can I say, I'm running out of adjectives. He does what all great singer/musicians do, less is more. He can carry a song with the minimalist of support and Scott can either melt or break you heart. As my mother said, "Stay away from Scott's and Washington's music if you've had your heart broken because you could start thinking some foolish thoughts".


Great set Harle. Your mix-tape sounds so good. Damn Girl!!



=====
[Edited 3/4/10 8:15am]

LOVE Afro Disco Beat

I can't get around enjoying this mix long enough to review it. I'll try to throw something together soon.

TD3 said:

Shucks now

Just wanted you to know I can't listen til probably next week. I have short ass headphones that won't reach my head and my other pair only one side works you will get my feedback though!

cool!
[Edited 3/4/10 19:18pm]

I fell behind on listening to the mixes, but I'll probably play them all this weekend...I'm really anxious to hear this one, looking at the tracklist.

Sunshower is the sign of the power
Of lovin' you
Oh baaaaaby..
sunshower got me by the hour
Wanting u
Oh baby.





Bum-bum-bayooooo Love the background vox on this one too, and reminds me of my childhood.

I'm looking forward to this! I'm putting the finishing touches on my mix, and then I'll give this a spin!