Its also the time of years when we're building up to Christmas. It's a time of year of which I'm not particularly fond of……musically. I dread the constant diarrhea of Christmas songs on repeat. The repeats of Christmas films, adverts, crazy shopping. The added element of madness, in a society already overflowing with such.

For someone who doesn't celebrate Christmas, it's complete mayhem. If you're like me, let me know how you cope, especially with the Christmas entertainment.

Until next time……

Amy Winehouse was singing ‘Valerie’, that sultry soulful voice, what a set of pipes. I just had to do my best and sing along. I was transported to another place another to time. Then she did her version of ‘heard it through the grapevine’, that classic by Marvin. I was on a natural high. No joke. Then it was the gloriously delicious tones from Mali, the one and only ; Oumou Sangaré, Beautiful, not many others words are needed to express my love for this woman. I was in Timbuktu with the woman herself. If you haven't heard of her you don't know what you're missing. Then it was the turn of Mr Michael, what a voice! Like Amy he was taken from us too early. He was in America, I mean singing the song America. Strange, but for someone who considers themselves a fan, this was the first time I've ever heard that song. As usual I couldn't fault him.

And on and on, as Erykah Badu would say, we went. I /we had a great time just listening to and enjoying great music. It was a blast. This is just but a snapshot, of this glorious music session.

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First up I had a friend who was a punk rocker and was mad about the Clash. I was invited to go and see the clash when they were playing in an area nearby. But with all of the gobbing (spitting) that went on, I just said no, not for me. I could have also seen the Pistols, etc. I bought tickets for the X X twice and didn't remember the dates! Same with the late Roy Ayres. I had a ticket to see Mavis Staples, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I didn't go. The same thing happened with ; Lloyd Cole and the commotions.

But I feel redeemed in that, I saw Queen with Freddie. Bob Marley and the Wailers. The Jam, who were incidentally, immortalised in song by Mr Marley (check out Punky reggae party). Led Zeppelin at Knebworth. The Rolling stones with Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts. Morgan Heritage with Peter ‘Peetah’ Morgan. Tony Bennett. Bob Dylan. Boston. Rush. Status quo. Thin Lizzy. AC/DC with Bon Scott. The Specials. Fun Boy three. Soft Cell. Elvis Costello & the attractions. Def Leopard, in a small club. This was when they were promoting their first single release. The original Duran Duran. George Clinton and Parliament. Kill Scott. Beyonce and J-Z.

Of course there's still time to see some of the acts mentioned. But for those who're no longer with us. I could kick myself.

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Sorry about the sound quality. But the visuals were fantastic !

The appeal of this interest in jazz, can be attributed to renewed interest in it's complex rhythm, improvisation, and expressive melodies. Streaming platforms have reported a noticed percentage of the under 30’s streaming the music, indicating a broader appeal. ln the live music scene. Jazz is making its presence felt, from major festivals, to jazz nights in the underground jazz movement, and unique act catering for loyal fans.

Jazz artists are are exploring new sounds, and blending traditional elements with within other genres creating fresh, yet familiar appeal. Even if you're not the biggest jazz head. You can't help but notice, how it's being incorporated into other genres. Such as, hip-hop, brunch jazz and festivals, bringing people together to share a love for the music.

It's main players have already appeared. Gen Z acts Laufrey - pronounced Lay-vay - , Domi & JD Beck have been steadily building new audiences for older feeling sounds for a few years ago. Domi & JD earned Grammy nominations for best new artists in 2022 and Iceland's Laufrey was nominated for the best Trad pop vocal album. In 2023, Samara Joy Young was a 3 x Grammy winner. Fame was on the horizon for Britain's own jazz band the Ezra collective. In 2024, ex - American President, Barrack Obama, placed their track : God save my feet from dancing, on his list of top 25 favourite tracks. The following year 2025. The band became the first jazz band to win the coveted band of the year award at the BRITS. Well done you !

Some will argue that Jazz only becomes popular when big artists team up with biggies in the genre. For example, in recent years, Amy Winehouse teamed up with Sinatra and Lady Gaga teamed up with Tony Bennett. I beg to differ. What about Gregory Porter? Some of the purists might not view Mr Porter as a bona fide jazz musician. But the music has always existed. And Gregory is popular, and has steadily increased in popularity over recent years. He's also performed at the Royal Albert hall on several occasions. As have Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra. There has also been notable performance from the likes of : Ella Fitzgerald, Wynton Marsalis and George Benson over the years.

John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, etc. Have never been out of fashion, in my books. Lovers of music the world over, have always found a special place for their work in their records collections. Miles Davis ‘A kind of Blue’, is the best selling jazz album of all time. Having sold 5 million plus copies in the U.S.A. alone and over 10 million copies worldwide. John Coltrane's ‘A Love Supreme’, became the first album from the ‘60’s to achieve platinum status in the U.S.A. and has gone onto sell 3 million copies, and counting. The Koln Concert by : Keith Jarrat from 1975 with over 4 million sales is the best selling solo Jazz album. The albums ‘Chet’ by : Chet Baker, ‘Ella and Louis' by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, have also sold in the millions. This is by no means an exhaustive list.

So although we have this new resurgence, and interest in the music. It has and will always exist. Irrespective of trends and popularity. Jazz music has always been popular. Good music is good music.

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Like all of us, on opening up this app, i was prompted to write something. So in a flash of musical inspiration, that's exactly what I did. I began to write about something. Incidentally, I'm referring to that evergreen song, by none other than, Mr George Harrison. ‘Something’ what a song ! It's described by many as one of, if not the greatest love songs of all time. One of the fab four’s (The Beatles) most popular recordings, second only to ‘Yesterday’ by Paul McCartney.

But how did this song come about what was the inspiration for this song? For a long time, it was assumed that the song was about George's first wife, Pattie Boyd. Who also appeared in the Beatles promotional film for the song. However, George offered alternative sources of inspiration in later interviews. He told his friends from the Hare Krishna Movement, that the song was inspired by, and about the Hindu deity Krishna. He later admitted to Pattie, that the song was inspired by and about her.

Owing to the difficulties he faced in getting two tracks of his compositions on a Beatles album. The song was first offered to the singer, Joe Cocker. Good for George that he actually recorded the song himself, and got it on the, Abbey Road album along with his other song for the album : ‘Here comes the sun’. The song begun to develop during the White album sessions. But due to the fact that the melody of the song came so easy. George thought he must have copied it from someone else. He did however lift the first line of the song ‘Something in the Way She Moves’ from Apple records mate, James Taylor, who penned a song of the same title. George decided to put the song on the back burner. When presented to the band and George Martin, the band’s long time producer during a later sessions, it was originally rejected. Though stand in producer, Chris Thomas, stood by the song. The original version of ‘Something’ was eight minutes long. This was due to a Lennon extended piano jam, which was later removed. How did the song fare in the end?

Something was such a success that it topped the American billboard, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, West German, and Singapore charts. It reached number four in the UK. It was George's first A-side Beatles single. It was also covered by Joe Cocker, but also went on to be covered by over 150 artists. Among them Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Shirley Bassy, Frank Sinatra who went on to say regarding ‘Something’. It's the Greatest love song of the Last 50 years”. It's the second most covered song by the Beatles, after ‘Yesterday’. In 1999, Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) named it the 17th- most performed song of the 20th century, with 5 million performances.

So, there we have it. I was faced with a blank canvas. And like the saying goes, I made something out of nothing. Like it or not the song ‘Something’ has stood the test of time. It's still as popular today, as it was when it was originally released. You just can't keep a good song down.

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Thought that might pique your interest. Or to put the title another way. Upload, download and 16 bits. What am I talking about you may ask?

Digital music 🍏 and the streaming of. The uploading, downloading the bit rate,etc. You get the picture. Nowadays most of us consume our music by this means, it's become second nature. Our brains are hard wired to do it. Whether radio, digital platforms, etc. it's now the norm, commonplace. And of course we can see the reasons why. Convenience and efficiency. Just think of the number of tracks one can consume and store for free on our devices! A feat unimaginable just a relatively few years ago. And the quality, so clean, clear and precise.

Can you remember the first digital recording available for mass consumption? It was of course : Brothers in arms ; by the band Dire Straits. And what a furoe that CD caused! Everyone was talking about the sound the quality, including myself. You couldn't fault it. Think of the track ; money for nothing, and the way the compress guitar sounds of Mark Knopfler guitar hit the ears, especially if you listened via headphones. And the title track itself ! Aural magic! This became the standard, or tried to.

But hears the rub. Some would argue against this clear, clinical sound. In favour of something with more warmth and humanity. Enter the vinyl recorded, remember them? We still have many purists and connoisseurs, who swear by the warm sounds of vinyl. Not only this, many of us like something tangible. Something we can touch, feel and examine. Remember back in the day, remember the excitement of buying the record (or CD) looking at the sleeve notes, the photography, the illustrations. Finding out who played on the recording, the producer, where the recording was made, who wrote the songs. This is something which can't be done with streaming the streaming of music.

I grew up in an era when this was the norm. Those were the days, some, including myself would say. But streaming and digital music are here to stay. Like it or not, this is a fact. And even with the current resurgence, and popularity of vinyl. It'll never be the same.

Ahhh, the good old vinyl and to an extent, CD.

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Until next time…………………..

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It's the language we all understand sang Steve Wonder on the track “Sir Duke” from his 1976 album : Songs in the key of life. The song was of course that classic written about, Duke Ellington. I distinctly remember hearing, Paul Gambaccini doing the countdown, of the American album chart, and playing that track from the album. But I digress.

The subject was of course music. And ain't that the truth? Isn't music and international language? A language that transcends race, racists, religion, age, culture, gender, etc. Have you had the opportunity to travel to a foreign country, a country where your language isn't the native tongue. And haven't you been to a local, or even national event, and heard a song played in your language. Didn't you feel amazed, surprised, to hear others humming, singing along to that very same song?

Music is the great communicator, sung byAnthony Kideis of the red hot chilli peppers in the song ‘standing in line’. Music is used with great effect, to rouse nations to war by means of stirring up patriotic fervour. It's used to mobilise people to the voting station, to cast their votes for a particular campaign party candidate. It's used to unify sports fans, who adopt a particular song or anthem for their team respective teams. Popular songs have also long been used to sell products. From a pen to a plane. And why? Because music is a international language, one we all understand. Music speaks to us, moves us, comforts us, makes us fantastically happy or profoundly sad.

This beggars belief because, as an example there are twenty six letters in the English language. But only twelve notes in western music! When presented in this manner, it demonstrates to me the vast amount of power which music possesses. Truly remarkable! Where will i be for my summer vacation?

One thing's for sure. Wherever it may be. I can take comfort in the fact that I'll be understood, by means of music.

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I think the first time I heard the song, and saw the video together, was on the Kenny Everett show. Remember him? Freddie and Kenny were very good friends. The song was Freddie's baby, but, due to its duration, EMI the band’s record label, were afraid of releasing it. Freddie insisted, and eventually got his own way. Up until this point, no one had ever heard of a single of such duration. EMI didn't think that the radio station would play a song of such duration, in it's full entirety. But how wrong they were.

Bohemian rhapsody, is behemoth of a song. This song broke away from the norm. In terms of song composition, structure, arrangement and form. In this song, we have an introductory vocal arrangement. Which consists of, Freddie, Brian and Roger. These three distinctive voices, are put though a vocal harmoniser/phaser. “Is this the real life”, they begun. We then hear Freddie singing, and accompanying himself on the ivories. Next, we have the opera section. Bismillah, Freddie pleads, but he won't be let go! Check out Roger's high pitched vocals! Then we have the rock section. Enter Brian, although, I do believe that it was Freddie, who actually wrote the guitar part. Stunning vocals from from Freddie! Did you find yourself getting caught up and loosing yourself? Did you play air guitar? Perfectly normal, given the dramatic intensity. Then we were brought back down to earth. And as Freddie sings, nothing really matters. The finale!

The video, was also a first in many ways. True, there had been videos made to accompany songs before. The Beatles, Marc Bolan & T - rex, David Bowie, etc. However, this was the first video made, with the specific aim of promoting a song. Bruce Gowers, was the man behind this video. He helped to bring the bands vision to life. And what a vision it is. The equipment used, to make the video was very primitive. But it demonstrates the old adage very well. It's not what you have, but it's what you do with what you have. The band demonstrated what can potentially happen, when very creative, and furtile minds unite. Of course today, this could be made faster than you can say, Fandango. Can you imagine the creative possibilities, if the band had access to AI back then ?

Suddenly, it was standard practice, for every musician to have a video accompany, their single realeses. This was an extremely effective way of introducing and presenting a new band or artist to a new audience. Far more effective than just an interview. Enter the MTV generation !

This was the age of no expense spared videos. It appeared that everyone was trying to out do each other, with the amount they'd spend on their creations. Sheer and unapologetic excess ! Thriller, Michael Jackson. Girls on film, Duran Duran. Sledgehammer, Peter Gabriel. Take on me, Ha Ha ! ………

Look at what they started ! True pioneers.

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Any way the wind blows.

Reparation. From time immemorial the black race has suffered greatly. This is no secret. In the light of such suffering and the basic rights and privileges denied. Many black people the world over, are vehemently demanding, and on a mission for this disparity to be addressed and fixed.

This great disparity is seen and felt on many levels. Including : economical, educational, social and judicial .In this the 21st century, when man is able to use the internet to connect with people the world over, from the comfort of your phone. Friendships are forged, which facilities the opening of the eyes, to new cultures, the achievements and plights of nations and individuals. You would have thought that these disparities, would have not only been addressed, but fixed long before now. So why this vacious void, and great chasm of inequality?

We're revered and celebrated for our culture, music, fashion, art, athleticism and world changing inventions. Not enough is known of the latter. And what's known is only because of black history month, MONTH ! These world changing inventions and inventors, should be taught on every school curriculum the world over. Just as, Issac Newton, Louis Pastour, Henry Ford, William Shakespeare, etc.

Why aren't we equally uplifted, applauded, recognised, embraced and financially rewarded for our great contributions to the world? This should be on the agenda of all those responsible for change - which obviously includes us - however there's only so much that we can do. And our effort are not always met with success. But if these changes were made, and vigorously implemented. Just think of how it would greatly empower. Empower primarily our youths, which would in turn foster a new narrative of “ I can “ . This would, I believe, begin to end generational low achievement expectation. First and foremost among, young black men, and especially in the western world. This in turn, would eventually shatter long held, and perpetuated stereotypical expectations.

But in all reality, will this really happen on the world wide stage of humanity? And if so when?

Which government? Which individual? and Why has it not yet happened?

I know why?

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What a start to the month of March for music fans! First we heard the tragic new of the passing of the songbird : Roberta Flack. Who doesn't love the evergreen, killing me softly? What a classic. I'm sure that this is a go to for the ladies. A song note, if you will, to fondly remind them of their significant halves. I wonder if it's for this reason why a certain, Lauren Hill, of the group the Fugees, did her version of this song? Then there's the equally excellent ; First time I ever saw your face. What a superb heart wrencher of a song. Some would say that they prefer this song, to killing me softly, for the same reasons mentioned for that song. And who can challenge them, if that's their choice.

I must admit I wasn't su fait, with Roberta. I do ever like those chestnuts. What a vocal talent. And of course, not to forget the duos which Roberto did with amoung others. Perbo Bryson, etc. Roberta’s a great loss to the music world. Suffice to say, that she'll live on forever through her music.

Next we heard of the passing of Angie Stone. Angie went far too young. I am a fan of Angie, and had the pleasure and privilege of seeing her in concert. The first time, if my memory serves me right, was at the Forum in Kentish town, London UK. Angie was a big woman, with a voice and stage presence to match. She delivered, a sterling performance! All the favourites, and classics were presented for our delight.

The sublime, No more Rain (in this cloud ), I wanna thank ya, Life story, wish I didn't miss you, and of course the rythimic and soul rousing, Brotha and my man. I know that saw Angie on another occasion. Where, I can't recall at present. It could have been the Brixton academy, in London UK. I don't even remember, if she played a gig there. But what does it matter? The point is that I like, and had the privilege of seeing the great Angie Stone, in concert, up close and personal.

Our sunshine has truly gone!

Next we heard of the passing of : Roy Ayres! With summer on the way in the northern hemispheres. Most of us will be including the evergreen ; Sunshine, on our playlists. Think summer cookouts and barbecues. Athough I liked and admired , Roy Ayres, I can't call myself an ardent fan. One because I don't know enough about the man and his music. And also, I only started to get into his music, relatively recently. But what was unique about Roy, was that he made it cool to include the xylophone in black, popular music. Something which hadn't been done before. This opened up the creative musical doors for many musicians. Many began using and experimenting with musical instruments, not usually used in certain genres of music. I purchase a copy of a double C.D., which contains all of the more well known tracks by Roy. Sometimes it's played on repeat.

I had the opportunity to see Roy in concert, once at the Jazz cafe in Camden, London UK. And also at another venue in London. I'm can't quite remember if for some reason, maybe COVID. The first gig was cancelled and was rescheduled for the second venue. Or if they were two completely separate and unrelated gigs. But sad to say………. drumroll !! I completely forgot! I only realised after the gig/s that i’d missed out on attending.

This is so heartbreaking. I actually had the opportunity to witness this man in concert, but didn't remember to go. I could kick myself. I'll never get the chance again. For all those who had the opportunity to see Roy in concert, and actually went, good for you.

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As one who likes words and increasingly the power and influence they carry. The ability to affect a person's wellbeing, to help heal, console and comfort…..

One the first bands who's lyrics transported me to places far and new in my imagination, was the Beatles. However, the first song which really hit me lyrically, was : All along the watchtower. It was Jimi Hendricks version of the Bob Dylan song. Non the less, I remember being transfixed and moved by these powerful word pictures. It was the first time I'd ever heard anything so lyrically imaginative. But, I digress..

Back to the Beatles. It was in Jamaica during the festive holidays of maybe 1967, when I heard the Beatles for the very first time. Incidentally, it was also the first time I'd heard the Jackson 5. I can't recall the songs that I heard. But, what I can recall was the unique and otherworldly sounds of the Beatles. The manner in which those vocals blended together. To bring into existence something which touched my senses, and is now instantly recognisable.

Fast forward a few years later in England. A school friend of mine was a huge fan of the band. This was back in the days when everyone would discuss who'd performed on top of the pops the previous night. By this time the Beatles had not too long disbanded. So, they'd never be mentioned in the top of the pops conversations. However my friend and I were music lovers. And we’d always be talking about and discussing the subject. And whenever we did, the Beatles would always be mentioned at some point during our chat. Being an avid fan, he knew far more than I about the band at the time.

I don't remember actually owning any Beatles material until a little later. First, I had a copy of, Love songs by the band on cassette tape. I then progressed to vinyl. It was either : Rubber soul or Revolver. I can't remember which was first.

I thought the rubber soul album was fantastic, as was the, Revolver album. The tracks were very for the most part, catchy, melodic, and a discovery. Take for example : Norwegian wood, on Rubber soul. I love the lyrics : “She told me she worked in the morning and started to laugh, I told her I didn't and went of to sleep in the bath”. And “Girl”, Lennon's bright and lazily delivered vocals. With the accentuated breathing during the chorus. It sounds as if he's inhaling a cigarette, at the end of each vocal of the word : Girl. A very playful and creative delivery. It just works! The we have : Drive my car , by Paul McCartney. A very imaginative and fun song, with fitting guitar work from, George Harrison…..

On Revolver the opening song just grabs the listener. McCartney’s mesmerising bassline on “Taxman” by George Harrison. What a song! Years later the same bassline formed the backbone of a song written by the well known musician and Beatles nut ; Paul Weller from the band, The Jam. The song in question was of course “Start”. “I'm only sleeping”, is a great carefree and relaxed song by : John Lennon. So unique, and it's stood the test of time. It still sounds relevant today, as with all of the songs by the fab four. There's always a new generation of people discovering the songs of the Beatles. Their songs have been covered by countless and diverse artists. From Frank Sinatra to Oasis. And a myriad of artists in-between.

Their songs and sounds will always live on. Maybe, just maybe like the Swedish band Abba. And others who've been resurrected, and have performed virtually on stage. Someone might do the same with the Beatles.

Would this be a good idea though? …….

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I've spent most of the day wrapped up in writing poetry. I've been reading, composing and posting it ony socials. I've recently started a new poetry group on Facebook ( Express and feel better poetry group).

It's as the name suggests. I've been trying to introduce this new group to friends and followers.

Anyway, after having my dinner, I'm feeling a little lethargic. So I've just retired to my bed. I'm not sleeping as yet, and probably won't for a while as I'm relaxing and listening to my radio. At present the music is a mashup of Jungle and conscious reggae. The D. J’s extremely hyped up and verbal. He singing and talking over the classic Bill Withers song : ain't no Sunshine.

I'll be locked into this station for a while. I probably be tempted to join in the singing myself……

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