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MUSIC FOR MARTIN, VOLUME 1

1/14/2019

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If you've followed Stubby's for a long time, you know that I have a particular fondness for Martin Luther King Day and have made an effort to collect music appropriate for same. I mean I've got a crapload of Christmas music and Halloween music. So then what? Nearly every song's a love song, so Valentines Day is too easy. Easter music sucks. Thanksgiving is about food and football. What am I gonna do? Arbor Day?

Martin Luther King Day is January 21, this year. The holiday appeals to me because Martin wasn't a king or a president or a general (or a savior or a saint or a Coca Cola icon...no offense, Santa). Martin was just a guy. A man with a cause. A man of peace, ostensibly. And I know some have differing opinions about Martin Luther King, Jr., but some have differing opinions about Christmas, too.

Much like Christmas music, music appropriate for Martin Luther King Day covers a large swath in many genres. There are the well known tunes, like "Abraham, Martin and John", and all kinds of more interesting music, if you dig a little deeper.

Anyway, it's always been on my bucket list to do an MLK mix and I finally did one. "Music For Martin" was originally intended to be a two disc set. The first disc came together quite easily. I've so far struggled with the second. I've got a lot of great Blues I want to use, but many of those tracks were recorded upon his death and it got to be a bit of a downer. Have to work on that. That's not to say Volume 1 is a frivolous party soundtrack. It's got some depth to it, but it's got some balance as well--hope mixed with struggle. I like the way it came out. Your mileage may vary.

So, anyway, "Music For Martin, Volume 1" is up on Mixcloud. First time I've ever messed with Mixcloud. Or you can just listen to it here. Track list below the player. Time cues are approximate. All of the tracks should be available for purchase or download somewhere. The only one you might have trouble locating without a link is "MLK Knock @ Midnight" by kymone, which is a free download on Soundcloud.

00:00 Symphony of Brotherhood - Miri Ben-Ari (2006)
04:38 Abraham, Martin and John - Dion (1968)
07:48 Next Stop, MLK - Jaspects (2006)
13:52 (I Have) A Dream - Common & Will I Am (2007)
17:27 The Alabama Bus - Brother Will Hairston (1956)
21:52 The Jail House King - Bob Starr (1963)
23:48 Keep On Pushing - The Impressions (1964)
26:34 A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke (1964)
29:42 Back To Birmingham - Dry September (2008)
35:09 The Ballad of Birmingham - Jerry Moore (1967)
39:18 MLK Knock @ Midnight - kymone (2018)
47:05 March On, March On - Oliver Nelson (1960)
51:46 Civil Rights (MLK) - Natty Nation (2012)
55:24 Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield (1971)
58:55 Night Train To Memphis - Bobby Hebb (1960)
1:00:43 Memphis City Blues - 8 Ball & MJG (2005)
1:05:07 Final Speech (excerpt) - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1968)
1:09:01 Motel In Memphis - Old Crow Medicine Show (2008)
1:13:19 Up To The Mountain - Patty Griffin (2007)

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JAMES GEDEON - SOME CHILDREN SEE HIM

1/18/2016

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Happy MLK Day. Most years, I'll look around the webs to see what new MLK music is out there. Its one of those holidays that I hold in high esteem, even if few others do (possibly even because of that). But I'm just tired, yo. I feel like I left it all on the table this past year and, Lord knows, I ain't gettin' any younger.

Instead, we have a taste of an artist who is hoping to release a Christmas album in 2016.

James Gedeon plies his trade in northern New Jersey, for the most part--an area I lived in for a few years back in the 80s--and in New York. Gedeon's "sound" I'd call Soft Rock. The tunes from his 2004 CD, "This Is Me" (some of which you can hear here and here), remind me of America during their peak Soft Rock days, more than anything else, though the usual comparison artist is James Taylor (which I can see).

James has plans for both a new non-holiday album this year and a new acoustic Christmas album near its end. Let's hope he gets to all of it. He did post a number of Christmas standards up on YouTube this past December. "Some Children See Him" was posted December 25 and, as is usual with Christmas songs that go live on Christmas, probably very few people got to hear it.

Keep up with everything James is up to via Facebook and his web site.

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SOME NEW MUSIC FOR MLK DAY

1/16/2012

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Happy Martin Luther King Day, y'all. As you may know, if you frequent this space, MLK Day is one of my favorite holidays on the calendar. Sure, this is a House of Christmas, but Stubby has plenty of love for the music of other holidays and occasions. You can always find more Martin Luther King music by clicking on the Mlk Day link in our "categories" list to the right and, well, the Fa is doing some maintenance right now, but there's always the Music For Martin thread over at Imwan. And both Paste and Billboard have lists of their own, today, of some of the best and most memorable musical tributes to Dr. King. Let's see what new discoveries we can find for my--I of course mean your--Martin Luther King, Jr. music library.

Fold is a UK based collective of socially conscious Trip Hop artists and I really like what they've done on their "debut" EP "We Must Speak". The technique of using Dr. King's words and speeches in the mix has, frankly, been done to death at this point. But that doesn't mean some creative person can't come along and do it so well that they simply can't be ignored. Fold has done that, here, on the title track and on the other MLK piece "A Revolution Of Values". (I haven't yet had the chance to check out the tracks featuring the other luminaries.) "We Must Speak", in particular, has a nice, gritty and bluesy feel to it and also manages to convey a part of Dr. King's message. If they had been making Trip Hop records in the late sixties, they probably would have sounded very much like this one.

"We Must Speak" is offered up as a "name your price" item through Bandcamp, but it's also available worldwide through Amazon and iTunes and Spotify, and fully three-quarters of all profits earned will go to actually making a positive difference in the world via Kiva (which looks like a really cool organization) and The Tax Justice Network. So at least stop and think a bit before you reflexively enter "0" in the little box.

One of the biggest names stepping forward this year with a song appropriate for Martin Luther King Day is Allison Crowe who, back in July, released a two-sided single pairing her original "Arthur" with that great MLK inspired song "Up To The Mountain", written by Patty Griffin and previously performed by the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Susan Boyle, and Crystal Bowersox. This one's not free, but Allison's typically wonderful performance of The MLK Song is easily worth the 99 cents it will cost you at Amazon. Or, better yet, get both tracks through Bandcamp for $1.49--roughly 75 cents per song (a la carte, "Up To The Mountain" is 89 cents at Bandcamp).

OK, in the earlier version of this posting, I seem to have confused Sheree Brown with Sherree Brown. I'm still not sure if these are the same person or two different people (though, more and more, I suspect the latter). So forget everything I said below and just watch the video of "We Shall Overcome/We Can Change A Lot Of Things".

Sherree Brown (formerly Sherree Ford-Payne) has been kickin' it for years, having sung with everyone from the great Nancy Wilson on up through Whitney Houston and Idol contemporaries like Kelly Clarkson. She's frequently written and recorded with Patrice Rushen. Sherree is a Dove Award winner and her music frequently turns up in movie soundtracks. And, hey, she also had a Christmas record (released in 2009), so you know we're fans at Stubby's. This medley of "We Shall Overcome/We Can Change A Lot Of Things" caught my ear because it's upbeat and so much of the music inspired by MLK can be dour. The video is newly released and, right now, the medley doesn't seem to be available (free or otherwise), but then again Sherree is about 6 days away from unveiling her redesigned website so stay tuned. In the meantime, you can enjoy this video or this one, if you prefer.

There's been a lot of controversy over the drum major "quote" used on the Martin Luther King Memorial that was dedicated in 2011. King famously had said "If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter." By rewriting King's words to "I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness", supporters like Maya Angelou argued that the statue's creators made the Reverend "sound like an arrogant twit". The quotation on the Memorial, it has been announced, will be changed or corrected (and appropriately so, imho).

Before the controversy, however, Freddie Horstmann recorded a song referencing King's original quote. "MLK" is featured on Horstmann's 2-track single "A Drum Beat For Righteousness". The bluesy flip-side "Blues Man" is also an appropriate track for Martin Luther King Day. I dig the chorus on the latter, which has a bit of a stripped down Jim Morrison and the Doors feel, though I haven't made up my mind on that song as a whole. As for "MLK", I like it a lot (even though, again, the devise of using King actualities is getting old). It's a socially conscious Folk Rock tune from the Los Angeles based artist. If nothing else, you can see through this song why altering King's original quote completely changed it's meaning and intent. You can get both songs for free on Bandcamp.

He Had a Dream (Martin Luther King) by Billy Grisack

Billy Grisack writes and sings Rock and Roll music for kids as Mr. Billy. Speaking as an adult, he's actually pretty good at finding that musically sweet spot that can hold the attention of both the young and not-so-young (though I suspect those in their late teens and early twenties won't be making up Billy's core audience anytime soon). This past year, we kind of missed Billy's Christmas album, so we'll toss in a mention of "It's Christmas Everywhere!" here (I recommend "Jingle Hop", if you're interested).

Mr. Billy is fairly prolific and a lot of his gigs, no doubt, are holiday centric. So it's really no surprise that a Martin Luther King track is on the way. You can currently stream "He Had A Dream" at Soundcloud or using the widget above, but you won't actually be able to acquire it until Billy releases "Rock And Roll All Night" later this year. Good to know, though, because...again...upbeat.

Always looking for something new and different, here's an excellent original piece from JAH Boogie, a Roots Reggae artist fronting the Madison, Wisconsin band Natty Nation. You might wonder how authentic a Reggae band from America's heartland can be. Listen to "Civil Rights" and I think you'll agree the answer is "pretty darn authentic". This one's a Bandcamp freebie and you won't even need an email address--instant download all the way. Yah mon.

MLK Tribute. "Pienso in ti" Martin Luther King Jr. A Daveed Martinez- Edit by Daveed Martinez

New Jersey's DJ Daveed Martinez has posted a nice House mix of "Penso In Ti" for free download on Soundcloud. Martin Luther King has previously inspired some classic House music--most notably Mr. Fingers' "Can You Feel It? (I Have A Dream Remix)". "Penso In Ti" has a very nice Smooth Jazz feel and should be accessible to folks not usually predisposed to House music. And, you know, free. That's always good. I should probably mention that this download is a "wav" file.

I love Daniel D. Daniel D. is sort of this generation's Jean-Luc Ponty...making the violin super cool once again. Daniel's music includes Jazz, Hip Hop, Gospel, straight up R&B... Honestly, anybody who thinks the violin is only for classical, country and cajun needs to lend their ears to Daniel D.

For Martin Luther King Day 2012, Daniel D. recorded a fairly straight forward but nonetheless moving rendition of "We Shall Overcome" in tribute to the slain Civil Rights leader. About the only place you'll find it, right now, is CD Baby and it'll run you $1.29. You should also check out "The Dream Today" from the 2010 release "Serenade".

2012 will see the induction of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech into the Grammy Hall of Fame (it was released on 20th Century Fox records in 1963), so we'll leave you with that one today. Take a moment or two today, and every day, to think about Dr. King's messages of peace, equality, brotherhood, solidarity, justice and more. Peace, y'all.

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JOSE JAMES - THE DREAMER

1/15/2012

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If you don't already know Jose James, you should and you will. Jose James was voted the Best Rising Star Male Vocalist of 2011 in a DownBeat Critics Poll. And the awards have been coming fast and furious since at least 2010. Born and raised in Minnesota and based in the UK, James is a young Jazz vocalist who has earned attention and praise for embracing the influence and sounds of Hip Hop in his work, but there's plenty of Blues, Bop and Cool in his style as well. "The Dreamer" was the title track of James' full-length 2008 debut, though the song actually dates back a year or more before that. I don't know that James had Martin Luther King, Jr. in mind when he wrote "The Dreamer", but you can see from this fan video that, if he didn't consciously intend the association, it surely must have been in his subconscious. Call it divine inspiration. Check the Free page for our latest entry there...a free download of James' version of "The Christmas Song" (it's mid-January, so don't dawdle).

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LORD BRYNNER - MARTIN LUTHER KING

1/11/2012

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Here's an oldie but a goodie from 60's Calypso star Lord Brynner. Lord Brynner (real name Kade Simon, born 1937) took his name and his shaved-head look from actor Yul Brynner who was popular at the time. Trinidad celebrated their independence in 1962 with a Calypso competition and Brynner was it's champion. His best known song--these days, anyway--is likely "Congo War", and you can find that one at the usual outlets. But you'll have to haunt the collector and vinyl outlets for 1968's "Martin Luther King" since very little of Lord Brynner's music seems to have ever been re-issued in the digital age. You'll find a few tracks on this Japanese collector's import and a Ska number, "Where's Sammy Gone", on the album "Wailers And Friends" (Bob Marley and the boys were Brynner's backing band on that song). Brynner, who died in the 80's, also recorded a version of "I Shall Be Released".

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HEATHERLYN - PUT ON YOUR CLIMBING SHOES

1/10/2012

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We're rapidly coming up on Martin Luther King Day, which I still maintain is one of the most important--and certainly one of the most truly American--holidays on the calendar. MLK Day may be one of the only holidays in the world that is not about a political leader, a military individual or victory, or a religious observance (though you could make an argument on all three). Martin Luther King Day honors a man who had a dream and a vision of peace, equality, and brotherhood.

Among the latest musical tributes to Dr. King is this song from Minnesota's Heatherlyn, "Put On Your Climbing Shoes", which was released in September. Unfortunately (IMHO), individual songs can not be purchased--you have to buy the entire album. And, in fact, CD Baby is the only site I've found where you can even purchase the album digitally at all, though hard copy CDs are available there or through Amazon and you can preview "Storydwelling" on Bandcamp. I do love my hard copies, but I also like having options. Anyway, it's a good song and a worthy tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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KING DREAM CHORUS & HOLIDAY CREW - KING HOLIDAY

1/17/2011

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This little song, written to honor the recognition of Martin Luther King Day as a national holiday, featured Whitney Houston, The Fat Boys, Run DMC, Stephanie Mills, The New Edition, Whodini, Menudo, Kurtis Blow, Stacey Latislaw, James J.T. Taylor, Lisa Lisa & Full Force, Grandmaster Melle Mel, El DeBarge, and the late Teena Marie. "King Holiday" is still unavailable on CD, so far as I can determine.

My interest in Martin Luther King Day music was largely inspired by the unending assaults on that particular holiday. School districts and states (mostly southern) seem to constantly maintain that we have just one two many federal holidays on our calendar and that the world would be put in perfect balance and all of the world's problems solved if we just eliminated this one. Bull pucky! It's thinly veiled racism and nothing less. One too many holidays? Target Columbus Day or Presidents Day, then. Those are just glorified mattress sales days anyway. Martin Luther King Day is too damned important to mess with. I don't say that for reasons of race or because of the movement. I say it because it is the only truly and uniquely American holiday on the calendar. Every nation on this planet has its holidays. They mark religious dates of importance (such as Christmas), political and/or military dates of importance (such as Independence Day), they honor political leaders (such as Presidents Day) or military leaders and heroes (such as Veterans Day). Every nation in the world has these, or some variation thereof. Only in America do we honor a man of peace who was neither a political nor a military leader. Only in America would we even think to do that. It is a holiday in celebration not of our national accomplishments, but of our dreams and aspirations. Martin Luther King Day is a reflection of the best part of the American soul and every attack on Martin Luther King Day as a national holiday diminishes us. Download Dr. King's I Have A Dream speech free through the Internet Archive.

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MR. FINGERS - CAN YOU FEEL IT? (I HAVE A DREAM REMIX)

1/16/2011

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BILLY TAYLOR - HIS NAME WAS MARTIN

1/14/2011

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There were three artists who, over time, made me a jazz fan. There was Joe Williams, a frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, whose baritone voice was as smooth as silk and as rich as dark chocolate. There was Oscar Brown, Jr., host of the 80s PBS series "From Jump Street". And there was Billy Taylor, who seemed ever present as I grew up--first as musical director for David Frost's television show, then as a contributor to CBS Sunday Morning. Billy always exuded joy, warmth and class, making the case that jazz is America's classical music. Joe Williams died in 1999, Oscar Brown, Jr. in 2005. Billy Taylor passed away on December 28, 2010. I'd have done an obit, here, but I can't add anything to the fine job done by my friend at The Christmas Yuleblog.

As the Ambassador of Jazz (official or unofficial), Billy Taylor of course composed a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Taylor was commissioned to do this by the Atlanta Symphony and the result was "The Peaceful Warrior Suite". There are three parts to the suite, "It's A Matter Of Pride", "If You Really Are Concerned, Then Show It", and "His Name Was Martin". You can stream the Atlanta Symphony version (and read a bit more about it) on Billy's web site. If, like me, you prefer your jazz in a more traditional jazz setting, Billy's compositions for Dr. King are included on the GRP album "It's A Matter Of Pride", featuring the vocals of Grady Tate.

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UP TO THE MOUNTAIN - KELLY CLARKSON (with JEFF BECK)

1/12/2011

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The Patty Griffin video of "Up To The Mountain" (below) is a bit out of sync (which drives me nuts) and the other versions from her seem to be of the cell phone camera variety. So here's the Kelly Clarkson version from "Idol Gives Back" 2007.

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<<Previous

MUSIC FOR MARTIN, VOLUME 1

JAMES GEDEON - SOME CHILDREN SEE HIM

SOME NEW MUSIC FOR MLK DAY

JOSE JAMES - THE DREAMER

LORD BRYNNER - MARTIN LUTHER KING

HEATHERLYN - PUT ON YOUR CLIMBING SHOES

KING DREAM CHORUS & HOLIDAY CREW - KING HOLIDAY

MR. FINGERS - CAN YOU FEEL IT? (I HAVE A DREAM REMIX)

BILLY TAYLOR - HIS NAME WAS MARTIN

UP TO THE MOUNTAIN - KELLY CLARKSON (with JEFF BECK)

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