Re: Various stuff, now just church & Curtis

bdwyer@nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu
Mon, 18 Mar 1996 17:52:03 -0500 (EST)


On Mon, 18 Mar 1996, Keith wrote:

> Speaking of the Church of John Coltrane, anyone ever been there? I think
> it would probably make me religious. Well, maybe not.

This is the church started by Alice C., right? Some of my dusty leetle
gray cells recall seeing a segment on this church in some PBS documentary
some time ago. Anyone else see that and recall what program it was? I
only can remember being impressed by the energy behind that effort.

> Keep an eye out on your local PBS station for a documentary on Curtis
> Mayfield called "Darker than Blue." I saw it last night and it really
> brought out how spiritual and in-touch Mayfield really is. I didn't
> realize it, but he is paralyzed from an accident a few years ago. It is
> sad to see such a great talent unable to express himself beyond
> speaking. The documentary showed a brief segment of the video for "Let's
> Do It Again" by the Repercussions.

Saw this one more recently. A great doc. I was also surprised and
disturbed to hear about what happened to Mayfield, but the program did
him and his music great justice. I've been hedging buying the comp of his
music by other artists, mainly because of the "pop" types on it. Anyone
have this and think it's worth getting? I do have the Marvin Gaye tribute
and like it for the most part. And yes, the track with Massive Attack
backing Madonna on the vocals is smooth and sweet. I've only heard
Madonna on MTV videos and have never been interested in her--music, that
is. Nona Gaye does justice to her old man on the first track and Neneh
Cherry grooves on "trouble man." Lisa Stansfield does a very soulful
"just to keep you satisfied," and, considering the recent attention on
the list, Stevie Wonder has a track here, "stubborn kind of fellow." I'm
not a great Wonder fan, but respect his music. The comp also has tracks
by Bono and Boyz II Men, but they didn't do much for me. The Sounds of
Blackness "God is love/mercy, mercy me" medley has a nice gospel sound to
it with the chorus. I wasn't very impressed by the Speech track, whoever
that is. And the Digable Planets' "Marvin, your're the man" comes off a
little weak for my taste, but then I haven't really paid attention to the
words yet.

Speaking of Neneh Cherry, I picked up her 92 release "Homebrew" in the
used bin. This is one album I'd missed but am glad I found. She does the
first track with Guru and the recording overall has an AJ flavor, but
with somewhat of a rock orientation, especially in the guitar work. The
second track features J$ on guitar (?).

Peace and out.

Bil
bdwyer@nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu