"Where are the lyrics?"
"There are none."
Then how is it music?"
Hmmm.
One of my old favorites, Level 42, were once known for their funky and fiery instrumentals. As the years passed, they made more of an effort to produce short and sweet pop songs, complete with many words to help us understand what we should think about it.
They were brilliant at eventually making hits, but I did miss the old jazz-funk vibes.
So in 1988, they told me that if I bought the CD instead of the LP, I would get a new bonus Level 42 instrumental track. Yes, they would surely be back in form.
As it turned out, the entire album was a reinvention, and the new guitarist, Alan Murphy, added a totally different feel.
"Gresham Blues" was not the usual slap-and-pop from Mark King's bass, with some rhythmic staccato additions from Mike Lindup's electric piano. This was actually a real jazz tune, both slow and enticing, and it equally had the sounds of melancholy and of hope.
Oftentimes, notes can say more than words. It was that way for me with this tune. I'll shut my trap now, and let you find your own meaning in it.
Level 42, "Gresham Blues" from Staring at the Sun (1988)
I'm late as usual but thank you for this. Gresham Blues is one of my all time fave tracks regardless of the genre. I bought the CD from a market seller in Malta 1989 while on holiday there. I had taken a small CD/Radio/Cassette and when I got back to my apartment I played it instantly and was pretty blown away by the whole album.
ReplyDeleteHowever, this final track had me completely mesmerized. I listened over and over again. It seemed to be pulling something out of my brain or heart or emotions. I've never managed to put my finger on what is was or is, so I just like to think of it as a moment in time when a piece of music happened to be in synchronicity with my being.
Once again, thank you.
It is always a joy to find a kindred spirit. The only paltry word to describe this track may be "haunting".
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