I know a guy who plays bagpipes in one of those bagpipe clubs that is always appearing at funerals and parades and such. I thought I'd impress him by dropping Rufus Harley's name and mentioning that he was one of the few jazz bagpipe cats out there. My guy said, yeah, he knew about Rufus, but wasn't that impressed with his piping. No EMCD for me, boo hoo, but then I said (begin embelishment here)oh yeah, well you've probably only heard the records he made for Joel Dorn at Atlantic (Recently reissued in their complete form by Rhino Handmade). Have you heard his earlier self released stuff. My piper said, no. Aha vindication! So folks this is the good Rufus, and it goes out to fistula spume, even though he probably has a signed copy already. Never(for me) have drums, b-3, and bagpipes come together like this, and lord knows, this is plenty.
Let's review Baaad Jazz 1,Funk Inc.
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Yeah, Rufus Harley. I went to a "Scotch" school and consequently carried an inate aversion to the bloody bagpipes for many years. But a while back Detroit turntablist Recloose dropped a RF number into a fantastic set he played in the backyard of my dear old record shop... maybe it was the sound of my youth that piqued my interest, I don't know, but this sure was a sound I hadn't before either. Matt (Recloose) showed me the LP, it was a beautiful looking thing, on a really obscure label with some wild Afrocentric-goes-Easter island graphics, and some pataphysical jive liner notes. I wanted it! I can't think of the title now, but I've got a feeling the label was "Ahnk" or something like that. I did since pick up a reissue of it, but it hasn't got that amazing limited edition 1970 feel of Recloose's copy. I'm pretty sure this track is off this LP, in fact it's probably the track I heard that night. I've also checked out some of that Atlantic stuff, and you're right, it's not in the same league. Although I think it's actually the Atlantic stuff that's earlier than this?
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Long time no speak, woolf. You are right about the timing. I pulled the track off a Ubiquity (Luv N' Haight)compilation called Evolution. It sez the track is from a 72 LP Creation of the Gods..Sounds like your record! it was the first I'd heard of him and I've bought a bunch of stuff since, but nothing compares. You got the right one,baby.
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I've been avoiding MOG cos when I need to be getting stuff done, like work for example, it's a killer. But when I saw you'd posted on RF just had to comment, and now here I am stuck on MOG again, and as always I shouldn't be doing this right now! Funny thing, I had all those Luv n Haight comps since when they first came out (early 90s?), and I played most of them a bit, but for some reason the RF track didn't register with me then. Those bagpipes must have still been a fresh wound in my ears at the time, but I don't think that's why. As always, the time and place when you listen to something can be as important as the music itself. Hey I know you'll dig this - my 11yo son is having his school fair this weekend, and we've just been invited to do a father'n'son DJ set. Might even bust out that RF LP!
btw, posted something on your country/soul thread also...
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Nice tune. I'm surprised, though. I would've thought that the physical limitations (both in terms of notes available and articulations) would've made that sort of thing harder to do. I'm comes out very well, indeed, though.Wish I'd heard it before.
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A day early, but who's complaining? Jeez, this is fon-kay into the red zone.
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"one of the few jazz bagpipe cats . . . "
I wasn't aware there were ANY jazz bagpipe cats out there. Thanks for posting this! Didn't know the bagpipes could be so funky.
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New (to me) and unusual... I like it. Thank you. Who's on organ?
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Yo werewoolf, thanks for taking time out. Can you answer meSteve's question? 'Cause I just don't know the answer, and I need to get to work,too. But fuck work, I got the organist off of dusty groove where the vinyl is available!
@samuraijohnny- I try to be funny, that was my attempt, glad you liked the tune
@meSteve-The answer is Bill Mason..I have an album by him on Eastbound, and I think I'm gonna recheck it. Thanks for getting me off my duff to find out.
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One more thin woolf, that is so cool, about you and your son DJ'ing. That sounds like tons of fun. Enjoy
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addendum..Re-Creation of the Gods, Ankh Records, 1972 Rufus at Dusty Groove
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jazz bagpipes! jazz bagpipes? jazz bagpipes...
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Leave it to CodyB to post something on Jazzy Piper Rufus. Luv Yah, baby. ;-) Much like Wearwolf, I shied away from anything bagpipey due to overexposure to them in my earlier years. But, my gentleman friend, Mr. Gosh, who is a collector of obscure and old jazz, hipped me to Rufus and I let go of all my bagpipe related anxiety after that.
Wolf -- I've got this sweet picture in my head about you and your son doing the tag-team, father-son DJ night. For sure bring Rufus, it'll blow their little minds.
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Ha cody, I am laughing because to me, the guy in the picture looks like Spike Lee
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Kkiddo, you’re right... he really looks like Spike Lee & that pic is priceless. I appreciate this tune. somehow when weird becomes good that means a lot to me. After all, how many times we laugh at something & then think at the same time... cool! Thanks, Cody. Ace as usual.
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I'm sure Rufus knew Spike's daddy(and mommy), Rawk, and it was the 60's so you never know. Thanks Rocket, much appreciated. Lady Miss, backatcha.
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Man that's the drone John Cale was looking for in the Velvets! Really good, and really interesting, and dare I say, funky?
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@contra-funky works quite well, I think. Thanks
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We'll have to ask Mr.Quest what the sample is? Nice one.
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There just aren't enough bagpipes in today's hip hop. Now back in the day...
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Rufus! Just plain crazy/cool...
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Bagpipes just may be the coolest instrument ever invented.
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The Rufus on fire! (heh, heh)
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haha! groan.
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My pleasure Flower, have a good weekend
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Super sic wid it!!!!