WHERE THE HOKEY POKEY "IS" WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT
Lizziegreeneyes
Lizziegreeneyes
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Strange & Bitter Fruit...

Posted over 2 years ago
I know this wasn't necessarily what my friend "I am":http://mog.com/I_am/blog_post/85597 had in mind, with his brilliant suggestion for Jazzturdays, but this is a song that *haunts* me. Even before I understood the words of the song, it was one I'd hear from time to time. Remember vividly the feeling in my gut the first time I _heard_ the song though. I must have been around 12 or so, before that, I loved songs on more of a surface level. This was the one song that took me from the surface to hitting all levels on the way down & landing in the pit. Just *ONE* song. I began to understand the POWER of an artist & the songs they put out into the world. I understood the importance of those songs & the need to keep them ALIVE in the hearts, minds & ears of us all.It was Billie's rendition I first heard, then Nina's & Jeff's - that's the reason for the order below, taking you the way I walked it. A few years ago I picked up She Loves You, Greg Dulli's post Afghan Whigs band The Twilight Singers, who also recorded the song. Seems I'm not the only one who feels the significance of this song & the need for it never to fall to the side & carried away in the breeze. Though I am *+absolutely certain+* I am not standing alone.*Just to warn you, the second video has VERY DISTURBING IMAGES*If you don't want to or think you can't watch it, I still suggest listening, the wail in Nina's voice is incomparable, maybe you could just turn away for a spell. All three of these artists have shaped my musical journey in ways so many others tried but failed. If someone has The Twilight Singers version on mp3 - would you please put it up here. Thanks.Sorry to break the typically upbeat MOGmood, but I wanted to get these into the MOGosphere.+Billie Holiday++Nina Simone+*WARNING: THE VIDEO BELOW HAS DISTURBING IMAGES*+Jeff Buckley+Peace.
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Comments (47)

  1. I am
    I am says Wow pointman to comment on "Strange Fruit". What an awesome and sad burden. The images are detestable to be sure. But to ignore them, won't make them go away. I look at the context and history surrounding the time this was written. My heart just leaps to my throat when I hear Billies cool voice anytime, but when she sings this song .... Jazz has such a great way of documenting the first 80 years of American History in the 1900's. Popular songs were popular because they were so relevant. "Strange Fruit" being a terrible example. Liz, I understand how you feel.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  2. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says *Chris:* Couldn't think of a better person to be the pointman on this - your words so heartfelt & stirring. Awesome & sad burden - in the truest of those two words. Yeah Billie was my first female jazz vocalist that I couldn't get enough of. That voice shatters my heart - her pain so evident it's scary, her beauty innate, her heartbreak wide open. But Nina's powerful voice... everytime I hear her - I hear her differently - even if it's the same song twice. & Y'all know what I think of Jeff Buckley.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  3. burninghammer00
    burninghammer00 says the first thing that popped into my head was Buckley's rendition. billie holiday's voice has something unique about it, i mean obviously she was an amazing singer; but the fact that thru so many songs (ala gloomy sunday etc. etc.) you can really hear some of that pain she's going thru conveyed thru the songs. she lived a rough life, a real queen of harlem and her legend shouldn't be forgotten
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  4. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says It won't if people like us keep it out there. Think in light of this post, my pics gonna change for a few days.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  5. I am
    I am says So true hammer. Liz, this is exactly what I had in mind. Sad or glad, it doesn't matter. Jazz stirs emotions and feelings just like all music does. Sometimes more so then others. To clarify when I said: *“Strange Fruit” being a terrible example.* I didn't mean it was bad example, I meant the subject was terrible and "Strange Fruit" documented it all to well.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  6. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says An example of the horrors of man. We don't need hostel II - go to the library, grab a few books & some CDs & educate. I read it the way you meant regardless of what was written. Yup, jazz has always stirred the pot. Even if it's not something I "dig" my hat's always off to the jazz musician. That is some hard music - that music lives & lives hard. *Chris* - you ever hear of the play _*Sideman*_, it deals with the death of the side jazz musicians touring regularly & playing sessions when rock n roll came more into power. The Sidemen were out of work all over & they were some of the most amazing musicians who truely were junkies for music/jazz/drugs/hard livin/love etc. AMAZING play - fantastic soundtrack with one of my favorite live recordings ever, "Clifford Brown A Night In Tunisia":http://mog.com/Lizziegreeneyes/blog_post/53401. This post explains a little about the song. Can't get his version at You tube, but "*I Remember Clifford*":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c2MbSAHUzk was a song written after his death & it's on Sideman. The Jazz Messengers feel it as well: "A Night in Tunisia":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_v7mUGoKDc&mode=related&search= Trust me when I say - you have to hear the recording from the night he died.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  7. I am
    I am says Liz I can't say that I have ever heard of Sideman. I'll look for it. As for the Clifford Brown song "Dieties", where was that recorded? I am a big fan of his as well. SAM3 says I got 47 Clifford tracks. Now I have to decide which one to upload... As for your comment on jazz living hard, I would have to agree and disagree to a certain extent. I don't really know how to say it so you would understand. That's a conversation for Victory. For me, Jazz has always worn it's heart on it's sleeve. There is no hidden agenda, it is what it is and that's all. Hey rent the movie Pete Kelly's Blues, it a Jack Webb flick. I get the feeling Sideman and Pete Kelly have a lot in common.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  8. Augusts1
    Augusts1 says All these versions are great & I think I like Nina's version best. There's just something about her voice that I love that is so silky, sexy & smooth. Probably why I like Cassandra's version so much since her voice has a similar timbre to it:
    But to be honest I never paid attention to the lyrics until watching these vids. I just figured it was a song about forbidden love. I'm serious, I didn't, so thanks for posting them. An even more intense & powerful song now that I realize that the lyrics are about african american lynching.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  9. chucky
    chucky says I've heard the song title before, but I'd never heard the song. It was a shock when I heard where it was going and that second video - well, it's amazing how evil people are when they can get away with it. Musically speaking I like the Nina Simone version.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  10. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says I may be a little overemotional tonight kiddies - but knowing how you're responding, I'm so glad to know that it's opening eyes to the song, it's so easy to think it isn't what it is. Your words *August & Ash*, thank you for posting them - it means a lot to me - it's hard to explain what it means since the subject matter is so evil. But I thank all four of you: *Chris, Bry, August & Ash*, for reading & taking the time. I don't always watch the videos through to their end when I post - I did with these, only felt right. & yes, tears were shed always are with this song.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  11. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says I'm saving you a seat Chris. Better hurry - it's almost last call ;) I have to head to bed, but will respond tomorrow. Not sure where Deities was recorded ... did I put that up here not knowing ?? Yup check Sideman... I am almost sure it's on iTunes so it should be out in the webosphere, or lemme know I can get a copy to you (hush hush) ;)
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  12. I am
    I am says After this I am going to sleep. Augusts1 and chucky I think it's great you both had a sort of epiphany about this song. In that sense the music has made its delivery. Post paid. Musically speaking I would have to say I like them all for different reasons. I am excluding Jeff Buckley in this comparison because he is neither female or black. Billie, because she's Lady Day. Dr. Nina Simone, because I like the way she plays. A women, ivory tickling, singer. Move over Shirley Scott. And Cassandra Wilson, because it is oppressive. If sound were feeling, I imagine living at that time and place might have felt like that bass. I done hijacked your comments Liz. My apologies.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  13. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says Chris by all means. I give Jeff total honorary mention as well as Dulli - just cuz they weren't there - doesn't mean they can feel the pure devastation, absolute evil - both deliveries make me truly believe they do. To have lived through it. Can't/won't imagine. Too much.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  14. Augusts1
    Augusts1 says Yvw *Lizzie*. I appreciate the thought that you put into this post too. What did you think of the Cassandra version I posted? *I Am*, yea I'm not a huge jazz enthusiast. I went through a jazz phase in college years ago but it was all mainly modern '80s jazz like Chuck Mangione, Herb Alpert, The Rippingtons, etc.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  15. ciphermedia
    ciphermedia says Amazing song. The Nina Simone version gets my vote. Very haunting along with those images.
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  16. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says i will respond to all these tomorrow morning its 230 & I am so wired I need sleep. I am: you're more than welcome to hijack my post ... this is an open forum anywhere you see "Lizziegreeneyes" you can rawk the music/theatre/museums Jonathan - I liked the new look Wha happen ???
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  17. ciphermedia
    ciphermedia says I tried a couple of shots with my built-in webcam and put them up as my avatar, but I looked soooo exhausted with dark rings under my eyes, that I took 'em off the next day. There are distinct disadvantages to (a) getting old, (b) being vain (!) and ( c) being an ex-cinematographer who knows how to light things, but is too tired to actually do it properly (it was 12.30 am after a 12 hour day at work).
    Permalink posted 06/16/2007
  18. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says don't care what you say Jonathan, you're still handsome... ba humbug tp us aging like fine wine. You're far too overcritial of yourself !!!
    Permalink posted 06/17/2007
  19. ciphermedia
    ciphermedia says No, just far too vain!
    Permalink posted 06/17/2007
  20. sunscream
    sunscream says LOL
    Permalink posted 06/17/2007
  21. mktackabery
    mktackabery says Great post Lizzie and comments from everyone. Obviously a seminal song and a very, very important one for Billie; I believe she sang that song just about every night. I think it's a mission for every person who's ever recorded it. Living in the south, even now, the things people don't talk about are legion, and there are still so many people, of many colors, who don't know their history and haven't heard this song, or, if they've heard it, don't understand it. To me it is frightening and powerful, and hard to listen to no matter how many times I hear it. You know, when Billie started singing that song, jazz artists were not known necessarily for pushing out any kind of political agenda even though so many of those artists worked against racism and other hardships their entire lives. Many people, like Louis Armstrong I believe in particular, not to single him out necessarily, refused to speak out because of their position as "entertainers." It was a very big deal for Billie to sing this song, and sing it so much. OK, enough of that. For Lizzie:
    Permalink posted 06/17/2007
  22. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says *August:* Cassandra's version is amazing. I love that every single person, by their different delivery - bring a different quality & paint different pictures for the same song. Billie's, for me, her heart is so broken - that's always her voice to me, bittersweet & lovesick, wounded and yet a voice that stands strong despite the wounds. Nina, I feel her anger/intensity, yet in those strong vocals, there is smoothness undeniable. Jeff', there isn't a song he sang that I don't think he felt in his core - his vocals have always astouned me & as a result, hit *my* core. I adored Cassandra's as well. I especially loved how she extended all the lines & notes of the song... to intensify their meaning, to keep them in your mind for a longer span. When Greg sings this song, I think of Jeff - not because they sound alike - it's in the pain of the delivery. I also feel that Greg has always channeled Billie Holiday in his own self-destructive behavior, in the darkness, in his pain. I tip my hat first & foremost to Billie - she is my *Lady Day* & for the facts that +*Michelle*+ mentioned above - I knew it was an important song to her... but that she sang it almost every night... it leaves me (yes I know the irony) almost speechless. Of course I am in awe of both Cassandra (thank you August) & NINA , these are women so strong they can almost be intimidating - save for the fact that it's the strength in their voice, conviction & truth & not used in an threatening manner. I feel that both Jeff & Greg couldn't NOT sing these songs, for the very reason I couldn't NOT post this song & talk about what it's meant & what it means to me. Both Jeff & Greg were/are so deeply emotional & were/are never afraid to delve as deep as necessary for a song in which they believed. To open up a dialogue among my dear friends & MOGedones, to inform & to be educated by everyone's thoughts & feelings - this has been one of my favorite posts. Music/art/life, if it doesn't make someone think & feel - why is it out in the world? Even if I dislike a song/play/painting, if I downright LOATHE it - in bringing that anger or frustration winding me up (positively or negatively), then it's done what it's meant to do. One thing is for sure, you can't help but think & feel with these songs. If one doesn't have any reaction to them, I wonder if he/she is really _alive_.
    Permalink posted 06/17/2007
  23. moovyphreak
    moovyphreak says Despite the subject matter, that's quite an interesting collection of song covers. Nina Simone was born and raised in Tryon, NC, a town about 35 minutes from my house. Her family is working with the local city council to have a bronze statue erected in her honor and there is a local artist/benefactor (who is also currently the head of the local county's Office of Economic Development) who has purchased the family's home and is planning on restoring it. More info here: http://www.tryondailybulletin.com/news/19704.asp
    Permalink posted 06/17/2007
  24. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says Thanks *moovy* once again coming in with great information !!! I would get my butt down there just to see them unveil it :)
    Permalink posted 06/17/2007
  25. mktackabery
    mktackabery says great link moovy, I'm so glad to hear that. I'll be keeping track of that story for sure.
    Permalink posted 06/17/2007
  26. Augusts1
    Augusts1 says Yea, Cassandra's version is pretty damn incredible. The first time I heard it I was blown away by it's sheer artistry. A very sexy version & it's no wonder I thought it was a song about forbidden love. It's all Cassandra's fault, lol! She cast her feminine wiles on me w/that seductive alto.
    Permalink posted 06/17/2007
  27. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says *August:* Is there something you DON'T find sexy ;P (Just so long as it's not me ;) EVER ;P
    Permalink posted 06/17/2007
  28. Augusts1
    Augusts1 says Well, uh, yes but I'd rather not go into it "here":http://home.freeuk.com/markaldridge/ugly.htm . Don't worry Lizzie, you've got to be the sexiest woman "alive":http://www.esquire.com/women/ESQ0706-07O6MYSTOPENER_72 & just don't know it yet. Even Esquire magazine can't figure it out @ = P . Wassup wit dat? Shall I email the Editor & inform her/him? lol
    Permalink posted 06/17/2007
  29. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says Do it... do it now... I can get their address for you ;) & if you ever make me look at something that... again, August, that was just mean & then so sweet - in one comment you make me want to toss my cookies & give you a big hug within a few seconds of each other... how DO you do it ??
    Permalink posted 06/18/2007
  30. Augusts1
    Augusts1 says Well being slightly schizophrenic does help, lol! (j/k) I do have a great capacity to be mean and/or sweet but you did ask me if there was something that I thought wasn't sexy so you did bring that on yourself, hehe! Don't ask questions that you don't want any answer to, even if it's a rhetorical question cause I take them literally, heh! Emailing Esquire magazine now, lol!
    Permalink posted 06/18/2007
  31. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says Too true... it's all good though - schizophrenia is so totally underrated... least that's what my opinion... life gets too dull if you look at it from only one direction/one side ;)
    Permalink posted 06/18/2007
  32. Augusts1
    Augusts1 says Yup, here here!
    Permalink posted 06/18/2007
  33. 2Serenity
    2Serenity says Timely post! I actually wrote a short post on Strange Fruit too. Here ya go: http://www.last.fm/user/2Serenity/journal/2007/04/15/396563/ A friend of mine [Alrick Brown] did a short 5 minute film called, Familiar Fruit, as a project in film school. Check out: www.alricksporch.com -- it is under his projects. I need to see if he has it available on the web. I checked Youtube and it is not there. He is extremely protective of his work which I totally understand but not everyone lives in New York to go out and see his films!
    Permalink posted 06/18/2007
  34. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says *2Serenity:* beautifully written !!! Thank you for pointing me to it ! I will check out your friend's film tomorrow !!! Look forward to it. (I won't tell him :) ) Again thank you for your links.
    Permalink posted 06/18/2007
  35. 2Serenity
    2Serenity says Ahh..Thanks for checking me out and my craziness! I purposely wrote the journal entry because some kid over on last.fm did not understand the significance of the song. We have to continue to share with the young ones or they will never know! Thanks for considering Alrick's works too! Much appreciated. I honestly think he is going to be someone to look out for years to come. He even had a private screening with Spike Lee last year. Spike loves his films so that is a plus!!
    Permalink posted 06/18/2007
  36. I am
    I am says Not just the young ones 2Serenity.
    Permalink posted 06/19/2007
  37. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says Raise the roof Chris :) Got to educate ALL of us !!! I get schooled by my nephew's every day :) I will play this song for them & when they're old enough, we'll talk about what those words mean. Both Tobey & Chase are HUGE Billie fans :) Great taste - they take after their auntie ;)
    Permalink posted 06/19/2007
  38. 2Serenity
    2Serenity says You are right - I am - but I have more hope for the older somethings than some of these young people. Thanks for the love, Lizziegreeneyes! - 2S
    Permalink posted 06/19/2007
  39. I am
    I am says I guess some of my recent sadness has come from this post. Any way this song is haunting me. "I came across this on the NAACP website.":http://www.naacp.org/about/history/costigan_wagner_bill/index.htm *Costigan-Wagner Bill The NAACP hoped that the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932 would bring an end to lynching. Two African American campaigners against lynching, Mary McLeod Bethune and Walter Francis White, had been actively involved in helping Roosevelt to obtain victory. The president's wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, had also been a long-time opponent of lynching. Robert F. Wagner and Edward Costigan agreed to draft an anti-lynching bill. The legislation proposed federal trials for any law enforcement officers who failed to exercise their responsibilities during a lynching incident. In 1935 attempts were made to persuade Roosevelt to support the Costigan-Wagner bill. However, Roosevelt refused to speak out in favour of the bill. He argued that the white voters in the South would never forgive him if he supported the bill and he would therefore lose the next election. Even the appearance in the newspapers of the lynching of Rubin Stacy failed to change Roosevelt's mind on the subject. Six deputies were escorting Stacy to Dade County jail in Miami on 19th July, 1935, when he was taken by a white mob and hanged by the side of the home of Marion Jones, the woman who had made the original complaint against him. The New York Times later revealed that "subsequent investigation revealed that Stacy, a homeless tenant farmer, had gone to the house to ask for food; the woman became frightened and screamed when she saw Stacy's face." The Costian-Wagner Act received support from many members of Congress but the Southern opposition managed to defeat it. However, the national debate that took place over the issue helped to bring attention to the crime of lynching."* Sometimes music is a better medium to teach though. While researching the info for my posts about jazz I have been reading countless pieces about lynching, heroin abuse, Jim Crow, the start of the Cold War, disillusionment following WW2, bigotry, Anti Semitism, wage inequality, and about a hundred more I would not like to talk about. My general demeanor has been subdued. There it is, for what it's worth.
    Permalink posted 06/22/2007
  40. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says Hey there Chris. I feel you, truly I do. Reading your comment - couldn't help but see the parallels to To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Lee in her own way was also making a statement - one that stays they way a song does. Thankfully there are people who won't let society forget. Keep raising awareness. Hugs are being sent to you via computer cables & such !
    Permalink posted 06/22/2007
  41. CapnBozo
    CapnBozo says very nice
    Permalink posted 06/23/2007
  42. 2Serenity
    2Serenity says Thank you, I AM for your history lesson! I never knew any of that and I am a lifetime member of the NAACP! {{{{I AM}}}}}
    Permalink posted 06/23/2007
  43. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says *Jennifer:* with all these encyclopedia browns roaming the MOGhalls... it's nothing short of the best lessons... you've _"schooled_" me as well - SOLID GOLD :) I love it here !!!
    Permalink posted 06/23/2007
  44. CapnBozo
    CapnBozo says We both posted this song with historical background. Someone pointed this out to me yesterday
    Permalink posted 06/24/2007
  45. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says Looks like we both have an affinity for Billie Holiday & understand the importance of this song in our history. Enjoyed reading yours as well.
    Permalink posted 06/24/2007
  46. maussist
    maussist says Thank you for this post. The Buckley video has been removed from youtube, so here it is in audio form.
    Permalink posted 07/06/2007
  47. Lizziegreeneyes
    Lizziegreeneyes says *maussist:* thanks to you for giving us the audio version ! Much appreciated !!
    Permalink posted 07/06/2007

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