The Black Scott Walker

I've never heard anyone discuss the similarities between Scott Walker and Gil Scott-Heron before. Possibly because it takes some imagination and contrasting to visualise and also the fact Heron is one of those artists that people say, "Oh, I've heard the name, but not the music", therefore unlikely to crop up in any convo.

Walker, a lyrically fantasist Anglophile and Heron a lyrically realist black American, share a raw and orchestral backdrop that compliments vivid stories that are cinematic to even the deafest of all ears. Nowadays everyone knows about Scott, of the Walker variety, so my words would be wasted, and 9 years too late, to warrant any effort.

But, the other Scott, Mr. Heron, he's the cat that needs some respect. The some say god-father of hip hop, Heron is a kinda unique soul, a cross between Sly, Marvin and Chuck D. Poetic soul with a hard but gentle pulse. Equally amazing if used for a soundtrack for political action or a night indoors with an Angolan girl. Militant, but sexy.

This week's required listening is "Pieces Of A Man" by Gil Scott-Heron.



Heron was a master of social commentary of 1970's America. He sang of junkies and the evils of the bottle, name checks Spiro Agnew (cool!!!) and John Coltrane (double cool!!!) but also tackled more tender subjects such unemployment and the effects on the family and the importance of setting up a good future for one's children. Even though it's from 1971, the sentiments have not aged one bit.

Unfortunately Heron himself became hooked up in the evils that he so poignantly sang about and became a massive cainer. In recent years he has spent loads of time in the clink for drug related shenanigans and is also, sadly, HIV positive.

Alongside his muso partner Brian Jackson, we gotta give this dude some respect, he is truly deserving of a few hours of your ear time. His work is probably the best stuff you've never heard.

Jah bless.