Two More Sacks aka How ‘Bout Some Mo’ Woe?
All hail the King
Clean cut but wild.
Listen/Download – King Curtis and the Noble Knights – Sack O’Woe
Listen/Download – Viceroys – Sack O’Woe
Greetings all.
Despite all handicaps temporal or emotional, my pathological need to share sounds with you all has elbowed its way onto the scene.
To begin, a brief update.
All is proceeding as expected with my wife currently reaching her treatment benchmarks.
This is not to suggest that she is up and doing a sprightly jig either, because as anyone who has ever endure chemotherapy will attest, there’s nothing quite like having a war going on inside your body at the microscopic level.
She is beyond tired, perpetually uncomfortable – though the term ‘uncomfortable’ seems sorrowfully inadequate to describe what she’s experiencing – worried (about the rest of us first, herself second), perplexed and most importantly angry, since one must meet the offending disease on all fronts, chemically and spiritually.
We all miss her terribly (especially the little Corners) but know that we all have to hang tough and keep her as “up” as we possibly can (while doing the same for each other).
Your good wishes are very much appreciated, and I assure you that they are being relayed to the missus as they roll in.
Of course, what better way to express these travails in music than a couple of recently acquired versions of one of my all time favorite soul jazz classics, Cannonball Adderley’s mighty ‘Sack O’Woe’.
I’ve never approached this great song in any way but instrumental, and since Mr Adderley laid it down that way, it behooves yours truly to eschew any investigation of the lyrical content (Jon Hendricks’ poetic appendage notwithstanding).
That said, were I to venture a guess as to the overall intent of the song, starting with the title and then digesting the feel of the music (especially Adderley’s versions) one would be forgiven for assuming that the vibe is not any mere gripe, but a defiant fist in the air aimed squarely at any and all oppressions, be they racial, economic, romantic or other, in the style of
‘Like, you know man, when I survey the world around me it occurs to me that what I have slung over my shoulder here is a sack o’woe.’
Which of course is a bag we Grogans find ourselves in right now, but just as soon as we find out where this leukemia cat lives, we’re gonna drop that sack on his doorstep and burn his fucking house to the ground.
You dig?
I thought that you would.
The two sacks I bring you this day come from the horn of King Curtis of Ousley and his Noble Knights, and another royal outfit from the PNW hinterlands by the name of the Viceroys.
Both recordings are of a similar, early 60s vintage, with the King plowing into the songs like a soulful bulldozer, and the Viceroys taking a slightly more laconic approach.*
Either way, both versions cool in their own way, and as soon as I find some more that I like, I shall share them too.
Make sure that you head over to MNtothat to pick up the Funky16Corners 7th Anniversary Mix. I’ll eventually post links and info here, but why wait when you can dig it now?
Make sure to check out this week’s Funky16Corners Radio Show, Friday night at 9PM on Viva Radio, and I’ll see you all as soon as I see you.
Peace
Larry
*Keep in mind that both of these albums contain other treasure worth hearing, which have been, or will be played on the Funky16Corners Radio Show
Also, make sure that you check out the POAC link below (click on the logo). It’s a fantastic organization that provides services to our local autism community, with education and recreational events, and any contribution you could make would be greatly appreciated.
If you want one of the new Funky16Corners stickers (free, of course) click here for info.
Check out the Funky16Corners Store at Cafe Press
Cover Songs, Funky16Corners, Funky16Corners@Viva Internet Radio, Instrumental, LP tracks, R&B, Soul, Soul Jazz
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Funky16Corners, R&B, Soul, Soul Jazz
Themocracy
I wish your wife a full and speedy recovery Larry. Best wishes (and another great post btw).
Definitely dig that Larry,I,ll suppl the petrol!!
Great versions b.t.w
All the best Tony.
I am moved more than I can say by this post. The music will save us. It’s the only thing that ever has. Burn on, Grogans—burn on.
Wishing nothing but the best for you and your wife, Larry. I agree with jb, Music has been my medicine for as long as I can remember. Again, best wishes to your family.
When you find that cat’s house, we’ll hand you the matches. In the meantime, we mention on our host’s behalf that F16C also has brought us covers of this fine tune by the Mar-Keys and the Omega Men in previous posts.
Greetings and good luck Man
To the ground, indeed! Mercy mercy mercy.
Got to love some Cannonball and King Curtis. Viceroys aren’t bad either.
Continued best wishes.
Hi, Larry, Your music blog is my all time favorite. Please consider alternatives to chemotherapy with regards to your wife’s treatment. I am a musician, music lover, & am very interested in health. Please provide me with an email address & I will forward you & your wife information, resources, & contacts that may be helpful in choosing the safest & most effective treatment. I will also forward my cell phone # to you & would be happy to share my thoughts in a conversation with you & your wife. In my humble opinion, Dr. Leonard Coldwell is the most knowledgeable person on this planet regarding health, cancer prevention & treatment. He did a groundbreaking profound interview on the Coast To Coast Radio Show [which has been available, on demand, on Dr. Coldwell’s web site] with host George Noory that totally blew my mind. Larry, you have generously turned me on to tons of music via your blog over the years & I would like to return the favor, in any way I can, to help you & your wife. Blessings & best wishes, Eric
Didn’t visit the f16c for quite a while and just found out about the condition of your wife. I wish her, you and the little corners all the strength and health in the world to fight this battle. Best wishes, ingmar from Holland.
You all can do it. You will do it.