Gil Scott-Heron - Washington, DC (Reagan era)

[Mousetoescamper]

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[GiqueCee]

1. Gil Scott Heron...

... was the first rapper, back in 1970 with "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised". I've always thought rap was the confluence of poetry and Talkin' Blues, but I really think Heron's flawless delivery laid the groundwork for contemporary rap style.
I'm 2 years and change shy of 80, so I ain't an expert on the subject by any measure, but I always liked Gil Scott Heron's work, and he was WAY ahead of his time.
If you're gonna throw stuff at me, please make it soft; I'm not quick enough to dodge it like I used to.

[Mousetoescamper]

3. Your observations jibe with my own

--and that's no jive.

I posted "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" here two weeks ago and was glad to hear Kendrick Lamar reference the poem during his Super Bowl halftime performance when he said, "The revolution's about to be televised. You picked the right time but the wrong guy." Gil Scott-Heron remains relevant. Maybe a new generation will discover his jazzy music, profound poetry and magnificent voice.

I'm no expert, but I post what I like, and that's usually songs with interesting lyrics.

Dodge artfully, my friend.

[Onthefly]

5. Beautifully stated.

[Mousetoescamper]

7. Thanks!

[Onthefly]

2. Saw Gil at Blues Alley, 1982, in DC

Great show with at least nine musicians, vocals, jazz, blues, stories, and poetry. Many philosophical musings on the oppression of the Reagan administration.

[Mousetoescamper]

4. I remember Blues Alley and The Cellar Door

from my childhood, when I lived in the DC area and would see ads for the venues in The Washington Post. I was too young to attend the shows but wished I could when I recognized the names of performers. I was long gone from the area during the Reagan years.

[Onthefly]

6. Loved the Cellar Door, too!

Small place but had many conversations with Tom Rush and John Prine.