For Ear Sake

Gil Scott-Heron -

Small Talk

At 125th and Lenox (1970)

Genres: Conscious, Soul, Spoken Word

Gil Scott-Heron recently passed away, and we at For Ear Sake wanted to pay tribute to him. Gil Scott-Heron was not only a pioneer, but he was also a great poet, and a great musician. Many people have stated that his passing away was not a shock due to his drug abuse issue and his health problems, but let's not dwell on the negative, but on the positive. Rest in not only peace, but Rest in Poetry Gil.

Small Talk At 125th and Lenox was Gil Scott-Heron's debut album. The album touched on topics such as commercialism, social issues occurring in inner cities, discrimination, hardships minorities face on a daily basis, homosexuality, poverty, drugs, and more. The album was recorded live at a club in New York City. Speaking of the album being recorded live, the audience adds a special element to the album; some individuals in the audience do everything from attempting to finish the poems for Gil Scott-Heron, laugh, clap, and co-sign with the raw subjects. The conga and bongos that backed Gil Scott-Heron also helped add a special touch to the very touchy topics. Furthermore, do not confuse Small Talk At 125th and Lenox solely as a Spoken Word album; Gil Scott-Heron also gave his singing a shot on three tracks. The vocal aspect of the album beautifully tied the material together as a whole.

"In 1600 I was a darkie, and until 1865 a slave. In 1900 I was a nigger, or at least that was my name. In 1960, I was a negro, and then Malcolm came along. Yes, but some nigger shot Malcolm down, though the bitter truth lives on. Well now I am a black man, and though I still go second class. Whereas once I wanted the white man's love, now he can kiss my ass." - Gil Scott-Heron

"Gil Scott-Heron's recordings are undisputed for their place in the evolution of black music in America. In 1970, at the age of 21, the nascent poet and novelist Scott-Heron began his recording career with Small Talk At 125th and Lenox--a collection of his poetry set to percussion and vocal accompaniment from Eddie Knowles, Charlie Saunders, and David Barnes. Reflecting the frustration of Black America at the close of the 1960s, Small Talk At 125th and Lenox is a powerful picture of this nation at a singular time and place. Scott-Heron's verse is relentless and uncompromising and his voice is infused with passion and anger, demanding to be heard. The incendiary subject matter and critical tone of tracks like "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and "Enough" foreshadow the politics of future hip-hop acts like Public Enemy and X-Clan. While the albums that followed are made up of more conventionally structured songs, Small Talk is primarily spoken word, with Scott-Heron and company working piano-driven grooves on just three tracks--"The Vulture," "Who'll Pay Reparations on My Soul?" and "Everyday."" - CD Universe

Small Talk At 125th and Lenox inspired many people to become consciously open to the African American issues that exist within America. This album is by far a classic, and I strongly believe that everyone with an open mind should be aware of who Gil Scott-Heron is, and should be familiar with his work. The only downfall of the album is the track "The Subject Was Faggots". This track is living proof that even people who fight against cruelty and hatred can still be capable of dishing out the very things they fight against. However, I personally skip the track, and carry on with the rest of the material, so don't allow it to steer you away from the album as a whole. Small Talk At 125th and Lenox gives me a feeling of hopelessness, disgust, and pride all at the same time. It may be tagged with contradiction, but as humans, we're guilty of contradicting ourselves. This album symbolizes life (for some); a low place many people wish not to be. This album symbolizes strength; it touches on subjects many people dare not to speak of. Finally, this album is the epitome of a diamond in the rough; tales of a broken people that is told so raw yet so beautifully.

This album is highly recommended to individuals that enjoy Spoken Word, and are open to social issues. Copies of the album can be found on Discogs (here). I've also included a track from the album below, so if you're interested in what you hear, be sure to grab yourself a copy!

Gil Scott-Heron - Comment #1