A silent "T". Pronounced Gree OH. Introduced to America, with the first tour of Africa Oye. On today's live broadcast, 9 am PST, I wear the very same Griot dress that toured America and then was gifted to me, a few years later.
The rhythm and sound of drums travels for miles, as do the marimba's, some constructed over deep pits, with planks you can walk on, and drum sticks that are large clubs. The tone is true of these marimbas, because every human heart knows tone and rhythm. One of my best friends who toured in Africa shared one of his favorite jokes over lunch at Jazz D'Opus, and I will share it in kind on this weeks Funny Friday's. Leroy Vinegar, as creator of the walking bass technique,still shares on his over 800 album contributions, and though many emulate his bass, I can always hear it, when one of his songs comes up on KMHD, KBOO or other airwaves. Leroy was a prankster, loving to catch friends off guard, and sharing his conquests over time. One time, he had to wait an entire flight from NYC to London, to see the punch line. It was Mel Brown's first trip over seas, and like always, Mel was dressed to the hilt, with very nice patent leather shoes. You may know the punch line already.
Leroy had two solo albums in the early 50's, "Big Feet" as the title, Leroy stood 6'3" and wore size 14 shoes. As they sat together, Leroy put on a pair of big slippers, while Mel kept his look intact. The landed at Heathrow Airport, and got to their hotel, before the joke was concluded. Mel's feet had swollen so much, that he could not take his shinny shoes off, and of course, Leroy got the last laugh. I am quite sure that Mel takes slippers with him to this day, on his many tours.
Back to point: The Griot was the first radio station and town paper.
The Griot shows up at weddings, and sings the family stories of the bride and groom. They do the same at town ceremonies, funerals and even births. They are town cryer's at sun set and tell the news of the village that day. No one questions if it is fair and balanced, and rhythm and voice are all that matters. No needs of electricity, paper and news print, just floating in the ether. How uncivilized.
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