Screamin' Jay Hawkins. Was there ever a name that wrought so many emotions and strong opinions? Todays selection is Screamin' Jay Hawkins cover of Ice Cream Man from his controversial album, Black Music For White People.
In many ways Screamin' Jay was just an ignored opera singer - that's what he really wanted to be in life but no one in the classical community were in a mood for another black opera singer after Paul Robeson so Screamin Jay took up night clubbin' and developed an act that was part voodoo, religious snake handler, and he always had a coffin on stage and a skull he affectionately named Henry. His music was bawdy, daring, even dangerous sounding. But boy did he have soul.
Ice Cream Man was originally written by John Brim. But was probably more recognizable by the cover version recorded on 1973's self titled album by Van Halen. So here are all three versions. Enjoy.
Of course whenever I see the words “ice cream” I can’t help but smile and think of the song written by Tom Waits and re-interpreted by Jalacy “Screamin’ Jay” Hawkins.
Mastication is one of those words that I absolutely L-O-V-E. What is it? Well if you don’t know mastication is the act of chewing food, gum, or whatever you decide to put in your mouth (be careful now). To me “eat” just seems so common and bland like something one does out of habit. It is what you do at McDonalds. But “mastication” is filled with glamour. It’s how your mouth romances the food you put into it. It’s the tease and tickle of the taste buds on your tongue it releases flavors and smells of great food for a multi-sensory sensation. It’s what you do when enjoying fine dining.
Of course you still gotta be really careful what you eat. If you eat lots of leafy greens and vegetables you won’t have to suffer this next song.
For the main course we have Toes Brufle – simmered nicely in a sauce béarnaise and topped with fresh herbs. As an appetizer we have Cow Fingers and for desert – Mosquito Pie. The best wine for this meal is of course – “ALLIGATOR WINE” This is a dish you could die for.
... on being and becoming ... 