Sun Goddess

"Sun screwed up my mind. Six days she didn't shine."

-- WAR "Sun Oh Son"

I'm off to Fire Island this morning with my best friends from NYC. They arrived on the Island yesterday to cloudy skies. No sun. No fun. And no sun in the forecast till next week, the day we leave. Sucks.

"Pray for Sun," they told me.

Here's the best I can do. A sunny mix. A homage and appeal to the Sun Goddess: Bring us sun. I hope it helps.

And even if it fails to brighten the skies over Fire Island, it should at least brighten your day. It's my gift to you while I'm away.

Nearly two years ago, I posted about Ramsey Lewis and Maurice White's (Earth Wind & Fire) jazz funk gem Sun Goddess, but did not feature the album's title track (saved it for a rainy day I guess). And you are in for a real treat with WAR's live version of "Sun Oh Son." Be sure to check it out if you are not familiar with the track. My favorite WAR track next to "City, Country, City," and "the World is a Ghetto." And some Handsome Boy Modeling School as a nod to Monday's Automator post. And you can't go wrong with the mighty Hammond B3 organ, especially when Billy Preston's at the helm. And Rahassn. Come on! It's f'ing Rahsaan!

Enjoy. Everybody loves the sunshine, you know.

Sun Oh Son -- WAR: WAR Live (1973)

Ain't No Sunshine -- Rahsaan Roland Kirk: Blacknuss (1972)

Sunny -- Billy Preston: Club Meeting (1967)

Sun Goddess -- Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess (1974)

Sunshine -- Handsome Boy Modeling School: So . . . How's Your Girl? (1999)

A few glaring omissions, most in the same vein as this mini-mix: Sun Ra. Roy Ayers' "Everybody Loves the Sunshine." Madrill's "Children of the Sun." Eddie Henderson's "Sunburst." Groove Armada (feat. Jeru the Damaja) "Suntoucher." Miri Ben-Ari's "Sunshine to the Rain." Fishbone's "Sunless Saturday." Bill Withers. etc.

sunny skies. peace.