Rosko – Peacemaker
Label: Disc'Az – SG 462
Series: Série Gémeaux – SG 462
Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Laminated sleeve
Country: France
Released: 1973
Genre: Jazz
Style: Jazz-Funk
This piece was written by Strictly Kev / DJ Food and originally featured in Issue 1 of DIG – copies of DIG Mag can be purchased here.
Rosko (aka William Roscoe Mercer) ‘raps’ over a funky version of Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra (the theme to ‘2001’) reminiscent of Deodato’s classic reinterpretation. His distinctive, deep baritone purrs “I’m the earth shaker, the earth quaker, codename: Peacemaker” over the horns and hammond in a cosmic monologue, “so cool, I can freeze the heart of the sun”.
Rosko was a radio disc jockey who read poetry on his shows as well as several album releases, took no shit and stood up for what he believed was just and right. After being fired from his WNEW FM radio show for anti-war activities he moved to France in the early 70s to work for the Voice Of America where, presumably, this collaboration happened.
This is a classic 70’s oddity with an instrumental B side by french jazz session musicians, The Prophetic Band, who had previously released the backing track for the A side - sans voice - on the same label. It’s thought that this version was the opening music for some of Elvis Presley’s shows back then and Rosko requested the use of the track to add his voice to. Maybe it was something for his shows or just for his own enjoyment, regardless, it sings with joy and positivity.
Thanks for resharing Martin, on this day of all days
Kev