JJ Jackson with the Greatest Little Soul Band in the World – Fat, Black, and Together

13 07 2009


Download or Listen to JJ Jackson with the Greatest Little Soul Band in the World – Fat, Black, and Together from the Congress 45

Happy Monday! I hope everyone is doing great on the start of this work week. I wanna give a shout out to everyone who came out to see me spin on Saturday night at the Annex in Asbury Park. It turned into a proper Dance Party and we all had a good time. I’ve got good news as well: My old DJ partner, DJ Un-G will be in town in two weeks and is going to join me at the Annex to spin. Here’s the twist: 4 turntables, 2 DJ’s, no rehearsal. We’re going for broke from 9-1:30, which should be a lot of fun. I’m working on the flyer, and it’s going to be free, so if you’re in the area, by all means stop by and enjoy the music. This record fell into my hands after an all day long digging session with DJ Prime-Mundo in a private residence. That haul yielded a good many 45’s, this one included. Let’s jump into JJ Jackson with the Greatest Little Soul Band in the World and “Fat, Black, and Together” on Congress Records from 1969.

Jerome Louis Jackson, aka JJ Jackson was born in 1941 in the Bronx, New York. He originally started out writing songs for people like Jimmy McGriff, the Shangrila’s, and Jimmy Witherspoon among others (also the Pretty Things “Come See Me”). Not only was he a writer and composer, but JJ was quite the singer. A rival of Otis Redding, this 300 lb. belter had a hit in 1966 with “But It’s Alright”, which actually charted both in 1966 and 1969. Jackson has put out sides out on Loma, Perception, Calla, Altantic, MCA, and RCA. Jackson has had quite a career, on both sides of the music industry. It’s very clear that he knew how to work the industry, because if you check out his discography, he’s all over the place with writing and composing credits. Good for him. For me, I am a fan of the Calla side “I Dig Girls”, which I’ve played out and have included on past mixes.

“Fat, Black, and Together”, of course was arranged and sung by Jackson (who played piano and percussion as well), and featured Dick Morrissey on tenor sax, John Marshall on baritone sax, Roy Edwards and Stu Hamer on Trumpets, Terry Smith on Electric Guitar. The original Overweight Lover (before Heavy D) tells his story through this song. Jackson pleads his case is this slice of Soul. Apparently, this record was a bit more experimental than his straight ahead Soul stuff, check out the fuzzy guitars throughout. It’s definitely a monster of a song either way. This was a side I definitely recommend, and is not a hard side to come by. This particular 45 came in a Recordvelope from Ohoes, NY. It’s a thick, cardboard sleeve stamped “Recordvelope”, a first in that area for me. Seems like they would try anything, even stacking unsleeved records together in a plastic case, to make money on 45’s in the past. I hope this Soul explosion got your day started off right. See you midweek, Keep Diggin’!


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Categories : 45, 45 records, 45s, Asbury Park, Crate Digging, DJ, DJ Prestige, Flea Market Funk, New Jersey, New York City, Record Digging, music, record, record collecting, soul, vinyl

Jimmy McGriff – I’ve Got A Woman Part 1

10 07 2009

Download or Listen to Jimmy McGriff – I’ve Got A Woman Part 1 from the Jell Records 45

I have no idea where the week went, but I figured I’d end the week out with an artist I really dig. He is no stranger to Flea Market Funk, and a definite favorite artist of mine. In fact, I pick up everything I come across, cheesy or not. I originally posted something on McGriff here, so for a bit of background on the man, check that out. This particular record I picked up at the annual Ocean Grove Flea Market this Summer. It’s not really known for it’s vinyl. Number one, it’s more sausage trucks and crafts more than music. Number two, the guys who have the records, think that the Classic Rock they have is priceless. Riiiight. This record was unsleeved, and when I tried to sleeve it up he told me it was a dollar extra! Uh, Ok Mister-it’s-90-degrees-out-and-your-vinyl-is-melting. Thankfully, I rescued this side from Jimmy McGriff, a cover of Ray Charles’ “I’ve Got A Woman Part 1″, on Newark, N.J.’s own Jell Records..

Jimmy McGriff was a lot of things: multi-talented instrument player, former soldier, former police officer, a pioneer in Soul Jazz, and forever the experimentalist in the area of the Hammond B-3. He was one of Philly’s finest Jazz musicians right up until his death from multiple sclerosis in 2008. It is unfortunate that even though he was so close, I never got to see him live. “I’ve Got A Woman Part 1″ starts off with that great Hammond sound, slowly, then McGriff busts through it like he was a guy in Pamplona running with the bulls. This side cooks people! It’s a great cover that I’m sure Ray Charles would have approved of. This is definitely a side that I’m sure McGriff busted out while playing in one of the many West Side of Asbury Park, NJ clubs during the 50’s and 60’s. There were over 40 in the prime of that time! This side goes out to my man Pat James Longo, aka Primitive Sound System, who’s going to be a guest at the August 14th Asbury Park 45 Sessions. We were speaking on how we can’t pass up McGriff sides. I’ll see you next week, have a great weekend. Keep Diggin’!


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Categories : 45, 45 records, 45s, Asbury Park, Crate Digging, DJ, DJ Prestige, Flea Market Funk, Hammond Organ, Jazz Funk, New Jersey, Record Digging, Soulful Jazz, jazz, music, record, record collecting, vinyl

The Soul Buttercups – Once In My Life

8 07 2009

Download or Listen to The Soul Buttercups – Once In My Life from the Premier Records Lp Solid Soul

Unfortunately, I have to make this review a bit short this midweek. I’ve got some personal stuff to deal with that sucks, but unfortunately has to be dealt with. You know I always make it a point to get the music out, so I will try my best to keep it coming on a regular basis as usual, but excuse me if I’m a bit inconsistent at time. I do apologize, but sometimes the real world gets in the way of the blog world. It’s unavoidable. I picked up this record while camping a few years ago in Pennsylvania. I always like to find a good cover record, and this whole Lp was nothing but covers. I have been thinking lately that when I get my two mixes out of the way that I’m working on I will be doing an all cover mix, which will be interesting. I have amassed a lot of cover records in my record digging career. This particular record Solid Soul is amazing. Here’s a Stevie Wonder cover of “Once In My Life” by the Soul Buttercups on Premier Records.

This entire record was something that I couldn’t dig up much info on. I can assume that the Soul Buttercups were a studio band out of NYC, who just did covers. The Premier Record label itself put out a boatload of “cheapo” records it appears. They all seem to be covers of popular tunes. From Movie Themes to Soundtracks to Love Songs to Country and Western Million Sellers, Premier had it all covered. They even did kid’s records and a Beer Hall album. This is the kind of record I love to find. It has a lot of character. Maybe these musicians were really just trying to make a buck in NYC in the late 60’s and early 70’s by doing studio cuts, covers of the popular Funk and Soul sides of the day. Maybe they were members of other bands that played the circuit and did this on the side? This is something hopefully someone has some information on. If you do, I’d love to pass it along to the FMF readers. I will hopefully see you all on Friday with some more goodness. Keep Diggin’!


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Categories : Asbury Park, Cover Songs, DJ, DJ Prestige, Flea Market Funk, New Jersey, New York, New York City, Record Digging, music, record, record collecting, records, soul, vinyl

Johnny Osbourne – Fraudie

6 07 2009

Download or Listen to Johnny Osbourne – Fraudie from the Brown Sugar 45

After an extra day off because of the holiday, FMF is back. I’m sunburned, full of food, and ready to bring some Summer vibes to you. What better than to bring some Dancehall Reggae on a Monday morning? This time I have a side I picked up on my tour of DC and Richmond back in March. It’s a great side on Brown Sugar (that looks a lot like Brownstone) straight out of JA, from Johnny Osbourne, “Fraudie”.

Born Errol Osbourne in Kingston, Jamaica (Jonestown to be exact) in 1948, Johnny Osbourne has become well known through out the Jamaican music community as the Godfather of Jamaican Dancehall. Recording for the Wildcats in 1967, the manager Winston Riley would go on to finance a series of recordings at Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One. One full length came out of that session, Come Back Darling. However, upon completion of the record, Osbourne would emigrate to Toronto, Canada to be with his family. He recorded a few records with the Soul/ Reggae group Ishan people. See Light in the Attic’s release: Toronto to Jamaica for an interesting story on Canadian/ Jamaican Reggae relations. This would last until 1979, where he would return to JA. Upon his return to Jamaica he would hook up with Dodd once again and record a few sides, “Forgive Them” and “Jealousy, Heartache And Pain”, and his 79-80 recording sessions made it to a full length, Truth and Rights. His vocal style made him a popular and in demand vocalist in JA, recording for King (back then Prince) Jammy, Bobby Digital (not the RZA), and others. Johnny’s laid back dancehall style, to me is most prevalent in his side “No Ice Cream Sound”, a fave of mine. His song “Buddy Bye”, which he is most well known for not just because of the Sleng Teng Riddim, and was remixed years later by Kenny Dope who laced it with 90’s Hip Hop samples and kept it open so the audience could shout: “Who-a-ooooo”, etc. His vibrant, soulful voice continues to be a force today, and with a catalog of hits, he has earned the name the Godfather of Dancehall.

“Fraudie”, an upbeat side, at first listen, to me sounds like a faster version of “Ring the Alarm”. Obviously not the same riddim, but Osbourne is answering those who called him “Yardie” as opposed to knowing his name. Yardie refers to someone who was a resident or occupant of the government built yards in Trenchtown after Hurricane Charlie. These lower financial areas were built around a central courtyard with a communal cooking area. Gang activity followed, and those key characters to come out of the Tenemant Yards, whether they liked it or not, were called Yardies. Emigration to Britain gave birth to further Yardie culture, which spread violence and the drug trade throughout London. The Version of this tune kills it as well, so keep a look out for it. Props to DJ Birdman for selling me this. Enjoy this slice of Jamaica on the Monday morning (and pay no mind to the slight skip on the outro). Keep Diggin’!


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Categories : 45, 45 records, 45s, Crate Digging, DJ, DJ Prestige, Flea Market Funk, Jamaica, New Jersey, music, vinyl

Spanky Wilson – Little Things Mean A Lot

1 07 2009


Spanky on stage with Quantic

Download or Listen to Spanky Wilson – Little Things Mean A Lot from the Mothers Records & Snarf Company 45

It’s midweek here at Flea market Funk and with a holiday approaching, it is going to be nice to have a day off. So much in fact I might get out to do some digging on Friday. I have to DJ Friday and Saturday nights, but having the day off (hopefully minus the rain) will be a good thing. I got a great response on the Don Gardner track, one that I have been sitting on for a while, but killer nonetheless. My man John Noll from Retromedia Studios informed me that his new band, Shimmytang will be performing that, along with a boatload of REAL Funk and Soul songs in the Greater Tri-State area soon. Gonna try to get them for the 4th and Kingsley Soul Club. This should be fun. Now I’m gonna get serious. This is one serious record by a very serious Soul Sister. Here’s Spanky Wilson with “Little Things Mean A Lot” on Mothers Records & Snarf Company.

Born in Philadelphia, PA (man these posts this week have a Philly theme, purely coincidental!), Wilson emerged on the music scene in the 1960’s. She lived in Pittsburgh until 1967 before locating to Los Angeles until 1985. After ‘85 she would settle in Paris, France. Influenced by Nat King Cole, Louis Jordan, and Eddie Jefferson, she deveoped her unique vocal style. During her long career, she has shared the stage with many of Jazz’s royalty including Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Nat Adderley, and Willie Bobo among others. She also performed with the likes of Marvin Gaye and Sammy Davis, Jr. Wilson has even collaborated with super soundtrack maestro Lalo Shifrin for a cut on the Kelly’s Heroes Soundtrack. Her relentless touring of the Jazz Festival circuit led her all over the world. She’s released on Mother’s Records and Snarf Company ( “Spankin’ Brand New”, “Doin It”), Westbound (”Shake Your Head”), Eastbound and Big Blue. As of late, she has hooked up with powerhouse DJ/ Producer Quantic (and the Quantic Soul Orchestra) to put out a few sides and a full length, I’m Thankful. This collaboration has been really well received, here in the States and abroad. The woman still has it, what can I say?

The piano riff starts and Spanky Wilson’s voice just makes you melt. Her cooing and carrying on (in a good way) of what’s really important get your attention. It’s not the expensive things, you see. It’s the little things, a smile, a loving touch, and I really think she is on to something. I especially like how it’s just the piano, drums (barely) and Wilson’s great voice throughout. It’s simple, but if there was a lot going on, I think it would really be too busy and less effective. This collaboration with producer/ arranger HB Barnum and his label are killer. Despite being a Jazz vocal singer, Wilson knows how to belt out some Sweet Soul. It just goes to show you how versatile she really is. Dig this side, it’s a good one. I’ll see you Friday, maybe with some more Philly stuff, who knows? Keep Diggin’!


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Categories : 45, 45 records, 45s, Crate Digging, DJ Prestige, Flea Market Funk, New Jersey, Sister Soul, music, soul, vinyl

Don Gardner – My Baby Likes To Boogaloo

29 06 2009


Don Gardner and Dee Dee Ford

Download or Listen to Don Gardner – My Baby Likes To Boogaloo from the Tru-Glo-Town 45

Here we are again on a Monday, and it feels like Summer is halfway over. We’ve had record rains throughout the month that have prohibited some digging, so hopefully July will bring us some better weather. I’m still working away on some Guest Mixes, and when they are done, I will let you know how to get them. I revisited Myspace, a place I really haven’t been on in probably a year, so if you’d like to follow me on there, click on this link. Today’s record is something I also revisited at the last Asbury Park 45 Sessions. I had put it in a box, and when I was flipping through stuff for a mix, I said “Hot Damn!”, I need to play this record out again. Here it resurfaces once more at FMF. Straight out of Philly, this is going out to the Devil Dick and the JJB. Here’s Don Gardner and “My Baby Likes To Boogaloo” on Tru-Glo-Town Records.

Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1931, Gardner has been involved in music for almost 60 years. He released in first recording in 1949, a 78 called “Dearest Darling”. In the late 40’s he was a singer in Harry ‘Fat Man’ Crafton & The Craftones, before he had his own band. Gardner (labeled as Donald), out out a side for the Gotham label in 1949 as well, “September Song”. “He spent most of the 1950’s touring the chitlin’ circuit of the East Coast with his band the Sonotones. The Sonotones had three singles: “How Do You speak to an Angel”, “I Hear a Rhapsody”, and “I’ll Walk Alone”, all on Bruce Records. Gardner would also put out side for DeLuxe and Junior labels. Said to have discovered the great Jimmy Smith, the band would also feature Richard “Groove” Holmes at one time. Holmes would leave in 1960, and Gardner would go on to partner up with Wrecia Holloway, aka Miss Dee Dee Ford. They instant gelling of the two would produce hits for the two of them (”I Need Your Lovin”, “Don’t You Worry”) and Ford would also write a hit for others, Betty LaVette among them. Gardner and Ford would see much success, being embraced in Europe, and after a few European tours (and stands in Sweden particularly), the two would soon part ways due to Ford’s illness. She eventually dropped out of the music scene and Gardner went on solo. His release of this side in 1966, and 1967’s “Cheatin’ Kind” filled the dance floors up. Don would move to to do promotions and be the road manager for Curtom Record, specifically Curtis Mayfield after that. His only brush with the charts after that was a duet with Baby Washington on “Forever” in 1974, where after that he left the music game until a few years ago. Inbetween he owned a construction copmpany in Atlanta, and after relocating back to Philly in 1985, he started doing music again with a nonprofit group called the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts. Don Gardner has started to perform again within the last five years, and the good people at Dig Deeper have had Don slay them in Brooklyn as of late. Gardner was and still is a Northern Soul legend to this day.

A sweet little number with some dirty guitar and a out of sight and uptight drum beat, My Baby has Gardner wailing, moving and grooving like JB. The addition of the organ (I was instantly in love!) just puts this thing over the top. You should have this in your collection and or record box. It is definitely a dance floor killer and most importantly a great side indeed. East Coast and Philly stand up! Issued on the Englewood, NJ label Tru-Glo-Town, this side really smokes. FMF recommended for sure. See you midweek. Keep Diggin’!


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Categories : 45, 45 records, 45s, Asbury Park, Crate Digging, DJ, DJ Prestige, Flea Market Funk, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Record Digging, music, rare grooves, record, record collecting, records, vinyl

The Soul Investigators – The Soul Investigators Theme

26 06 2009

Download or Listen to The Soul Investigators – The Soul Investigators Theme from the Mitwit Records 45

As we end the first week of me entering my 4th decade, I wanted to try to go out on a high note. Yesterday’s death of Michael Jackson was quite a surprise. The guy was only 10 years older than me. Hell, I work with guys that age. Despite what opinions you may have about Jackson (and we all have them), the guy’s music was genius. Unfortunately, we all can’t see how that 50 night stand in London was gonna go. We do have other music though, and that’s why I am here. I promised one Soul Investigators side a week, and this is the last of the bunch. So here’s an unreleased Soul Investigators 45 on Mitwit Records, it’s “The Soul Investigators Theme”.

Starting of with a slick bass line and equally slick drums, “The Soul Investigators Theme” starts to groove with a little bit of vibes and then the piano riff kicks in. The fun does not end. This is Funky Soul for today people. Actually, it’s Funky Soul from 2005/6, an unreleased side from Nicole Willis & the Soul Investigators Lp Keep Reachin’ Up. Close your eyes. If you didn’t know any better the year is 1969. This mid tempo groover keeps your head nodding from the first note to the last. It’s quite obvious that the guys at Timmion have mastered the art of making music sound like it was made back then. There are only a few record labels that can pull it off, and they are one of them (Truth and Soul, Daptone, Starla, and a handful of others that slip my mind at the moment). I’m hoping that this side is the theme to the start of your weekend. I will be back Monday with some fresh goods to Funk your head up with. Have a good weekend. Keep Diggin’!

Buy all of the Timmion and Soul Investigators sides here.


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Categories : 45, 45 records, 45s, Crate Digging, Finland, Flea Market Funk, Funky Soul, New Jersey, Record Digging, Timmion Records, funk, music, record, record collecting, records, soul, vinyl

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

25 06 2009

Download or Listen to The Jackson 5 – It’s Great To Be Here from the Motown Lp Maybe Tomorrow

I know that this isn’t really a record, or person I would normally review. I play a fair amount of Michael Jackson on certain nights. How could I not? He earned the nickname “The King of Pop”, and his extra curricular activities aside (the Howard Hughes like existence he lived, the children incidents, which I am definitely not a fan of, etc.), has impacted the music industry like no other performer. This is definitely not a post to give a history of the performer, because every major media outlet will no doubt be covering that and the weird life he lived for more than the last 10 years. I just wanted to give some props to a guy who put out some pretty fine music. I wanted to share a side that I do spin on the regular. It’s got a great break in it, and most people have no idea that it’s the Jackson 5. So with that, I say Rest In peace MJ. Thanks for all the great music. Enjoy The Jackson 5 and “It’s Great To Be Here” from the Motown Lp Maybe Tomorrow. Keep Diggin’!


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Categories : Asbury Park, Crate Digging, DJ Prestige, Flea Market Funk, funk, soul, vinyl

The DT6 – (Theme from) The Baden Persuader

24 06 2009

Download or Listen to The DT6 – (Theme from) The Baden Persuader from the Starla Records SRC 1002 45

After a great weekend, and a great 40th birthday party, FMF is back. Even if I wanted to get something out on Monday, the old Dell “shit the bed”, as my friend Mark would say, in military jargon. So Sunday I went and picked up a new desktop. I had my Mac, but all my Photoshop stuff had to be reloaded on the PC, so it was best that I just relaxed. This midweek post brings us back to Glasgow, Scotland again, and our old friends at Starla Records. They have kept me abreast of there ever growing stable of seven inches, and when this one came my way through the post, I was excited to play it out. I first gave it a spin at the last Asbury Park 45 Sessions , where there were a lot of inquiries on what it was, and exactly where it was from. Let’s not delay any further, and get into latest release from The DT6 and the “(Theme from) The Baden Persuader” on Starla Records.

Coming straight out of Glasgow, the Starla Records house band has come away with another winner. Sounding like it has come out of some 60’s soundtrack to a spy movie done by the illegitimate love child of Lalo Schifrin, Mikis Theodorakis, and those unknown Turkish Psych Funk comps that mysteriously turned up a few years ago, this forty five starts out with a BANG. It’s Turkish and or Middle Easter flavor leads you right into slamming drums and the newly installed Starla Hammond organ, which dominates the track. And why wouldn’t it? It sounds lovely. The horns are a nice touch as well, giving it that soundtrack flavor. You would swear this thing was the theme song to a chase scene involving a Turkish outdoor market, bullet dodging, and screeching tires from a Hacı Murat. On a whole, this side is tighter than tight. If the first two releases on Starla are any indication on how the third is going to be, how do I preorder? I ride hard for these guys, and wouldn’t mind hooking up some Asbury Park 45 Sessions/ Starla Records DJ collaborations in Glasgow. Let’s make that happen guys.
The DT6 make their live debut proper on Friday 26 June supporting the legendary James Taylor Quartet in Glasgow’s Old Fruitmarket as part of the Glasgow Jazz Festival. Tickets and info are available from www.jazzfest.co.uk. I’ll be back Friday with the last Soul Investigators 45, until then, Keep Diggin’!

Buy this record here. Support this record label and preserve Funk and Soul music!

Check out the video for the song:


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Categories : 45, 45 records, 45s, Crate Digging, DJ Prestige, Flea Market Funk, Glasgow, Hammond Organ, New Jersey, Record Digging, Scotland, Starla Records, deep funk, funk, music, pysch, record, record collecting, records, vinyl

The Johnny Otis Show – The Watts Breakaway

19 06 2009

Download or Listen to The Johnny Otis Show – The Watts Breakaway from the Epic Records 45

It’s Friday here at Flea market Funk and I’m excited about this record. Actually I’m excited about a few things. First off, the good people over at Monday Jazz have asked me to contribute a mix. I’m very excited for this, and I will let you all know when it’s ready to go. Also, if you scroll down on the right of the blog, you will see a link for you Facebook users to link up on the Networked blogs. If you could (and I’d love if you would), add me so we can spread the word of Funk, Soul, Jazz, and Reggae on Facebook as well. Thank You in advance. Ok, here’s a record I have been trying to find in the field for a while, but since it popped up in a set sale a few weeks ago, I snapped it up right quick. It’s the Johnny Otis Show with “The Watts Breakaway” on Epic Records.

I’ve written about Johnny Otis before, as he is no stranger to FMF. You can read about his background there. Along with all his R& B producing, writing, band leading, politicking, and singing, he would release this sweet piece of Funk. With vocals by Delmar “Mighty Mouth” Evans, this thing smokes. Even if it was called the Portland Breakaway, the drums hit hard , and the horn stabs plain kill it. There’s a break drum break in the beginning, but by the time the proper drum break hits midway, the horns are in full swing, and Johnny and Delmar show you what’s up with the Watts Breakaway. In the words of my man Larry over at Funky 16 Corners: “It’s a stone gas.” I hope that this side gets your weekend moving, because it has got about the last three moving for me. I’m taking off Monday (I think) to celebrate my first day of my fourth decade, in other words I’m turning the big 4-0. See you all soon. Keep Diggin’!


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Categories : 45, 45 records, 45s, Crate Digging, DJ Prestige, Flea Market Funk, funk, music, records, vinyl

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