Monthly Archives: December 2007

Happy New Year 2008!

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Well it looks like we made it, 2008 here we come! I just want to thank everyone for the great year here at Fleamarket Funk in 2007. I’ve made many new friends and I’d like to thank every one of them for their support and comments throughout the year. 2008 is looking really good, with more installments of the Asbury Park 45 Sessions, the 4th & Kingsley Soul Club, and of course lots of mixes, podcasts, and reviews out of the Fleamarket Funk camp. Have a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year. I’m off to the Asbury Lanes for a 10 DJ Extravaganza to ring in the New Year in an 80′s style. Cheers!

Merry Christmas from Fleamarket Funk

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It’s that time of the year, and I just wanted to say thanks for a great year here at Fleamarket Funk. I’ve met a lot of really great people, done some great gigs, and will tell you that 2008 is going to be even better. On a personal level, I’d really like to thank these people (in no particular order): The entire Asbury Park 45 Sessions crew (DJ Prime, M.Fasis, Connie T. Empress, Jack the Ripper, DJ Bluewater, Devil Dick, Jay Boxcar) and a huge shout out to Larry from Funky 16 Corners. This guy has been a mentor as well as an inspiration here at FMF. A really humble guy who’s wealth of Funk and Soul knowledge can not be measured. Here’s a guy who has no ego and is happy to share what he knows with anyone. He’s been a great friend and confidant this past year and I really appreciate it. Thanks my man. To all the guests I’ve had: DJ Save 1, DJ Cool Hands Luke, and Vincent from FuFu Stew, you guys are great people as well as good DJs. Thank you for coming out. To my man DJ Andy Smith: great to finally hang and do some Jersey digging, I will be in London in 2008 for sure, so I’m looking forward to hitting up some secret UK spots. To all my fellow bloggers who have shown me love by way of links, mix collaborations or whatever: Thank you for letting a newbie do his thing. Much appreciated. Lastly I’d like to thank my wife for putting up with all my record bullshit, she is a champ. Thank you baby.

I’m gonna be taking some time off of the blog for the holidays to catch up with family and friends, so see you in 2008! Here’s some Otis Redding to cap the year off. Cheers! Remember to always Keep Diggin’!

Otis Redding – Merry Christmas Baby from the ATCO Lp Soul Christmas

The Budos Band / 4th & Kingsley Soul Club Recap

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Afro Soul Keys of the Budos Band.

To say that the first night of the 4th & Kingsley Soul Club was a success is a severe understatement. The Budos Band brought down their very own brand of Afro Soul with the spirit of Fela Kuti and the JB’s wrapped together with the Ethiopiques in a way the Asbury Lanes has not seen since it’s inception. The night started out with Larry Grogan, DJ Bluewater and myself laying down the vibe with a variety of Deep Funk and Soul 45s. When Bluewater started of his set with the Poets of Rhythm’s “Santa’s Got A Bag of Soul”, you just knew it was going to be a great night. It’s funny, when the band sound checked early, people stopped in their tracks, whether they were eating, bowling, drinking, I mean literally stopped, because the Shaolin Afro Soul these cats have going on is that good. I did see a lot of new faces, many old faces, and I will tell you that I appreciate it greatly. It’s vital to keep a scene like this alive here in Asbury Park. Bands like the Budos are keepers of the flame of real music, of analog tape machines and 2 inch tape splicing, all that may sound obscure to you, but are necessary in this otherwise digital world of processed garbage we call music. The band played a solid, non stop one hour set, covering ground from both of their records Up From the South and Budos II. A highlight was a cover song from an Egyptian band, which was something new they added to their show. ( Dan Foder hit me up with a set list, I forgot to grab one!) The crowd, who took a bit longer to get down and dance to the music, eventually got their groove back and by the time “Up From the South” was finished, I believe they wanted more. They did get more (good music that is) as Larry and I got back behind the turntables and played a variety of Sweet and Northern, plus some Heavy Funk that kept the heads nodding until last call. I honestly could have kept spinning until 5 am, but last call was at 2, and when you have to go, well you have to go. That leaves more for next time.


The mighty Budos bring their Sound to the Asbury Lanes

Here’s my set list from the show, all 45s:

Marvin Holmes & the Uptights – Ooh Ooh the Dragon/ Uni
Hank Johnston – You Lost Your Thing/ Sex Machine
Jesse Fisher – Little John/ Way Out
Mickey & the Soul Generation – Iron Leg/ Maxwell
TNT Band – The Meditation/ Cotique
Brenda & the Tabulations – Scuse Uz Y’all/ Top & Bottom
Sugar Billy – Super Duper Love/ Fast Track
James Carr – Stronger Than Love/ Gold Wax
GiGi – Daddy Love/ Sweet
Tom and Jerrio – Boo-Ga-Loo/ ABC Paramount
JJ Barnes – Chains of Love/ Groovesville
The Esquires – Get On Up/ Bunky
Little Hooks w/ Ray Nato & the Kings – Give the Drummer Some More/ Enjay
Dyke & the Blazers – Let A Woman Be A Woman/ Original Sound
Lou Courtney – Do the Thing/ Riverside
Sidney Pinchback & the Schiller Street Gang – Soul Strokes/ Twinight
Dawn And Sunset – Move In A Room/ Luv N’ Haight
Monica – I Don’t Know Nothing Else To Tell You But I Love You/ Toxsan
Little Beaver – Party Down/ Cat

Band Break

Seven Seas – Pat’s Jam/ Glades
Lee Moses – Time and Place/ Front Page
Mighty Groove Makers – Let’s Dance Some Mo’ Part 1/ Peanut Country
The Village Choir – The Switch/ Paramount
The Sweet Cherries – Don’t Give It Away/ T Neck
Kay Robinson – The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow/ KIng
The Undisputed Truth – California Soul/ Gordy
Barbara & the Uniques – What’s the Use/ Arden
Crosstown Express – Just Keep the Funk/ Pee Zee
Thelma Jones – The House That Jack Built/ Barry!
Soul Sisters – I Can’t Stand It/ Sue
The Omystics – (Crab Grass) Digitaria/ Castle
Unlimited Four – Slow Down/ Chanson
Billy LaMont – Sweet Thang/ 20th Century
Willie Hobbs – My Goodness Yes/ Silver Fox
Dorothy Moore – Here It Is/ Malaco
The Ambers – Soul in Room #401/ Jean
The Ethics – They’ll Still Be A Sweet Tomorrow/ Vent
The Webs – This Thing Called Love/ Popside

Larry Grogan Set
Early Set – Mostly Soul

Don & the Goodtimes – Turn On (Wand)
Roy Lee Johnson – Boogaloo #3 (Josie)
Hank Marr – White House Party (Wingate)
Irma Thomas – What are You Trying To Do (Imperial)
Eddie Holman – Eddie’s My Name (Parkway)
Four Gents – Soul Sister (HBR)
Solomon Burke – Keep Looking (Atlantic)
Little Bob & the Lollipops- I Got Loaded (La Louisianne)
Perry & the Harmonics – Do the Monkey With James (Mercury)
Billy Wade & the 3rd Degrees – Tear It Up Pt1 (ABC)
Gene Waiters – Shake & Shingaling Pt1 (Fairmount)
Albert Collins – Cookin’ Catfish (20th Century)
Lewis Clark (Ain’t a Man’s Best Friend)– Dog (Brent)
Bobby Freeman – C’mon & Swim Pt1 (Autumn)
Denise Lasalle – Keep It Coming (Westbound)
Martha & the Vandellas – Wild One (Gordy)
Sons of Champlin – Fat City (Verve)
Gayletts – Son of a Preacherman (Steady)
East Bay Soul Brass – The Panther (Rampart)
Rufus Thomas – Sister’s Got a Boyfriend (Stax)
Rufus Thomas – Do the Funky Penguin Pt1 (Stax)
Banana Splits – Doin’ the Banana Split (Kelloggs)
Ike Turner & the Kings of Rhythm – New Breed Pt1 (Sue)
Frank Frost – My Back Scratcher (Jewel)
Ann Peebles – I Can’t Stand the Rain (Hi)
Little Milton – More and More (Checker)
John Williams & the Tick Tocks – Do Me Like You Do Me (Sansu)
George Conedy – El Nino Del Tambor (Kent Gospel)
Peggy Scott & Jo Jo Benson – Soulshake (SSS Intl)

Late Set – More Funky with a Northern Finish

Louis Chechere – The Hen Pt1 (Paula)
Communicators & Black Experiences Band – Is It Funky Enough (Duplex)
Johnny Griffith – Do It (Triple B)
The Different Strokes – Sing a Simple Song (Okeh)
Lou Courtney – Hot Butter’n’All (Hurdy Gurdy)
Lou Courtney – Hey Joyce (Popside)
Eddie Bo – Hook and Sling Pt1 (Scram)
King Coleman – The Boo Bo Song Pt2 (King)
Bill Cosby – Hikky Burr Pt1 (UNI)
James Brown – Hot Pants Pt1 (People)
Laura Lee – What a Man (Cotillion)
Eddie Bo & Inez Cheatham – Lover and a Friend (Capitol)
War – Me and Baby Brother (UA)
Chuck Carbo – Can I Be Your Squeeze (Canyon)
Nancy Wilson – The Power of Love (Capitol)
Dramatics – Get Up and Get Down (Volt)
Syl Johnson – Dresses Too Short (Twinight)
Isley Brothers – Keep On Doin’ (T Neck)
Cyril Neville – Gossip (Josie)
Brother Jack McDuff – Hunk of Funk (Blue Note)
The Impressions – We’re a Winner (ABC)
Erma Franklin – Baby What You Want Me To Do (Shout)
Bob & Earl – Harlem Shuffle (Marc)
Flirtations – Nothing But a Heartache (Deram)
Lorraine Ellison – Call Me Anytime You Need Some Loving (Mercury)

I want to give a shout out to all that came through, to the band for laying it down hard, and to Larry and Lou who DJed inbetween the bands set. I also want to give props to Dan from the Budos who brought some great 45s in, and it looks like there might be a joint mix collaboration in the near future as well. I’ll be back on Monday with the last X-Mas Funk and Soul nugget before the holiday. Keep Diggin!

Tonight! The Budos Band @ The Asbury Lanes

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Well I’ve been waiting for this night to arrive, and of course here it is, the opening night of The 4th & Kingsley Soul Club at The World Famous Asbury Lanes. This night is shaping up to be a good one, and the 45s are picked out, the Big Man is here from London, and we’re ready to get our Funky Soul on. If you are within driving, biking, walking, or public transportation distance, I definitely advise you to check out the show. On stage live, we have The Budos Band. If that weren’t enough, well myself and Larry from Funky 16 Corners will be providing the 45 HEAT the rest of the night. We’ve got some great press from NJ to London to NYC, to Japan (how I do not know!), and we’re ready to kick this thing off proper. If that’s not enough, the show will be broadcast LIVE on JamNow! via the internet. All you have to do is click the Asbury Lanes link. There might even be a seeeecret selector who’s in town and ready to drop the needle on some Soul 45s. You’ll have to come out to see! Get your dancing shoes on and come see what real music is all about. The details are on the flyer, photos and a recap will come tomorrow. See you all there!

Keep Diggin’!

Tyrone Ashley & The Funky Music Machine – Let Me Be Your Man

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Photo Courtesy of Black Top Records

Tyrone Ashley & The Funky Music Machine – Let Me Be Your Man from the Phil L.A. of Soul 45

It’s midweek and only two days away from the 4th and Kingsley Soul Club night featuring the Budos Band performing live, and myself and Larry Grogan spinning Funky Soul 45s until closing. It’s going to be a momentous night at the World Famous Asbury Lanes. You see, no band like the Budos has ever graced the stage. There has not been one Afro Soul band to come through this venue, but on Friday December 21st, things are gonna change. Like Ghostface Killa said: It’ll “Never Be the Same Again……” Ask anyone who’s ever seen the Budos Band live, and they will tell you the same thing: These guys play music like it was supposed to be played. So if you’re withing driving distance, I will say get your ass off the couch on a Friday night and check out a really great band. Plus you’ll be checking out two good DJs (tooting my own horn here), playing music you’re not likely to hear at your local tavern or club. That being said, I’m gonna put out a side today from a cat who is straight out of New Jersey. You know I like to represent the Porkroll State as much as I can, and I figured since the song I really wanted to do has a skip in it (if anyone has an extra copy for sale, please click the contact link on the right), but until I get a clean copy, this will have to do! Say hello to Tyrone Ashley & the Funky Music Machine with “Let Me Be Your Man” on Phil L.A. of Soul Records.

Now if you know Funk and Soul, you know Plainfield, NJ is no stranger to the genre. With bands like Sammy Campbell’s (later on aka Tyrone Ashley) Del Larks, and band who was often in competition with George Clinton’s band the Parliaments. The Del Larks would go on to have a few Doo Wop hits in the late 50′s with “Lady Love” and “Bubblegum Doll” on East/ West Records. Campbell would also release the record “I Will Never Forget” (with a teen Eddie Hazel on guitar) a under the name Sammy & the Del Larks on Ea-Jay. Following this would be a blown audition for The Ed Sullivan Show , and the inception of his own label, Queen City Records. Queen City would garnish the hit “Job Opening” in 1964, but by the time his old competitor George Clinton was starting to take off in 1967, Campbell and the Del Larks were grounded. What to do? Well if you’re a Sammy Campbell, you adopt a new name and image, and become Tyrone Ashley & the Funky Music Machine. He then puts out this record and goes on to play the Apollo Theater with Al Green and Wilson Pickett. He does, however, fade into obscurity after that, sticking to recording in his studio called “The Record Hut”. However, there is a happy ending to this story. The guys at Truth and Soul Records find a record, do some research, and get in contact with Campbell. The rest is history because T&S have gone on to revive his career, release some 7″s, and get him back into the studio for more recordings. This is exactly the thing I applaud here at FMF. This music has to be heard, and if these cats can do it again and get paid for it, I mean they deserve it, I say do it. Campbell has also recorded with/ under the name Sagittarian Fire, and Black Fire, as well as the aforementioned groups.

“Let Me Be Your Man” is some sweet, sweet Soul. While Ashley pleads his sweet Soul serenade, the backup singers harmonic influence straight from his Doo Wop days shine right through. The man is seriously a star, and it’s really too bad that for whatever reason, he was stuck working construction instead of doing music full time after the Del Larks disbanded. This is exactly the music that I want to keep alive. Whether it’s the sweet Soul coming out of New Jersey, the Psych Funk out of the Midwest, or the Bay Area Sound from San Francisco, I want to keep it all alive. These artists deserve to be recognized and the real music needs to make a comeback. I’ll see you all on Friday night in Asbury Park. You’ll see and hear what I’m talking about then, live. Keep Diggin’

Binky Griptite – Stone Soul Christmas

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Binkie Griptite – Stone Soul Christmas from the Daptone Records 45

Well here we are just about a week before the Christmas holiday, and I’ve realized that I haven’t even thrown in a Christmas side in. This weekend was a busy one. The gig went well on Saturday night (thanks for the well wishing Andy!) despite the rain that got terribly worse as the night progressed. It always makes me feel good to see people nodding their heads and dancing to bands like Quantic, or even Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. It gives the brainwashed FM radio crowd hope in my eyes. I’m just trying to spread the Funk around y’all, you know what I’m saying? That being said, let’s jump into this festive 45, shall we? Here’s “Stone Soul Christmas” from Binky Griptite on Daptone Records.

For those of you not familiar with Daptone or the Daptone Super Soul Review, this man is an integral part of the entire record company as a whole. Emcee and guitarist Griptite gets the whole party started. As a solo artist or member of the Dap-Kings, the man has energy like a young JB, and the showmanship to go along with it. I know that’s a big comparison, but really, who the hell is doing it like they used to these days? No one. You try saying one of those intros while playing the guitar, doing a myriad of dance steps, or just trying to keep up with Sharon Jones. Binky is equally comfortable as a veteran sideman (Janet Jackson and many others), as a main artist (Binky Griptite & the Mellowmatics), or as a member of a full band (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings). He is a guy who knows what music should sound like: raw, dirty, gritty and most of all, like it was recorded between 1967 and 1974. Why wouldn’t he record a Christmas song (co-written by himself) in the vain of the old Soul review Holiday records? It just goes to show you that he does his homework, and I for one thank him for it. Think of this as the “Back Door Santa” of our generation. He pays tribute to these artists through his music, and there aren’t a lot of people that can do it, and do it well.

This single is really an extension of this man’s personality. His showmanship and love of true Funk and Soul shine through and while he spreads some holiday cheer on this 7″. If I’m not mistaken, I can definitely hear the drumming of Homer ‘Funkyfoot’ Steinweiss on this track, and if he’s on it, you know you have that back beat that’s needed in a good Funky Soul side. This record is a slow groover, nice and sweet, delivering some yule tide goodies to all the Funk and Soul kiddies. If there is such a thing as a Stone Soul Christmas, I’m getting on a sleigh, hooking up my two dogs, and getting pulled to Bushwick because this sound is where it’s at. See you midweek with some goodies and I promise to have another Christmas treat for you before the big day.

Keep Diggin’!

Ike Turner – Right On

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Ike Turner – Right On from the UA 45

I had something planned for today, but in light of recent events, namely the death of Ike Turner, I’d thought I’d pay tribute to one of the original Kings of Rhythm. I’m gonna shed some light on a not so popular side from 1972 on United Artists Records called “Right On”.

Izear Luster Turner, Jr was born in 1931 in Clarksdale, MS. Segregation was running rampant in those days, and his father was beaten to death by an angry mob of white men. This, no doubt would leave a bitter taste (how could it not) and psychological scars which would most definitely shape this talented piano man/ guitar player’s demeanor later on in life. Of course the cocaine use didn’t really help, but that will come in to play later. Ike learned early on to play the piano from a hero of his, Pinetop Perkins, and later graduated to a radio show, a high school band, and eventually the Kings of Rhythm. Their tune “Rocket 88″ on Sun Records, labeled by some as the very first Rock & Roll record, although it was credited to Jackie Brenston & His Delta Cats, would show some early promise of his song writing and showmanship. During his time in Memphis, he would go on and record with artists like Elmore James, Howlin’ Wolf and Sonny Boy Williamson II, and Little Walter, among others. Moving his crew to St. Louis, he keep on sessioning and releasing records on labels such as RPM, Federal, and Flair, recording under various names. Soon there after came his meeting and eventually marriage to Anna May Bullock, aka Tina Turner. Ike Turner would go onto help shape her image and career, and the Ike and Tina Turner Revue was born. With the chitlin’ circuit touring, constant notoriety, and the attention it brought with it, came the dark side of Ike Turner. Eventually becoming addicted to cocaine, the wife beating, psychological abuse and drug use would really be what Turner was known for, rather than the music he made. When Phil Spector came calling to record Tina, a deal was struck so Ike would not be allowed in the studio in exchange for full credit on the records. That was definitely to his advantage monetarily, as “River Deep-Mountain High” is a classic that has stood the test of time. When Ike and Tina were slated to open for the Rolling Stones, he made a genius move to make his music a little easier for the predominantly white audiences he would encounter, adding covers such as “Come Together” and “Proud Mary” into the Revue. “Proud Mary” would go on to win a Grammy in 1971. His constant drug use and abuse would come to a halt as Tina Turner would walk out and file for divorce in 1975. Turner would never really recover, and would fall deeper into the darkness. He had many brushes with the law on drug related charges, and the recording studio, Bolic, he founded in 1970 in Los Angeles would go on to burn down in the early 1980′s. Furthering his woes would be the release of the Tina Turner bio, which put his years of abuse out in public for all to see. He would be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Tina in 1991, unfortunately he could not be there, as he was in prison at the time. Turner did make a comeback, playing more Blues inspired tunes with a reincarnated Kings of Rhythm, and got nominated for a Grammy and won a WC Handy award. Up until his death he’d been involved in music, working with artists of today such as producer Danger Mouse and the Gorillaz, as well as the Black Keys. He’s been sampled numerous times, most notably by Salt and Pepa, as well as the Jurrassic 5 and Main Source.

I have always dug the coolness, of Ike Turner, despite the wife beating, drug use, and overall craziness his persona was. I got into A Black Man’s Soul, and people, if you do not have that record, I urge you strongly to get a copy. What I have for you today is from Turner in 1972. “Right On” is a Blues inspired story that Turner would use to showcase his creole story telling style, as well as his sporadic, unpredictable guitar playing he’d been known for. It was recorded in it’s entirety in Bolic Studios, with Ike playing all the instruments. It’s from the full length Blues Roots, where Turner would return to the musical roots of his existence. Ike offers up his wisdom on everything from heavy girls, the dark, cold weather, race relations, sex, and everything he thought was Right On. This side shuffles along, with Turner’s baritone voice, some decent harmonies, and the wailing of who ever else was partying in the studio. It may not be the best Ike Turner side, but it does prove he indeed was Right On.

“I believe I was ahead of my time.” – Ike Turner

RIP

Keep Diggin’

Skip Jackson & the Natural Experience – Microwave Boogie

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Photo courtesy of Beau Daddy

Skip Jackson & the Natural Experience – Microwave Boogie from the Catamount Records 45

As we draw closer to the holiday, I’m still going to try to keep up the pace with the posts. Whatever the case, I promise to at least post a side, even if there isn’t an in depth review. I do have a few surprises up my sleeve for Christmas, but as it gets closer and closer, you’ll get it. Thanks for all the kind words in regards to The Squeeze Mix. I have another mix I started to put together, so within the next week or so I should have it completed. I also want to plug The 4th and Kingsley Soul Club on December 21st at Asbury Lanes. We’re ready for The Budos Band in Asbury Park! Larry from Funky 16 Corners and I will be dropping lots of Funky Soul gems before, in between, and after their sets. If you are in the vicinity, please don’t miss the show. On with the program. I dug this next record up in North Jersey this past summer. I had no idea what to expect, but the name really caught my eye and I scooped it up. It was from Jersey, so how could I go wrong with a Jersey side? Representing Bergen County is Skip Jackson & the Natural Experience, with “Microwave Boogie” on Catamount Records.

I have to admit, I only know a little bit about this side. Catamount Records was founded by Stan Krause in 1964 in Bergen County, NJ. His area of expertise was acapella groups, and Krause would go on to release and work with groups such as The Persuasions, The Royal Counts, The Five Fashions, The Savoys, The Versailles and The Zircons. Tommy Brown, aka Skip Jackson started out with a vocal group called The Chantons, and put out a few sides on the Jay Mar label: “Lucille”, “Triangle Love”, and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”, among others. He was an integral part of the band Calvin and the Catamounts who would release “Creation of Love” on the Catamount label. Jackson did most of the writing, and also wrote for Disco bands like Fourteen Karat Soul, who were also on the label as well. Skip passed away in 1982 at age 42.

The record itself is a Disco Boogie monster, predecessing some electro tracks that would be released shortly after. It’s fuzzed out sound is what kept me coming back (besides the red vinyl and the name) and dropping the needle over and over again on this thing. A great bass line and spaced out synths that just don’t quit make this song a definite keeper. Apparently it was released in a few different forms, 45, 12″, etc. This record was used on a Kon and Amir mix The Cleaning, plus got the reworking treatment by them as well. The re-edit of the tune is quite interesting, and if you can get your hands on that thing, it’s probably easier than getting this 45. I have to be totally honest, I paid about $2 for this side, and I have heard tale of it going for high 3 figures. I am in no way a Disco guy myself (Disco Pres doesn’t advertise), but there are a lot of things I dig on in this 45. This record is from 78/79, and you all know that’s not my time period. However, like in any situation, you have to keep an open ear and open mind. This track is HOT, and I definitely plan on using it again. I spun it back at an early 45 Sessions, and it went over really well. So here we have another piece of New Jersey music history in Catamount Records, Stan R. Krause, and Skip Jackson and the Natural Experience. If anyone has more information about the label, the 45, and or the band, please feel free to contact me.

Keep Diggin’!

The Squeeze (El Apriete) – FMF Vol. 20

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I will say that the digging was a bit sparse this weekend, however, I was able to get a really cool side out of all the stuff I dug up, which will turn up on a review and/or mix in the near future. The weather is terrible, and shows no signs of getting better. There is good news though. On January 13th, there will be a record show at the World Famous Asbury Lanes. We’re gonna try to do it in January and February, because let’s face it, the digging weather is really brutal those months, and by then we’re all jonesing to get our hands on some vinyl. Despite the inclement weather, I did manage to go out and see a really cool live band on Saturday night though. In fact they’ve been on my list of bands to see, and every time they come around, I always miss them, but not this time. If you get the chance, check out the Detroit Cobras. If you can’t see them live, go to the Asbury Lanes page on JamNow to hear what they sounded like. They’re a Detroit garage band, and noted for being one of the best cover bands around, doing really great versions of Otis Redding, Jackie DeShannon, the Oblivions, and many other regional and AM exclusive forgotten R&B gems. The twist is this: Rachel Nagy’s sultry and gritty voice, besides keeping the boys at bay, makes their dirty sound stand above the other bands who are really just followers. You be the judge. Inbetween the bands, our resident 45 Sessions Jack the Ripper dropped some nuggets, even though he’s being stalked by a guy I thought was on the label of a Samuel Adams beer bottle, or the undertaker from Phantasm (the second description comes from the man himself) the whole set. The funny thing was, is that he was missing a patented song of his, it’s kind of like his theme song, I’m wondering if he lost the record? We’ll have to ask the primate himself where it went.

I was originally gonna drop this on Wednesday, but since I was able to put the finishing touches on it early, I figured why wait. Here is the newest edition to the Fleamarket Funk Mixes, The Squeeze (El Apriete) – FMF Vol. 20. I’m gonna send this one out to my man Aaron Soma in Milwaukee, WI. This guy puts in the time digging, I mean really puts it in. He is the definition of a digger. He’s not a fly by night guy who spun the latest Johnny Come Lately stuff, he’s put in his time and digs for the Funk and Soul, and he’s been doing it for a long time. I always enjoy getting his digging reports and insight on the records, so I’m gonna throw the mix out to him. This particular mix puts a squeeze on some Raw Funk and Soul, both old and new. We travel from Houston, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, to NYC, to Detroit, MI, to Cleveland, OH and beyond. It’s just under 40 minutes, but we cover a lot of ground. Start your week off right with The Squeeze – FMF Vol.20.

The Squeeze (El Apriete) – FMF Vol.20 All 45 Mix

The Meters - Zony Mash/ Josie
Al Wilson – Listen To Me/ Rocky Road Records
Jesse Fisher - Little John/ Way Out
Andre Williams – Do the Popcorn/ Checker
The Whatnaughts & the Whatnauts Band – Dance To the Music/ A & I
Bags – It’s Heavy/ GSF
JJ Barnes - Chains of Love/ Groovesville
Lavell Hardy – Don’t Lose Your Groove/ Rojac
The T.S.U. Toronadoes – Getting the Corners/ Atlantic
Mugo – Organize (Kenny Dope Edit)/ Kay Dee
Diana Ross & the Supremes – He’s My Sunny Boy/ Motown
The Gaslight – I’m Only A Man/ Grand Junction
Laura Lee – The Rip Off/ Hot Wax
Charles Bradley & the Menehan Street Band - The World (Is Going Up In Flames)/ Dunham

Download or Listen to The Squeeze (El Apriete) – FMF Vol. 20

Keep Diggin’!

They Gon Want Their Records Rain Sleet Hail Snow

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The rain forced me to improvise and sample in the car, again.

It’s getting down to the wire here in 2007, and the snow last week has given way to a chilling rain this weekend. Although today was supposed to be close to 50 and sunny, of course it rained. I knew my guy would be there, so I got up early despite the drizzle and hit the road before light. When I got to the spot, imagine my surprise when I saw a familiar black Cadillac with PA plates. The second week in a row, it’s The Stinkie Steve Show! He was actually slumped down in the driver’s seat sleeping, so I walked over to The Old Man, who was waiting in his vehicle patiently for his regulars. It was a little warmer than last weekend, and there weren’t many cars, but of course Eggbeard was lurking around, looking in vehicles to see if anyone had records. He was shit out of luck as SS and my guy were the only ones holding, and with the rain, it looked to stay that way. We made the record deal and chatted over some Grant Green in the background. Apparently Stinkie Steve is back to his old hijinx again, and I couldn’t be bothered to play his games . I’ll have to ask DJ Prime who I’m told braved the cold yesterday and sat in the back seat of the Stink mobile to sample records because of the 20 degree weather. I guess it was a pit stop from PA to Jersey for him, before he dumped his lot of black gold (or whatever he has, porno mags) to a big record dealer in Trenton. At any rate, he was there in all his glory, milling around in the same slick outfit he had on last week. Imagine the stink! I browsed through the stash of vinyl my guy had, picked out my stack, and was home by 8 am. Biggie was talkin’ about The 10 Crack Commandments, but I’ll modify it for the vinyl junkies, because really vinyl is a drug of some sorts.


Rainy 45 Scores Today:

Gladys Knight & the Pips – Maybe Maybe Baby/ Maxx
Baby Washington – There He Is/ Sue
Jimmy McGriff – Bump de Bump/ Sue
The Manhattans – Sweet Little Girl/ Carnival
Chi-Lites – Troubles A Comin’/ Brunswick
The Originals – I’ll Wait For You/ Soul
The Astors – Candy/ Stax
Sonny Rollins – Isn’t She Lovely/ Milestone
Brenton Wood – I Think You Got Your Fools Mixed Up/ Double Shot
Crusaders – Papa Hooper’s Barrelhouse Groove/ MoWest
Don Patterson – Up In Betty’s Room/ Prestige
Deon Jackson – Ooh Baby/ Carla


Keep Diggin’!

Cannonball Adderley Quintet – Walk Tall (Baby That’s What I Need)

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Cannonball Adderley Quintet – Walk Tall (Baby That’s What I Need) from the Capitol Records 45

I love Jazz. What started out 15 plus years ago with Miles and Trane, has really turned into quite a passion. I try to buy up every decent Jazz record I find in my digging adventures. When I come upon a Jazz 7″, especially those of the organ kind, Soul Jazz, or just plain old Jazz Funk, it’s always a bonus. There are tons of great Jazz 45′s out there, and if you search long enough, you’re bound to come across a few gems. When I say gems, I’m talking guys like Brother Jack McDuff, Jimmy Smith, Grant Green, Lou Donaldson and the like. When I ran across this 45, well I got a little excited (inside ya know, I didn’t want my dealer to think I’d popped a gasket), ok a lot excited. I have the full length that this side comes from, and it’s a great listen. I’ve sampled it on a few mixes, and for sure, my next Soul Jazz mix is going to have this cut on it. Let’s ease on into “Walk Tall” by The Cannonball Adderley Quintet on Captiol Records from 1967.

Julian Edwin “Cannonball” Adderley was born in Tampa, FL in 1928. After he graduated high school, following in the footsteps of his teacher/father (an accomplished trumpet player in his own right), he was a high school band leader. Things would change in 1955, when he would travel to New York City, and sit in a session with Oscar Pettibone. He became the new sensation on the alto saxophone, and in a short time critics had him pegged as the next Charlie Parker. Adderley would go his own way, however, and make his niche in the Jazz world. He would form a quintet, which would feature his brother Nat on coronet. Although financially this move would prove to be almost a disaster, in 1957 he caught the attention of Miles Davis, and was asked to be involved in The Sextet. This famous line up included John Coltrane, Red Garland, Wynton Kelley, and Bill Evans. Adderley would stay for two years with the sextet, but eventually returning to his own quintet in 1959. A recording of the Bobby Timmons song “This Here” would have the CAQ coined as “Soul Jazz”, and the rollercoaster ride of a career was off to a running start. The quintet (which sometimes filled to a sextet) would have players such as Barry Harris, Victor Feldman, Joe Zawinul, George Duke, and Hal Galper. Sam Jones and Louis Hayes would be the original rhythm section, only to be replaced later by Victor Gaskin, Walter Booker, and Roy McCurdy. Yusef Lateef and Charles Lloyd would be included in the sextet. The Quintet would go on to perform this Soul Jazz, as well as funky stylings and interpretations throughout their career. The Zawinul penned “Mercy Mercy Mercy” was a top side for the Quintet and brought them to different audiences, eventually pushing them to a whole different level musically. His preacher like ramblings while performing were legendary, and the stout Adderley held his Jazz sermon often and with great intensity. He drew influences from Funk, Soul, Jazz, and especially the Blues, where he proclaims on the full length that this side comes from that “they never play a set without playing the Blues.” Adderley was a true Jazz ambassador who promoted and represented Jazz to the fullest, whether it on vinyl, live (later through television), or as a University speaker. He died in Gary Indiana of a stroke in 1975.

This cut comes from the full length 74 Miles Away/Walk Tall on Capitol Records. It was produced by David Axelrod, and recorded live. The liner notes state: “No Jazz group presently active seems to come alive more buoyantly on the band stand, and no other combo has benifited more fully from the advantages of recording live.” I can agree with that, as I have a good amount of Adderley Lps, and they are definitely live, not just on stage, but the music itself. From the opening electric piano of Josef Zawinul, and the infusion of the Adderley’s horn section with Vic Gaskin’s bass and Roy McCurdy’s mellow drum pattern, how could you not walk tall? The horns speed up a bit, you lift your head up and look straight ahead. Your stride starts to move at at faster pace, you’re confident, not cocky, and then it comes out, that famous Adderley sermon: “Walk Taaallll”. In 2 minutes and 38 seconds you’ve learned the secret to handling any adversity. Advice given by a true scholar, in every sense of the word. It looks like the digging weather might be ok this weekend, but we’ll see how it goes. At any rate I’ll be back with something. I recently picked up a nice haul, and have been lining the 7″s up for the Budos show for The 4th and Kingsley Soul Club at Asbury Lanes on December 21st. Spread the word.

Keep Diggin’!

**For those of you in London this weekend, the one and only 45 Sessions contributer Devil Dick will be here, playing with his band Solace, and destroying the place with his guitar. Also keep an eye out for the Big Man who most likely will be at the show in a Chelsea Cap. Tell him that Liverpool red is the only color. Also, check out the guys over at Afro Kats Records, who contacted me about their new release from Floyd Larson and the Hearts of Stone, some great Funk out of Jersey. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this piece of Jersey goodness!

Black Ivory – What Goes Around (Comes Around)

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Black Ivory – What Goes Around (Comes Around) from the Kwanza 45

I ended up finding this record in the freezing cold recently. When I got into the box, I thought I hit a gold mine. In it was some Latin heat, some Blue Note Jazz, and a Black Jazz record. Now anything on Black Jazz never, let me repeat, never turns up at the Spot. It just so happened to be the record Devil Dick scored on a Philly street corner recently, Doug Carn. Of course the Doug Carn was just a sleeve, the Latin heat was scratched due to having a pound of sand in the box, and the Blue Note Jazz got scooped up by another digger seconds before me. Everyone else kind of scattered (because of the coldness and because there really weren’t any records left), but I dug on in the 45s, and pulled this side out. I have a few of their Today Records sides, but they were always pretty beat to hell as it were. The Stereo side of this cut skips, so you’ll have to deal with the Mono version of Black Ivory and “What Goes Around (Comes Around)” on Kwanza Records from 1974.

Hailing from Harlem, NY, Black Ivory originally formed as The Mellow Souls somewhere around 1969. The original lineup was first founded by Lawrence Newkirk, Vito Ramirez and Michael Harris. Stuart Bascombe and Leroy Burgess would join later on. Michael and Vito would go on to leave, and Russell Patterson would come aboard Managed by Patrick Adams of Perception Records (Fatback Band, Wanda Robinson), they eventually moved over to Today Records, a subsidiary of Perception. The band did back Robinson up on her record, providing the music for her poetry, and Adams decided a name change was in order, and Black Ivory was born. They would release a Soul classic in Don’t Turn Around from 1971, which would garnish hits ” Find The One Who Loves You”, ” She Said That She’s Leaving” and ” If I Could Be A Mirror”. Touring ensued, and in 1973 they went on to release their second Lp Baby Won’t You Change Your Mind. However, the Today label would start to go down hill financially, and BI would move over to Warner subsidiary Kwanza for 1974, and release this record we have on rotation today. BI would go on to perform for Don Cornelius on Soul Train, but like so many other small labels, Kwanza couldn’t cut the mustard and would fold just like Today did. This would cause the band to move once again, this time to Buddah Records, where they would remain until 1977. They did manage to release one record on Buddah in 1975 called Feel It, before Burgess hit the road and went out on his own. The duo of Patterson and Bascomb would remain together, pumping out one last Disco hit “Mainline” (which I own, and is easily found), but couldn’t hold their own in that genre as a whole. The song was also written by Burgess, who was not even in the band at the time. Burgess would have some success as a songwriter in the 80′s, working with Fonda Rae and Aleem Twins. Black Ivory would reunite in the 90′s and go on to perform shows together once again. Currently, they’ve been sampled by bands like Brother Ali and 9th Wonder, which keeps bands like Black Ivory on the map for a new generation of fans, be it backpacker Hip Hop kids or producers looking to keep that BI feel in their music.

What Goes Around is a great piece of up tempo Soul, bordering on the Disco explosion that would just be getting ready to take off. I see (and hear) this on records I pick up all the time. My cutoff for decent Funk and Soul usually lies around 74/75 (there are exceptions) after, but those key years for me really stretch from like ’67-’74, and maybe dabble into ’75. I hate to generalize, but it just seems everyone really went Disco after that, or at least tried to. Plenty of wah wah, falsetto voice, and a driving beat on this side folks. I’m not mad at it either. Sitting here nodding my head (go ahead and laugh), and not caring who sees, I ride for Black Ivory any day. They came out close to home for me, and why not show some love to some NY brothers who knew how to do it to it? I’ll see you on Friday with another dusty find.

Keep Diggin’!

****Here’s an update about a record I posted a while back:

Steve Keith, a member of th Nite Liters, a band who did a cover of Harlem Shuffle contacted me this past week. The review of the record is here. Here’s what he had to say in regards to the 45:

I am one of the original Nite-Liters and played on the record above. The flip side is “Set Me Free” by our own Don Falk. The band started in Jr. High in 1964 for a talent show with me (guitar), Harrell Baker (guitar) and Tommy Ford (drums). Later, Bob Schnell replaced Tommy and Don Falk (bass) and Joe Fromal (keys) were added. In 1965, horns were added, George Resto and Danny Kelly (Trumpets) and Harrell with his sax. We played sets of current R and R and “soul” music. Yes, we are all white guys. The band dissolved in 1967 after HS graduation and we took different roads. Don continues in music, his work can be found on the internet. Harrell also plays in Hawaii and is on the internet.

I am curious where you got a copy of this record. Only 500 were pressed and we sold them around school to our “fans”. A rare find of local music.

Our contrempories included Bill Deal and the Rondels. We played in concerts with many top bands, the Animals, Yardbirds, Bobby Moore and the Rhythem Aces, Dovells, Jimmy Clanton and others.

I am retired, living in Hampton, Va, the home of the fabulous Nite-Liters!
Hope this info is useful to you.

Regards, Steve Keith

Fat Owl Mix: FMF Podcast #19

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After a long weekend of digging/ writing, and a bit of relaxing, I’m excited at the latest edition of the Fleamarket Funk Mix Series, Podcast Nineteen: Fat Owl Mix. It is a curious blend of Deep Funk and Soul right here from the crates of Fleamarket Funk. If you listen closely, you’ll hear a shout out from the one and only Connie T. Empress, plus a healthy portion of 45′s, all hand picked by yours truly. There are some definite groovers, as well as a strong finish of Sweet Soul from Buffalo, NY, all alongside some sides you may or may not know. I managed to get my hands on another Witches and the Warlock side, as well as a cut I’ve been holding back for a while, one Bobby Wilson on Chain. The styrene is so thin I’m afraid I’m gonna break it every time I play it, but I couldn’t flip through my “to do” box anymore without including it. It just had to be put in a mix. The Chocolate Syrup record is a fave of mine as of late, even though the side I wanted to put on the mix skips at the very last verse (I’m in the works at minting up, so we’ll see how it goes). The Leonard (Lil’ Man) Kaigler side reminds me of a young Michael Jackson, and how can you go wrong with a young Mike sound alike? This mix is more on the Soul side, but it’s enjoyable none the less. I’m busy working away on the 4th and Kingsley Soul Club night at Asbury Lanes on December 21st, where we’ll be welcoming The Budos Band in the house, as well as Larry from Funky 16 Corners and myself spinning some Funky Soul 45s before, in between and after their sets. Go over to his spot in the blogosphere and pick up his new mix as well. As per usual, it’s spot on. It’s gonna be a great kick off to another unique night in Asbury Park, so keep your eyes and ears out for more information. For now, enjoy the mix!


Fat Owl Mix: FMF Podcast#19 Tracklist

Brenda & the Tabulations – Scuse Uz Y’All/ Top and Bottom
Eddie Floyd – Woodman/ Stax
Leonard (Lil’ Man) Kaigler – I Think It’s A Big One Coming/ Sunburst
Tamiko Jones – Ya Ya/ CTI
Witches and the Warlock – Behind Locked Doors/ Sew City
Gloria Taylor – Grounded Part 1/ Silver Fox
The Show Stoppers – Ain’t Nothin’ But A House Party/ Heritage
John Roberts - Sophisticated Funk/ Duke
Georgie Fame – Beware the Dog/ Epic
Crosstown Express – Just Keep the Funk/ Pee Zee
Bobby Wilson – Anything (That You Want)/ Chain
Chocolate Syrup – The Goodness of Love/ IRA Records
Bob and Gene – I Can Be Cool/ Mo Do

Listen to or Download Fat Owl Mix: FMF Podcast #19

Keep Diggin’!

It’s a Cold, Cold, World plus Stinkie Steve Returns

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Trying to get out of the cold to sample records

With the mercury dipping below freezing once again, I knew I’d have my work cut out for me this morning. With a tip from DJ Prime that Stinkie Steve was now back in business, I knew today was going to be interesting. I hit the road before it was even light out, and even had to break out the parka, I mean the temperature read 25 without the wind. It’s a cold, cold world people. I knew that the Old Man would be holding some records for me (as he always does, even though his stash is getting thinner and thinner), and whatever else I could grab is always a bonus. Of course the same handful of record guys come every week, but at these temperatures, the only one I saw was Eggbeard, and I was lucky to get a 45 box before his egg stained hands and beard could reach for it. He’s notorious for Jazz 78′s and Lps, but I do question his motives with 45s. All of a sudden he’s interested. I’m sure he sees us 7″ guys out and figures he can turn a fast buck. Well I’m here to get the music to bring to you, not try and rape someone with E Bay prices on a daily basis, so Eggbeard please step aside. I met up with another dealer and we were painfully going through way too many 80′s records and talking about Stinkie Steve, when lo! and behold!, there is the sneaky Pennsylvania native rooting through the back of a Dodge Caravan. This sociopath (now commonly called ASPD: antisocial personality disorder) actually was kind of friendly. I can say that because he almost approached me to talk, commenting nonchalantly on my portable (which he’s seen a million times), but then going on a tear through the records with some other shady looking character he now calls his travel companion. He’s got rid of the Cadillac and now is driving some old Buick or Chevy sedan. In fact, he’s not even driving it, rumor has it he put up the cash for the car so someone else can put it in their name. Maybe he’s not as dumb as he looks, which by the way isn’t too swift. His Members Only (of course he is the only member) jacket and flood water work pants in combination with the rope belt, Kara-te shoes and half socks were classic SS, even though it was as the Devil Dick puts it: “Colder than a Witches Tit”. I guess he’s going for more of the fashion, not function thing.


Stinkie Steve returns, humbled, or does he have us all fooled?

I did hear him speak and he sounded a bit humble actually, but I had spent my limit and didn’t feel like standing in the cold for another 2 hours while he formulated a plan to sell me whatever records he scammed from some dying Jazz guy in Philly while he’s been away from the spot for a few months. Bottom line: Stinkie Steve may act reformed, but he’s not. He’s still the shadiest flea market guy you’ll ever deal with in your life, would get one over on his Mother if he had the chance, and is a textbook case of a sociopath. Do I miss him? Unfortunately yes, because without his charades, it really gets kind of dull at the Spot. He does look really worn (more than usual), but running from the law will probably do that to you kids, so let this photo be an example for you. Someone mentioned Karma today, and well, I think it might be coming back around to the Stinky One. I hit up a few more tables as it got a little later (while the rest of the collectros were still at the Stinkster’s spot), and then get the eff out of Dodge, blaring Art Blakey as loud as I could all the way home. I was smiling at the fact that despite the blustery winds and frigid weather, I once again was able to score some gems.

45s

The Cookies – Chains/ Dimension
The Exciters/ If Love Came Your Way/ UA
Maxine Brown – Now That You’ve Gone/ No Mar
Larry Williams – Short Fat Fannie/ Specialty
Bobby Marchan – There’s Something On Your Mind/ Fire
Eddie and Betty – Saturday Night Fish Fry/ WB
The Reflections – Can’t You Tell By the Look In My Eyes/ Golden World
Georgie Fame – Beware of the Dog/ Epic
Black Ivory – What Goes Around Comes Around/ Kwanza
The What Nots and the What Nots Band – Dance To The Music/ A & I
Herman Kelly and Life – Dance To The Drummer’s Beat/ Alston
Soul Brother Six – Some Kind of Wonderful/ Sugarville
Mike Pedicin Quintet – Shake a Hand!/ 20th Century
Hoodoo Rhythm Devils – Too Hot To Handle/ Blue Thumb
Cannonball Adderly Quintet – Walk Tall/ Capitol
Andre Williams – Do the Popcorn/ Checker
JB’s – Thank You For Lettin’ Me Be Myself and You Be Yours/ People
The Majestics – Oasis/ Chess
Rare Bird – Beautiful Scarlet/ Probe
The Ritchie Family – Voodoo/ Marlin
JJ Barnes – Chains of Love/ Groovesville
The Exciters – Are You Satisfied/ Roulette
Tom and Jerry O – Boo-Ga-Loo/ ABC Paramount
Isley Brothers – It’s Your Thing/ T Neck (finally a clean copy!)
Miles Davis – Seven Steps To Heaven/ Columbia
Ike and Tina Turner – Crazy ‘Bout You Baby/ Blue Thumb
Brother Jack McDuff – Can’t Get Satisfied/ Atlantic
Funkadelic – Undisco Kidd/ Westbound
The Royalettes – Out of Sight Out of Mind/ MGM

Lps

** NO RECORD SHIT! Doug Carn – Infant Eyes/ Black Jazz (Ok I just got the sleeve, I need this record in my life, so if anyone has doubles, hit me up!)
Randy Weston – African Cookbook/ Atlantic
The Lively Ones – Bugalu Party/ MGM
That’s Soul 3 – Various Artists/ ATCO (German Pressing)
The Jazz Messengers – At the Cafe Bohemia Volume 1/ Blue Note (reissue but I’ll take it)
The Dedication Series: The Bop Masters – Sonny Criss and Kenny Durham/ Impulse


1. “Let me listen to it on your portable, then I can formulate a price.”
2. “I was a ballerina, in the Jazz sense, in my past life”.
3. “By selling him records, essentially you’re making him a dealer”.
4. After someone just mentioned that there was a fresh turd next to a van (which turned out to be Steve’s), he said: “Fucking Hippies.”
5. “I’ve just pulled some greeeeat stuff out of my warehouse.”

Keep Diggin’!