Monthly Archives: January 2008

Billy Sha-Rae – Do It

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Billy Sha-Rae – Do It from the Spectrum Records 45

Good midweek to all the FMF family. What I bring to you today is a little bit of Detroit Funk. With so much music coming out of the Motor City and the surrounding areas, the odds are in the favor of great sides being produced. Motown is the obvious choice, but what about labels like Ashford, Groovesville, Impact, Mutt, Soul Hawk, and Ric Tic? These among many, many others are essential labels out of Michigan and are responsible for some of the sweetest Soul and rawest Funk records sides you’ll ever hear. This next record is really a great one. I picked it up my first copy from my man Sasha who runs Future Funk and the Lucky Cat over in Brooklyn. Get on down to Billy Sha-Rae and “Do It” on Spectrum Records.

I do not know too much about Billy Sha-Rae, other than he was from the Pittsburgh area (Uniontown). He would get into a band with former members of The Jaggerz called The Soul Congress. This band would eventually relocate from the Pittsburgh area to Detroit. It was here they would be a session band, playing on many records which would include some by The O’Jays in 1967. This particular record was released on the Spectrum Record label and distributed by Laurie Records. Laurie, founded by Bob and Gene Schwartz, boasted such hit makers as Dion and Gary US Bonds. This side however, was all about Jack Ashford. Ashford, a percussionist for the now famous Funk Brothers out of Detroit (A mandatory DVD for you all to own is Standing In the Shadows of Motown, please run out and get it ASAP) arranged this side with Lorraine Chandler producing. As I said earlier, I do not know too much about this record, but I can only assume that some members (if not all) played on this groover from 1971, as well as Ashford’s expertise with percussion instruments. This record was also released as Johnny Griffith “Do It” on Triple B, accompanied by the Billy Sha-Rae Band. Apparently this version was an over dub with Griffiths playing the electric piano. There was another press on the Hour Glass label as well. If anyone has any more information on this side, I surely welcome any and all contributions.

This is definitely a heavy Funk nugget. Shouts out to the Popcorn throughout, and Billy tells you how to do your thing baby. With a sweet short breakdown in the middle, Sha-Rae grunts and growls over the drum break and carries his voice from the Midwest here to New Jersey, some 37 years later. It’s definitely got some heavy percussion accents, and like I said before, Jack Ashford being the arranger, you know it had have some good percussion. Not that hard of a record to find and a favorite with the Funk and Soul mixtape and blogs, it gets the Fleamarket Funk seal of approval. It’s a dance floor stompoer so drop this gem and watch them go. You may even be surprised when you start to do it yourself. Keep Diggin’!

Lalo Schifrin – Quiet Village

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Lalo Schifrin – Quiet Village from the CTI Records Lp Black WidoW

From the beginning of my crate digging escapades, I was always curious about TV and movie soundtrack music. From the 70′s Blaxploitation films to Hawaii 5-0 to What’s Happening? and beyond, I always loved them. A long time ago I came across a Mission Impossible and other themes Lp that encompassed some of today’s artist’s music. It had a variety of Funky nuggets on it, and I decided from that point on I would pick up anything I saw out in the field by this guy. This guy, as it turned out to be was Lalo Schifrin. An all around renaissance man in music, he has done it all. Here is one from his 1976 Lp Black Widow on CTI Records called “Quiet Village”.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1932 into a musical family (his father Luis was a concert violinist), Schifrin started playing the piano at the age of six. Enrolling in the Paris Conservatoire in 1952, and also putting in time on the Jazz scene at night, Schifrin was on his way. His career as a pianist, composer, and arranger would have him sessioning and recording all over Europe. Upon his return to Argentina, he formed a big concert band. It was in this band that Dizzy Gillespie would hear him. Gillespie asked him to join him in the United States as an arranger and pianist, and how can you turn down Dizzy? He would remain with Gillespie until 1962, turning out “Gillespiana” among other records. In 1963 he moved to Hollywood, where he would go on to score movie and television themes. His resume reads like a greatest hits of television and movie themes: Mission Impossible, Mannix, Dirty Harry, Bullit, Enter the Dragon, Cool Hand Luke, and modern day movies such as Rush Hour and Last Tango. He has won four Grammy’s, and is versatile as a musician, composer, and leader. He’s equally comfortable playing as he is leading and orchestra. Whether it’s a big band, bossa nova, Latin, or some Jazz Funk (as is the case here today), Lalo is your man.

Quiet Village could be from any 70′s action movie. With a slight Disco edge, but not too much (this is 1976), this foray into the dance floor for Schifrin is a definite showcase of his talent and versatility as a producer. Gathering up a mound of great musicians (Eric Gale, Hubert Laws, Joe Farrell, Pepper Adams, and Patti Austin to name a few), this South American musical genius proves that he can make it funk-kay. This song was originally written by Les Baxter in 1951 for Ritual of the Savage, and has also been done by Martin Denny. It’s great that Schifrin can take this piece of exotica and turn it into a nice Funk nugget, complete with a hard hitting beat and funky bass line. This is truly a great and of course funky interpretation of a classic. I hope you dig it as much as I do. Don’t sleep on the sound track composers, there are a lot of under rated records out there. Keep Diggin’!

Manu Dibango – Weya

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Manu Dibango (left) with Doctor Nico, Roger Izheidi, and Taby Ley

Manu Dibango – Weya from the Atlantic Records 45

I managed to find out the source of the static in my last two uploads. I use CD Scrubber to upload my files. For some reason, it’s been losing the signal from my Mackie board. I’ve switched out the USB cables and the RCA cords. At the worst case I could record straight to Pro Tools, but it’s kind of a hassle, because you have to bounce it back, and it takes twice as long. I do have a back up ripping program and device, so if this shits the bed I will go to that. It’s pretty frustrating, but I’m sure it will sort itself out. Thanks to all who have hepped me to the situation and the patience in this matter. I hope you all have been enjoying the week, I was stoked at two pretty diverse records, and good Roots Reggae (even borderline Dub) can make a bad day turn out good for me. I picked this next side up rather recently, and wanted to feature it, as it was used in two great, and I think important hip hop records. Here’s Manu Dibango with “Weya” on Atlantic Records.

Born in Cameroon in 1933, this African saxophone and piano player left for France in 1949 to finish his education. He would remain here until 1956, where he’d then move again to Brussels. Along the way, his love of Jazz would send him on a journey that would eventually lead the way for African music to be broken here in the United States in 1972. Inbetween, he played Jazz in Paris, linked up with the band African Jazz led by Joseph Kabasele, and would go on to write a song for the President of Cameroon. This tune would be for the African Football Championship, and he stuck an instrumental on the B-Side by accident, which was “Soul Makossa”. This accident of course was a huge hit internationally, and eventually got into the hands of Atlantic, which imported them from France and sold more than 150,000 copies in a week. This record would earn him a Grammy nomination, and the rest is history. Dibango would go on to release over 40 records of his African Jazz, Reggae and Rhythm and Blues fused music to critical acclaims. Over 70 years of age, this man is not stopping.

Of course being a Hip Hop junkie since way, way back, I did recognize this record as being part of The Jungle Brothers “Straight Out the Jungle” and Afrika Bambaataa’s “Renegades of Funk”. The song comes from his second record Makossa Man. The side itself is a piece of Afro Funk that can not be denied. Dibango’s saxophone is blazing, and the bass line and African percussion really stay in the groove. There isn’t a part of this song I do not like. It’s a wonder that two pioneers of Hip Hop selected it to sample. I can not think of anything else but the JBs (Mike Gee, Africa Baby Bam, and Sammy B) when I hear the intro to Weya. The song brings me back everytime man, and it will for you too. While everyone is always up on the Fela Kuti tip (and believe me, you should be, FMF recommends Funky Horn and more, the guy is a genius), Manu Dibango only gets remembered for Soul Makossa. He’s got some other great sides that are definitely worth seeking out, and this is one of them. I’ll be back over the weekend with a digging report and some other funky gems. Keep Diggin’!

Tony Tuff – Run Come Come

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Tony Tuff – Run Come Come from the Scorcher 45

I got a nice haul of Reggae 7″ as of late. i’ve been stockpiling a lot of Jamaican 45s, and I think I’ve got enough to do a second Special Request Reggae Mix Part 2. I haven’t been the guy who has been consistently hauling down vinyl from the motherland though. DJ Prime has been cleaning up in that area, and according to him, our boy King Bravo has been coming through like and herbsman with the chalice, although this time with great records. I am going to get into this side by Tony Tuff on Scorcher Records, “Run Come Come”.

Born Winston Morris in Kingston, Jamaica in 1955, this Reggae legend would start of singing along side Sugar Minott in The African Brothers. The band would produce such hits as “Lead Us Heavenly Father” and “Righteous Kingdom”, before they would eventually break up in 1978. After Minott would move to Studio One (where he would go on to have a successful career), Tony Tuff would be move on to be the leader of the Soul Syndicate Band and embark on a solo career by 1980. Tuff would release records produced by Sugar Minott (Presenting Tony Tuff), and recorded by Yabby You (One Big Family). These sides would be popular on the UK Reggae scene. He would then move on to become a member of the Volcano Hi Fi Sound System run by Henry “Junjo” Lawes. The Sound System would boast such notables as Barrington Levy, Josey Wales, Yellowman, and Little John. Not bad company for a Roots guy, who now was changing to his style to Dancehall. He’d go on to have success in the genre with hits like “Water Pumpee” and “Come Fe Mash It” (my personal favorite). He scored a few hits in the 90′s, running the Reggae tour circuit and performing worldwide as a Reggae legend.

When I first put the needle on this side, I knew I had heard this riddim before in an Augustus Pablo side “Zion Dub”. This Roots side is all you can ask for in a classic Reggae side. Boasting all that you can do with Roots music and Reggae itself, this line sums up the whole song: “Sweet Roots music, you can never refuse it.” This is the kind of record I will buy all day every day. It’s hard to come by, but whenever I see stuff like this, I automatically pick it up. I want to shout out the one and only Pete Pederson for passing on a nice pile of 7″s, which included this very side. Good looking out my man. I’ll be back on Friday with some more gems. Keep Diggin’!

Kutiman – Chaser

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Kutiman – Chaser from the Afro Kats Records 45

After a long, long weekend, which included Friday night’s Asbury Park 45 Sessions with Conn Shawnery from Afro Kats Records and the AP 45 Crew, and 6 hours record sorting and organization, I bring you a short post on some modern Afro Funk. The stable at Afro Kats is pretty impressive, and with a Bernard Purdie record coming out in the near future plus the vinyl pressing of unreleased New Jersey artist Floyd Lawson & the Hearts of Stone, it’s getting bigger by the moment. I originally was gonna do a feature on the label in the future (which I am sure of), but I couldn’t let this excellent record slide by without some recognition. Get into this groove FMF family, with Kutiman and “Chaser” on Afro Kats Records.

Ophir “Kutiman” Kutiel was born in Zichron, Israel. A talented musician in his own right, he plays multiple instruments: guitar, bass, keyboard and drums. He started his musical career playing piano at age six and then switched to drums and guitar at age 14. When he turned 18 years old he moved to Tel Aviv, to study music at the Rimon College. It was there he was exposed to the wild world of college radio, and the eventual transformation into the psychelic Afro Beat/ Funk phenom he has become. Dubbed the “Psychedelic space funk architect” by Straight No Chaser magazine, Kutiman has gotten a lot of shine as of late, releasing records on Melting Pot Music, the German label that broke through so to speak with artist Breakout, among others. Embraced by the Afro Beat community as well as a variety of hipster monthlies, it’s easy to see how it could happen. His music is simple and keeps your head and body moving from start to finish.

This particular track was recorded in 2004 in Jamaica, where Kutiman was living and recording, logging session time with notables such as Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, and Turbulence. From the sound of this record, the elbow rubbing with these Jamaican stars was just an addition to his great talent, as the record really speaks for itself. Kutiman had some help from his Israeli band bretheren: Shlomi Alon, a flutist from the brass section of Hadag Nahash, and Elran Dekel, lead singer of Funkenstien and trumpeter Sefy Tsizling.

Come take a ride to the East side, where the wah-wah guitar is king, and the JB’s are obviously an influence. Add in a great organ, some flute (yes I said flute), and let the Afro Funk begin. This side grooves at a nice pace and is highly recommended. Actually, I’m gonna require it. Go out and get this 7″. You’d be slighting yourself if you didn’t. I’m excited as this is the second Israeli artist I have featured on FMF, and from the look at the growing Afro Funk and Soul scene in Israel, it won’t be the last. See you midweek. Keep Diggin’!

01 18 08 Asbury Park 45 Sessions Recap

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Conn Shawnery vs. Bruce Lee


Making deals with the Afro Kat 45s, DJ Bluewater and M.Fasis look on.

In our first 45 Session of the year, we had to go international. Ok it is Canada, but still, our guest Conn Shawnery really outdid himself. Playing an eclectic mix of music from his own label (Kutiman, Koloko), and throwing in a heavy dose of Deep Funk and Northern Soul, he wowed the Asbury crowd with his seamless mixes and great selection. We all drew out of a hat this time for our time slots, and Larry Grogan and myself kicked it off, followed by DJ Prime, Connie T. Empress, Conn, DJ Bluewater, and M.Fasis finishing up the night. Jack the Ripper graciously gave up his spot so our guest could get some extra time. There were a lot of new faces once again, and to the old heads who keep coming to support, a huge Thank You! We appreciate the support and promise to keep playing the best Deep Funk, Sweet Soul, and all that is funky all through 2008. Here’s my set from last night, more sets as they come in. See you Monday.

DJ Prestige 01.18.07 Asbury Park 45 Sessions Set

Mr. World Intro
Andrew White – Who Got De Funk/ Andrew’s Music
Detroit Sex Machines – Funky Crawl/ Soul Track
The T.M.G.’s – The Hatch/ Funk 45
Mel Brown – Chicken Fat/ impulse!
Ron Holden – I Need Ya/ Now
Diana Ross and the Supremes – He’s My Sunny Boy/ Motown
Gene Dozier & the Brotherhood – A Hunk of Funk/ Minit
The Dap Kings – Nervous Like Me/ Kay-Dee
Javier Rodrigez – Rumble/ Raw Wax
The Watts 103rd St. Band – Spreadin’ Honey/ Keymen
The Detroit Night Riders – Getting Funky/ Mutt
Pucho & Latin Soul Bros. – Freddie’s Dead/ Zanzee
Nu-Sound Express – Ain’t It Good Enough/ Silver Dollar (x2)
The Intrigues – In A Moment/ Yew
The LTG Exchange – Waterbed Part One/ Wand Fania
The T.S.U. Tornadoes – Getting the Corners/ Atlantic
The Isley Brothers – Don’t Give It Away/ T Neck
Ray Barretto – Soul Drummers/ Fania
Mugo – Organize (Kenny Dope Edit)/ Kay-Dee
Ken Lazarus & the Crew – Monkey Man/ Steady Records
Outro: The Penguins – Hey Senorita/ DooTone

DJ Bluewater Set

Samson and Delilah – Theres A DJ In Your Town – (Indigo)
Ernie and The Top Notes – Dap Walk – (Fordom)
Alex Williams and The Mustangs – Moondust – (Jewel)
The Masai – Across The Tracks – (Contempo)
Ernie Hawks & The IG’s – Soulful Trip Pt. 1 – (Nite Club)
Polyversal Souls – Sad Nile – (Fryers)
El Rego – Vimado Wingnan – (Aux Ecoutes)
Emotions – Blind Alley – (Volt)
Little Mary Staten – Steppin’ Stone – (GME)
Nicole Willis and The Soul Investigators – If This Ain’t Love – (Timmion)
Helene Smith – You Got To Be A Man – (Phil L.A. of Soul)
Frank Williams and The Rocketeers feat. Little Beaver – Got to Be A Man – (Phil L.A. of Soul)
Yvonne Fair – Say Yeah Yeah – (Dade)
Inell Young – What Do You See In Her – (Libra)
Little Ron Johnson – I Keep Telling You – (Hard Times)
Levert Allison – Sugar Daddy – (Elbejay)
4th Coming – You’re My Precious Someone – (Alpha)

DJ Prime Setlist

scotch plains – raider marching band – the horse (hmr)
white stripes – conquest (guitar intro)
grant green – the battle part 1 (blue note)
popcorn wylie – funky rubber band (soul)
tina turner – whole lotta love (united artists)
james spencer – take this woman off the corner (memphis)
the sylvers – fool’s paradise (pride)
isley brothers – i turned you on (t neck)
gloria lynne – if you don’t get it yourself (canyon)
billy the baron & his smokin’ challengers – communication is where it’s at (grill)
ted taylor – the road of love (ronn)
fatback band – goin’ to see my baby (perception)
rimshots – dance girl (astroscope)
little royal – razor blade (trius)
charles wright & the watts 103rd st. band – must be your thing (warner bros.)
ruby & the party gang – hey ruby (shut your mouth) (law-ton)
soul patrol – saigon strut (shamley)
sons of slum – right on (stax)

Larry Grogan Funky 16 Corners Set

Funky16Corners Set List

Rudy Ray Moore – The Turning Point (Kent)
Harvey Scales & the 7 Sounds – The Get Down (Magic Touch)
Johnny Griffith – Do It (Triple B)
Fred Lowery with Big Bo & the Arrows – Ride the Iron Horse (Cotillion)
Irene Reid – Dirty Old Man (Old Town)
Emperors – My Baby Likes To Boogaloo (Mala)
Junior & the Classics – Mix Up a Go Go (Magic Touch)
Lonnie Brooks – Let It All Hang Out (Chess)
Deacon John Moore – You Don’t Know How To Turn Me On (Bell)
Betty Harris – Mean Man (Sansu)
Benny Poole – Sorry Bout That (Solid Hit)
Derek Martin – Daddy Rollin’ Stone (Crackerjack)
The Four Larks – Groovin at the Go Go (Tower)

Tonight! Asbury Park 45 Sessions

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The sessions creep up on you, and once again, Fleamarket Funk is proud to present the next installment of The Asbury Park 45 Sessions. It is rapidly approaching our year anniversary, and I’d like to say a big THANK YOU to a lot of people. Thanks to the AP 45 Sessions residents: Larry Grogan, DJ Prime, Connie T. Empress, M.Fasis, Jack the Ripper, DJ Bluewater. I’d also like to shout out our special guests: DJ Cool Hands Luke, DJ Save 1, Vincent the Soul Chef, Devil Dick, and Jay Boxcar. Thanks to the World Famous Asbury Lanes for allowing me to put on the night there. Also to all the people who have worked the nights and come through every session to support. It’s an honor and a pleasure to hang with you all. Now, on with tonight’s show.

Tonight we have a Special Guest Selector from North of the Border. One half of the Afro Kats Record Crew, Mr. Conn Shawnery is a DJ who has been spreading the Deep Funk and Rare Grooves throughout Montreal, Quebec and the surrounding provinces. Afro Kats is a dope label run by dope people putting out, you guessed it, dope music. It will be an exciting night, as we do it Canadian style for part of the night. Please bring your dancing shoes! If you can’t be with us in person, go to JamNow! where it will be streaming from about 8:30 or 9PM EST On. Enjoy!

.

Keep Diggin’ and remember, the Asbury Park 45 Sessions is Keeping Good Music Alive: One 45 At A Time.

Mel Brown – Chicken Fat

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Mel Brown – Chicken Fat from the Impulse Records 45

Imagine my surprise when this record turned up in a set sale. It’s a side I’ve been trying to get for a while, after I heard DJ Bluewater spin it one night. I knew Larry from Funky 16 Corners had recommended “Swamp Fever” as the funkier of the two, but I was prepared take either one as it’s some of the funkiest stuff put out on the Impulse! label. It’s funny because tonight I was taking a break from writing and watched Quentin Tarantino’s Deathproof, which coincidentally has a killer soundtrack (Eddie Floyd, The Coasters, Serge Gainsburg, etc.) Half of the movie takes place in Austin, TX, where the name Antone’s was mentioned in passing. Antone’s is a famous Blues joint that’s been around forever. When I toured, I played there. It’s definitely a great spot, and an Austin landmark. This artist featured in this post would go on to be a part of the House band there in the 80′s. This record was meant to be reviewed today I’m excited to say. Here is Mel Brown and “Chicken Fat” on Impulse! Records.

Born in Jackson, MS in 1939, Brown would be influenced most by his father John Henry “Bubba” Brown, who played with Tommy Johnston and the Chatmon Brothers. Although his father eventually gives up playing full time to raise the family, he’d still be an influence. Contracting meningitis, while an unfortunate event at age 14, would allow him to hunker down while bedridden and dissect the guitar players of the day and learn their sound. His playing would lead him to be a part of The Duke Juniors, a younger version of The Duke Huddleston Orchestra. From here, his Gibson Les Paul would lead him on a journey as a sideman, band leader, pianist and respected musician to this day. From Sonny Boy Williamson to The Olympics, to Johnny Otis to Sam Cooke to Johnny “Guitar” Watson and Jerry Lee Lewis, Brown’s session guy rep would lead him to a record contract. A hot session on T-Bone Walker’s “Funky Town” would prove vital in his career. Impulse! Records guru Bob Theile took an interest in Brown’s ability. Theile took the Jazz world by storm and changed the way Jazz music was made when he took over. He was no stranger to taking chances, and in Mel Brown he put out one of the funkiest records in Impulse! Records history. Brown would release some great records with Impulse!: Chicken Fat, The Wizard,and Blues For We. He’s put out Mel Brown’s Fifth, and Big Foot Country Gal, and Eighteen Pounds of Unclean Chitlins, plus a slew of others well into the 2000′s. In between he’d play with The Bobby Bland Band, back up Blues great John Lee Hooker and others, plus the aforementioned Antone’s gig.

“Chicken Fat” is a down home style (if I can borrow the word from Brother Jack McDuff) slice of Blues inspired pie, with some greasy Funk thrown in to stick to your ribs. The lineup of Brown on guitar, along side other guitarists Arthur Wright and Herb Ellis, plus Gerald Wiggins on organ, Ronald Brown on bass, and one of the best drummers IMO ever, Paul Humphreys, is a great lineup for a debut on a Jazz label (or any for that matter). Brown weaves in and out of the blues and Funk just with the precision of a surgeon, and his unorthodox guitar style was a just what Impulse! needed to add to their already eclectic label. Don’t pass this thing up. Keep Diggin’!

**PS: Don’t forget this Friday night: The AP 45 Sessions with the AP 45 Crew plus secial guest Conn Shawnery from Afro Kats Records!

Free For All – FMF Vol. 22

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After a long weekend of digging, I had the urge to put another mix out. I had originally planned to work on an all Latin Mix that I’ve been putting together, as well as another 12″ Hip Hop Mix, but I had some great sides just waiting to be heard, and I couldn’t wait any longer. This is a short mix, but I think that the name says it all: Free For All. It really is. What good is digging for all this lost vinyl if you can’t share it with anyone? This volume we have a classic hip hop sampled track, a few really great Soul Jazz organ sides, the funkiest artist ever on Impulse! Records, a pop tune with a great drum break, and a handful of Sweet Soul to round it off. Start your week off right with Fleamarket Funk and Volume 22, Free For All. I’ll be back on Wednesday with a track from this very mix. Thanks to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers for the cover art inspiration.

Free For All – FMF Vol. 22 Track List

Dee Felice Trio – There Was A Time/ King
Gloria Lynne – If You Don’t Get It Yourself/ Up Front
Gene Dozier & the Brotherhood – A Hunk of Funk/ Minnit
Mel Brown – Chicken Fat/ Impulse
Dyke & the Blazers – Don’t Bug Me/ Original Sound
Tom Jones – Looking Out My Window/ Parrot
Herbie Mann – Philly Dog/ Atlantic
Brother Jack McDuff – Down Home Style/ Blue Note
Freddie McCoy – Summer In the City/ Prestige
Johnny Copeland – If You’re Looking For A Fool/ Sweet Soul
The Intrigues – In A Moment/ Yew
The Hesitations – Is This the Way To Treat A Girl?/ GWP
The Latin Souls – The Party’s Over/ Kapp

Listen to or Download Free For All – FMF Vol. 22

Keep Diggin’

**PS : Don’t forget the AP 45 Sessions this Friday with Special Guest Conn Shawnery from AfroKats Records out of Montreal, Canada!

Sunday Vinyl Swap

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Today was a nice little gathering of record vendors, collectors and DJs. The Lanes puts together a good showing of local and out of town record vendors, plus the sprinkling of tchatskis, books, nudie mags, video tapes, CD, cassettes, and other various surprises. I’m hoping it gets bigger and bigger, so come check it out once again on Sunday February 24th. We all always have a great time, and Sweet Sweeterson makes the best Bloody Mary’s, so that’s always a bonus. I want to send a shout out to Greg, who I’ve never met in person, but had heard about his vinyl sales through the grapevine. Thanks for the great Jazz pieces, and looking forward to getting to the vinyl sales when the weather starts to warm up. Here’s a few pics of the day, and of course a list of scores.


What’s up with this hot mess?
Hey Ripper and DJ Silent G grabs some 70s Rock
Hey Ripper and DJ Silent G grabs some 70s Rock
These guys are troopers wading through more of the hot mess.
These guys are troopers wading through more of the hot mess.

Lps:

Grant Green – Carryin’ On/ Blue Note
Shirley Scott with Stanley Turrentine – Soul Shoutin’/ Prestige

45s:

The Futures – Stay With Me/ Gamble
Stevie B – Spring Love/ LMR
The Three Sounds – I Could Write A Book/ Blue Note
Shirley Scott – Happy Organ/ Prestige
Dizzy Gillespie – The Windmills of Your Mind/ Solid State
Gwen McCrae – He Keeps Something Groovy Goin’ On/ Cat
Dee Dee Sharp – Baby Cakes/ Cameo
5th Dimension – Feelin’ Alright?/ Bell

Assorted Goodies:

3 Classic 1970 Downbeat Magazines
Wax Poetics Anthology

Keep Diggin’

It’s Spring Again

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Checking out the Reggae HEAT on my new back up Numark portable

Big Gay Joe fights the sun and points out the new shit.

No one in their right mind could have predicted the weather we have had this past week. With Spring like conditions, thunderstorms, and plenty of sunshine, the Spot needed a day like this. It may have been in the 30′s at night, but the predicted high of mid 50′s really makes the global warming theory much more believable. Be that as it may, today was a great day digging. I got in and out, but the vinyl I picked up was really great. The first table I hit had most of the record guys around it, and The Meatball was stockpiling common Rock records. I guess he’s selling Huey Lewis and the News records for big bucks (or so he thinks on E Bay). He passed right by the few that I got, one which was a Jazz classic. It just furthers my theory that the guy knows shit about records. Eggbeard was lurking about as usual, and as I was going through the stack The Old Man had for me, here comes Stinky Steve out of the woods! Who knows what that guy was up to in there, I shudder to think. I saw a few other vendors who I reminded about the Vinyl Sale at Asbury Lanes tomorrow, and got out of there before the masses decided to get out of bed with their portables for a “dig”. Keep that in mind I’m up before the cock crows and out digging before most people have coffee. I need to get in, get out, and do my thing. On the way out I saw BGJ who was trying to push some porn to a guy I know. It happened to be some straight up 70′s Man magazine. And I quote: “Look at these Black guys, they’re hung like horses! I mean I do great in the Village with stuff like this. And the pages aren’t even stuck together.” Only at the at the Spot. I’ll leave you with some Classic Biz lyrics:

Don’t you like when the winter’s gone
And all of a sudden it starts gettin warm
The trees and the grass start lookin fresh
And the sun and sky be lookin their best
Birds be singin, flowers be bloomin
A lot of brand new cars be zoomin
Fly girls lookin the best they can be
And the guys be dukey dukey Dan you see
Besides all that I like the warm weather
Cause that’s when you can get yourself together
But I like Easter time with a grin
Cause when I was little we used to go to Coney I-sland
We used to eat a lot of stuff like cotton candy
Cause back then, it was like fine and dandy
You used to get dressed up in double knits
And your plaid suit jackets, they were the shits
The good ol’ days, was back then
And the reason I reminisce, cause..

It’s spring again
Everybody know it’s spring again
To the girls and boys and people above
This is the time to fall in love.


45′s:

James Brown & the Fabulous Flames – Night Train/ King
Bobby Moore – Dance of the Land/Fantasy
Garland Green – I Can’t Believe You Quit Me/ Uni
The Intrigues – In A Moment/ Yew
Al Green & the Soul Mate’s – Don’t Leave Me/ Hot Line
Brenda & the Tabulations – Stop Sneaking Around/ Top and Bottom
GL Crockett – Every Hour, Every Day/ 4 Brothers
Bill Doggett & His Combo – Ham Fat/ Columbia
The Contours – Searching For A Girl/ Gordy
Johnny Copeland – If You’re Looking For A Fool/ Sweet Soul
Dyke & the Blazers – Don’t Bug Me/ Original Sound
The Penguins – Hey Senorita/ DooTone
Jimmy McGriff – Theme from Shaft (Instrumental)/ Groove Merchant
Freddie McCoy – Summer In the City/ Prestige

Lps:

Gloria Lynne – S/T / Up Front
Salsa de Barrio – VA/ Profono
John Coltrane – Coltrane Plays the Blues/ Atlantic
Ben E, King – Spanish Harlem/ Atlantic
Novella Nelson – S/T / Arcana
Rockers All Stars – With the Help of the Father (Chanting Dub)/ Rockers International
Studio One Showcase Vol. 2 – VA/ Studio One

Keep Diggin’!

***PS: If you’re in the area tomorrow, the place to be is here.

TnT Band – The Meditation

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TnT Band – The Meditation from the Cotique Records 45

For those of you who have come to one of my nights, or checked out a mix or two I’ve done, this next side is no stranger to either one of them. I have a great love for some Latin music, whether it be Latin Soul, Latin Jazz, or even some bugalu (Boogaloo). I actually ended up getting this record because a guy I was digging with listened to the first few bars, frowned, and said: “I can’t do anything with this thing.” Now I knew the label, but at the time did not know the band. I had a feeling about it. It was a good feeling, and I paid the vendor 50 cents or whatever he was charging, and proceeded to try not and smile too much as I walked away with that and a nice copy of Double Barrel by Dave and Ansil Collins on Big Tree, among others. I am more than happy to share this side, one of my most favorite Latin sides: The TNT Band with “The Meditation” on Cotique Records.

Founded by George Goldner in 1965, this Latin label was started to capitalize on the new sound of Boogaloo, but really ending up being much more. Coming straight out of El Barrio and the streets of New York City, these records came out strong as the new sound. It’s true the sound was around since the 50′s, then known as guajira. One would have to say that the sound was updated to modern times and then added English lyrics to them. Initially, they at Cotique were very liberal in their subject manner, with liner notes and song subjects that referenced LSD, pot, and other illegal substances, all to the Boogaloo rhythm. Cotique was trying to draw these young kids in. You see, Goldner and the new Cotique family were the only label showcasing the young talents of the time. Other labels stuck with older artists and dismissed Boogaloo as a passing fad. Maybe it actually was, as poor business moves would eventually cripple the label, and the older Latin labels would put out better quality Boogaloo records. Despite all that, Cotique remained a sort of Blue Note of Latin labels, keeping things fresh and putting out some good records, even if it was only from 1968-1970. Like I said earlier, bad business practices would contribute to the downfall of the label and the eventual graduation to Disco. There are quite a few good sides, and I believe this is one of them.

The TnT Band was comprised of Tito Ramos and Tony Rojas. Vocalists in their own right, Rojas was associated with the Johnny Colon Orchestra and sang on the 1967 hit “Boogaloo Blues”. This infusion of Latin rhythms, some American R & B, and the simple fact that these young musicians wanted a sound of their own fueled them to put out records as TnT Band. The song itself slowly builds up to a mid tempo piece of Latin HEAT, drawing equal influences from songs like Archie Bell and the Drells “Tighten Up”, and any James Brown dance floor cut for sure. Cries for a Drum Call!! followed by a really nice drum break prove that point. These guys were doing their own thang in a Latin style, and you know what? It worked. It may not have worked for a long period of time record sale wise, but records like “The Meditation” stand the test of time for sure. All in all they would release 3 full lengths before disbanding, and put out hits like “Mr. Slick”, “Borinquen Bella,” Sabre Olvidar,” and of course this burner. Don’t sleep on this side people, you’ll be sorry you did! Keep Diggin!

Mighty Groove Makers – Let’s Dance Some Mo (Part 1)

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The creator of the Norfolk Sound, Frank Guida

Mighty Groove Makers - Let’s Dance Some Mo’ Part 1 from the Peanut Country Records 45

Here we go again. Before I get into this rather obscure East Coast side, I’d like to plug the upcoming Asbury Park 45 Sessions, which will have the usual line up, plus a very special guest. He’ll be traveling quite a long way to be with us, and I’m pretty excited for him to be a part of the show. Conn Shawnery from Afro Kats Records will be in the house. Coming straight from Quebec, Canada, this indy Funk and Soul Label has been making a lot of noise as of late, and we’re excited and honored to have him with us. Check out the flyer here. What I have today is kind of a short post, as I really do not know too much about this side. I picked it up for a quarter a bunch of years ago and have not played it out too, too much. The styrene is thin and well, I am actually afraid it might take a turn for the worse if I over play it. I’ve seen it on E Bay (not expensive, not that cheap) and on Craig Moerer and the Rare Soul Man in the neighborhood of 80 bucks or 40 British Pounds. In fact, I once DJed a Soul Strut party in Brooklyn with DJ Iron Monkey and somebody got to talking about this record like it was a rare one. I said: “I have it in my box right now”. Why didn’t you play it the guy asked? Honestly, I had played a bunch of heaters, and well, I just didn’t get to it. No special reason. Of course I got the NYC stink eye and that was that. Maybe my Nike Dunks weren’t cool enough, who knows? At any rate, I’m gonna shout out Iron Monkey. He’s in California and I’d love to have him come and spin some 45s, the man has bottomless Deep Funk and Soul for days. Hit me up Adrian if you’re around. Here’s what I know about Mighty Groove Makers “Let’s Dance Some Mo (Part 1)” on Peanut Country Records. (PC 1003) for those that want to get technical.

Peanut Country Records was just one of the many labels formed by Bronx transplant and all around music guru Frank Guida. Creator of the Norfolk Sound, owner of Frankies Birdland and Frankie’s Got It Record Shops in Norfolk, Virginia, this man is the most famous record producer/ song writer/ record shop owner you never heard of. Founding an incredible more than 20 record labels, that were diverse in sound, it’s evident in musical history that many artists and producers borrowed from Guida to add to their own thing they had going on. From George Martin to Bruce Springsteen to Gary US Bonds, everyone loved the Norfolk Sound. He has a ton of songwriting credits, the most famous being “If You Want To Be Happy”, which I can remember blaring from a Philadelphia station on the oldies nights with Jerry Blavet my Father used to listen to. Guida was producing from 1955 to the late 1980′s, and has been a permenant fixture in the Eastern Virginia hotbed of music. He was known for using all local musicians and the sound of his recordings still stands out today. It’s said that Motown ripped off his sound, whether it’s true or not I do not know. I do know that the Guida way changed Rock and Roll for sure, putting out artists like Bonds, Daddy G, Jimmy Soul, and the Church Street Five. His most well know record labels were Legrand, S.P.Q.R., Romulus, and Peanut Country, which this side is on.

“Let’s Dance Some Mo’ ” is a really great upbeat side. It’s obviously a James Brown knock off, with an unknown musician giving a James-esque call and response and saying things like: “It’s so nice, we gotta do it twice!”. Let’s go a little deeper, is it really a knock off? Guida has claimed Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag was a direct rip off of the Norfolk Sound, so could it be the Godfather was another to borrow from the greatest unknown record producer in history? That went to the grave with Guida in May of this past year. What I do dig about this side is that the organ, guitar, and drums really smoke all together on this cut. It’s sides like this that make me shout: WE NEED THIS TYPE OF MUSIC TODAY! This record is from the heart, and oozes the blood, sweat, and tears of true Funk musicians. I definitely enjoyed sharing this side, and I’ll see you soon with another nugget from the FMF vaults. Keep Diggin’!

Canned Funk and Soul FMF Vol. 21

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Here we go 2008! This is the first mix of the year, and I think you are going to enjoy it. It’s got some new Funk and Afro Soul, plus a heavy portion of Deep Funk and Soul, along with a unique cover of one of my fave sides. A few of the drops were provided from The Big Man from London town. He’s back in London, but his voice graces this particular mix. I’ll be back Wednesday with a rare East Coast slice of Funk from the most famous East Coast producer and record guy you never heard of. Enjoy!

Canned Funk and Soul FMF Vol. 21 Tracklist

The Budos Band – Chicago Falcon/ Daptone
The Voices of East Harlem – Can You Feel It/ Just Sunshine
Gene Anderson – The Gigilo/ Sex Machine
Javier R. Rodriguez – Up The Hill/ Raw Wax
Shirley Bassey – Spinning Wheel/ UA
Edwin Starr – Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On/ Gordy
Marvin Holmes & the Uptights – Ooh Ooh the Dragon/ Uni
Billy LaMont – Sweet Thang/ 20th Century Fox
Crusaders – Papa Hooper’s Barrelhouse Groove/ MoWest
The Soul Clan – Soul Meeting/ Atlantic
Love Childs Afro Cuban Blues Band – Black Skinned Blue Eyed Boys/ Roulette
Jerry Butler – Yes My Goodness Yes/ Mercury
Maxine Brown – One In A Million/ Wand

Download or Listen to Canned Funk and Soul FMF Vol. 21

**PS: Join us on Friday January 18th for the another installment of the Asbury Park 45 Sessions!

Keep Diggin’!

First Dig of 2008 plus Stinkie Steve vs. Eggbeard

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The combination of the rain and snow and the holiday season put a small damper on my digging. I took about 3 much needed weekends off. When I checked the forecast for today, it said a high near 50. Let’s just say it was off by about 25 degrees and counting. It was 21 when I pulled my ass out of bed to drive to the spot. The lack of sunshine and a small breeze really contributed to cold feet and fingertips. Note to self: fingerless gloves are great, but maybe next time I’ll go for the whole glove. While I was away, I found out a lot of action was going on. Apparently Eggbeard and Stinkie Steve got into it, and the argument lasted 2 days. From a reliable source: A reputable dealer was looking through a collection. Eggbeard muscled his way in like he does, and started just grabbing records. Meanwhile Stinkie Steve rolls up and tells the seller he’s got a lot of good records and they’re worth something. Immediately the price goes up, and of course Eggy gets heated and actually starts screaming! Man I wish I had seen that one, Eggs and Stink flying everywhere. Maybe Steve would have pulled out his patented karate moves and Eggy would go mano y mano old style. I guess there also was some police action there as well over some other fleamarket beef, but that’s how it goes I suppose. Back to this morning, The Old Man hooked me up with a few 45s and a nice grip of Jazz Lps. We laughed for a while as a woman we’ve both bought records from was arguing with a customer over a plastic cat bowl. She wanted 50 cents, the woman offered, get ready, 35 cents. “Will you take 35 cents?” Are you fucking kidding me? I mean times must be really tough. She held her ground and got 50 though, and I walked off with a pile of unsleeved 45s. Big Gay Joe was in full effect today as well. I haven’t seen him in a while and got a nice West Coast Jazz Lp from him. It was like flies on shit at his table, as he was trying like hell to sell The Everley Boys records. We told him it was Brothers and he just kept on rolling like he didn’t care. He’s got a monologue the whole time you’re at the table, and buying records from him is usually a trip. A retired teacher from Newark, he’s got some great stories about life, the hood, and Jazz clubs. A shout out to Ken who found some curbed records and brought them to hand out. It was a DJ crate and I got a few gems. Good lookin’ out. I’m going to go check out some FA Cup action and try to go through this mound of records I brought home. Oh yeah, and my feet are still cold.

45s:

Ramsey Lewis – Hi-Heel Sneakers/ Columbia
Manu Dibango – Weya/ Atlantic
Maxine Brown – One In A Million/ Wand
Herbie Mann – Philly Dog/ Atlantic
Chris Bartley – Love Me Baby/ Vando
Wilson Pickett – I’m Gonna Love You/ Double L
Jackie Lee – The Duck/ MirwoodBobby Womack – California Dreamin’/ Minit
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – Hipsippy Blues Part 1/ Blue Note
MFSB – Let’s Clean Up the Ghetto/ Philly International
Little Anthony & the Imperiels – Who’s Sorry Now/ Veep
The Showstoppers – Ain’t Nothin’ But A House Party/ Jamie
Donnie Elbert – Stop In the Name of Love/ Trip
Donnie Elbert – I Can’t Help Myself/ AVCO
The Ramsey Lewis Trio – Movin’ Easy/ Cadet
Sonny & Cher – The Beat Goes On/ ATCO
Voyage – Latin Odyssey/ Marlin
Moms Mabley – The World’s Prayer/ Partee
Four Tops – Standing In the Shadows of Love/ Motown
The Flying Machine – Maybe We’ve Been Loving Too Long/ Congress
Herbie Hancock – Chameleon/ Columbia
The Honey Cone – Want Ads/ Hot Wax

Lps

Sonny Rollins – A Night At the Village Vanguard/ Blue Note
Mr. James Brown – Gettin’ Down To It/ King
Max Roach – Jazz in 3/4 Time/ EmArcy
Empire Strikes Back – The Adventures of Luke Skywalker
West Coast Jazz Vol. III/ Jazztone
Billy Butterfield and his World Class Jazz Band – Swinging at the Elks/ Fat Cat Jazz
Bill Cosby – When I Was A Kid/ Uni
Sergio Mendes Trio – So Nice/ Pickwick
Tower of Power – Back To Oakland/ WB
Weather Report – S/T / Columbia
James Brown – Unbeatable 16 Hits/ King
Eric Kloss – Grits and Gravy/ Prestige
Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – With Sabu and A Bongo
Gerry Mulligan – If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em/ Limelight
Freddie King – Woman Across the River/ Shelter

12″

Living Colour – Love Rears It’s Ugly Head/ Epic
Black Sheep – Strobelight Honey/ Mercury
Queen Latifah feat De La Soul – Mama Gave Birth To the Soul Children/ Tommy Boy
Chubb Rock – The Chubster/ Select
George Kranz – Din Da Da/ Personal
Pieces of A Dream – Mt. Airy Groove/ Elektra

Keep Diggin’!