Monthly Archives: September 2008

Tom Jones – Looking Out My Window

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Download or Listen to Tom Jones – Looking Out My Window from the Parrot Records 45

After a rain soaked weekend here on the East Coast, this next song represents something I did a lot of this weekend. A whole lot of nothing (and then some). I caught up on some much needed rest and caught up with some old friends over old friends otherwise known as Mr.Guinness and Mr. Jameson. That’s a whole different story. What I was talking about earlier, was looking out my window at the rain. This next artist has caused quite a stir in his time, whether it be catching panties on stage, being responsible for a rise in the population in the UK due to excessive back seat sex, or holding the world record for most women fainting at his concerts. I’m talking of course of Tom Jones with “Looking Out My Window” on Parrot Records.

Thomas John Woodward was born in 1940 in Pontypridd, South Wales. Originally he performed under the monicker Tommy Scott (with the Senators), where he was discovered and renamed Tom Jones. he released his first record in 1964 “Chills and Fever” on Decca, but it wasn’t until 1965 that “It’s Not Unusual” would transform him into a Pop sensation almost over night. He exuded raw sensuality and pure sex, no matter what kind of music he would perform. This Welshman although starting out in Pop, would go on to record Rock, Country, and other genres of music. He would do movie soundtracks and theme songs: “What’s New Pussy Cat?”, “Thunderball” and the like. At one time he crooned like Sinatra (but still kept his sexy image), and eventually made the jump to America, where from 1969-1971 he had his own variety show This Is Tom Jones . From television he moved on to Las Vegas, where he made a quite lucrative living on the strip. His career kept moving forward as he made a resurgence again in the 80′s, recording with The Art of Noise (a cover of Prince’s “Kiss”) and various festivals around the world, where he would be thrust back into the music scene for a whole new generation to embrace.

Originally I was turned on to this track when my pal Andy Smith included this track on his The Document inaugural mix. It wasn’t until after we went digging that I was able to score a copy many years later through a set sale. The song itself is Tom crying out about love lost through a dark, funky ass rock track. The sad lyrics aside, this tune has Funk written all over it. Check out the drum break mid way. There is no way you can’t work doubles of this! I love this side, and thank Andy for turning me on to this nontraditional, but funky ass record here at Flea Market Funk. Enjoy Mr. Pantie Dropper himself, Tom Jones and this trackI know I did. Keep Diggin’! and don’t forget this Friday Oct. 3rd we have the 45 Sessions in full effect!

Next Friday Oct 3rd: Asbury Park 45 Sessions

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Here we go again kids, another edition of the Asbury Park 45 Sessions. You know the drill, and we will have a few special selectors in to play some 7″ records all night right along side the 45 Session Crew. Do not be late, because you will miss some funky ass shit! See you in the crates. Keep Diggin’!

The Latin Souls – The Party Is Over

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Download or Listen to Latin Souls – The Party Is Over from the Kapp Records 45

I’m feeling a little more Soul than usual this week, and since this side has been in my for review pile, I thought that I would throw it out this week. I’ve been on a bit of a tear these past few weeks, kind of going out a bit more, and letting loose a bit. However, as real world moves and the real world come into play, one has to gather things up, and do the right thing. As fun as it always is, there has to be a time when you take a rest. This side for me, fit my mindset perfect, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. Here’s the Latin Souls with “The Party Is Over” on Kapp Records from 1967.

I always feel like I don’t give Latin music the proper shine it deserves, because I am so heavily into Funk and Soul. I do have a great collection that’s getting bigger and bigger of Latin music, and I guess like every collector I am into what I’m into. The Kapp discography stretches from 1954-1970, and has had a wide variety of artists on their roster. From Roger Williams (my Grandad loved the man) to Eddie Arnold to the Emotions to the Unifics and beyond. The diverse label put out Country, Soul, Contemporary, and even Children’s records. It’s fitting that there was a Latin record stuffed there in between. Backed by The Pete Rodriguez Orchestra, the Latin Souls fired out some great records, including the full length Boo-Ga-Loo & Shing-A-Ling which this 45 came off of.

Hot off of the Boogaloo and Shing-a-ling dance craze, The Souls swing it up with this little cooker. Reminiscent of some Joe Cuba or Joe Bataan, and adding a heavy dose of vocal harmony mixed in with the Big Latin Band sound. This is most definitely a Latin side that, while a little slower than say the early to mid 70′s stuff which were moving towards Disco, still is a hot track. Percussion, shouting, and horns all around, and let’s not forget about the Latin feel people. I can see this as the last number of the night in Spanish Harlem, late 60′s, patrons dressed to the nines, and everyone getting down before the sun comes up. I bought this record in a set sale, and as soon as I heard the sample, it was well worth the $15 bucks or so I payed for it. The party may be over for a little while here at FMF, but this side will go on to live forever as always being a great Latin track in my mind. See you on Friday, and as always, Keep Diggin’!

The Persuaders – Thigh Spy

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Download or Listen To The Persuaders – Thigh Spy from the ATCO Records 45

And here we are another Monday down, and another month coming to a close. Let’s not forget the Asbury Park 45 Sessions which will be on Friday Oct. 3rd at the World Famous Asbury Lanes. See the flyer on the upcoming shows page. It will be a line up of the usual suspects and a guest selector, which of course is always a blast. Before I get into this side, my thoughts go out to Travis Barker and DJ AM, as they start their recovery from the tragic plane crash over the weekend in South Carolina. Condolences to the families who lost loved ones in as the crash killed 4. People can say what they want about either of them, they are great musicians in their own right, and played a FREE show right before this. Stay strong brothers. This particular record I have up today, is neither a huge hit, or remotely hard to find. Brought to my attention by midwest digger and drum killer Aaron Soma, I was pleasantly surprised when The Persuaders “Thigh Spy” showed up at my spot on ATCO Records.

Although my favorite Persuaders record “Love Is Gonna Pack Up and Walk Out on Us” (plus the Love Gonna Pick You Up cover by Sugar Minott), might have been the obvious choice, I decided to go with a different choice. Hailing out of New York, this smoothed out Soul collaboration formed in 1969. They were comprised of members Douglas “Smokey” Scott, James Barnes, Willie Holland, and Charles Stodghill. Their biggest hit, which was on Atlantic, was “The Thin Line Between Love and Hate” (later covered by the Pretenders) and the aforementioned Pack Up, both charting sides. They were on Win and Lose before moving to ATCO in 1973, and then on to finish their careers at Calla, which I think is a great fit. Calla always had a superb line up of Soul acts. Before they switched, they put out “Some Guys Have All the Luck” on ATCO, later made popular once again by Rod Stewart. Most of their early stuff was cowritten by Richard and Bobby Poindexter, who also produced their records as well. The Persuaders also did the original version of “You’re The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” made popular by Gladys Knight and the Pips. They still perform today, and even released a record as late as 2006, continuing their tradition of smoothed out, sweet Soul.

Thigh Spy is a little upbeat Soul number, that explains the benefits of the mini skirt. “Take off that Maxi!” How can you not agree with that question? A decent drum beat coupled with some jangly guitar and a great piano riff illustrate the Persuaders point a little further on the finer points of Women’s fashion. I’d definitely recommend this fun slice of sweet Soul out of the Empire State. Keep Diggin’!

R.I.P. Norman Whitfield (1943-2008)

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The music world, especially the Funk and Soul world, including this very blog, were affected by the death of Norman Whitfield this week. A genius of Soul song writing, his jump into Psychedelic Soul with The Temptations “Cloud Nine” solidified his ability (and subsequently won the first Motown Grammy in 1968 for Best Duo or Group). From his beginnings as a pool hall hustler in NYC, his move to Detroit which eventually led him into the music game, Whitfield had unbridled enthusiasm for music. His ability to write songs for different genres, and his industry smarts made him a top dog over at Motown. His song writing alone, and with partner Barret Strong for the Temptations, single handedly changed the music game. With 10 minute plus songs, Psychedelic arrangements (not that they hadn’t been done before) of Soul, and a knack for using everything but the kitchen sink on a record, were quite the feat for that era. Responsible for other great Hitsville records like “Ball of Confusion”, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”, “War and “Smilin’ Faces”, Whitfield was also responsible for “I Heard It Through the Grapevine. This side charted for a variety of artists, most notably Gladys Knight and the Pips, Marvin Gaye, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. His 13 years at Motown would then have him move to his own record label, where he would only strike a bit of luck with Rose Royce and Car Wash. After the 1980′s Whitfield was really not heard from much (although he did produce a track on The Last Dragon soundtrack). His ongoing struggles with tax evasion, that would lead him to be under house arrest (only because of his diabetes), were devils he had to deal with at the later stage of his life.

Norman Whitfield will be sorely missed, even if his contribution to the music game of late has been nonexistent. His years at Motown will forever be remembered, and his pure passion for Soul music, and music itself will go down in the history of the genre as one of the greats. Celebrate this man and his music, we here at Flea Market Funk will. Keep Diggin’!

Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express – Inner City Blues

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Download or Listen to Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express – Inner City Blues from the RCA Lp Closer To It!

Good day Flea Market Funk Family! First off, let me apologize for being kind of distant to emails, comments, etc. for the last month or so. I’ve been really consumed with some “real world stuff” that has taken me away from one of my most favorite things to do, which is write Flea Market Funk. I do have a list of e mails, phone calls, and the like that I have to get to, so just realize I’m not blowing you off, I just have some life stuff that is getting in the way at times here at FMF. I pulled this record out, because I thought that at a troubling time, I could turn to a record that always made me feel good, and that it was a pretty good cover of the original as well. This post may be short, but here’s Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express with “Inner City Blues” from 1973 on RCA Records.

Born in London, England in 1939, Auger grew up listening to Jazz, and learned keyboards from an early age. By the early 60′s he was on the club circuit, and in 1964, after winning “Best Jazz Piano” and a “New Star” accolade from Melody Maker, he would expand the Jazz sound of the Brian Auger Trio to a the Rhythm and Blues sound of the Brian Auger Trinity (who now featured guitarist John McLaughlin) as well as a saxophone player. Auger’s many incarnations as a musician and the personnel he used throughout the many stages of his bands would include players such as Jimmy Page, Sonny Boy Williamson, Rod Stewart, and Julie Driscoll. The thing that always drew me in on Auger’s music was the B-3 sound. I fell in love with it of course with my early Jazz exploration, and when I heard Auger for the first time, I immediately bought everything I came across. Auger’s career has stretched from the 60′s to the 00′s, finally resting in an Oblivion Express reunion as recent as 2000. Although his lineups had changed throughout the years, his Jazz passion always shined through, whether it was an independent label (Marmalade) or majors such at Atco or RCA. Auger is a gifted musician and leader, and his version of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues”.

To quote Marvin:

“Oh, make you wanna holler
The way they do my life
Make me wanna holler
The way they do my life”

I think Auger and company do this side justice.
See you soon. Keep Diggin’!

DJ Andy Smith – Diggin’ in the BGP Vaults

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Good midweek Flea Market Funk Family. I have a special treat for you this Wednesday. I got a little treat in the Post today, and when I opened it up, it was a copy of my buddy DJ Andy Smith’s new mix cd: Diggin’ In the BGP Vaults. Now for those of you who are unfamiliar with Mr. Smith, here’s your opportunity to get very familiar. Not only is Andy a talented DJ, producer, and new father, he is also a fellow digger who has some deep crates. Gaining notoriety as Portishead’s touring DJ, opening their shows with mind blowing eclectic sets, he has rose to a household name with his Document Mix series, Northern Soul Mixes, plus the fantastic residences he has done throughout the world. I had followed him and been a fan from those early years. Our paths crossed over the internet a few years ago, and last year I took him to the Spot. Not only did we strike gold that day, but I found out what a good bloke Andy really is. A humble guy, Andy had the same attitude as me when it came to discovering and sharing music, new or old. It has to get out there somehow, and we both have followed the same rule by offering up mixes to download for free on both of our sites. Music is meant to be heard, and not squirreled away like some acorns for the winter. The good people over at BGP let Andy have free reign over the vaults, and he came up with a scorcher of a mix.

BGP started 21 years ago when Gilles Peterson and Baz Fe Jazz launched their label BGP fronting for Ace Records. The label has passed hands from those two to Russ Dewbury and finally to Dean Rudland. You can read more about BGP’s history and details on the Ace Records site. Says Rudland: “My idea was to let him chose from BGPs long archive of funk and soul, jazz and other sorts of grooves and create the sort of mix for which he is rightly famous. When he delivered we were far from disappointed. He has used this opportunity to great effect cutting up classic breaks such as Dyke and the Blazers ‘Let A Woman Be A Woman…’ and Pucho’s ‘Smoking At Tiffany’s’,as well as BGP discoveries such as Billy Garner’s ‘Brand New Girl’ and the Billy Hawks groove that started the whole thing off.” I couldn’t agree more. I’m excited about this mix, and it’s a great example of what Andy can do live in a club setting. Let’s hope I get him over here next year to do it in Asbury Park. You can find out more about DJ Andy Smith on his website, and also BGP Records as well at their niche in cyber space. Many thanks to Andy for passing this great mix along and Happy 21st Birthday to the crew over at BGP. Keep an ear out for me dropping a vocal in the beginning.

Support DJ Andy Smith and BGP Records. You can purchase it here and for the US fans from Dusty Groove.

Here’s a pic of Andy and I getting some great Cold Chillin’ 45′s when he was in the States:

Keep Diggin’!

Chick Willis – Mother Fuyer

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Download or Listen to Chick Willis – Mother Fuyer from the La Val 45

Well I made it through the weekend. Hanna hit us here in NJ, and we made it out with minimal damage. People were tired of sitting inside, my DJ night was packed, and England won their World Cup Qualifier versus Andorra. What more could I ask for? What we have today people is another gem I got from DJ Bluewater’s endless sale box. I know my wallet is in trouble every time he brings the thing over. At any rate, I will get right into this side from 1972, Chick Willis with “Mother Fuyer” on La Val Records.

Robert “Chick” Willis was born in 1934 in Cabiness, Georgia. At age 20, after leaving the military, he got involved with his cousin Chuck Willis, as a chauffeur, for the Okeh Records star. Besides driving for his cousin, Chick would also sing. He debuted as a solo artist with “You’re Mine,” for Lee Rupe’s Ebb Records in 1956. Learning the guitar while traveling on the circuit with Chuck, he started to develop his talent as an artist. Unfortunately, in 1958, Chuck would die. Chick, pushed on though, and became a sideman for such Blues notables as Elmore James and others. Chick has made a career by laying down dirty lyrics, risque material, all in a Blues style. He’s recorded for Alto, La Val, Ichiban, Ebb and a variety of independent labels. His most well known 45 is “Stoop Down Baby”, but even though that was his most successful record, has had a rewarding career for sure. A gifted singer, multi-instrument player, the “King of Stroll” has played parts in movies such as Petey Wheatstraw and The Buddy Holly Story. Off color and blue material dominate this man’s arsenal, and he is overlooked as the gifted musician he really is. If Red Foxx had picked up a slide guitar, he’d have a hard time keeping up with Willis.

“Mother Fuyer” is, as my good man Larry over at Funky 16 Corners would say: “a stone groove baby”. Although Willis is primarily a Blues guy, this offering is a hard hitting Funk piece through and through. Willis’s fuzzy guitar playing, combined with a great horn section and pounding, hard ass hitting drums elevate this underground Bluesman’s up a notch in my book. Already talented enough in the Blues genre, add some Funk into the mix of tunes he does. It’s great to see that a guy could make a career out of dirty Blues, and Willis has carved that niche out for himself lovely. I’m glad he strayed from the Blues a bit on this side. See you midweek with some more goodness from the crates of FMF. Keep Diggin’!

Jean Austin and Choir – Straight ‘Em

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Download or Listen to Jean Austin and Choir – Straight ‘Em from the Songbird Lp The Soul of Jean Austin from 1972

Here we are on Friday already. I know that FMF has been a bit off lately, and I do apologize. I’ve still been a bit preoccupied with some personal stuff, but I want to still keep putting this music out there. I have quite a bit of Lp’s and 45′s that may or may not have been reviewed, but I am gonna do my best to make sure all of these records eventually get out through this blog. I also know that most of the stuff I review is always Funk, Soul, Jazz or Reggae. There is theme in many of the artists I talk to and research to review. Many of them started out in the church. Now I am not a religious man, and not one to judge people who are. I can not deny though, that many of these great artists were signing hymns and spirituals before they either turned to secular music, or became an actual part of the church. Many drifted away for a while, but eventually came back. Here’s something a bit different, some Gospel music. We travel to the Midwest and check out Jean Austin and Choir with “Straight ‘Em” on Song Bird Records from 1972.

The brain child of Texas super record label owner Don Robey, Song Bird Records was responsible for 45′s and Lp’s from such Gospel artists as the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Swan Silvertones, Dixie Hummingbirds, and the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi among others. Robey, who also controlled Duke, Peacock, and Backbeat records, was responsible for a good deal of R&B, Funk and Soul out of Houston from the early 60′s on. Song Bird would release records until 1973, when ABC/ Dunhill took over distribution until it’s eventual demise in 1978. Allegedly a shady character, it can not be denied he released some great music in the aformentioned genres, as well a Gospel.

Jane Austin was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but made the trek to Cleveland Ohio. She was a member of the Dorothy Norwood Singers and made the Southern Gospel circuit with Brother Joe Mays before putting out this record. In 1967 she put out “The Failure Is Not In God” b/w “Don’t Have To Worry” before this full length in 1972 with the Choir. I am by no means a Gospel expert. I don’t proclaim to be, however, a full length record called The Soul of Jean Austin caught my eye in one of Psych Dave’s piles, and I couldn’t pass it up. I find Gospel music interesting, although I am not really a church goer. On the whole, this Lp is a mix of Spiritual classics “Michael Row Your Boat Ashore”, “I Saw the Light”, and a handful of other songs you may or may not hear on a Sunday morning. “Straight ‘Em” is an upbeat side with a killer bassline, drums, and this piano riff that while reminds you of the Reverend Cleotus James (for you Blues Brothers fans), could easily fit in in some secular tunes. The backing choir is tight, and they should be, a choir has no slouches. Jean and company are calling out the slackers and are gonna straighten them out back to church. It’s that easy. I figured I’d throw a wrench on the end of the week post, because you always have to have an open mind, and great music sneaks up on you in the least likley places. This time it happens to be in a place I don’t visit much, but have respect for all the same, the church. Enjoy your weekend and Keep Diggin’!

Kool and the Gang – Funky Granny

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Download or Listen to Kool and the Gang – Funky Granny from the De-Lite 45

Greeting to all who are not ready to get back into the real world here in the States due to this three day Labor Day Weekend. There is a lot going on: McCain’s surprise VP pick, Hurricane Gustav getting way too close to New Orleans (and hoping thee isn’t a repeat of Katrina), and a 13 pound baby born in Columbia, among other things. I’m going to drop a 45 today, that while not so rare, will hopefully get your mind off of the everyday grind and the aforementioned shenanigans going on in the world. Here is Kool and the Gang with “Funky Granny” on De-Lite Records.

Robert and Ronald Bell grew up in Jersey City, NJ. Getting their musical influence from their father, a professional boxer and Jazz lover (and good friend to Thelonious Monk), they started out as the Jazziacs in 1964, with Ronald playing the horns and Robert on bass. Adding guitarist Charles Smith and Woody Sparrow, plus trombone player Cliff Adams, trumpeter Spike Mitchens, keyboard player Ricky West, drummer Funky George Brown and saxophonist Dennis Thomas, the Jazziacs turned into the Soul Town Band, Kool and the Flames, and finally KATG. Most of the members stayed in for the long haul. Originally a Jazz outfit, they took Jazz arrangements and added it to their funky sound. After signing to De-Lite they had a few hits, and became a name on the R&B circuit. Although their early hits weren’t high charters, they showcased their live show on Live at the Sex Machine, and it only took 6 records to really get the ball rolling. Hits like “Funky Stuff”, “Hollywood Swinging”, “Jungle Boogie”, finally “Open Sesame” from the Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack (which won them a Grammy) really opened the world’s eyes to their sound. Although it had changed with the times like so many bands to Disco, KATG could really not look back. At the end of the 70′s they paired with Deodado who produced a few records as well as Jersey City native JT Taylor who singing would contribute to more of their success. The hits kept piling up: “Ladies Night”, “Celebration” “Get Down On It”, and “Cherish”. Although they would have some personnell changes into the 80′s, they continued to make records into the 90′s and 00′s, touring and playing music still. Their loss of JT Taylor eventually to a solo career and the death of Charles Smith would not help their cause, as they could not get back to the glory years as of late. However, KATG remain a band that would be sampled by many artists, and rank up there with James Brown as a most sampled act. Their presence in this Funk and Soul game can not be denied. Their records are common yes, but that doesn’t mean they are not good. Put the needle on “Raw Hamburgers” or “Let the Music Take Your Mind” and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

“Funky Granny” weaves a tale of a hot pant wearing Grandma. With some great breaks and the signature KATG horn section, Granny definitely has got some Soul. To me, it’s got all the key ingredients to what I love in a funky track. The hollerin’ and banter combined with the great musicianship of this tight knit out fit straight out of Jersey prove that even if you’re old, you can still shake it and keep it moving. I have seen some Funky Grannies here in Asbury Park, and you can be sure that when this track was out in 1972, these boomin’ grannies were probably hot numbers. Enjoy this not so popular track from one of the Funk games veterans. Keep Diggin’, and send me those photos of the Funky Grannies. See you at the end of the week.