Monthly Archives: March 2009

Hoctor Records House Band – Cissy Strut or Is It?

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Download or Listen to Hoctor Records House Band – Cissy Strut from the Hoctor Records 45

By now if you’ve read this blog the past week or so, you know that I have had some decent luck digging as of late. Here’s something I dug up, and have had my eye out for a long time for. I featured a Hoctor record on my very first Flea Market Funk Mix #1 in 2007, (2001) and I’m happy to say that I have another one here. Here’s the Hoctor Records House Band with a cover of the Meter’s “Cissy Strut” on Hoctor Records.

Now imagine this: You want to learn how to dance. You’re from New Jersey, and you look up Dance studios/ companies. Well you could always hit up Arthur Murray, but what if you chose Hoctor? Established in 1959 by dance team Danny and Betty Hoctor, these two created Hoctor Records so they could produce material for dance instruction. This means you’d go to a class, and they’d play Hoctor Records. Imagine you going to this said dance class and they put on this record. A cover of the Meters, funky as hell, and people are doing the Foxtrot or whatever is popular at the time. Basically they’re learning the popular dances of the day, and the Hoctor House band is getting down. I dig this cover, maybe it’s the flute, or maybe it’s the drum break in the middle. Whatever it is, I love this cover. You will too! There are a few other Hoctor releases that are funky, but I haven’t turned them up yet. It’s took me this long to get this one. Enjoy it! I’ll see you mid week with some more goodness from the crates. Keep Diggin’!

***Apparently this record is mislabeled, and it isn’t the real cover of Cissy Strut. Can someone help a brother out and let me know what this tune is? THANKS!

  • **I thought I’d throw this in. As I finished up this post, I heard Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings doing “This Land is Your Land” on CBS’s Cold Case. Dope.

Soul Generation – FMF Vol. 32

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Since I had a rare Saturday night off from DJing, I figured I’d take the opportunity to put together a mix. I have been asked a lot over the past few months when I’m dropping something new. It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s getting the time to actually do it. So tonight, I had some time to put some stuff together. As a matter of fact, I’m trying to do three separate all 45 mixes in the upcoming weeks, providing I have the time. They will be a mix of Funk and Soul, and possibly another all Reggae mix, strictly 45. Truth be told, I wish I could do a mix a week ( I have the records to do it), but then the question of when to actually write about this incredible stuff comes up. I guess I just have to balance it, and we’ll all be satisfied. For this particular mix, I dug up a lot of new music to share tonight. I hope you enjoy these records as much as I do. A Lot more on the way, I promise, so hold tight.

Soul Generation – Deep Funk and Raw Soul on 45, FMF Vol. 32.

FMF Vol. 32 Track List

Lou Courtney – Hey Joyce/ Popside
The Fabulous Counts – Jan Jan/ Moira
Lee Rogers – Sex Appeal/ Diamond Jim
The Village Callers – Hector/ Rampart
Soul Runners – Grits and Corn Bread/ Mo Soul
Hoctor Dance Records Band – Cissy Strut/ Hoctor
Ed Robinson – Hey Blackman Part II/ Cotillion
Lee Charles – Somebody’s Gonna Hurt You Like You Hurt Me/ Hot Wax
Shirley Brown – I Ain’t Gonna Tell/ Abet
Jackie Lee – African Boo-Ga-Loo/ Keyman
Harvey Scales – I Wanna Do It/ Stax
J.J. Jackson – Fat, Black, and Together/ Congress
Marvin L. Sims – Talkin’ ‘Bout Soul/ Revue

Download or Listen to: Soul Generation – Deep Funk and Raw Soul on 45, FMF Vol. 32

Keep Diggin’!

Midweek Secret Spot Dig

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I got a call from my fellow diggin’ partner Prime Mundo. He said he had a secret spot for me to check out. How could I resist? He had already been there once, and when he sent me a photo via my mobile phone, I almost shit a brick. So I took off of my day job today and spent about 4 1/2 hours there. We only got 45′s today. I got a great variety of Funk, Soul, Jazz and Reggae. There were a few things I had been looking for, and a whole lot of stuff I wasn’t, but scooped up. We’re going back for the Lps soon. After I got done digging I stopped to see my neice and nephews, who were fascinated. Question of the day: What is a record?? They’re too young to remember cassettes, let along know what vinyl is and how it works. They’re eager to learn, and that’s what I like.

Here’s a few photos I snapped along the way:


Records..

and more records…

I am in Heaven.

Prime Mundo digs…

45 Scores:

The Producers – Lady Lady Lady/ Huff Puff
Ernie K-Doe – A Certain Girl/ Minit Records
The Spinners – Message From A Blackman/VIP
Society of Seven – Howzit Brah/ Uni
Stevie Wonder – Uptight/ Tamla
James Brown – Out of Sight/ Smash
Hoctor Records Band – Cissy Strut/ Hoctor
Lou Rawls – Coppin’ A Plea/ Cool Train/ Capitol
Shirley Brown – I Ain’t Gonna Tell/ Abet
Lee Charles – I Just Want To Be Loved/ Hot Wax
Clarence Reid – Funky Party/ Alston
Joe Zawinul – The Soul of a Village/ Vortex
Vernon Garret – Little Black Woman/ Kapp
Jane Birkin w/ Serge Gainsbourg – Je T’aime
Barret Strong – Money/ Anna
J.J. Jackson – Fat, Black, and Together/ Congress
Johnny Griffith Inc. – Let’s Get It On/ RCA
Eddy Jacobs – Turn Me Loose/ Chess
Sir Lattimore Brown – Please, Please, Please/ Sound Stage 7
Milt Matthews – All the Changes/ Bryan Records
Mongo Santamaria – Sofrito/ VayaLou Johnson – Rock Me Baby/ Cotillion
John Ellison – Funky Funky Way of Makin’ Love/ Phil-L.A. of Soul
Don Gardner – You Babe/ Verve
Marcia Griffiths – Peaceful Woman/ High Note
Gladys Knight & the Pips – Maybe Maybe Baby/ Maxx
Spencer Wiggins – Soul City U.S.A./ Goldwax
Monk Higgins – Who-Dun-It?/ St. Lawrence
Solomon Burke – Proud Mary/ Bell
White label Joe Gibbs Production 45 (name scratched out)
Ron Holden – I Need Ya/ Now
Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign – How’s Your Wife (And My Child)/ Innervision II
Black Ivory – Surrender/ Today
Marvin L. Sims/ Talkin’ Bout Soul/ Revue
Foxy/ Trouble/ Double Shot Records
Robert Upchurch – The Devil Made Me Do It/ Golden Fleece
Roscoe Robinson – What You’re Doin’ To Me/ Wand
The Dixiebells – Rock Rock Rock/ Sound Stage 7 (red label)
Frankie Paul – Old Nigger/ High Music
The Techniques – I Still Love You/ Techniques
Val Bennet – Blow Mr. Horn’s Man Blow/ Roots (hand stamped)
Yabby You – Happy Go Lucky/ Prophet
Dennic Coffey & the Detroit Guitar Band – Taurus/ Sussex
Dick Hymen – Respect/ Command
The Dynamics – The Love That I Need/ Cotillion
Grant Green – I Wanna Hold Your Hand/ Blue Note
Sonny Richards & the Panics – Stubborn Kind of Fellow
Thriller U – Ragamuffin Mi Soup/ Vena
Liberation – Little Green Piece of Paper/ GSF
The Soul Runners – Charley/ Mo Soul
The Magics – Let’s Boogaloo/ R.F.A.
Pachecho – Spanish Popcorn/ Fania
Spanky Wilson – Little Things Mean A Lot/ Mother’s Records
Sisters Love – Ring Once/ A&M
King Tubby & the Aggrovators – Straight to Andy’s Head/ Jackpot
Robert French – Give Me Your Love/ Mister Tipsy
Houston Person – For Your Love/ Prestige
Ed Robinson – Hey Blackman Parts 1 & 2/ Cotillion
Maurice & Mac – You Left the Water Running/ Checker

Keep Diggin’!

Elan Mehler – The After Suite

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If you read this blog on the regular, you know my steez. I’m all about the old, but you know, sometimes you need to give props to the new. This record came through to me via Brownswood Recordings. The name may or may not mean much to you, but to me, Brownswood means two things: Gilles Peterson. The globe trotting London based tastemaker and DJ of all that is Soulful has always got his hand into something. His independent label cuts no corners when putting out records. They’re Soulful no matter what genre, and are quite unique in today’s sea of rubbish you have to wade in before you can catch a wave of good stuff.

Brooklyn piano player and composer Elan Mehler has released a gem of a follow up to his acclaimed Scheme of Thought Lp from 2007 in The After Suite on Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings. Discovered by Peterson in a small Swiss village playing piano, Mehler released a demo, then Scheme, now this. All About Jazz calls it “A masterpiece with a capital M.” They aren’t too far off with that summation. I had to listen to it two times in a row, because when it came in the Post, it was raining. I figured what the hell, this moody, atmospheric LP went right along with what was swirling outside, and I needed to rest my weary body before a DJ gig. I could have listened to it a third time easily. Mehler has expanded on his line up a bit from his last effort by adding a drummer (Max Goldman). His band on Suite includes Jeremy Viner (tenor sax), Scott Spivak (Fender Rhodes), Tod Hendrick (Bass) Mehler (on piano), and Becca Stevens and Adam McBride-Smith taking vocal turns on roughly eight of the eleven tracks. This record is as large as the 6 foot 8 inch Mehler is in real life, as he sculps his songs sort of like a guy heading his way down court. I know that 6’8″ is not always point guard material, but Mehler handles that role really well. Like I said, on a whole, it’s a great record, and whether Stevens and McBride Smith are chipping in on vocals or it’s just Elan and the band putting together magic, as Modern Jazz goes, I feel it’s as good as it gets. If I had dug this record up and it was recorded in 1975, I’d have the same feelings. The songs collectively have Soul, and dance away like the rain danced on my loft windows the first time I put it on. I’m partial, if I may say, to Tracks 5 (The After Suite Part 2), Track 8 (Notom Road), and Track 9 (I Dream a Highway, a song written by Alt-Country singer Gillian Welch and David Rawlings). Many of you may not know of Elan Mehler. In the past he’s had much more success in Europe than here in the States (isn’t that always the case?), but you will know him now. Lots of different music has Soul. Elan Mehler has Soul, give him a try. Keep Diggin’!

Download or Listen to Elan Mehler – The New Breed (featuring Adam McBride-Smith on vocals) from the Brownswood Records release The After Suite

SOUL! Broadcasting While Black

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Host Eddie Hazlip talking to Amiri Baraka

I got this nugget passed along to me from Joe Knipes about a good thing going on at Channel Thirteen. For those of you not in the know, Channel Thirteen (WNET) is a public TV channel out of New York. For my whole life, I’ve watched everything from Children’s programs to Science and News programs, to Music performances on public television. I’m very proud to announce to my readers that they have the series SOUL!, which ran from 1968 to 1973 in 39 episodes (6 streaming live so far) on their website. An all African American variety show, celebrating African American Culture and Music, the list of guests were a who’s who in Black America. Guests ranging from Ashford and Simpson to Nikki Giovanni to Muhammad Ali to Rasaan Roland Kirk to Ron Carter to James Baldwin and every major player in Black culture at the time. This show not only served a musical purpose, it would be used as a political sounding board to promote activisim and awareness in the Black community. It’s musical guest were from all genres: Funk, Soul, Jazz, and World Music. It’s also the first television show of it’s kind on WNET to be recorded to video tape, rather than live. This television show was revolutionary to put it lightly, and it’s a really great thing that the episodes are being offered for FREE on their website in their entirety. This is something that is going to bring a lot of people (this author included) many hours of happiness. So if you are interested in how the world was from 1968 to 1973 from a Black perspective, check out the interviews, music, and social commentary from SOUL! You’ll be glad you did. There is also an interview with director Stan Lathan here.

Before you go, check out the release from WNET in 1968:

1968 Show Announcement

“This Notice originally appeared in the September 1968 NET Program Guide, announcing the show:

On Thursday, September 12, at 9:00 PM, Channel 13 presents the first in a series of 39 one-hour programs entitled Soul!, devoted entirely to and aimed at the metropolitan area’s black community.

The format of Soul! resembles some of the popular late night programs – segmented, lively, informative and entertaining.

Appearing on the show will be top stars and up-and-coming young talents from the black community. There will also be pertinent features dealing with all aspects of the social, cultural and artistic life of the black population.

During the course of the year Soul! expects to have as its guests such people as: Cannonball Adderley, Muhammad Ali, Amanda Ambrose, The Associations, Oscar Brown Jr., James Brown, Billy Eckstein, Richie Havens, The Impressions, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, George Shirley, Nina Simone, Jo Simon, The Supremes, Irwin C. Watson, Marion Williams, Nancy Williams. (Not all of these performers actually appeared on Soul!-ed)

Music for Soul! will be provided by a live orchestra. The show will be in color and have the added excitement and spontaneity of a studio audience.

The second program in the series will be Thursday, September 26, at 9:00 pm. Starting October 10, Soul! will be seen every week on Thursday night at the same hour.

This series is being made possible by a special grant from the Ford Foundation under its Project for New Television Programming.

Soul!, an entertainment-talk program aimed at the Black community premiered on Thursday, September 12th 1968, at 9:00 pm.”

Keep Diggin’!

Back At the Spot

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The Score of the day! Photograph by Eilon Paz

Well it seems like i haven’t got to the Spot in a while, and when I got a phone call from my friend/ photographer Eilon Paz saying he wanted to hit it up, dig, and take photographs, I jumped at the chance. Even if it meant going to bed at 4 am and getting up at 8. We jumped in the Volvo wagon and headed out right on schedule. Our first encounter was with Super Beatle man. All he cared about were the Beatles. He could care less about any of the Funk and Soul 45′s we dug up. Score! Just some Sweet Soul, but of course I’ll take it. I stopped by to see the Old Man, who I haven’t spoken to in a few months. He was really happy to see me, and I was happy to see him. I managed to get some Jazz nuggets from him, and we caught up with each other for a few. Here’s where the fun really starts. We had really just gone up one row when I see a vendor who I haven’t bought from in a while. He was involved in a few “scuffles” with another vendor last year. It was a pretty big deal at the Spot, but something I stay out of. I’m just in it for the records, obviously. He tells me about some new 45′s that I dive into pronto. I pulled out some great Funk and Soul, and one elusive record that’s been on my list for sometime. For not being at the Spot for a while, it welcomed me back with open arms. This place rarely lets me down, and I that’s why I say: “You’re my choice baby!”.

45′s
Lou Courtney – Hey Joyce/ Popside
Woman – That’s How It Is/ Shock
LJ Reynolds Chocolate Syrup – The Penguin Breakdown/ Law-ton
Honey Cone – One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show/ Hot Wax
Honey Cone – The Day I Found Myself/ Hot Wax
The Odds and Ends – Foot Track/ Today
Betty Harris – Mean Man/ Sansu
Mickey and His Mice – Cracker Jack/ Marti
Etta James – Jump Into Love/ Chess (Promo)
Barrabas – Hi-Jack/ Atco
Herb & Brenda Rooney- The Exciters – Doin’ It Make You Just Feel Good/ Today
The Ebonys – Sexy Ways/ Philly International
The Independents – Baby I’ve Been Missing You/ Wand

Lp’s

Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers – Soul Finger/ Trip
Modern Jazz Quartet – S/T / Atlantic
Dexter Gordon Quartet – The Apartment/ Inner City

Keep Diggin!

R.I.P Eddie Bo

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Photo Courtesy of Home of the Groove

It saddens me to hear it, but we’ve lost another great artist. Edwin Bocage aka Eddie Bo has passed at the age of 78. I’ve been a fan from the time I heard “Hook and Sling” in my earlier DJ and digging days. His records were hard to come by in the field, but when you found them, man did it feel good. A lifelong New Orleans resident, piano player, producer, and ambassador for the City, Bo was a legend. He came from a Jazz family (who were key players in the New Orleans jazz scene before World War II), and went on the become a noted musician not only in the Crescent City, but throughout the world as well. Not only did he contribute to the rich Nawlins scene, he produced and wrote songs for artists such as Irma Thomas, Art Neville, Johnny Adams, Robert Parker, and others. He has recorded more 45′s than anyone in New Orleans other than Fats Domino. He’s contributed to some of the heaviest New Orleans Funk records to come out of the city (Hook and Sling, Pass The Hatchet, Lover and a Friend, We’re Doin’ It and the list goes on). He will be sorely missed. As I write this, I’m listening to a live version of Eddie Bo doing “Check Your Bucket” from 1998 with musicians Snooks Eaglin and George Porter Jr. A telephone rings in the middle of the performance, and 62 year old (at the time) Snooks breaks a guitar string. Porter kills it on stand up bass, as Bo proclaims him the “funkiest man in town”. Eddie does not ever miss a beat the whole song. A professional through and through. In his own words: “If it’s good to you, it’s good for you.” Music sure was good to him, and good to him as well. He will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace Eddie Bo, Keep on Slingin’. You guys Keep Diggin’.


The Hook and Sling with Snooks Eaglin

The Whitefield Brothers – Buster

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Download or Listen to The Whitefield Brothers – Buster from the Now Again reissue of In the Raw

Here I sit on a Thursday night putting the finishing touches on yet another FMF entry. It’s the opening of the MLS season and my NY Red Bull are taking on the newest franchise, the Seattle Sounders. It’s great to have some football back here in America. But I digress, we’re not here to talk football, but rather, Funk. This particular post tonight found it’s way to me through the post via Stones Throw/ Now Again. It’s no secret I dig the label, and the great roster they have, artists old and new. Shout out to them for doing it right as usual. This is a treat, something that’s been out of print, but brought back to life by Now Again. Here’s the The Whitefield Brothers with “Buster” from Now Again’s reissue of In The Raw from 2001.

Let’s rewind back to 2001, shall we? The Modern Funk and Soul scene was for a select few. When this record first came out, there were no Dap Kings yet. Sharon Jones had just started to do her thing via her 45s, and the El Michels Affair were just wee ones playing gigs as the Might Imperials (Thunder Chicken anyone?). Here’s where the founding members of The Poets of Rhythm, Jan and Max Whitefield come into play. At that time, they came from Munich, Germany to New York to record this very record. When they approached now defunct Desco Records honcho Phillipe Lehman to record their African inspired Funk, (think Fela Kuti doing Meters covers, heavy drums and that great African rhythm), he was game. The sound, some may say is an acquired taste, like say, a Belgian white beer. What premonition guys like Gabriel Roth (co founder of Desco and Daptone Records), Leon Michels (El Michels Affair), and Neal Sugarman ( Daptone co-founder with Roth) had when they agreed to be involved with this project. The four, along with the Whitefields would go on to record a heavy, heavy record. They recorded and mastered the 7″ and 10″ records quickly. Soul Fire released a limited run of cds and vinyl pressings. Of course they sold out in a short time. Soul Fire went the way of the 8 track shortly after, and the Whitefields went on their way to the Modern Funk legends they are today.

This record, of course, to me, was ahead of it’s time. While not entirely an Afro Beat record, it’s bits and pieces of the genre shine through. The drums are super heavy (if you didn’t figure it out earlier), and the who’s who of the New York Funk and Soul scene prove that they knew what the hell they were doing in 2001 (and further that point), as they push the boundaries of the genre today with the great music they’re still putting out. This particular side, “Buster” is a new addition to the original LP. Drum and flute heavy, it could have been recorded by CCS or Sherlock Holmes and the Investigators, but it wasn’t. It may sound like 1970, but it was recorded within the last 8 years. You may have missed In the Rawthe first time around, but now here’s your chance the second time. The Whitefields (with a little help from their friends) prove that this Funk game is alive and well. I’ll see you over the weekend with hopefully some digging stories, as I have 2 digs scheduled. Keep Diggin’!

Buy The Whitefield Brothers In the Raw here

Support good music!

Dig For Fire Documentary

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Here’s a little bit of goodness from film maker Habib Awam. He is on a quest to know why we dig for vinyl. It’s definitely a plausible question. I’m excited because it has a bunch of Washington, DC vinyl notables (including Kevin from Moneytown/ DC Soul Recordings and Neal Becton of Som Records) as well as interviews with people from the film maker’s hometown. The gamut is run: from DJ’s to producers to record store owners to simple collectors, there are all there. This video is right up Flea Market Funk’s alley! Enjoy and Keep Diggin’!

The Rugbys – You, I

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Download or Listen to The Rugbys – You, I from the Amazon 45

First off, just wanted to say “Thanks” for all the kind words in regards to Eilon Paz’s photographic profile/ interview over at Dust and Grooves. I didn’t realize that I had an impact so much in this bogged down blogosphere. Apparently, I do. Thanks again. My mailbox is full of goodies these past weeks, from Stones Throw to Brownswood, all of which will be coming up in post in the very near future. Today, however, here is a midweek treat I picked up on my trip down South. Troy from The Scorpio Brothers Sound System had this in a sale pile, and well, I couldn’t pass it up. In fact, it wasn’t expensive at all, so I thank you Troy for this little piece of goodness coming out of the Bluegrass State. It’s a little out of the box for Flea Market Funk, but as I’ve said before, if it’s Funky, I’m playing it. Here’s The Rugbys with “You, I” on Amazon Records from 1969.

The Rugbys formed in Louisville, Kentucky in 1965. The band consisted of Steve McNicol (guitar), Eddie Vernon (keyboards), Glen Howerton (drums), and Mike Hoerni (bass). Originally a cover band, they would go on to write original songs and in 1968 released “Walking The Streets Tonight” on Top Dog. The song was written by The Sir Douglas Quintet’s Doug Sahm. Another record was released, written McNicol entitled “Stay With Me”. This record charted locally, but it wasn’t until the flip side (this very record) caught on that the Rugbys started to gain some attention. The record went to number 24 on the Billboard charts, and for a few years the band toured with acts like Grand Funk and Bob Seger. A full length record, Hot Cargo, was released, but was met with lukewarm feelings, and didn’t really go anywhere.

Like I said, this record is a bit off base for me, but I had heard the song before (as the masses of Soul Strut swear by it). It never really has shown up in the field by me, so I figured what the hell. Basically a garage/ psych record, this side is funky as hell, with plenty of fuzzed out guitar, a kick ass drum beat (and drum break, even though it’s small), all to keep your attention for 2 minutes and 50 seconds. It still goes to show you that there is Funk in many things, even this Kentucky 45 of AM Gold. You never know where you’re gonna find it. Keep Diggin!

Marva Whitney – It’s My Thing (You Can’t Tell Me Who To Sock It To)

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Download or Listen to Marva Whitney – It’s My Thing (You Can’t Tell Me Who To Sock It To) from the King Records 45

Well, it has been an exhausting week here at FMF, but we push on. Still recovering from our Mid Atlantic 45 assault on DC and Richmond, VA, I went back to the grind and then again back to my weekly DJ nights. Shout out to those who came out to all of them and hung out extra late Saturday night to nod their head to some gritty Funk and Wu Tang while they drank their Genne Cream Ales and Singapore Slings @ the Annex. I had some other stuff lined up for today, but decided I had to just put this ahead. It’s going to sounds silly, but besides being a killer side (and classic too), the sleeve of all things really was cool, so I said WTF. Here’s Soul Sister Number 1, Marva Whitney with “It’s My Thing (You Can’t Tell Me Who To Sock It To) on Cincinnati’s King Records.

Born Marva Ann Manning in 1944 in Kansas City, Kansas, she was the eldest of seven siblings. Getting her start in music atthe tender age of three, by the time she was barely a teen she was performing with the Manning Gospel Singers playing piano and singing around the country. In 1960, at age 16 she would join up with another group called the Alma Whitney Singers. Marva would go on to marry Harry Whitney, the brother in law of the lead singer. Taking the Whitney name, she’d move on to become part of an all girl group that lasted as long as the name did in my memory. Not giving up, she would study in Kansas City Conservatory of Music’s reputable guru Willie Rice. Working a day job, she concentrated on singing at night clubs on the weekend, where she would eventually front a band called Tommy and the Derbys. This band was headed up by Tommy Gadsen, the brother of one of the funkiest drummers ever, James Gadsen. When the band relocated to California, Whitney continued to press on. She hooked up with Bert Bart, who was part of James Brown’s booking company. The first meeting with JB did not happen (due to a riot at one of his local concerts), and they didn’t meet until the Godfather came back into town again. Whitney got an audition after the show, and the rest is history. At 23 years old, Soul Sister Number 1 toured with JB, performed her own small set when the Hardest Working Man in Showbusiness took a break, and eventually started to record for King. Her first effort, “Your Love Was Good To Me” b/w “Saving My Love For My Baby” was produced by JJ Barnes and Walter Whisenhunt. Gaining momentum from her performance of “Think” on a Live at the Apollo series record, Whitney headed back in the studio to record yet another Soul single ” Saving My Love For My Baby”. It didn’t really do too well. Then James Brown, the mastermind that he is, decided to go somewhere else with Whitney. He took her to the land of Funk with “Unwind Yourself”. It’s here that Whitney’s sound would forever be embedded in DJ’s, producers, and diggers much later on. This funky sound with JB’s touch was destiny. Although more singles were put out, “I’m Tired I’m Tired I’m Tired” and “What Do I Have To Do To Prove My Love To You”, she still failed to gain the recognition chartwise that Brown often saw. This would change with “It’s My Thing”, a so called answer to the Isley’s “It’s Your Thing”. Finally a charting single (#19 on the Billboard charts). Two more (and her final singles before an ill-fated Lp), “Things Got To Get Better” and “I Made A Mistake Because It’s Only You” before leaving JB altogether. She resurfaced and cut a record with the Isley’s on T-Neck (“Giving It Up On Love”) before taking a hiatus from the business for a while. It was shorter than you think and after marrying Forte record company owner Ellis Taylor, she’d release some other scorchers: “Daddy Don’t Know About Sugar Bear” and “Live & Let Live” before being under the radar until the 80′s, where she resurfaced as a member of Coffee, Cream, and Sugar. The late eighties were good to Marva, as she was re-discovered by a whole new generation of fans. Sampled by The 45 King for “The 900 Number”, Marva Whitney was back in the spotlight. Some reissues of the James Brown extended family yielded successful European tours, furthering her notoriety. More successful solo tours followed, and she is still doing her thing today, and doing it well I might add.

Starting out with the signature JB sound: backbeat, JB horns, and jangly ass guitar, Marva straight kills it. It’s a good thing that JB flipped the script on Whitney’s style, because this sound was definitely her thing, and I wish she had continued to put out more 45′s in this area. It’s so good to hear her shout it out loud, a proud sista, taking charge. Maybe I get that feeling because it was a James Brown production, and am biased because that sound can’t be beat. However, she did prove with the Isley Brothers producing and her other singles on Forte that she could be the Number One Soul Sister and the Queen of Funk. See you midweek after some corned beef with another gem. Keep Diggin!


The sweet King record sleeve!

Check Out My Interview On Dust and Grooves with Photographer Eilon Paz

Roof Top 45 Video From Photo Shoot

Flea Market Funk x Eilon Paz x Dust and Grooves

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I wrote a few weeks back about my visit and hang with photographer Eilon Paz. Eilon’s a talented photographer from Israel as well as a really great guy. We spent the day talking about records, music, and walking around Asbury Park in the frigid cold. He’s doing a photo project on DJ’s, records and crate digging. The result of of meeting can be found here. Be sure to check out the experimental video he did all on his SLR camera. It was a lot of fun. Enjoy and Keep Diggin’!

Soul Runners – Grits ‘N Corn Bread

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Listen or Download to Soul Runners – Grits ‘N Corn Bread from the MoSoul 45

Here’s a quick piece I got on my trip down South. I was taking some photos of the massive amounts of 45′s, dividers and the like. I just started picking through the Soul divider and I saw this record. I didn’t know too much about it, but how could I pass this up? Here’s the Soul Runners with “Grits ‘N Corn Bread” on MoSoul Records from 1966.

Like I said, I don’t have a tremendous amount of info on this record, other than Number One, it has a version of the Watts 103rd Street Band’s “Spreadin’ Honey”, and Number Two it was distributed by Keymen. This led me to look deeper into that, which revealed that Charles Wright had a hand in this record/ band, even if he didn’t record with the band some of the time. Here’s where things are a bit weird. Apparently they were originally called the Wright Sounds, then the Soul Runners, and in fact were an early version of the Watts Band. They recorded mostly instrumental tracks, and were the backing band at different times for Billy Cosby and Dyke and the Blazers. Some of the personnel of the band is as follows:Bernard Blackman (guitar), Raymond Jackson (trombone), John Rayford ( tenor saxophone), Melvin Dunlap (bass), Al McKay (guitar) and James Gadson (drums). Please let me know if any of you out there have any other info and or corrections to this entry, as the info out there is a bit shaky.

“Grits ‘N Corn Bread” is a nice rolling piece of Funk. The jangly guitar is ever present, as well as the back beat and a nice touch of organ. It’s dirty and a bit sleazy, with very few grunts and groans, but a cool piece of LA style Funk none the less. This is the kind of record that keeps me going back for more and more of the gritty, grimey, dirty music we call Funk. There’s always a story and I hope I find out the whole thing on this side. Have a good weekend and Keep Diggin’!

Rufus Thomas – Itch and Scratch Part 2

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Download or Listen To Rufus Thomas – Itch and Scratch Part 2 from the Stax 45

Hello again people. First off let me thank a bunch of people before I get started. A HUGE shout out to Chris Knotts, Marshall and Mike at Memory Lane, DJ Nitekrawler and Troy Hurt for hosting F16 and FMF, and all the people who came out to see us at both venues. It was a really a great time, and I’m looking forward to returning to both places sometime soon. What’s up on deck here is a record I’ve been looking for in the field for a while. I managed to dig up a few copies of it this weekend, so that was a bonus (as well as some other great Lps and 45′s). Here’s Rufus Thomas with “Itch and Scratch Part 2″ on Stax Records from 1972.

Born in Cayce, Mississippi in 1917, The Crown Prince of Dance was most certainly destined for stardom from the beginning. He started out as a comedian as Rufus and Johnny in the Rabbit Foot Minstrels in the 1930′s, but soon moved into radio at WDIA (one of the few all black owned stations) in the next decade. A celebrity around Memphis, Thomas not only was the emcee for most of the black clubs in Memphis, he also recorded music as well. Thomas had recorded for Chess, Star Talent, Meteor, and Sun. His Sun record was an answer to Big Mama Thornton’s “Hound Dog”, called “Bear Cat” and released in 1953. Thomas Brought tapes of himself and his daughter Carla to Jim Stewart (of Satellite and later Stax fame). The two became Stax’s first stars with “Cause I Love You” in 1959 and would go on to pen other hits. Although Carla was the more successful of the two, Rufus Thomas still recorded and remained a worldwide celebrity, as well as a legend in Mephis up until the day he died. His biggest hit “Walking the Dog” is still killer, but let’s not forget “Tramp”, “The Funky Penguin”, “The Push and Pull”, “The Breakdown”, “Do The Funky Chicken”, and one of my all time favorites: “Sophisticated Sissy”. Who can forget his performance in Wattstax , calling everyone out to come dance with him, and the Public Enemy sampled: “Waiiiiiit a minute……..” The man was an all around entertainer, and after Stax Records fell apart, so did Rufus Thomas’s career. He went on to record a few other albums post Stax, but he basically remained the Memphis ambassador up until his death, even making a cameo in Jim Jarmusch’s Mystery Train. As a middle aged and even older man, Rufus still had the moves, and some success to go with it. Rufus Thomas passed away in 2001 in Memphis, forever a legend in that city and the world over.

Not a terribly hard record to get (although it never turned up in the field for me until now) , the price for it skyrocketed when Brainfreeze hit, as Shadow and Cut Chemist killed doubles of it over and over. That is neither here nor there. This song, if you don’t know it, is infectious. The beat can not be stopped, and the bass line and guitar riff grab me every time. This is a head nodder and a song that you really won’t be able to sit still to. Thomas’s screams, hoots and hollers over a KILLER back beat and and horn stabs. It doesn’t stop because flip it over and the party starts over again. I recommend two copies to prolong that break. WOOOOOOOOOOOH. It’s so nice I’ve got to do it twice……Keep Diggin’!

Funky Movement Day 2 Richmond, VA

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After a long day of digging (see photos below and above), Funky 16 and I hit the road only to be greeted by Northern Virginia traffic. I felt like I was driving in La or something, with the stop/ go/ stop some more every five seconds. We finally made it to Richmond though, and met up with Troy Hurt of the Mercy! party. The venue, Cous Cous, was a great Mediterranean spot that converted into a club after 9PM, right on the campus of VCU. After some delicious food we got down to business. Troy held it down with some tight ass Funk and Soul 45′s (throwing in some Willie Mitchell “Mercy” which made me smile), before I went up for my first set. The crowd was responsive all night, and danced until they couldn’t dance anymore and had to go. Larry was schooling these folks on the some records I’m pretty sure they never danced to before. We both had a great time, and hopefully will get to do this once again. Many thanks to Troy of Scorpion Brothers Sound System, the folks who came out in Richmond to see us, and Chris and staff at Cous Cous for the great hospitality and food. Here’s some continued digging photos and photos from the night:


45′s and More 45′s!

Funky 16 pulls out heat.

Marshall from Memory Lane, me, Larry, DJ Birdman

Troy from Scorpio Bros. Sound System@ Mercy!

Funky 16 gets his Eddie Bo On @ Mercy!

I’m having fun, can’t you tell?

Mercy! Crowd getting into it.

Lps, Lps, Lps

More 45 Scores:
Harvey Scales – I Wanna Do It/ Stax
Rufus Thomas – Itch and Scratch/ Stax Promo x 2
Bobby Byrd – Hot Pants (I’m Coming)/ Brownstone
Jackie Lee – African Boogaloo/ Keyman
Soul Runners – Grits and Corn Bread/ MoSoul
Conroy Smith – Come Follow Me/ Power House
Johnny Jones and the King CAsuals – Soul Poppin/ Brunswick
The Jan Davis Guitar – Hot Sauce/ Quad-ett
EArl Gaines – Soul Children/ Seventy Seven Records
Baby Al and the Capps – Grab Your Pardner/ Silver Fox
The Rugbys – You, I/ Amazon
The Esquires – You Say/ Bunky’s Pick
Johnny Osbourne – Fraudie/ Brown Sugar
The Fabulous Counts – Jan Jan/ Moira
JImmy McGriff – Groove Grease/ Groove Merchant
Baby Cortez – Gettin To The Point/ Chess
LJ Reynolds and Chocoalte Syrup – Stay With Me/ Law-Ton
Marva Whitney – It’s My Thing/ King
Thomas Clock – I’ll Be True/ Cooking Records (Newark, NJ yo!)