Monthly Archives: November 2009

Dennis Brown – Money In My Pocket

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Listen To or Download Dennis Brown “Money In My Pocket” from the Lightning Records 45

So we’re back here at FMF. I took a small review break, as my vacation and DJ schedule got a little hectic. I figured for now we’d get back into the swing of records right after the holiday break here in the States. I got some really great sides when I was in the UK, and even though it’s common as hell across the pond, it’s not here. Plus it’s a really great side, and well, I’m a sucker for a good 45. Especially if it’s a UK pressing (the 45 with the little hole). Here is a Reggae Classic from the late, great Dennis Brown. It’s “Money In My Pocket” on Lightning Records reissued from 1979.

Born in 1957 in Kingston, Jamaica, Brown went on to have a career in Reggae music for more than 30 years. He worked with great producers such as Joe Gibbs, Prince Buster, Coxsone Dodd, Niney The Observer Holness, Derrick Harriot, Sly & Robbie and Prince Jammy among others. His resume speaks for itself: From his humble beginnings as a teen crooner to his explosion as a singer in Jamaica, Dennis Brown will forever be etched in our minds and ears as an ambassador of Reggae music. Early hits such as “No Man Is An Island” led to this record, “Money In My Pocket”, originally recorded in 1972, but here reissued in 1979. The backing band was the Soul Syndicate. A version credited to Big Youth and Brown was released shortly after, entitled “A-So We Stay (Money in Hand)”. As he moved forward in his career he would go from Lover’s Rock to Roots to Dancehall, leaving his mark on them all. Whether in Jamaica, or later on in his life in the UK, you can’t deny Dennis Brown’s presence and impact on the world of Reggae. It would be an injustice if I tried to recap this whole man’s career, and in fact, might end up being the longest post I ever had here at FMF. I will leave that to the experts. Dennis Brown did die in 1999 from pneumonia (a result from rumored prolonged cocaine use), and he is sorely missed.

This record was one I dug up while I was in London. I could have (if I wanted to spend hundreds of pounds) went hog wild and just got records I have never dreamed of seeing here in the states. However, I decided to pick up this record, because it’s a song I really dig, and it’s a record that I never see over here, especially in a UK press. It may be common over in the UK, but to me it was like finding something I never thought I would in the field. This post is less about the artist and his history (because you can get that anywhere), but more about the song and actual record itself. I never really get sentimental about a side, but if it’s gonna happen, I’m glad it’s Dennis Brown. Keep Diggin’!

Flea Market Funk in Argentina

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The FMF world tour continues…..the photo above was from my good friend Eilon Paz, who took this shot in Buenos Aires, Argentina. That’s a FMF sticker. The Funk and Soul has no boundaries. We’re worldwide. Many Thanks Eilon!

FMF x London Part 3

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My apologies for the lateness on part three people. I originally wanted it to run Friday, but got a last minute call to DJ at the Ace Hotel in NYC for an after party for Pop Up Flea and Tanner Goods. Better late than never. Shout out to Mark and Sam from Tanner Goods, Connie from 503 Stylus, and to Astrud the staff at the Ace for digging the music of Funk and Soul 45′s all night long. Let’s talk about some music and FMF last night in London.

When my friend Andy asked if I wanted to check out his night wit the legendary Keb Darge at Madame Jo Jo’s my last night in London, I jumped at the chance. I had been a fan of Keb since I discovered his Legendary Deep Funk records on BBE in the 90′s. Let’s just say, had it not been Keb’s putting out these records, there may have not been a Flea Market Funk. Yes, I still would have been a DJ, but it was Keb, Josh Davis, producers like Pete Rock and Premier, and even my friend Andy who pushed me to find these types of records even more here in America. So here we are over ten years later and I’m in London. I had heard about (but never been to) Keb’s Deep Funk Friday nights, but it was Andy a few years ago that told me about Lost and Found. On this night, he and Keb spin Rockabilly, early American R & B, Jump Blues, and Northern Soul. I was a bit puzzled, because this kind of stuff wouldn’t go over here on a weekly basis. A one off yes, but weekly would be a challenge. Lost and Found has been going STRONG every week for three years. This I had to see for myself.

Madame Jo Jo’s is a dimly lit, well decorated, burlesque type hall. It honestly looks like it hasn’t changed since the 60′s (why change something that works?). In a little while, it’s sunken in dance floor (little did I know), would be packed with young people dancing their ass off to my surprise, 50′s R & B. I arrived early with Andy, and met Keb and his wife Edith. Soon after the crowd began to filter in. As I was trying to keep up with Keb with Maker’s and Cokes, the crowd grew larger and larger. Before I knew it, the night was in full swing. Keb and Andy went from obscure Jump Blues to Ray Charles to Elvis (Jailhouse Rock?!) to Northern Soul Classics as the crowd of twenty somethings and people who traveled from as far as Manchester to appreciate the night, dance like they were at the Wigan Casino, and just enjoy the best Saturday night spot in London. If this is any indication where the music scene is going, we’re in for a shake up. From a guy who reinvented Northern Soul, invented the Rare Groove and Funk scene, and now has this night going, my money is going to Ladbroke’s on this scene. I want to thank Andy and Keb for inviting me out and showing me a great time. Here are some photos from the night:

FMF x London Part 2

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Hello FMF Family. Here’s some treats from London once again. This time it’s a good one. In fact, I wasn’t even aware it was going to happen, and I’m glad it worked out the way it did. While we were digging, Andy mentioned he had a gig at Colourful Radio. It’s been a while since I had my radio show, and honestly I do miss it. So, that being said, we headed over to Vauxhall in South London to the Studio. We went a bit early, because there was a killer Reggae show on before, Papa Face was filling in for the normal DJ who was out. He also had Soul Warrior (Big Youth’s cousin!) in the studio as well. They were playing the best Reggae, so it was an honor just to sit in on the show, and take in some of these great Reggae tunes. By the time Andy started his show, I was flying high, and in the second hour of Boogie, Northern Soul, Jump Blues and Reggae, we both played a bunch of the records we had dug up that day. Below is the MP3 version of the show.

You can hear Andy Smith every Wednesday Night at 12 Midnight (that’s 7PM for you EST people here in the US) on Colourful Radio or DAB in London , and look for the live streaming link or link to Andy’s page. This is highly recommended by FMF, and not because the guy is my friend. There are some great shows with music you don’t hear, and Wednesday nights you get a double shot! On Friday I will revisit my night at Lost and Found with Andy and the legendary Keb Darge. See you then. Keep Diggin’!

Download or Listen to Andy Smith’s Radio Show from 11 12 09 on Colourful Radio in London with Special Guest Flea Market Funk

FMF x London Part 1

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Wall of Fame, Tottenham London

Well people, I made it back from the UK in one piece. I stayed with the Big Man over in East London, and he showed me what’s happening as far as London sights go. The first few days were spent getting my bearings, eating Full English breakfasts, drinking tea, visiting football grounds, and playing tourist. Thank you very much Big Man for that side of London. While in London, however, I knew I needed to get in some digging. I had a put a call into DJ Andy Smith before I left to try and secure a few days of digging. Andy met me in Central London and we hit up a few used record shops in that part of town. I was really surprised to see Jazz pieces and even late 70′s Lonnie Liston Smith Lps going for upwards of €35. That’s over $50 US. So to say the least, records are a bit expensive in London. We, however, went to some places that weren’t so expensive. I was able to to get some cool Funk pieces for €5 and €6, as well as a bunch for 50p each. I tried to stick to 7 inches though, because I had limited space coming home. I managed to get some great records, and am looking forward to spinning them out as well as putting them on future Flea Market Funk Mixes. I was lucky enough to get to the Soul Jazz shop, where I bought some great stuff, and got to meet Earl from the Trojan Sound System. The guy is definitely a heavy hitter in the Reggae scene. Check out the song on his page over the Classic riddim, wicked and wild man. From there we hit up a few more used spots and then went back to Andy’s house where his wife cooked us a great dinner. We played some classic Phoenix on a stand up video machine, played 45′s on his jukebox, and talked about records and music all night. I’m very pleased that I got to hook up with Andy. He is a great friend, a talented DJ and digger, and just an all around good guy. We share the same outlook on music and DJing, and it’s unbelievable how we’ve almost led parallel lives on opposite sides of the Atlantic, of course he has found more success. We both really enjoy what we do musically, and I guess that’s a great way to stay happy working. He invited me to go on his radio show on Colourful Radio , where I got to sit in, take in the great vinyl he was spinning, and play some finds I got digging that day. That is going to be a separate post though, and I’ll have audio you can download. It was a good time, great music, and I’m excited for you guys to check it out. We went out the following evening, after a day of digging ( wicked, wicked Reggae shop, that’s where the top photo was taken) to Peter Parker’s, where The Gene Drayton Unit was playing. They’re a kick ass, five piece Jazz band. Really great stuff. Their cover of “Bringing Down the Birds” was ironic, as I had just purchased a reedit (or re-lick as Andy calls it) of the tune. Highly recommended! I also spent a night with Andy and the legendary Keb Darge at their night at Madame Jo Jo’s in London, my last night in the city. It was a killer time, and when I get all the photos sorted out, I will write that up as well. I’m glad to be back, I have some new vinyl and choons to share, so let’s get it started this week shall we? Keep Diggin’!

Here’s a few photos to hold you over:


Andy’s Jukebox, with a great assortment of 45s!


Gene Drayton Unit


Jazz man, Jazz!


Robert from Zen Records. This man KNEW his Reggae.

London Scores
45s:
Tom Newton – Vida Blue/ Tri-City Recording Company ( I called him Albert Jones on the radio..oops!)
Studio G’s Beat Group – Hi, Bird/ Licorice Soul
Barbara St. Claire – Teacherman/ Soul 7
Herbie Hancock – Bringing Down the Birds (B-Boy redit)/ White Label MGM
Black Slate – Amigo/ Ensign
Rae and Christain feat. Bobby Womack – Get a Life/ Central
Jackie Beavers – Mr. Bump Man (Give Me A Hand) Part 2/ Buddah
Pig Bag – Papa’s Got A Brand New Pig Bag/ Y Records
Janet Kay – Silly Games/ Scope
LJ Waiters & the Electrifiers – If You Ain’t Getting Your Thing/ La Shawn
Dennis Brown – Money In My Pocket/ Lightning Records
Harry J Allstars – Liquidator/ Harry J