Category Archives: vinyl

Curtis Mayfield – The Makings of You

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By the time this post is up, there will be a new addition to the FMF family. I’m talking about the birth of my son. It’s crazy when I think about it, a little version of me running around. A son to pass all these records and this music on to. There is not one artist I can think of that has had such a profound influence on my music taste than Curtis Mayfield. As a child hearing him through my dad’s records, to digging in the dust and piles of junk to unearth his beautiful records, Curtis has always been a staple in my households. Now it’s time for me to pass on the torch to this young buck once he gets tall enough to reach the turntables. Rest assured I’ll be passing on the knowledge to the kid (as well as the record collection), so he can pass it on to the next generation. I may be taking a few days off from
writing to get the future digger/ DJ situated, but best believe I’ll be back with more. Thanks for the support people. Salute!

Download or Listen to Curtis Mayfield – The Makings of You from the Curtom Lp Curtis

Big Ups with DJ Platurn

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This week’s Big Ups takes us to the Left Coast with DJ Platurn. The 45 Sessions and Oakland Faders DJ and producer has been rocking the Bay Area for more than a minute. It is our pleasure to have him in this installment of the Big Ups series.

Check out more information about DJ Platurn on his site.

A decade old mix Flea Market Treats by Spair and DJ Platurn that still bangs!

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Charles Bradley: Soul In America

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Not much more to say except: YES. THANK YOU. LONG OVERDUE. While everyone was mourning the loss of a Soul legend Whitney Houston this past weekend, Charles Bradley was busy trying to live his hard life the last 60 plus years. He was the break out Soul star in 2011 with his release No Time For Dreaming on Daptone, and his interesting story has been documented on film. This documentary will premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in March, and FMF can not wait to check it out. If you are a fan of Soul music, this is a film that should not be missed. This man’s music is incredible, and while releasing his debut record at 62, he has to be the oldest rookie since Satchel Paige took the mound. This is Soul music people: the good, the bad, the sad, and truly incredible.

Charles Bradley: Soul In America Documentary Trailer

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Wax On Film: A Vinyl Photo Contest

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It’s here! Flea Market Funk has partnered up with the vinyl photo blog Dust & Grooves for Wax On Film: A Photo Contest. We want to see creative photos of your vinyl collections. We have an exclusive, expert panel of judges to help determine the winners. We’re talking not just Eilon from Dust & Grooves and myself, but people like acclaimed DJ, Rich Medina, Brian Ho from Dreams in Audio, and Brian Cross aka B+ from Mochilla, all vinyl experts in their own right. The chosen winners will receive Wax On Film gift packages from Nixon, Tucker & Bloom, Rare Byrds, Listen Clothing, 101 Apparel, Tropicalia In Furs, Cultures of Soul, Hot Peas & Butta, and more!

Go here for more details.

Get creative people!

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Patrice Rushen – Kickin’ Back

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This record was a good score for $3. It was an even better come up that it was a promo and mint, with a blank back cover. I heard it can go for a little cash, but who cares? This track smokes. Here’s Patrice Rushen with “Kickin’ Back” on Prestige Records from 1975.

Patrice Rushen is one of the world’s top Jazz pianists. From her early Jazz beginnings as a side player and solo artist to moving through the world of film and television scoring with ease, as well as Pop, Soul, Disco, and R & B, Patrice Rushen has played with and along side and recorded with most of the industry’s most well known players. With over 14 solo releases on such labels as Prestige, Arista, and GRP among others, her talent has kept her quite busy for most of her career. Her commercial success has made her name known outside DJ and record collector circles. However, it’s these early recordings like “Kickin’ Back” that speak to me.

This single (purported to be one of the first 12″ released in a batch of original 12″s) is Rushen moving away from the straight forward Jazz she exhibited on Prelusion and moving into Jazz Fusion. This is some lazy day music people, smooth and cool. Rushen (on the clavinet, piano, and synthesizer) stacked her backing band with vet players like Hubert Laws (flute), Lee Ritenour (guitar), Harvey Mason (drums), the horn section of Bohanon, Brashear, Caliman, Dumas and Nash, and finally Charles Meeks (bass). She plays the piano to a similar style of Herbie Hancock (close your eyes this tune has a Headhunters feel), and has kept it even closer to Hancock with Mason who was in the Headhunters, and Meeks who has been a Jazz journeyman in the Blue Note world as well. Patrice moves along at her pace, keeping it cool junior, real cool. This is a great find, a great record, and for me, a period in music I wish never went away. Patrice Rushen announced her exit from the Jazz world with this record, and did it with a bang. She then went on to conquer the music world in many other ways, but to me when she was kickin’ back, she was at her best.

Download or Listen to Patrice Rushen – Kickin’ Back from the Prestige Records 12″

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The 45 Shirt: FMF x Listen Clothing

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A while back I put out the 45 shirt design, but just couldn’t get a collaboration that was quite right. However, as like minded individuals seem to always get together, the collaboration between Flea Market Funk and Listen Clothing begins. I have been a fan and supporting this company since their inception, and when I was on tour a few years back, my man Renz sent me a box of Listen stuff that has been worn on countless gigs, tours, and the like. Listen Clothing has been preserving the music, culture, and quality artists for over 10 years through their clothing and accessory lines. I am proud to announce the first (of many hopefully) Limited Edition tee shirt collaborations between Flea Market Funk and Listen: The 45 shirt.

Here’s a shirt that all you 45 heads have been fiending for: a nod to graphic design and typography combined with some great Funk and Soul 45 bands. There are some easy finds on here as well as some Holy Grails. We all have some of them, we all want some of them, but the bottom line is that these records are appreciated. I wanted to help preserve these artists in one of the most creative ways I could think of, the tee. We’re also working on some limited edition prints as well. After all, it’s “The Way We Live”.

Stay tuned for more details about buying this design in shirt and print form.

Click here to enlarge the graphic.

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Big Ups with DJ Format

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If you are not familiar with DJ Format’s CV, then you should be. This guy is a true artist, who is promoting Hip Hop music and proper lifestyle, keeping the torch of the founding fathers of this genre alive. From his Music For the Mature B-Boy release to the video for “We Know Something You Don’t Know” to The Simonsound (with a ton of records and DJ gigs in between), Format has established himself firmly as a solid producer, DJ, and artist. We’re excited to have him this week on Big Ups.

More info on DJ Format here.

His new record, Statement of Intent, will be available on Feb. 27th at better record stores world wide.

Statement of Intent Sampler Video

DJ Format feat. Sureshot La Rock Dope Pusher

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Kat Records: Neil Diablo Edits

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There is so much music out there these days, sometimes it’s hard to keep up. I’ve got my head so far into the Funk, Soul, Jazz, Reggae and Hip Hop that I like to peek my head outside the genre and see what else is poppin’. Don’t get it twisted, I’m open minded and maybe I’m blasting some Bad Brains while I’m writing just as easy as turning up the volume on some Art Pepper. So when I get a message from the good people over at Kat Records touting the upcoming Neil Diablo Edits on the label, my ears perk up. For those not in the know, Neil Scott aka Neil Diablo runs the famous El Diablo Social Club in Manchester, is one of the city’s top DJs (and now remixer). His DJ night has been a staple in Manchester nightlife and if it’s dancing you want to do, El Diablo Social Club plays the stuff that moves your feet: Italo, Cosmic, House, and the like. Who doesn’t enjoy an evening at a social? Neil has released some edits via Kat, and I believe you will find these interpretations quite tasty. “For Your Love” by Fat Gaines Band ft. Zorina, “Behind Bars” by Christina Debs, and two others: “Cannae Believe” and “Disco Special” get the Diablo touch. These tracks are not for head nodders people, get up out of your seat poindexter and dance. “Cannae Believe” has got the ill synth stabs while “Disco” is a slow burner that builds with some damn Soul Claps. “For Your Love” is some 80′s Soul with a bass line that will make your neck snap, a great horn section, and deep, soulful vocals, while “Bars” (produced originally by Don Was) slowly churns as Diablo’s re-lick of this Nu-Wave Disco gem transports you to the LES via Detroit circa ’84. This is definitely an end of the night joint if I ever heard one. Kat are always pushing the envelope of different genres of music. Whether it be Soul, Funk, Psych or Disco tracks, these guys have a stable of producers and remixers who get the job done proper. Look for these re-edits at better record shops in your area, or contact them here.

Neil Diablo Edit – For Your Love (KAT013) Full

Samples Off of the Upcoming 12″

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The Darling Dears – I Don’t Think I’ll Ever Love Another

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Test pressing for The Darling Dears

Great nod to the old Flower City label by COS

I had been hearing a lot about this Holy Grail Soul record for a long time, and when Jeff over at Cultures of Soul send me a message that they were reissuing it and asked if I wanted a test pressing, well, how could I say no? The original record, for those of you who are into this type of thing, has fetched upwards of three thousand bucks and more on online auctions. With only about 1000 45′s pressed up in originally, this record has been on many a want list (and apparently a dude found 50 copies in the remains of the Fine Records Studio in Rochester). The Rochester, NY band is backed up by fellow Flower City mates Funky Heavy on this track (which was originally done by the band Rock Candy) for some really sweet, beautiful, Soul. It seems that COS hooked up with the Darling Dears themselves, as well as long time music promoter Alvin (Lawrence) Lofton and the rest they say, is history. A reissue of some of the sweetest girl group Soul you will ever hear is getting put out for all to consume, and not for $3K.

If that’s not enough, it seems that Now Again with help from NY Funk and Soul researcher and archivist David Griffith have teamed up to also release this record through their Orivious Records label. It looks like both parties have done their homework and released it through the proper channels. Props to both of these great labels for making sure these artists get paid. This is something I like to see here at FMF. Now for all you collectors, diggers, DJs, and Soul lovers, you can go over to Cultures of Soul and get your “special limited edition issue of this 45 licensed courtesy of Alvin Lofton and the Darling Dears. Limited to 500 copies and fully remastered with a special replica label of the original issue. The first 50 pre-orders will also receive a reprinted photo of the group.” That’s the photo used above. Hot damn for some sweet Soul.

The Darling Dears – I Don’t Think I’ll Ever Love Another on Flower City Records

Order the 45 from Big Cartel.

More info on the Darling Dears from Cultures of Soul

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Grab This DJ Andy Smith Exclusive Mix!

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I am starting up the Guest Mix Series again over here at FMF. Last time I had a great bunch of mixes from everyone from Funky 16 Corners to the artist COOP to Jason Perlmutter to Supreme La Rock and more. This time I’ve reached out to some different DJs to put together a mix of whatever they like, not necessarily Funk and Soul. I’m doing this for two reasons: one, I want to have some Big Ups people give you some great mixes, and two, I wanted to start a sort of pledge drive here at FMF. I do not make money on FMF, everything is out of pocket and done for the love of the music. However, as my server costs are rising, it’s getting more expensive on the monthly. I’m asking you, the FMF readers, the faithful who have been here since the beginning, to donate.

You can donate by clicking this link and following the instructions on the page. Any little bit helps. Thank you for your continued support on FMF!

That being said, the first mix is from my man DJ Andy Smith out of London. Known for his genre smashing classic Document mix series as well as label specific vault digging mixes (Greensleeves, Trojan) and let’s not forget his Jam Up Twist party that plays all over the UK, Andy took some time to make a mix that will be up on FMF for a month exclusively before going public. It changes styles like Son of Bazerk, it’s fresh, and I’m hoping you are going to dig it as much as I did. More Guest Mixes to come. Stay tuned.

DJ Andy Smith Many Styles Mix

1) Let’s Rock – Feel (Vista Sounds)
2) Dyin’ To Be Dancin – Empress (Prelude)
3) Chill Out – Free expression (Vanguard)
4) The Art Of Drums – Macattack (Baad!)
5) Brooklyns In The House – Cut Master D.C (Be Bop & Fresh)
6) One For The Treble (Fresh) – Davy DMX (CBS/Tuff City)
7) The Party Scene – The Russell Brothers (Portrait)
8) Oily – Juggy (Sue)
9) Tutti Fruiti – Lee Austin (Polydor)
10) Egg Roll – (Unknown artist) – (Funk 45)
11) Move To Something Funky – BLVD Mosse (Scorpio)
12) Paper Chase – Krown Rulers (Soo Deff/Warlock)
13) I Aint Wid Dat (Inst) – Funk Master Wizzard Wiz (Tuff City)
14) Soupy – Maggie Threat (Dyno Voice)
15) Hard To Road To Hoe – Otis Lee (Soul Magic)
16) You Got To Have Money – The Exits (Gemini)
17) I Got A Woman – Ray Charles (Atlantic)
18) You Had A Woman – Geneva Vallier(Cash)
19) Love Bandit – The Cadets (Modern)
20) Bloodshot Eyes – Wynonie Harris (King)
21) Soon You’ll Be Gone – The Blues Busters (BRA)

Download or Listen To DJ Andy Smith Many Styles Mix from the FMF Guest Series

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Big Ups with DJ Nu-Mark

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I told you I was upping the ante this year, and if you thought last week’s Big Ups was dope, then you’re in for another treat. This week we have one of the hardest working DJs/ producers out there, Uncle NU, aka DJ Nu-Mark. Uncle Nu is known for not just being a dope DJ, but a producer and solo artist who pushes the envelope in his live shows. His last tour experimented with toys and toy instruments, and he constructed a live set around these toys. Always innovating and forging new trails as a DJ, we’re stoked to have DJ Nu-Mark in this week’s Big Ups.

More on Uncle Nu here.

Follow DJ Nu-Mark on twitter.

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Funky Bijou – Funky Bijou Anthem

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Funky Bijou – Funky Bijou Anthem, the video

Straight out of Rennes, France comes Stereophonk Records. Headed up by DJ Deheb and DJ Marrrtin, this French label is releasing some scorching Funk, Soul, and Hip Hop 45s. Funky Bijou’s “Funky Bijou Anthem” is their first, with a run of 800 which sold out immediately. I can completely understand why. A perfect B-Boy anthem: a sad guitar loop, some tabla and Indian percussion, funky flute, plus some drums of death which make this rocker complete that keeps all the dancers uprocking all night long. These guys have a facebook page where you can check out more videos and information on the Stereophonk posse. This particular track has been adopted as a B-Boy anthem, recently played at the Redbull BC One in Moscow in 2011:

It’s a scorcher, reminiscent of “The Baden Persuader” from Starla Records and one of my favorite sitar break records, “Mather” by the Dave Pike Set. They’ve also got some pretty great remixes too, a funk filled remix of “Ooh Baby” from Smokey Robinson , and Patti Drew’s “Tell Him” (for the romantic B-Boy in you!). The promo videos they have created for each track are a great collage and just like putting sliced truffles under the skin of game fowl, it’s a nice pairing to say the least. They’re tagline at Stereophonk is: French Groove Recordings, and they more than live up to their name. Keep an eye and ear out from this crew, as they will stay on your radar after you hear some of these sides and remixes.

Funky Bijou – Funky Bijou Anthem

Stereophonk on Soundcloud

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FMF presents: The 10 for a $1 JB 45 Mix

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A few years ago I was in a hurry to leave my local digging spot. I was supposed to make an appointment, and as usual I was neck deep in vinyl. Knowing I was really late, I was jogging to my car when I saw this box. It was a giant washing machine detergent box overflowing with 45s. I mean 7″s were on the ground, in the sand and tumbling out of this box. I tried to make a quick $10 dollar ploy for this monstrosity to the seller, a total dick record dealer, but the guy wouldn’t budge. He said $20, I said “bet” (and I still do), and off I went. I was driving home and digging through this box while driving. One eye on the road, one hand on the wheel, the other eye and hand on and in the box. What was in the box of goodness I found out, was a lot of rinked up, semi-playable, unsleeved 45s. At a light I pulled out Mickey and the Soul Generation’s “Iron Leg” on Maxwell. $20 well spent, and I was pumped. However, later on,, I got rid of all the garbage records when I was finally able to go through the box properly. The others I put in a bin, and kind of forgot about them for a few years. There were roughly 200 45s in the box, so that’s 10¢ a piece (plus the score of M&TSG). Yesterday, for no particular reason, I felt like looking in the box. The result is the mix you have before you. I wish I had done this before, but I didn’t. I was smart enough, however, to put all the James Brown and James Brown Production stuff on the top, and here’s what I came up with:

FMF presents: The $1 JB 45 Mix.

Let A Man Come In and Do The Popcorn Part 1.
Superbad, Superslick, Part 1
Escapism Part 1
Brother Rapp Part 1
It’s A New Day Part 1
Give It Up Or Turn It Loose
Mother Popcorn
Ain’t That A Groove
Bodyheat Part 1
Down and Out in New York City

Download or Listen to The 10 for a $1 JB 45 Mix mixed by DJ Prestige

10 JB tunes for a $1. Done in one take, live, and with some pops, clicks, and a skip or two. It’s JB and I got them for a buck. Nothing special, just the Godfather, the Minister of the New New Super Heavy Funk, and Soul Brother Number 1 on King, People, and Polydor. Enjoy.

Keep Diggin’!

Secret Stash Records: Twin Cities Grooves

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The greatest thing about music, especially unreleased music, is that eventually someone finds it. Whether it’s some private press 45 in the trash, an acetate that was found at a garage sale, or as we found out this week from Jazzman Gerald, a lost master tape in a box in Texas, what one does with it is the important thing. Sites like mine and others that share these lost records help bring attention to the forgotten artists. Record labels like Minneapolis’ Secret Stash, go a step further. They not only find this forgotten and sometimes unreleased music, they put it out on vinyl. So far they have close to two dozen releases that range from African music to Russian and Peruvian Funk to Reggae interpretations of Miles Davis to lost Blaxploitation Soundtracks to Gospel Funk and more. The do it up right, give the Lp packaging the special deluxe treatment, and point blank put out good product.

“ We are dedicated to one thing, releasing great music in great collectible LP packages. ”

Their latest release is from Mickey Murray. Murray did his time on the Chitlin’ Circuit, as well as playing with Dyke and the Blazers, Wilson Picket, Staple Singers, and Aretha Franklin among others. Known for his hit single, the Otis Redding cover of “Shout Bamalama” from 1967, this Georgia native was slated to be the next James Brown. He released a record on King, People Are Together that never saw the light of day in proper retail stores. You know the rest. Fading again into obscurity, Murray has been out of the business for sometime. These days, singing at low key church functions and the like make up his schedule, as opposed to backing up the day’s best Soul singers and groups. Secret Stash have reissued this gem of a record, helping to resurrect the Soul legend’s career once again. The overall response for the record so far was overwhelming, and it’s first run with a bonus 45 has sold out already. It’s exactly the kind of stuff we like to see here at FMF. Reissues done properly, artists being taken care of, and lost music preserved. The secret is out, and you will most certainly hear from Secret Stash Records again in the future.

Stay tuned for an upcoming Big Ups interview with Secret Stash owner Eric Foss.

Check out Secret Stash on the web.

Secret Stash social media: twitter, facebook, myspace, and You Tube.

Check out Mickey Murray’s record release party photos from last week in MPLS.

Secret Stash stops at KFAI to talk about their Mickey Murray release.

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Big Ups with Jazzman Gerald

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Of all of the Big Up interviews (which btw have all been great in my opinion), this has been the most anticipated. Jazzman Gerald is a guy who does things the way he wants. In other words, he is the guy who set the bar for reissues and bringing the underdog artist to the public’s eyes and ears. He has been doing it well, taking care of the artists he reissues, all the while running a record label dynasty that is quite impressive. When not DJing rare music all over the world, he’s keeping all the record collectors, DJs, producers and artists scrambling to get his latest releases and compilations. Heard he’s a football supporter, but no mention of it in the interview. Gerald get at me on that! It is an honor for us to have Gerald in this latest installment of Big Ups. Enjoy!

Jazzman Records on the web.

TheJazzman Gerald Blog. See what he’s up to.

Follow Jazzman on twitter.

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