Mel Britt

Summer feels like it’s here in the UK, with amazing temperatures of 22 (71) degrees and clear blue skies, which means it’s time to cut the grass, clean the patio and sort out the borders.

After a back-breaking day of gardening chores yesterday, I figured I deserved some ‘me’ time and laid down some tunes for your audio delight this morning. For a week or so I have been rummaging in my ‘Northern’ boxes, pulling out records that I consider classic Northern Soul; and this morning took the time to throw a few together for an hour’s music.

The mix I prepared is a collection of classic (instantly recognisable) Northern Soul tunes. All 45s, which are mostly original issues, some are re-issues and the odd one is a bootleg. I hope you enjoy and pop back soon for a follow-up mix:

Tina Britt – The Real Thing
Young Holt Unlimited – Soulful Strut
Len Barry – It’s That Time Of The Year
Vickie Baines – Country Girl
Rose Batiste – Come Back In A Hurry
Bob & Earl – Your Time Is My Time
Brothers Of Soul – Come On Back
Betty Baker And The Jaxsis – Marching Out Of Your Life
Yvonne Baker – You Didn’t Say A Word
Don Thomas – Come On Train
Johnny Bragg – They’re Talking About Me
Dena Barnes – If You Ever Walk Out Of My Life
James Brown And The Famous Flames – There Was A Time
Franki Valli & The Four Seasons – Beggin’
The Casanova Two – We Got To Keep On
Frank Beverly & The Butlers – If That’s What You Wanted
Mel Britt – She’ll Come Running Back
Darrell Banks – Angel Baby (Don’t You Ever Leave Me)
Connie Clark – My Sugar Baby
Jackie Lee – I’ll Do Anything
Jerry Butler – Moody Woman
Beach Girls – Skiing In The Snow
Cannibal & The Headhunters – Mean So Much
The Salvadors – Stick By Me Baby

Hope you enjoy:

Freddi / Henchi & The Soulsetters

I was in the mood on Saturday to lay down some tunes for your audio delight (after having spent the best part of 3 hours replacing the bulb for the cue light on one of the decks – what a bitch of a job that was!) and, as is often the case when I’m behind my decks, I just grab and play whatever I fancy. The mix is mostly funk, with the occasional Northern dropped in. I hope you enjoy.

I open with Martini’s fantastic “Hung Over”; even with the odd sounding up-chuck midway through this is a soulful instrumental with a  nice, slow groove. Released on Memphis’ Bar Records, in 1963 (issue # 101). I can garner no data on the group, but the writers are listed as J. Keyes, C. Axton, A. Mitchell, M. Hodges & I. Hodges. During my research on the Martini’s I found a post by Larry Grogan (Funky 16 Corners); who said “I believe the Martinis were actually Packy Axton and other members of the Packers (along with some studio guys, maybe members of the Hi rhythm section)”.

Next up is Chuck Carbo and Can I Be Your Squeeze. Two and a half minutes of an Eddie Bo tune, released on Hollywood’s Canyon Records, in 1969 (issue #47). Chuck was the New Orleans legend Hayward ‘Chuck’ Carbo, who sadly passed away at the age of 82 back in 2008. Can I Be Your Squeeze, with Carbo’s gritty vocals coupled with Bo’s writing and production is one of the best funk tunes to emerge from New Orleans; on a par with Bo’s own Hook and Sling… “ooh la lee… look what I see! Can I be your squeeze?”

I followed Chuck with something slightly heavier, Freddi/Henchi And The Soul Setters with I Want to Dance, Dance, Dance. Mine’s a promo copy on Reprise Records, issued in 1973 (issue # 1175), it’s a double A with “Funky To The Bone” on the flip. Freddi (Fred Gowdy) and Henchi (Marvin Graves) first formed in Arizona in the early sixties in a band called The Soulsetters. Attracted by Colorado’s mountains, blue skies (and beautiful women), Freddi and Henchi decided to relocate their band, then known as Freddi/Henchi and the Soulsetters to Boulder, Colorado. As far as I can tell they continued to perform until Henchi’s passing in 2009.

Next up is Hey, Hey, (Feel Alright) Pt 1, by Van Harris & The Vanguards. As I sometimes do, I dropped the wrong side, since Part 2 is funkier; but once it was in the mix, it was in. Released on New York’s ABC Records, issue date unknown (issue # 11155). Written by Van Harris it’s a sax led tune reminiscent of Junior Walker; yet another group I can find no information on.

Hot on the heels of Van is an unmistakable Coffey tune, released in 1972 on Hollywood’s  Sussex (issue # 237), Ride, Sally, Ride is the B side to Dennis Coffey’s “Getting It On”. Dennis Coffey was, as you well know, a member of the Motown backing band the Funk Brothers. Coffey gave us the unmistakable ‘wah wah’ guitar on so many classics from the home of motor city. Coffey was also the first white artist to appear on Soul Train (performing Scorpio) and wrote the soundtrack for the Blaxploitation flick Black Belt Jones.

A slight change in tempo next with Jamo Thomas and his Bahama Mama (Part 1). Jamo, famous for his Northern hit “I Spy For The FBI” was born in the Bahamas and recorded this a year after his 1966 ‘FBI’ hit. Bahama Mama is a two parter, with Part II on the flip, released on Sound Stage Seven (issue # 2596). Jamo appears to have stopped recording in 1970 with his last release being the two parter “You Just Ain’t Ready”.

I love the intro to the next tune, the drums leading us to the announcement that “it’s Funky Donkey time”. Funky Donkey is a ‘Radio Station Copy’ release on Date records (issue # 1568). Credited to B. Purdie and released as Pretty Purdie; this is none other than the session drummer Bernard Lee ‘Pretty’ Purdie. I’m not sure when this was recorded, Purdie was, and still is, a prolific musician and has contributed to many artist’s releases including Brown’s “Say It Loud – I’m Black And Proud” and Aretha’s “Rock Steady”.

Upping the tempo further with the manic Four Corners (part 1) next, it’s (Irvin) Lee Dorsey. Released on Amy Records (issue # 11.031) this is a promo copy. I’m not sure when this was recorded, but it’s credited to Allen Toussaint, so I assume it was from their Amy collaberation between 1965 & 69; a period which saw the releases of ‘Working In A Coal Mine’ and ‘Yes We Can’. I defy you to not tap your foot to the manic sounds… “what’dya say… four corners baby”

Marva Josie delights us next with her Crazy Stockings. Marva, the legendary jazz singer, released this on City Records (issue # C-500). Sadly I can gain no further information on when, or where. Marva is still with us and appears to still be delighting audiences; I’ll drop her a line and see if I can get any further information on this tune.

The next tune is also a promo, this time from Josie records (issue # 994), it’s Johnny Guitar Watson’s Gangster Of Love (Part 1) performed by Jimmy Norman. Jimmy is a R&B and Jazz musician who has worked with greats such as Hendrix, Marley, etc. This is another tune for which I cannot determine the date of recording/issue.

New York’s Rojac label is the provider of Big Maybelle’s Northern smash I Just Can’t Wait Any Longer (issue # 115). No information on when this was recorded I’m afraid and sadly Mabel Louise Smith suffered drug addiction and diabetes problems during the 60′s and left us in 1972.

Next, Harmonica George insists we Get Some Order about yourself. Released on Toddlin’ Town (issue # 106). George “Harmonica” Smith (born Allen George Smith) was a master of the blues harmonica and a member of Muddy Waters’ band. Again, no idea when this was recorded and sadly George passed in 1983.

Another New York recording next, from Calla Records (issue # 181); The Naturals bring us the Young Generation. The flip to I Can’t Share You, I have no further information on this group.

The Ramrods then bring us Soul Express – Part 1. Issued on Rampage records (issue # 1003); yet another for which I can garner no information at all on either the group or the record label. Anyone out there able to help?

The next band need no introduction at all, it’s Maceo (Parker) And All The King’s Men. Maceo was the saxophonist for James Brown, Clinton’s Parliament & Funkadelic & Prince (to name just a few). Maceo still plays solo and has a huge following. This tune was released on House Of The Fox (issue # HOF1); but not sure of the date of issue.

A shift to Northern again, this time with The Delight’s Orchestra and “Paul’s Midnight Ride”. An instrumental, released on New York’s ATCO (issue #6601). Again, unsure of date of issue… but ‘tinternet chatter suggest 1968? NO idea at all who the artists were.

Shimmy, is next, from Toussaint McCall and released on Ronn Records from Shreveport (issue # 3). Very little information on the artist beyond he’s an R&B singer and organist. Issue date unknown.

Finally, we go out to Marlena Shaw from New York, with her haunting statement of the time “Woman Of The Ghetto”. Released on Chess (issue # 169549); Marlena brings us just over 4 minutes of the anguish of making ends meet whilst trying to raise a family in the ghettos of America during the late 60′s early 70′s. Marlena is probably equally well known for California Soul and both that and this tune have been heavily sampled many times over the years.

Hope you enjoy the tunes.

James Brown says Merry Xmas

Christmas, a time of goodwill, a time to chill, a time for family and a time to enjoy the things you love in life. Aside from spending time with my wife, my daughters, my family and my small circle of close friends; my spare time this Christmas will be spent cherishing my vinyl.

My recent rummage for “Xmas” tunes, revealed a few more than I expected (and I’m sure if I dig deeper in my “un-catalogued” boxes I will find many more).

Today’s mix, although consisting of “Xmas” tunes, is a really diverse range of tunes from alternate versions of Christmas classics, political tunes of the era, Clarence Carter’s back door shenanigans and a couple of James Brown’s seasonal offerings (oh… and of course, not forgetting… my favourite Xmas tune of all time: The Emotions and their Black Christmas).

I hope you enjoy today’s offering.

The Salem Travelers – Merry Christmas To You (Checker 10050); 1968
The Flirtations – Christmas Time Is Here Again (Deram 85036); 1968
Clarence Carter – Back Door Santa (Atlantic 2576); 1968
Electric Jungle – Funky Funky Christmas (Reissued compilation; In The Christmas Groove); 2009
James Brown – Soulful Christmas (A Soulful Christmas LP; King 1040); 1968
Marvin Gaye – I Want To Come Home For Christmas (Tamla 54229); not issued – taken from 1992 CD reissue of A Motown Christmas
Soul Duo – A Sad Christmas (Shiptown 131132); 1969
Kim Weston – Wish You A Merry Christmas (recording date unknown – previously unissued; taken from A Christmas Present From Motown CD, 2009)
The Emotions – Black Christmas (Volt 4053); 1970
Private Charles Bowen & The Gentlemen From Tigerland – Christmas In Vietnam (Rojac 111); 1966
Soul Searchers – Christmas In Viet Nam (Songbird 1187); 1968
The Emotions – What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas (Volt 4104); 1973
Carla Thomas – All I Want For Christmas Is You (Stax 206); 1966
Meditation Singers – Blue Christmas (Checker 10050); 1968
James Brown – Go Power At Christmas Time (James Brown’s Funky Christmas LP; unknown issue date); taken from CD re-issue.

Merry Xmas. Have a healthy, happy & prosperous new year.

James Brown

Damn!

Time has a habit of just getting away from me… apologies for the delay for part 3; this has been cued up ready to go for some time, but I’ve just not had time to sit and do it.

I’ve kept you waiting long enough for this, so without any further ado, here’s the third and final part of my James Brown “Funkin’ Genius!” trilogy… enjoy!

James Brown – Take Some, Leave Some
Vicki Anderson – Home Is Where The Hatred Is
James Brown – Stone To The Bone
Steve Soul – Popcorn With A Feeling
Vicki Anderson – I Want To Be In The Land Of Milk & Honey
James Brown – Shoot Your Shot
James Brown – Public Enemy (Parts 1 & 2)

Sex Machine

I don’t feel the need to ramble on… here’s part two of the James Brown “Funkin’ Genuis” mixes; part 2 – still a funkin’ genius.

Actually… I like to ramble on…

As I was bloggin’ this something on the hotel TV caught my ear… I love the way Northern Soul has become part of the mainstream consciousness / I hate the way Northern Soul has become part of the mainstream consciousness!

It was an advert for what’s-her-name the TV “chef” married to someone / daughter of that famous politician (you know the woman who is, we have to admit it, quite sexy) … my initial instinct was “that’s Barbara Acklin – Am I The Same Girl”… only there were no lyrics… so here I am sat in a West Midlands hotel room with a dodgy ‘tinternet connection and I just know I have an instrumental only version… but jiggered if I can remember who did it… and then it came to me… and I’m pissed off with myself for the time it took (and no, NO, I am not referring to the god-awful 80′s cover by Swing Out Sister with the artificial horns and drums – who murdered it both vocally and instrumentally); it is of course Young Hold Unlimited and their “Soulful Strut”.

I love the way TV brings Northern Soul to the mainstream / I HATE the way TV brings Northern Soul to the mainstream (more of that another time … maybe)

In the meantime; please enjoy part 2 (of 3) of the “James Brown – Funkin’ Genius” mix. See you soon for part 3.

Tonight I bring you:

Lyn Collins – Fly Me To The Moon
James Brown – Funky President
Vicki Anderson – Answer To Mother Popcorn (I Got A Mother For You)
Vicki Anderson – I’m Too Tough For Mr Big Stuff (Hot Pants)
Vicki Anderson – Supergood (Answer To Superbad) (Parts 1 & 2)
Vicki Anderson – The Message From The Soul Sister Parts 1 & 2
James Brown – Talking Loud And Sayin’ Nothing
James Brown – Mind Power
Lyn Collins – Think (About It)
Lyn Collins – Things Got To Get Better
James Brown – I Need Help (I Can’t Do It Alone)
James Crawford – Fat Eddie
James Brown – I’m A Greedy Man (Parts 1 & 2)
James Brown – King Heroin

James Brown

I was watching a romcom at the weekend (under some protest) and there was mention of Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock’s hit “It takes two”; I mentioned that the tune was sampled from a James Brown number (Lyn Collins’ – Think (About It)), as Mrs Bold seemed slightly disbelieving I pulled a copy and played it (once the ‘film’ had finished).

That audio delight, coupled with a recent flurry of James Brown chatter on a business networking site, made me want to dig again. I am sure I do not need to remind people what a genius James Brown was, but to keep his music forefront, it seemed appropriate to mix up some JB tunes for everyone’s audio pleasure…

What I ripped and mixed on Sunday was 3 hours of James Brown tunes; which I intend to drop in 3 parts. When I say “James Brown tunes” I actually mean tunes recorded by him, written by him and/or produced by him.

Tonight’s mix (part 1) has mostly James Brown recorded tunes, but the latter mixes will be those from the ‘House of Brown’ or covers of JB tunes. I hope you enjoy all three mixes.

Tonight’s has the following:

James Brown – There It Is (Parts 1 & 2)
Bobby Byrd – I Know You Got Soul (Parts 1 & 2)
The Dapps – Bringing Up The Guitar
Bobby Byrd – I Need Help (Parts 1 & 2)
East Of Underground – Popcorn
James Brown – Funky Drummer
James Brown – Sex Machine (Parts 1 & 2)
James Brown – Don’t Stop The Funk
James Brown – The Payback
James Brown – Doing The Best I Can

I’ll not ramble on any further… let’s let the Godfather of Soul’s music do the talkin’…

1619 BAB - World

Having just published Christopher CoShea’s ‘Blackbird Singing Acappella”; I found myself (unusually) with an hour or so spare, so took the opportunity to grab a few tunes and lay down a mix.

This is an eclectic mix of some of my more recent acquisitions, starting with First Choice and ‘Gonna Keep On Lovin Him‘; which is the flip of ‘Armed And Extremely Dangerous’ (which for reasons unknown – even to me – I pulled from the box during my recent search for Beware Of The Stranger); it has stayed out of its rightful place on the shelving (waiting for me to put it away) and, whilst rummaging through the tunes for today’s mix, I remembered I had liked the flip (hope you do too!). Released on Philly Groove Records (issue #175); it was recorded i n1973 and is just shy of 3 minutes of female vocal heaven. Next up is King Davis House Rockers, with ‘We All Make Mistakes Sometimes‘; which as far as I can tell is their only release on Verve (issue #10492); recorded in New York on February 13th, 1967, this tune is also a flip (to ‘Baby You Satisfy Me’). A male vocal and strings ballad that sits nicely on the ear on a Sunday morning. Following King Davis is another recent acquisition; something I have been coveting for many years, sadly not the Brown Sugar issue, but the second issue. 1619 BAB (Bad Ass Band) with ‘World‘ comes to you from the Chess issue (issue #2147, promo).  We leap to 1973 with this one; before stepping back a couple of years… Contributors Of Soul bring us ‘I Don’t Know‘ (see later for the flip).  Issued on New Miss records (issue #123): I can find no information about this tune, or the band, other than it’s from 1970 or 71 and was recorded in New York.

Contributors of Soul

The credits attribute the tune to ‘C Boyd & G Dickerson’… anyone any information? Next up is Johnny Guitar Watson and ‘Tarzan‘; am I alone in my reverence of this late, great, blues/funk player? I see very little Watson posted on vinyl-funkaliscious blogs… anyone who can pose with his own mother for the cover of their LP (titled ‘A Real Mother For Ya’) deserves so much more. Following in the footsteps of the late Mr Watson is Beres Hamilton with ‘Do This World A Favour‘; a mellow crossover nothern tune, which would not be out of place on any disco dance floor. An infectious tune; the version I bring you is a re-issue (the 33rpm, long version from the flip) on Joe Gibbs records (issue #9216); this is often available at the £5-£10 mark. Originally only available on LP (Just A Man, 1979). Next is more from the crossover/disco end of my tunes; Gene Page with ‘Satin Soul‘; a gentle string and guitar led instrumental. Primarily renowned for his work arranging Barry White’s sounds, I’m sure you’ll agree this 1974 issue on Atlantic (issue #3247) earns its place on the shelving.

All Points Bulletin Band

A Slight increase in tempo and change of direction next with All Points Bulletin Band and ‘Sexy Ways, Pretty Legs, part 1‘. Another band I can find little information on, they released a handful of singles on Little City Records from the mid 1970s (this one was issued in 1975 and is a promo of issue #10102). All Points are closely followed by Jerry McCain and ‘Funky Down Easy‘; Jerry was better known for his blues work, and his amusing lyrics, but this is a cracking blues/funk crossover found on the flip of (the highly amusing) ‘Welfare Cadilac Blues’. This tune was released in 1970 on Royal American records (issue ’4).

Reverting back to the Contributors of Soul this time with ‘Look What You Done For Me‘ see above for issue details. This is another crossover nothern tune; plenty of horns and anguished vocals…

The next tune might be a bit of a surprise for most, certainly was for me when I first heard it. Another re-issue, this time on Soul Intention (issue #004); it’s The Four Tops with ‘Love Enough To Care‘. I bring you the long (LP) version from the flip of the re-issue. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea; but for me it’s the epiphany of a Sunday mix. Close on the heels of the Tops, is Pulse another re-issue (Steet Soul, issue #5) with ‘Sunshine‘, an up-beat tune extolling the virtues of love.. “who can make me smile in the wink of any eye, oh baby, it’s you girl!”. Next up is the last of today’s re-issues (another Street Soul, issue #4) TK Murray brings us another crossover tune, ‘Brown Sugar‘, another song perfect for a Sunday; TK again extols the virtues of having someone to love.

Pulse

Wrapping up the mix are four original tunes, the last from LP. A Different Bag starts the final four with ‘Let’s Put It Together‘ a , released in 1976 on Bag records (issue #1001) I think this is a prime example of how eclectic my musical tastes are, whilst describing myself as a Soul/Funk fan, this embraces all aspects (R&B, Soul, Motown, Stax, Funk, Jazz-Funk, Northern, Crossover & Disco). Nu Sound Express Ltd are next with ‘Ain’t It Good Enough‘ ,issued on Silver Dollar records (issue #152), in 1970. I have a soft spot for any tune where people seem to be enjoying themselves, and these guys sure seem to be; coupled with the wicked horn and guitar, a winner – keen ears will detect the sample included in DJ Shadow and Cut Chemists Brainfreeze (a mix which sent so many of us scurrying for the record shops to unearth the tunes). Last of the 45′s dropped in today’s mix is an Eddie Bo tune, Oliver Morgan brings us ‘The La La Man Pt 2‘ I had intended to play part1, but tune was mixing in before I realised the error… released on Seven B (issue #7007), issued in 1966, this is a classic example of the talent that we knew and loved as Edwin Bocage. RIP Mr Bo.

Finally, a version of a tune that I have loved since I first heard it on the radio as a pre-pubescent spotty, skinny, kid. It’s Isaac Hayes and ‘Shaft II‘ taken from LP, this was released in 1978 and is clearly influenced by the emergence of disco.

Hope you enjoy the tunes.

The Brides of Funkenstein

Jazz, Funk, Disco?

Pt IV – To the end of the LP shelf

Welcome back once again crate diggers, completing the recent theme, here are even more tunes for which I’m not really sure the appropriate ‘genre’ label. It’s possible that some of these tunes might be defined as Jazz-Funk, some might be Funk and some might even be classed as Disco.

As with the previous 3 mixes these are monster tunes from monster artists and come from LPs produced between the late 60′s and mid 80′s.

In today’s mix I bring you Parliament, Gary Toms Empire, Ohio Players, The Brides Of Funkenstein and, as promised, the special addition from Christopher CoShea Campbell, with his version of his Dad’s song Standing At The Crossroads:

• Big Footin’ -Parliament
• Fire – Ohio Players
• I Call My Baby Pussycat – Parliament
• Gary’s Love Theme – Gary Toms Empire
• The Motor Booty Affair – Parliament
• The Freeze (Sizzleenmean) – Parliament
• Far East Mississippi – Ohio Players
• Water Sign – Parliament
• Amorous – The Brides Of Funkenstein
• Disco To Go- The Brides Of Funkenstein
• Christopher CoShea Campbell – Standing At The Crossroads

Christopher is the son of the late William Edgar Campbell, aka Eddie Campbell, of ‘Eddie & Ernie’ fame. As you may know, Christopher recently featured on a Hook & Sling article (if you missed it… go here!) and got in touch with me to ask if I’d like to drop his cover into one of my mixes (and to discuss our shared passion for Bootsy Collins (Parliament, Funkadelic, etc.). Christopher says “I grew up listening to them heavily … as an artist I am definitely bringing them back sound-wise and style-wise in my original material in my upcoming album”)… I for one look forward to hearing it!

Pop back soon for an Eddie & Ernie special mix where Christopher shares his memories of his dad’s music…

Wayne Henderson - Emphasized

Jazz, Funk, Disco?

Pt III – Further along the LP shelf

Welcome back crate diggers, continuing the ongoing theme, here are some more tunes for which I’m not really sure the appropriate ‘genre’ label. It’s possible that some of these tunes might be defined as Jazz-Funk, some might be Funk and some might even be classed as Disco.

As before these are monster tunes from monster artists and come from LPs produced between the late 60′s and mid 80′s. This is part 3 of 4.

In today’s mix I bring you Parliament, P-Funk All Stars, Wayne Henderson, Funkadelic, George Clinton, Gary Toms Empire, The Whole Darn Family and the Ohio Players; 12 tunes for you to sit back and enjoy with the brew (or smoke) or your choice:

• Agony of DeFeet -Parliament
• Acupuncture – P-Funk All Stars
• Get The Ants Out Ya Pants – Wayne Henderson
• Get Off Your Ass And Jam/Night Of The Thumpasorus People – Funkadelic/Parliament/George Clinton
• Man’s Best Friend – George Clinton
• She’s Something Else – Gary Toms Empire
• Body Language – Parliament
• Last Dance – George Clinton
• Who’d She Coo? – Ohio Players
• Skin Tight – Ohio Players
• Seven Minutes Of Funk – The Whole Darn Family

If this music is to your liking be sure to pop back soon for part 4, which has the special addition from Christopher CoShea Campbell that I referred to before.

Ultra Funky!

Jazz, Funk, Disco?

Pt II – More from the LP shelf

Welcome back crate diggers, continuing the theme I started the other week, here’s some more tunes for which I’m not really sure the appropriate ‘genre’ label. It’s possible that some of these tunes might be defined as Jazz-Funk, some might be Funk and some might even be classed as Disco.

As before these are monster tunes from monster artists and come from LPs produced between the late 60′s and mid 80′s. I expect this to be part 2 of 4, based on the number of LPs I’m pulling from the shelves.

In today’s mix I bring you Ultrafunk, Gary Toms Empire, P-Funk All Stars, George Clinton, Parliament and the Ohio Players; whilst only 11 tunes in this mix, it’s 66 minutes long; so as always grab a seat, or pull on your dancing shoes and enjoy:

• Who Is He (What Is He To You) – Ultrafunk
• Everybody Up – Ohio Players
• 1-2-3-4 (Let’s Do It Again) – Gary Toms Empire
• Generator Pop – P-Funk All Stars
• Party People – Parliament
• Computer Games – George Clinton
• Love Rollercoaster – Ohio Players
• Use Me – Ultrafunk
• Say It – Ohio Players
• My Ladies Run Me Crazy – Ohio Players
• Kung Fu Man – Ultrafunk

If this music is to your liking be sure to pop back soon for parts 3 and 4, including a special addition from Christopher CoShea Campbell (son of the late William Edgar Campbell, aka Eddie Campbell of ‘Eddie & Ernie’ fame).

Brass Construction - Masters of Rhythm

Jazz, Funk, Disco?

Pt I – Along the shelf to “C”

Welcome back crate diggers, I thought I’d pillage my LP shelves and pull some tunes for which I’m not really sure the appropriate ‘genre’ label. It’s possible that some of these tunes might be defined as Jazz-Funk, some might be Funk and some might even be classed as Disco.

Whatever genre label we apply to the tunes, these are monster tunes from monster artists and come from LPs produced between the late 60′s and early 80′s. I have pulled together approximately 90 minutes, yet only covered “A-C” on the shelf, so expect a few more mixes in the coming days…

In today’s mix I bring you William Collins (in the guises of William “Bootsy” Collins, Bootsy’s Rubber Band & Bootsy); The Average White Band, The Blackbyrds, Brass Construction and Brick:

• The Blackbyrds – Funkie Junkie
• Bootsy – Fat Cat
• The Blackbyrds – Do It Fluid
• William Bootsy Collins – Landshark (Just When I Thought It Was Safe)
• Average White Band – Person to Person
• Bootsy – F-Encounter
• Brick – Dazz
• Brass Construction – Changin’
• Brick – Good High
• William Bootsy Collins – #1 Funkateer Excon (of Love)
• The Blackbyrds – Walking In Rhythm
• Brass Construction – Love
• The Blackbyrds – The Blackbyrds’ Theme
• Bootsy’s Rubber Band – She Jam (Almost Bootsy Show)
• William Bootsy Collins – Countracula (This One’s For You)
• Brass Construction – Movin’
• Average White Band – Feel No Fret

If this music is your thing, I suggest you kick back, pull on the headphones and enjoy…

The Late Rufus Thomas (in action at WattsStax)

Hot on the heels of last Sunday’s mix (posted earlier); here’s the mix I threw together this morning.

As is often the case, all taken from 45 (no LPs this time) and mostly from original copies.

This was another “grab and play” session without much thought for anything really, just grabbing tunes and dropping the needle.

I hope there’s something in this mix that grabs you!

Track list:

• The Gaturs – The Booger Man – Gatur (508)
• Thomas East – Sister Funk Part 1 – True Soul (004)
• Howard Wales – Huxley’s Howl – Coastal (101)
• Eddie Bo & Inez Cheatham – Lover And A Friend – Capitol (2150)
• Bernie Hayes – Cool Strut Part 1 – Volt (4047)
• J R Bailey – We Need Love – Virgo (101)
• The Noble Knights – Sing A Simple Song – Cotillion (44030)
• Eugine Blacknell – We Know We Got To Live Together Part 1 – Seaside (4112)
• The Dap Kings – Nervous Like Me – Kay-Dee (003)
• Rufus Thomas – Sophisticated Sissy – Stax (221)
• The Diplomatics – Hum-Bug Part 1 – Lamp (7004)
• All The People – Cramp Your Style – Blue Candle (1496)
• Louis Chachere – The Hen Part 1 – Paula (321)
• The Deacons – Sock It To Me Part 1 – Shama (100)
• Chester Randel’s Soul Sender’s – Soul Brother’s Testify – Anla (102)
• Skip Easterling – Keep The Fire Burning – Alon (9033)
• James Crawford – Fat Eddie – King (6130)
• Mickey & The Soul Generation – Joint Session – Maxwell (806)

Enjoy the tunes… if I can avoid getting roped into some chores, I’m off to pillage my LP shelf…

Mary Jane Hooper - She Had Reasons!

Hi, I have really been struggling to find the time to get bloggin’… so many tunes queued up for your audio delight and so little time to blog them up for you.

I’ve bagged a few great tunes recently that I hope to be able to share with you real soon. Amongst recent acquisitions are: Voices of East Harlem – Wanted, Dead or Alive; Lee Dorsey – Four Corners; Bobby Byrd – If You Don’t Work, You Don’t Eat; Vibrettes – Humpty Dump (green label); Dynamics – Ain’t No Sun; Marvin Gaye – One More Heartache; The Dapps – Bringing Up The Guitar and a few LPs too (couple of Dynamics & Voices of East Harlem)

I also watched with interest a copy of Third Guitar – Baby Don’t Cry on the ‘Bay the other day (I’d bagged a copy for some large notes a few years back) and was delighted to see it’s still holding it’s ground when one appears, finally selling for US$660… should I ever decide to part with my Mint copy I have some bargaining power for some of those elusive tunes!

Back to blogging… I really wanted this site to be a regular update, but work has a nasty habit of getting in the way! That said I did manage, last Sunday, to throw some tunes on the decks which I thought I’d share for you.

The mix is typically eclectic (as are my tastes). I’ve always wanted to start a mix with Deodato… having done so I’m not sure I ever would again… interested to hear your views on it?

The track list:

• Deodato – Also Sprach Zarathustra – CTI (12)
• Billy Larkin & The Delegates – Funky Fire – Kola Shanah (7007)
• Calvin Arnold – Funky Way – Venture (605)
• Mary Jane Hooper – I’ve Got Reasons – PowerPac (2053)
• The Black Exotics – Theme Of Blackbyrds – Funk45 (38)
• Barrabas – Mellow Blow – Atco (7036)
• The Gaturs – Cold Bear – Gatur (508)
• Camille Bob – 2 Weeks, 2 Days, Too Long – Soul Unlimited (102)
• The Show Stoppers – Shake Your Mini – Show Time (111)
• Marlena Shaw – Brother Where Are You – Cadet (15753)
• Candy Phillips – Timber Part 1 – Atlantic (2290)
• Harvey Scales And The Seven Sounds – The Funky Yolk – Chess (2089)
• Camille Bob – Brother Brown – Soul Unlimited (102)

Happy listening…

The Capitols

Happy new year.

I hope, like me, you had a great night last night and enjoyed some good food, beers and great music with friends…

Just a quick post to make my latest mix available for your audio pleasure… it’s an eclectic mix, 65 minutes or so in length, mostly Northern Soul, some new tunes and a smattering of Funk.

I hope to be back later with a 45 post specifically requested by a visitor, in the meantime I hope you enjoy today’s mix.

Cool Jerk ’68 Instrumental – The Capitols
I’ve Been Turned On – Jo Armstead
How Long Has It Been – The Casinos
Um Um Um Um Um Um – Major Lance
If I Could Only Be Sure – Nolan Porter
Happy Days – The Magictones
Come On Train (instr) – Don Thomas
There Was A Time – James Brown and the Fabulous Flames
That’s Enough – Rosco Robinson
Turning My Heartbeat Up – The M.V.P.’s
Mercy (instr) – The Third Degree
Beggin’ – Franki Valli & The 4 Seasons
Trying To Find My Woman – Lou Courtney
Opelia – Tim Tam
Tears (Nothing But Tears) – Lee Roye
Mean So Much – Cannibal & The Headhunters
Promised Land – Cheyenne
I’ve Got The Fever – Creation
The Gallop – Chevelles
Sliced Tomatoes – Just Brothers
There Was A Time – Jimmy Lynch
Hitch It To The Horse – Fantastic Johnny C
The Mule – James Boys
I’ll Bet You – Billy Butler
Go Go Girl – Lee Dorsey
Night Owl – Bobby Paris

Bill Withers

Happy in-between holidays.

If, like me, you use this time as an opportunity to catch up on some good music; I hope today’s offering is a double helping of audio delight.

For a long time now I’ve often mulled over which version of a number of songs I prefer and, if I’m honest, my preference changes over time according to my mood/needs at the time.

A recent discussion with James (of CurryMusic.com) on our preferences for Harlem (Bill Withers v Creative Source), prompted today’s mixes; tracks that have been recorded by different artists; so that you too can ponder your preferences.

There are two mixes today, both contain the same songs, but recorded by different artists. Some are very similar, some are wildly different.

Mix 1:

Hard Times – Baby Huey & The Babysitters
Who Is He (And What Is He To You?) – Bill Withers
Stoned Out Of My Mind – The Chi-Lites
Harlem – Bill Withers
Light My Fire – Jackie Wilson
Gimme Shelter – Merry Clayton
Tighten Up – The Night Men
Use Me – Bill Withers

Mix 2:

Light My Fire – Tammi Lynn
Stoned Out Of My Mind – Mary Ann Farra & The Satin Soul
Who Is He (And What Is He To You?) – Creative Source
Harlem – Creative Source
Gimme Shelter – Cal Tjader
Tighten Up – Archie Bell & The Drells
Hard Times – Curtis Mayfield
Use Me – Isaac Hayes

If you were to pop over there today, you might just find something from me.

If that doesn’t interest you I do urge you to pop on over for some great mixes and chatter that’s all funk & soul related…

Mr Double Down presents: Soul–A–Lu–Yah (A Guest mix For Bold Soul Brother)

First up, I’d like to thank Bold Soul Brother for allowing me to grace these pages here with a guest mix for you. This is fast becoming an excellent growing resource for funk and soul and I urge each and everyone of you to continue to fall by here to sample his wares!

You can currently find him holding the fort over at my small recess of the internet, The Hook & Sling, where he has a fantastic mix of Northern soul awaiting you!

Ok on with business! What you have here is an hour of Funk, Soul, R&B (the proper stuff mind!) and a few Northern 45s thrown in for luck as well. All have been taken from my 45s collection, and are a mixture of old favourites that have been on constant play at home, as well as a few big spins that you’re likely to hear at our monthly nights on the South Coast.

I hope you enjoy my selection for you, and be sure to roll by The Hook & Sling where you can find more of the same, as well as a previous two part Guest mix from Bold Soul Brother, here & here

Track List

Chairmen Of The Board – Since The Days Of Pigtails (And Fairy Tales)   Invictus
Average White Band – Cut The Cake   Atlantic
Lee Dorsey – Go-Go Girl   Amy
Dave “Baby” Cortez – There’s A New Man   Sound Pak
The Moving Finger – Higher And Higher   Mercury
The Graham Bond Organisation – I love You   Page One
The Spellbinders – Chain Reaction   Direction
The Ambassadors – I’m So Proud Of My Baby   Atlantic
Billy Butler – The Right Track   Soul City
The Peps – You Never Had It So Good   D-Town
The Falcons & Band – I Found A Love   Lu Pine Records
Bob & Gene – Don’t Leave Me   Mo-Do Records
The Objectives – Love went Away   Jewel Records
Soul Brothers Six – She’s Some Kind Of wonderful   Atlantic
Fred & The New JB’s – Breakin’ Bread   People
Syl Johnson – Dresses Too Short   Twinight Records
Al Trahan – Can I Feel It   Spindletop Records
The Mixed Emotion – Am I Imposing   Rock-Way
Kings Go Forth – Don’t Take My Shadow    Mr. C
Darrell Banks – Open The Door To Your Heart   Revilot Records
Tony Allen And The Champs – Nite Owl   Specialty

Eddie Kendricks - Goin' Up In Smoke

Here’s a little something I put together the other Sunday … a mix made up of smooth grooves for the dancers amongst you.

Most of these are taken from 45, a few are lifted from LP; but all are taken from vinyl and are amongst those I’ll tend to drop when I feel the need for some chillin’.

Coming soon: something I’ve been pondering doing for a while (a covers versus original mix).

But before those, please pop back mid week for a special guest mix from Mr Double Down of Hook & Sling…

In the interim; I hope you enjoy today’s sounds.

Tracks in today’s mix are:

Eddie Kendricks – Date With The Rain
Oliver Sain – Bus Stop
B.T. Express – Express
Marvin Gaye – Inner City Blues
B.T. Express – Do It (Til You’re Satisfied)
Commodores – Brick House
The P. Funk All Stars – Pumpin’ It Up
Mary Ann Fara & Satin Soul – Stoned Out Of My Mind
Eddie Kendricks – Going Up In Smoke
Oliver Sain – Booty Bumping
Randolph Brown & Co – It Ain’t Like It Used To Be
The P. Funk All Stars – Generator Pop
Eddie Kendricks – Girl, You Need A Change Of Mind
The Controllers – People Want Music
Ohio Players – Everybody Up
Lenny Williams – Since I Met You
Eddie Kendricks – Eddie’s Love

70 minutes or so of James Brown and Eddie Bo tunes (plus a couple of other instrumental delights).

Shhhhhhhhh (For A Little While) – James Brown (King 6164)
Mercy D – Sam & The Soul Machine (Funky Del 18) **
The Drunk – James Brown (Bethlehem 3098)
Fat Eddie – James Crawford (King 6130)
Things Are Better – Ernie & The Top Notes (Fordom 105)
Popcorn With A Feeling – Steve Soul (Federal 12551)
Dull Knifin’ – Trick Bag (TB 10001) ****
Funky & Some – The Last Word (Polydor 14226)
Git-It – Sam & The Soul Machine (Funky Del 18) ***
Screwdriver – Lee Austin (Int. Bros. 01)
Funky, Yeah! – Curley Moore (House Of Fox 1934)
Live It Up – James K Nine (Federal 12572)
Quiet Village (Part 2) – Dome City Rock (Dome City 35)
Sunshine #9 – Osaka Monaurail (Our Label 005)
Crossover – The JB’s (Polydor 41396)
Bringing Up The Guitar – The Dapps (King 6147)
Funky Broadway – James Brown (Smash 27093 )  *
Trip – 1984 (Tramp 114)
Disco Baby – The Hustlers (People 658)
Quiet Village (Part 1) – Dome City Rock (Dome City 35)
Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours – Osaka Monaurail (Our Label 005)
Lowdown Popcorn – James Brown (King 6250)
21st Century Kenya – Electrostats (Three Oaks 101)

* Released on LP only “James Brown Plays The Real Thing” (Smash 27093)
** Previously unreleased, taken from LP “Funky Funky New Orleans 2-B”  (Funky Del 18)
*** Previously unreleased, taken from LP “Funky Funky New Orleans 2-A” (Funky Del 18)
**** Released on LP only “French Quarter Textiles”  (Trick Bag 10001)

Close to 80 minutes of deep funk, so once again, grab a beer and sit back; or pull on your dancin’ shoes and enjoy.

Hey Joyce – Lou Courtney (Popside 4594)
Huxley’s Howl – Howard Wales  (Costal 101)
Baby Don’t Cry – The Third Guitar (Rojac 123)
Sophisticated Sissy (Pt 1) – Curley Moore  (Instant 2638)
Pull My Coat – The Eddy Jacobs Exchange (Columbia 44821 DJ)
Cramp Your Style – All The People (Blue Candle 563)
Soul Brother’s Testify – Chester Randle’s Soul Senders (Anla 102)
Mighty Mighty Children – Baby Huey & The Babysitters (Curtom 1939)
The Next Message – Mighty Mo & The Winchester Seven (Peace Street 1980)
Funky, Yeah! – Curley Moore & The Kool Ones (House Of The Fox 1934)
King Midnight – The Delta Rhythm Section (Mocambo 1014)
Butterballs (Pt 1) – Butterball (Double-B 101)
Black Boy – Dyke & The Blazers (Beat Goes Public 26) *
Heavy, Heavy – Keno-I & The Hermit (Breakin Bread 011)
Stagger Walk – The Fabulous Capris (Sticky 001)
Funky ’69 – Alvin Cash (Toddlin’ Town 119 DJ)
Hard Times – Baby Huey & The Babysitters (Curtom 0105)
Won’t Nobody Listen – Black Haze Express (Clintone 005 DJ)
You’re Starting Too Fast – Johnny Pate (ABC 078 DJ)
Double EE Agent – Charles Greene (Anla 108)
Hook & Sling (Pt 2) – Eddie Bo (Scram 117)
I’m The Man – Chris Jones (Goodie Train 008)
Listen To Me – Baby Huey & The Babysitters (Curtom 741670)
Can We Rap – Carleen & The Groovers (Jazzman 009) *
Soul Power (Pt 1) – Busey’s Soulblenders (Busey’s 2485)
Tighten Up Your Own Thing – Etta James (Cadet 5664 DJ)
The Hen (Pt 1) – Louis Chachere (Paula Records 321)
Trip – 1984 (Tramp 114)

*       Re-issue

If you have listened to any of my other mixes; this might be a bit of an eye-opener; as it’s completely different. In essence this demonstrates the range of my musical tastes (from classic Northern Soul – which you’ll find in this issue; to Deep Funk – as heard in other mixes). This mix demonstrates for me, where it all began, imagine a 17 year old into music big time, when mainstream music was either Punk, Ska (Coventry revival), Mod (revival), Brit Pop (the first time round) or (late) disco. Whilst I’d never been a great dancer, I’d always loved music that made me want to dance (and enjoyed watching the local talent shuffle around). I fervently collected the entire catalogue of 2-Tone and The Jam, but by far my biggest interest was from what the Mod revival introduced to this scooter riding youngster…. northern soul and what a musical revelation that was for me.

What you hear in this mix was put together for a colleague (directly onto CD) and as such I was “just grabbing” and paying no particular attention to BPM or mixing for dancing; I was literally just grabbing old favourites. We start with Laura Greene’s “Moonlight Music and You” (one of a few tracks in the mix given public attention a few years back thanks to a certain “fried chicken’s” advertising campaign); I then bombard you with some great classics  and end, perhaps appropriately, with Jimmy Radcliffe’s “Long After Tonight Is All Over” (the cue to grab a slow dance, your coat and bag, and your lift home). It’s also a guest mix on “the hook and sling” blog.

Most are original issues, some are re-issues, a few (including Chavez) are bootleg (with Chavez I thought for a day or two that I’d stumbled on an original, until Manship confirmed from my delta number that it was a bootleg; still worthy of a good price – but not close to the original). The Frank Wilson you hear is taken from the re-issue on Soul, but I also have a much earlier re-issue in my collection (sadly I don’t own one of the two Soul originals – if I did I wouldn’t have the burden of debt!)

If you’re about to settle back and listen to this mix it’s close to 80 minutes; so do settle down with a beer, or roll a fat one (if that’s your thing), lean back and enjoy.

Keep the faith.

Laura Green – Moonlight Music And You – RCA – 9164
Yvonne Baker – You Didn’t Say A Word – Parkway – 140
Freddie Chavez – They’ll Never Know Why – Look – 5010
Andre Brasseur – The Kid – Congress – 271
Lee Roye – Tears – MCA – 378
Bobby Hebb – Love, Love, Love – Philips – 40400
Chuck Jackson – Hand It Over – Wand – 169
Barbara Acklin – Love Makes A Woman – Brunswick – 55379
Leslie Uggams – Love Is A Good Foundation – Sonday – 6006
Len Barry – It’s That Time Of The Year – Decca – 31969
Jackie Lee – I’ll Do Anything – Soul Fox – 1001
Dena Barnes – If You Ever Walk Out Of My Life – Inferno – 2002
Chuck Jackson – Good Things Come To Those Who Wait – Wand – 1105
Frank Wilson – Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) – Soul – 35019
Vikki Baines – Country Girl – Parkway – 966
Rose Batiste – Come Back In A Hurry – Revilot – 206
Chuck Jackson -These Chains Of Love (Are Breaking Me Down) – Wand – 1129
Ronnie Milsap – Ain’t No Soul (Left In These Old Shoes) – Scepter – 12161
Leroy Taylor – Oh Linda – Brunswick – 55345
The Beach Girls – Skiing In The Snow – Dynovox – 202
The TSU Toronadoes – I Still Love You – Volt – 4030
Cliff Nobles & Co. – Switch It On – Phil La Soul – 324
Bobby Garrett – I Can’t Get Away – Mirwood – 5508
Jackie Wilson – Soul Galore – Brunswick – 55290
Adams Apples – Don’t Take It Out Of This World – Brunswick – 55330
Al Wilson – Help Me – Wand – 1135
Stemmons Express – Woman, Love Thief – Karma – 201
Fred Hughes – Baby Boy – Brunswick – 55419
Harold Melvin – Get Out (And Let Me Cry) – Landa – 703
Chuck Jackson – Any Day Now – Wand – 122
Jimmy Radcliffe – Long After Tonight Is All Over – Musicor – 104