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…

Montclairs - Hung Up On Your Love (Honest!)

What can I say, that most of you don’t already know… a fantastic mid 70’s release on Paula that become a favourite on the Northern Soul scene, virtually from its first play. I remember the first time I heard it, early 80’s all-nighter… hooked!

Mistakenly released as a misprint on Paula (381) instead of “How Can One Man Live” before it’s official release, again on Paula (390), these two versions command reasonable prices when they do arise; with the misprints fetching up to £40 and the actual issue up to £100.

I am lucky enough to own both, so have included both here for your audio-delight tonight.

The Montclairs were a vocal group from East St. Louis, Illinois reportedly named after a brand of cigarettes! Originally comprised of Phil Perry lead singer, David Frye, George McLellan, Kevin Sanlin and Clifford “Scotty” Williams they were representative of the vocal group resurgence of the 70’s when sweet vocals were fashionable.

Montclairs - Hung Up On Your Love

Their first single “Hey You! Don’t Fight It!” was recorded in 1969 on Arch Records (1305), but was only distributed in the St. Louis area. The following year they began recording for Oliver Sain at his Archway Studio. It was Sain who arranged for the group to sign to Paula Records (of Shreveport, Louisiana).

Whilst with Paula they released a few hits that charted: “Dreamin’ Out Of Season” (1972), “Make Up For Lost Time” (1974) and “Baby You Know (I’m Gonna Miss You)” (1974). They also released an album, “Dreamin’ Out Of Season” (1972) from which the track “Prelude To A Heartbreak”/”I Need You More Than Ever” was released as a single the following year.

The Montclairs also recorded tracks for Vanessa, Premium and United International. In 1974, Clifford Williams was drafted into the U.S. military and the group continued as a quartet until, when they left Paula in 1975, they disbanded. Like so many of the favourites of the Northern Soul scene, it’s such a shame these people didn’t get the recognition they so rightly deserved.

Bonnie & Lee : The Way I Feel About You

As requested by a visitor, today’s 45 is Bonnie & Lee’s “I Need Ya (Gotta Have You For My Own)” & “The Way I Feel About You”.

My copy is a DJ Promo issue (as shown) with a black and white label, the issue has blue and white stripes and “Fairmount” is in red.

When I was asked to feature this my first reaction (to myself) was “Bonnie & who? Do I own it?”

I think that’s because I’ve not played it much which itself is probably due to the A side (I Need Ya) being a ballad…

However, flip it and “The Way I Feel About You” is classic Northern Soul.

I can’t find any information on Bonnie & Lee, nor a discography. There appears to be no evidence of this record having been bootlegged or re-issued (probably due to its low value, c£20). Anyway… rather that me waffle on… enjoy the sounds.

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

The Emotions

Merry Xmas/Happy Holidays… and a big thanks to Mr Double Down for his great guest mix (which if you missed, you can still find here).

In between tackling the turkey and pigs in blanket leftovers I wanted to bring you a couple of festive tunes from the fantastic female vocals of The Emotions.

At the time of these recordings, on Volt, the members were Sheila Hutchinson, Wanda Hutchinson and Teresa Davis (a former member of Our Ladies Of Soul), but the band’s composition changed many times over the years:

Originally founded as the The Heavenly Sunbeams the original members were Sheila Hutchinson (born January 1953, Chicago, Illinois), Wanda Hutchinson (born December 1951, Chicago, Illinois) and Jeanette Hutchinson (born February 1951, Chicago, Illinois) the band had the following incarnati0ns: Three Ribbons & A Beau (Sheila Hutchinson, Wanda Hutchinson, Jeanette Hutchinson and their father Joe Hutchinson (born February 1931, Tennessee; died September 1985, Chicago, Illinois), The Hutch Stereos (Sheila Hutchinson, Wanda Hutchinson and Jeanette Hutchinson), The Sunbeams (Sheila Hutchinson, Wanda Hutchinson and Jeanette Hutchinson) and The Hutchinson Sunbeams (Sheila Hutchinson, Wanda Hutchinson and Jeanette Hutchinson) before finally settling on the name The Emotions during which time the members always included Sheila and Wanda Hutchinson with the third member changing between Teresa Davis, Jeanette Hutchinson, Pamela Hutchinson and Adrianne Harris.

The two tracks I drop today are two of my favourite Xmas picks (Santa Claus may be coming to town for the Jackson 5, but my needle will NEVER drop on that track!); both recorded during The Emotions time with Volt, and both are the vocal versions of the tracks (each was released with an instrumental version on the flip).

“Black Christmas” was recorded in 1970 and released as Volt 4053 and the melancholic  “What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas” was recorded in 1973 and released as Volt 4104.

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

I am always open to trades/offers, if you see something you want let’s talk!

UPDATE 26/12, spent too much at Xmas, prices dropped on these records – grab a bargain!

Black Haze Express : Won't Nobody Listen

The last of tonight’s posts is another massive funk track, this time from Sam Dees (performing as Black Haze Express).

Won’t Nobody Listen/Pretty Soon is one of two singles Sam recorded as Black Haze Express, this one in 1971 on Clintone (005); the other is Stop This Merry Go Round/Black Tattler in 1972 on Vulcan (111).

Both Black Haze Express releases are collectable, with Won’t Nobody Listen booking at £75 and Stop This Merry Go Round at £100. I have two copies of Won’t Nobody Listen, but doubt the authenticity of one (looks too clean and the grooves are far tighter than the (marginally scruffier) one I believe to be the original issue); I have no evidence that the record has ever been bootlegged, so can only assume this to be a re-issue, or an (as yet) un-documented boot.

The intro on Won’t Nobody Listen has to be amongst the best ever, a pained Sam Dees expressing his anguish that nobody seems to care enough to change anything… listen and get hooked as the drum roll and guitar leads us to his wails of “No, no, no, no, no…”

Pretty Soon carries similar sentiments about the need for change; but a hint of optimism that change is a’ coming…

[See post to watch Flash video]

Pazant Brothers : Loose And Juicy

Tonight’s third post is the final post of by Pazant Brothers trio of tunes; this one if by far my favourite tune; this is Loose And Juicy, released on Vanguard (35191), it’s yet another produced and arranged by Ed Bland.

This single is released with the band name as The Pazant Brothers And The Beaufort Express; but I am unable to find any information on who else contributed to the single besides Al & Ed.

I am assuming this was released in 1975 to coincide with the release of the album of the same name.

Loose And Juicy is, not surprisingly, a horn driven monster. A full five minutes of funk, with female vocals, some awesome hammond work, sax solo and sympathetic drumming to back up the horns. Have a listen and perhaps you will understand my preference for this over (the more widely acclaimed) Skunk Juice.

The flip, Back to Beaufort, starts off with the usual Pazant horns, but unlike most Pazant tunes has male vocals (doing more than just shouting!) and some nice woodwind instruments. Not as infectious as Loose And Juicy, but worth a listen none-the-less.

I hope you have enjoyed the trio from Ed & Al… as I said in the original post, if you know of any more 45s missing from my discography (or have any Pazant tunes you’re willing to part with); please do let me know.

Sam Dees coming up soon…

[See post to watch Flash video]

Pazant Brothers : Juicy Lucy

The second of tonight’s posts, is the second of the Pazant Brothers trio for you this evening, this time it’s Juicy Lucy on GWP (506); another promo copy (this one’s label is in far better condition than my copy of Skunk Juice).

There’s not a lot I can add to this post that I haven’t already said about the Pazant Brothers, it’s another Ed Bland arrangement and production.

I am a big fan of their infectious drum and horn funk; this is a familiar tune even on first hearing. Slightly slower than Skunk Juice (hence slightly lower down my top 1000 list); the flip to Lucy, the juicy gal, is Work Song; another familiar sound… enjoy!

Pazant Brothers : Skunk Juice

I promised to bring you some Pazant Brothers tunes, and here we are. We open with perhaps their best known and my second favourite, Skunk Juice, released on RCA (9634).

Alvin & Edward Pazant, aka the Pazant Brothers stomp into our consciousness with a drum and horn driven classic that will be so familiar to those who appreciate the finer funk sounds to come out of Spanish Harlem. Flip the vinyl for the equally tastefully named Toe Jam (another horn and drum classic).

Produced, arranged and conducted by Ed Bland with whom they collaberated on a number of 45s as the Pazant Brothers (on RCA and GWP), as the Chili Peppers (on GWP), backing Betty Barney on “Momma Momma” (GWP) and on the (highly collectable) Loose and Juicy album in 1975 (Vanguard).

As far as I can tell, the Pazant Brothers continue to record music and are active on the internet (I found MySpace and FaceBook accounts in their name).

You can see from the scan, that my copy has some serious damage to the label, but the vinyl is okay and this promo issue sits nicely in my favoured funk boxes alongside Loose & Juicy and Juicy Lucy, which I’ll be bringing to you very shortly to complete the trio of Pazant Brothers tunes in my collection.

Pazant Brothers Discography (45s):

Skunk Juice/Toe Jam
Loose & Juicy/Back to Beaufort
Juicy Lucy/Work Song
Back to Beaufort/Water Front Blues
Dragon Fly/Dixie Rock
Fever/Groovin’
Mboga-Chakula (Greasy Greens)/Chick A Boom

Please let me know if you know of any more 45s I’ve missed off the list.

So, instead, just a quick thanks to Ben (aka Mr DoubleDown) for the heads-up of this new blog over at The Hook & Sling and also wanted to draw your attention to a work in progress of a mate of mine, James Curry – have a look at his site and listen to his mixes over at CurryMusic.com

Back with the Pazant Brothers tomorrow evening…

Third Guitar : Baby Don't Cry

The Third Guitar’s Baby Don’t Cry is amongst my most prized possessions – an original issue on Rojac (123) from 1968 in near mint condition.

I was fortunate enough to get it at about a quarter of its then book price (£400); although I did get hammered with an import duty from those lovely people at Her Majesty’s Customs & Excise. It takes pride of place in my funk boxes and is often reached for and played.

Written by The Third Guitar’s lead singer, Eddie Holloway, this was the 1968 recording for Jack Taylor’s New York-based Rojac label. This was the second time Eddie had recorded this tune, the first time was in 1965 whilst Eddie was a member of the Miami-based group The Soul Pleasers (the famous Funk45 re-issue has The Soul Pleasers’ earlier version on the flip, which itself is a tune worth a listen. I have a copy somewhere and when I locate it I’ll update this post with the Soul Pleasers’ version too).

The version you see and hear here was also recorded in Miami, but was given national distribution via Rojac. Unfortunately, like the other Third Guitar releases on Rojac (Sad Girl/Lovin’ Lies – Rojac 120 & Been So Long/Down To The River – Rojac 127), it did not make it big. Which really boggles the mind… what has become one of the best loved and most sought after funk singles of all time failed to hit on its release!

It is believed to have been bootlegged, but I can unearth no information on the bootleg. It has also been re-issued (the 2005 Funk45 reissue and a couple of unofficial 12″ releases). It also features on numerous compilation LP/CD (Florida Funk, Keb Darge Experience, Funk Spectrum II, etc.) and of course is in the Brainfreeze of 1999 mix that caused the resurgent interest in the song.

You do occasionally see it surface on the interweb auction sites, I recently spied a (rather ropey looking) copy with a ‘buy it now’ price tag of US$1,999.00!

The flip on this original issue is a soulful ballad, might be worth a quick listen – but I cannot believe anyone would buy this Rojac issue for the B side.

The Third Guitar – Lead Singer Eddie Holloway (other members and status unknown). Eddie appears to be alive and well and enjoying a career as a blues singer; if anyone can furnish any bio for Eddie I’d be grateful, also any information on who else contributed to the tune as The Third Guitar.

[See post to watch Flash video]

Eddie Bo

Another Bo tune…given my love of Eddie’s music it can come as no surprise, that today’s post is yet another Eddie Bo outing, this time on the Bo-Sound label.

Today I bring you “We’re Doing It (Thang)”, parts 1 & 2; by Eddie Bo & The Soul Finders. Not quite on a par with “Hook And Sling” or “Lover And A Friend”, but still a great, funky, tune from one of New Orleans greatest.

Part 1 opens with what sounds like maracas & whistles and a vocal sound off…

Female: “Hey everybody we’re doing it”…
Male: “Doing what”…
Female: “The Thang”…
Male: “Right on!”

Part 2 is slightly less upbeat with Bo talking us into the Thang; but with a stronger drum backbeat throughout.

The soundbyte is taken from a re-issue (not my image); the original Bo-Sound issue (5005) is surprisingly pricey to obtain, often changing hands for around the book price of £200. I say surprisingly as I do not rate it as amongst his best, it just seems copies do not surface that often. As with the other Bo tunes I’ve posted, I can find no evidence of this being bootlegged; so you should be safe if you uncover one whilst digging.

Much as I did with Hook And Sling, I’ll leave you to make your own mind up which side/part you prefer… as is often my preference with Bo two-parters, I’m inclined towards part 2.

Eddie Bo – Edwin Joseph Bocage (September 20, 1930 – March 18, 2009).

Eddie Bo : Hook & Sling

Perhaps not unsurprisingly, I follow up my previous post with yet another Bo tune. I mentioned before that Lover And A Friend would make it into my top 50; perhaps top 10 (if my mood permitted), this track is one that will always, always, be in my top 10.

Probably the first track I heard that convinced me (after years of attempts from friends) that my deep set passion for Northern Soul could be enhanced by “letting a little funk into my life“. I first heard this on a New Orleans funk CD compilation (that I’d reluctantly purchased to see if my friends were right) and for the life of me I can’t remember what that CD was called, nor can I find it in my collection; but I know that as soon as I heard Eddie Bo I was hooked and I have been a fervent collector of the Bo sounds ever since.

This track has probably the best drum intro I have ever heard, courtesy of some serious drumming from James Black… Whenever I reach for this vinyl, I am always torn as to which side to play, I love part 1 because, … well it’s the intro to part 2!

The soundbyte (and image) seen here is from the Scram issue (117); valued at £50 (seriously underpriced in my humble opinion). As with most Bo tunes, I can find no evidence of this being bootlegged or re-issued on Scram (there are some dodgy re-issues that sound like they were recorded off a mono stereo in a garage, but they are not on Scram, if I recall correctly they are Tuff City/Funky Delicacies/Vamp re-issues); so you should be safe should you uncover a Scram copy whilst digging. I am also sure that I once had a blue label copy as well (but can’t recall where that copy went and have no idea what the difference between green and blue is – apart from the colour).

I’ll leave you to make your own mind up which you prefer… at the time of writing I’m erring towards part 2; but then again…

Eddie Bo – Edwin Joseph Bocage (September 20, 1930 – March 18, 2009).

Eddie Bo & Inez Cheatham

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a sucker for Eddie Bo, anything he plays/sings on, anything he produces… anything at all. But, of all the tracks I have, this has to be amongst my top 50; perhaps top 10 if I’m in the right mood.

Whilst it may not grab you with its opening bars in the way Hook And Sling does (which is a masterpiece of drum work from James Black that, in my humble opinion, is unbeaten and unbeatable); it always stops me in my tracks every time I hear it (albeit momentarily – it’s never long before my feet start tapping).

Listen as Bobby Williams’ pounds the drums, the lead guitar comes in and then Bo & Cheatham come in with a joint shout of  “Shoop!” I just know you know what I mean!

Eddie Bo worked with many people in his long and varied career and otfen recorded under pseudonyms (or Noms De Guerre according to your viewpoint). He has a varied discography as a solo artist; but also recorded some stonking tunes with female accompaniment (Mary Jane Hooper, Explosions and Inez). This particular collaberation dates from January 1968 (when I was a mere four years old). There has been, for some time, some discussion on the interweb that Mary Jane Hooper and Inez Cheatham were one and the same person. Lately, this appears to have been debunked and it is now widely accepted that the two were different people (both very talented vocalists).

This is one of two copies I own, the one you hear (and see here) is the nationally licensed Capitol release (2150 promo) valued at £75 which, sadly, failed to be a national hit; the other is the Seven B issue (7107) valued at £150, which was such a hit in New Orleans it prompted the national release. The flip is a nice deep soul ballad (If I Had To Do It Over). As far as my research suggests neither copy has ever been bootlegged or re-issued, so you should be safe in your digging.

Eddie Bo – Edwin Joseph Bocage (September 20, 1930 – March 18, 2009).

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

Pop back soon for the first 45s!