Willie Bobo - Bobo! Do That Thing

Wille Bobo - Bobo! Do That Thing from the Tico 45

After a few days off I’m feeling a little more relaxed. I’ve been sitting on this side for a little bit, and even though I had a Halloween side lined up, I figured since I couldn’t turn up too much about it as of yet, I’d hit you with some Latin Soul. It was only after I posted this that I noticed that Scholar over at Souled On Music had a Willie Bobo side. Go check that out, as well as some really nice treats he’s offering. Scholar knows what’s up in the record game, and always offers up some great sides and guest commentary as well. Speaking of that, DJ Prime has reached out and would like to contribute a little something to FMF in the future, so you may see a post or two by him. I’ve definitely been into the Latin Soul for a while, and when I picked up a copy of the Juicy reissue on CD a while ago on Verve Records, I was always on the hunt for some Willie Bobo. Let’s check out “Bobo! Do That Thing!” on Tico Records.

Born William Correa in Spanish Harlem, this timbale and conga player began his foray in Latin music at age 14. Starting off his music career playing with greats such as Mongo Santamaria, Perez Prado, and then 4 years with Tito Puente, Bobo (earning his nickname from Jazz pianist Mary Lou Henderson) was well on his way at age 19. He went on to part of George Shearing’s band, and later on a member of Cal Tjader’s Modern Mambo Quintet (said to be the best lineup Tjader had in his career). He would reunite once again with Santamaria (a member of MMQ with Tjader) with Sabroso! on the Fantasy label in 1960, and also record the classic Afro Blue. He eventually stepped into the spotlight as a band leader in 1963. He’d enlist class A players such as Joe Farrell and Clark Terry to be on board. Bobo would go on to release Do That Thing/Guajira on Tico, and on Let’s Go Bobo on Roulette. He was an integral part (as was Santomaria) in Tjader’s Jazz classic Soul Sauce on Verve. This would start a relationship with Verve that would last for 7 records. Not only was Bobo known as a bandleader, he was well known as a sideman as well, playing with guys like Herbie Hancock, Herbie Mann, Chico Hamilton, Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderly, Sonny Stitt , Carlos Santana and others. Willie Bobo would record a much sought after record for Sussex Do What You Want To Do with the Bogents, which contained the single “Broasted or Fried” (never released properly on a 7″). The side has been reissued by Now-Again here. After leaving Los Angeles, he would contribute musically to Bill Cosby’s TV show Cos, and would succumb to cancer in 1983 at age 49. His music does live on. His records have been reissued, and his son Eric Bobo (Cypress Hill) has teamed up with Super Producer Mario Caldato Jr. to release many tracks of his father’s that have not seen the light of day. Stay tuned to Stones Throw for that.

“Bobo! Do That Thing” showcases the many facets of Willie Bobo: as bandleader, singer, and conguera. Mixing his classic Latin Jazz style with some upbeat, Funky Soul, he croons and plays his way through this side. While his conga playing is a bit overshadowed by his yelling and carrying on in the track, this side features a bit of the old shing-a-ling style that for me, really makes it worth it. This side may not be as strong as a “Juicy”, or his take on “Knock on Wood” from the aforementioned Verve release, but it’s a winner in it’s own right. Bobo may have been taken from us too early, but thanks to his son, there is still a lot of Bobo to go around in the years to come. Keep Diggin’!

Johnny Hammond - Shifting Gears

Johnny Hammond - Shifting Gears from the Milestone 45

It’s another start of the week, and I thought I’d share one of my favorite sides. It took me a while to finally dig it up in the field, but I was finally glad I did. Today’s post is going to be a bit on the short side, as I took a few days off to relax. Not to worry, I’ve got podcast #17 in the can, and it will be ready shortly. This tune is featured on it, as well as a bunch of other dusty gems, and a special Latin side I’ve been saving. Also, I’ve added all the mixes I’ve done so far to the tool bar on the right. There are 16 mixes for your downloading pleasure, all for free. Please enjoy! Let’s jump into “Shifting Gears” by Johnny Hammond on Milestone Records.

John Robert Smith was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1933. Taking up the piano as a child, he eventually switched to the organ after moving to Cleveland, OH and hearing Wild Bill Davis. The official switch was in 1958, where he would accompany vocalist (and newcomer) Nancy Wilson. By 1959, he was a band leader and signed to the Prestige label, where he would remain until 1970. During that time, he recorded many records, most notably Soul Talk, Black, Coffee, That Good Feeling, and Black Feeling! among others. In 1970, however, as he got funkier and funkier on the Hammond B-3 (where his nickname comes from), he switched to Creed Taylor’s CTI Records, where he released the classic Breakout, plus 4 other full lengths that are funky as hell. His version of “Rock Steady” (that was on my last mix) is a keeper as well. He then hooked up with the Mizell Brothers for a stretch, and during that time released Gears on Milestone, where this side can be found on. The man really earned his nickname because he was a master of the B-3. His straight ahead Jazz stuff from the 60’s is fantastic, but for me as he got funkier, he got better. He would continue to release music, but eventually retire from Jazz all together in the late 1970’s. He taught at Cal Poly Pomona College in the 80’s, and reignited his spark in the early 90’s for recording. He would go on to die of cancer in 1997.

What is there not to say about this record? It’s a classic, one of my favorites of all time. From the beginning bass line to the upbeat fadeout at the end, I can’t get enough of it. If you’re not familiar, this record was picked up by the Acid Jazz set and brought back to life. It’s a tune B-Boys from all over the world get down to. Even DJ Z-Trip named his record after this particular side (whether it’s 100% the reason, we’ll have to ask him…so Z, inquiring minds want to know). It’s a monster, and I dare anyone not to be able to keep the floor filled with this thing on your turntable. It’s infectious organ groove won’t be able to keep you in your seat. If JB had ants in his pants, the Johnny Hammond had fire, because this record (some 30+ years later) is still H-O-T. This side comes highly recommended by FMF, and although it’s not a rare side and easily accessible, it’s a fantastic record. Good music is good music, and this fits the bill. Keep Diggin’!

The Peppers - Pinch of Salt

The Peppers - Pinch of Salt from the Event 45

Here we are on Friday, and I had a few choices for today, but this one won out. Now don’t get me wrong, they’re all winners, this particular side just won out earlier than the others. Before I get into this treat to start your weekend off, I want to give a shout out to Maceo, Lafayette, Raymus and Mannases, the 4 Brothers Beats. These cats have been generating a lot of hits for me, and I want to say thanks. So check these guys out, they have a lot of knowledge in the record game. Tell ‘em Flea Market Funk sent you. Also Truth and Soul Records started a blog, it looks pretty cool so far, swing on over and check them out. Everyone knows I’m a sucker for the Hammond already, and I’m not going to turn away a good Moog on any day either. This next record has lots of it, and we’re going to have to travel over to France and check out this French trio. This record is on the Polydor distributed Event Records Inc. label from 1973. Check out The Peppers with “Pinch of Salt”.

When I first checked out this side, it was in a lot of records I hauled in one Saturday morning. I was familiar with the label, grabbing some Fatback Band 45s when ever they became available. This looked interesting, and it could have really turned out to be a tepid turd, however, it definitely did not. Compared a bit to the band Hot Butter, (You remember “Popcorn”, and you know you loved it), the Peppers were definitely more on the funkier side, and could have definitely found their way on some sort of Blaxploitation film soundtrack had the need arisen, despite an early electronic sound. The band originally started out doing music for TV commercials. Producer Roger Tokarz, who believed that the band had some commercial potential, held back some of their studio creations from their then corporate client. These tunes would become the basis of their full length release entitled Pepper Box. Musicians Mat Camison (Keyboards), Pierre-Alain Dahan (Drums), and Tonio Rubio (Bass) made up this funky Moog dominated band. This guys when not playing in a band named after vegetables, were off making library records. You know the kind, the ones you can’t find at the local thrift or Salvation Army, but the ones you’ll pay two month’s rent for. They recorded this record at Bagatelle Studios, and I’m wondering if the French duo Air may have borrowed a bit from the Peppers. Their Premiers Symptomes is a great record that compiles B-Sides and other funky electronica from the band’s career, who may have been influenced a bit by these guys, among others. The Bagatelle Studios was home to the publishers of Serge Gainsbourg, and some how I suppose the dreamy sound from one of the best known French grandfathers of electronic sounds might have snuck in there as well. What I do know is that there is an organ that you will dig, as well as a nice groove to make the kids move throughout. It may sound a bit on the Euro Pop side, but remember these cats were making music for TV commercials and library records, so this is par for the course. They were definitely no slouches, this side is a Funk filled groover. Enjoy an organ filled funky ride from the Peppers. Keep Diggin’!

Clifford Curry - Soul Ranger

Clifford Curry - Soul Ranger on SSS International

Well here we are at Wednesday already, and I’m hoping you guys were digging the latest podcast. I was digging on a lot of those sides, and today I’m going to take one of those sides and talk a little about it. Before I do, I’d like to give another shout out to Allen over at Soul Spectrum, and to Memo who’s pointed me in the right direction for a Sound Burger. Devil Dick has aroused some interest in his Soul Invaders quest, getting an e mail from one of the original band members about the record. It’s really cool when a family member (or the real musician) contacts you about their music. I’ve got some shout outs from families of Wilbert Harrison, Linda Jones, and Jay Walking label owner Robert Fulton. Most people are happy we’re keeping this music alive. That’s why it’s so important to have audio blogs like this one and the ones linked in my blogroll, this music needs to be preserved! That being said, let’s jump into this little slice of Soul on SSS International Records by Clifford Curry, “Soul Ranger”.

We’re gonna take a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee and take a look at this veteran of Soul music and his long career that is still relevant today. Starting out in the late 50’s, while he was in high school, he joined The Echoes, who were later renamed The Five Pennies. They released “My Heart Trembles” and “Mr. Moon” on Savoy Records, and eventually disbanded and went their seperate ways. Royalty disputes led to other bands being formed, ( the Four Pennies and the Bingos) , and being renamed ( The Hollyhocks) , but those royalty and money problems would not go away. Curry was a journeyman Soul singer, who bounced from label to label, group to group, and persona to persona, but he perservered and kept close to his roots and Soul music in general. He recorded with the Bubba Suggs Band, The Contenders, The Fabulous Six, and as a solo artist as Sweet Clifford, Clifford Sweet, ( not always by choice) and Clifford Curry. The theory of try until you succeed would definitely prove to be true for Curry. He had some level of success on labels like Savoy, Elf, Excello, SSS, Caprice, Abbott, Ridgecrest (as small as it was), Blue Sky, Nasco, CC, Woodshed and later on in his career, Buddah. His highest degree of success was with Knoxville DJ Rob Galbraith, where he contributed his writing skills to the side. This selection on Shelby S. Singleton’s SSS International label is a pretty strong offering as well.

The fact that the record was on blue vinyl made it catch my eye, but the SSS International label always has some great sides, so really this record was a no brainer for me to pick up. Clifford Curry is a true Soul veteran. His voice carries out on this side, and he does prove that he is indeed a Soul Ranger, moving from town to town, group to group, and stage name to stage name, spreading the word of Soul to everyone. He’s mending broken hearts, giving that shoulder to cry on, and this is only in the lyrics. The killer bass line and horn section reinforce the fact that this side is a definite Soul banger. So if he’s the Soul Ranger, he’s definitely a super hero for Soul. This man has sacrificed lots to get where he is today. He may not have topped the charts, but he made an honest living, preaching the Gospel of Soul throughout the United States, one song at a time. Keep Diggin’!

Move On Up - FMF Podcast Vol. 16

Download or Listen to Move On Up - Flea Market Funk Pocast Vol. 16

I don’t know about any of you out there, but I love vinyl. I love the smell of it, I love the feel of it, and I definitely love the sound of it. Freshly dug up vinyl has this certain musty, stale smell to it. The feeling I get after a dig and have the records in my hand and that smell starts to waft up out of my record bag, man I know that I’ve had a great day when that happens. The feel of each record, whether it’s an acetate, vinyl or styrene (each with their unique characteristics and feel) I can dig. It could be cracked a little (or a lot in the case of the Brother Jack McDuff “Electric Surfboard” I got this past weekend) and still play or even the sheer weight of 180g repressing, I like them all. Then there is the sound. Pops, clicks, a small amount of surface noise, I don’t care. You don’t get that sound anywhere else, and that’s why I will never stop buying vinyl. That being said, let’s talk about this latest mix.

It’s Monday, and that means only one thing, the start of another week. After a great weekend of digging ( Good looks on some of the suggestions Andy!) and some recovery time on Sunday, I bring you the latest podcast here at Flea Market Funk: Move On Up - FMF Vol. 16. I’ve been stockpiling 45s and couldn’t take it any more, I had to get these sides into a mix. I was able to sample a spoken word record I picked up over the weekend and a few sides I got at the last record show, plus a few I have actually reviewed in the last month or so. I still have not forgot about the Hip Hop Mix that I talked about earlier, I’m thinking of dropping that on my 100,000 visit, which will be coming up shortly.

So, wherever you are this Monday, start your week off and Move on Up like Curtis Mayfield with some Raw Soul and Deep Funk courtesy of Flea Market Funk.

Here’s the track list:

Little Razor & the Swingmasters - Razor Blade/ Tri Us
Dennis Coffey - Getting It On ‘75/ Sussex
Senor Soul - It’s Your Thing/ Whiz
The Dynatones - The Fife Piper/ HBR
Truman Thomas - Mr. Soul/ Veep
Cal Tjader - Solar Heat/ Skye
Bobo Mr. Soul - H.L.I.C/ Ovide
Brother Soul - Feelin’ Funky/ ElmCor
The Family - Family Affair/ North Bay
Elijah & The Ebonies - Hot Grits/ Capsoul
Gus “The Groove” Lewis - Let The Groove Move You/ Tous Sea
Brother Jack McDuff - Black Is!/ Cadet
Johnny Hammond - Rock Steady/ Kudu
Clifford Curry - Soul Ranger/ SSS International
The San Remo Golden Strings - I’m Satisfied/ Ric Tic
Let’s Groove Together - Our Ladies of Soul/ Kelton

Keep Diggin’!

Cold Chillin’ Saturday Diggin’

I took a week off at the Spot last week, but this week you know I had to get back into it. I had a friend with me today, fellow digger DJ Andy Smith. Andy and I have been talking back and forth the last few years, and I told him when he came into town, if he had time I’d take him to the Spot. I wasn’t sure it was going to work out because of his hectic schedule, but fortunately he had some free time and we were able to hit a few key spots today (the man took a 6am train from NYC to get here, that’s a dedicated digger people). The vinyl Gods smiled upon both of us as we hit a load of Cold Chillin’ 7″ promos straight away, and it only got better from there. We were both able to score some good sides, and Andy got a taste of American Flea Market characters. I was a bit disappointed that Stinky Steve was absent, because everyone has to experience that man, just once. There are enough characters to go around though, and the guy who has a cat on a leash had a huge stash of mostly unsleeved 45s that we got a chance to go to town on. We were fortunate because it’s his last trip up here from Baltimore until next season, so I was glad to have caught him before he flew South for the Winter with his cat and trailer full of memorabilia in tow.

Andy is a seasoned digger with great record knowledge, and known for his genre crossing Document Series Mixes, plus the load of other genre specific mixes that are just fantastic. Check out some of his mixes you can download for free here. There were a few of the usual suspects about, and for once, it was someone else that got the question of “What is that?” By that, I am referring to Andy’s Sound Burger portable record player that no one ever sees over here due to it’s hefty price. People really amaze me with their stupid questions, I mean seriously, we both have headphones on, and there is a pile of records next to us, as well as one spinning on the platters. Could it be any more obvious? I guess not. At any rate, if anyone has a lead on a Sound Burger (or Mr. Disk as they were called here in the States) that’s in great shape (new in the box would be cool), and that will not break my bank account, feel free to contact me. I’ve been looking for one. At one time Ice Cube said it was a good day, and today that song would fit : the weather was great, the Spot wasn’t too crowded, and there were definitely records to be had. Be sure to check out DJ Andy Smith coming to a venue in your town in the future, and make sure you ask him to play some Cold Chillin’ stuff. Here’s a list of the records I got for those who are keeping score:

45s:

Three Dog Night - I Can Hear You Calling/ Dunhill ABC
Biz Markie - Vapors/ Biz Goin’ Off/ Cold Chillin’
Roxanne Shante - Go On Girl/ Cold Chillin’
Tyrone Brunson - The Smurf/ Believe In a Dream
The Hammond Chord Organ/ ZCTV
Diana Ross & the Supremes - He’s My Sunny Boy/ Motown
Philip Upchurch Combo - You Can’t Sit Down/ Boyd Records Inc.
Mable John - Your Good Thing/ Stax
Heatwave - Super Soul Sister/ Epic
Shirley Brown - Yes Sir Brother/ Truth
Edwin Starr - Back Street/ Ric-Tic
The Intruders - Up and Down the Ladder/ Gamble
The Temptations - I Can’t Get Next To You/ Gordy
Miami featuring Robert Moore/ Party Freak/ Drive
The Main Ingredient - Magic Shoes/ RCA
First Choice - Gonna Keep On Lovin Him/ Philly Groove
Ella Andall - Hello Africa/ Shorty
Pride - Come On Get Dancing/ Disco Record Co.
Donald Byrd - Dominoes/ Blue Note
Timmy Thomas - Cold Cold People/ Glades
Ike Turner - Right On/ United Artists
Tyrone Davis - I Had All the Time/ Dakar
Judy Clay & William Bell - Private Number/ Stax
The Persuaders - Thigh Spy/ ATCO
James Brown - Body Heat/ Polydor
King Floyd - Everybody Needs Somebody/ Chimneyville

LPs:

Shirley Bassey - Is Really Something/ United Artists
Cat Stevens - Iz It So/ A & M (what’s up DITC sample?) thanks Andy!
Tom Jones - The Fever Zone/ London
Paula & Carole - In the Magic Garden/ Cap
The Crown Heights Affair - Dreaming A Dream/De-Lite
The Definitive Jazz Scene Vol. 2/ Impulse!
Americans in Europe Vol. 1/ Impulse!
Thelonious Monk - The Unique/ Riverside (reissue)
Jackie McClean & Michael Carvin - Antiquity/ Steeple Chase
The Impressible Impulses - Impluse!
The Isley Brothers - Go For Your Guns/ T-Neck

Keep Diggin’!

**Check out the newest addition to the FMF Family, Allen over at Soul Spectrum. He’s got some great rare goodies to download as well as some other record related things you will find interesting. His specialty is Brasilian music, and I am really looking forward to checking out some of his posts. Welcome to the fam Allen, and I’m digging your blog already.

Leroy Hutson & the Free Spirit Symphony - Feel the Spirit (in ‘76)

Leroy Hutson & The Free Spirit Symphony - Feel the Spirit from the Curtom 45

Before I get started this Friday, I wanted to give a shout out to Terry Jones, the daughter of New Jersey’s “Queen of Soul”, who contacted me in regards to the review I did on her mother. You can check out her comments here. Ok, on with today’s selection.

It took me a long time to be proud of where I’m from. Every time I’d say I was from New Jersey, I’d get the third degree. There were always Guido jokes, “The Garbage State” nickname, and I distinctively remember an Irish bartender in San Fran being surprised because I wasn’t pushy. As I got older, I accepted my Jersey roots, the fact that we’re also nicknamed “The Porkroll State”, that we’re close to Philly and NYC (which is a blessing), living at “Da Shore” (even though Asbury Park was the only ghetto on the East Coast at one time, I’m OK with it), and we even got our own shirt that said “New Jersey: Only the Strong Survive”. When I got into records, and serious digging, I also got to be proud of our musicians that came from the Garden State. In fact, I always pick up a Jersey record no matter what, it’s just what I do. Today’s selection is an artist from Newark, NJ. He could be possibly one of the most underrated Soul singers of the 1970’s (Rolling Stone magazine would agree). I’m talking about Leroy Hutson. Let’s jump into Leroy Hutson & the Free Spirit Symphony with “Feel the Spirit (In ‘76) on Curtom Records from 1975.

Newark, NJ ( or Brick City as Redman would call it some years later ) would be a city in Jersey that would not only produce some talent, but be a hot bed of Clubs where one could see live Jazz, Funk, Soul, and later on Rock. Check out any of the late 60’s and early 70’s Blue Note Live records, and you’ll see what I’m talking about (my favorite being Grant Green Alive!). As mentioned previously, Hutson hailed from Newark, NJ, and as a teen was a member of the The Nu-Tones. Joining up with Deborah Rollins to form Sugar and Spice, the duo released a few singles on Kapp Records. Hutson’s life would take a huge turn when he was in college attending Howard University. It was here he met Donny Hathaway and also was introduced to musicians such as Herbie Hancock and Roberta Flack. He joined the Howard formed Mayfield Singers (hand picked by Curtis Mayfield himself) and later helped Hathaway record a huge favorite hit of mine “The Ghetto”. By 1971, he was asked to replace Mayfield in the Impressions. He did have a short, successful career with the Impressions, but that just paved a road for his solo stuff that retains an underground following to this day. His affiliation with the Curtom label and Chicago Soul is undeniable. Curtom was founded as one of the first ever African American owned labels. That’s huge for it’s time. With Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions as their flagship artists, they also put out records by Hathaway, Baby Huey and the Babysitters, The Natural Four, The Staple Singers and others. There are many artists who modeled themselves off of the Curtom sound, and it would be an absolute crime to not recognize this record label as a driving force in Soul music history.

Leroy Hutson played mutiple instruments ( saxophone, keyboards, clavinet, piano), and also did some producing and arranging in his time ( Roberta Flack, Natural Four, Linda Clifford among others). He was definitely a cult Soul favorite. “Feel the Spirit” is a great example why. This recording comes in right in the beginning of Disco. It’s driving beat and soulful back up singing celebrate the 200 years of our country’s inception in a way that Hutson only knows. If you weren’t feeling any spirt before you listened to this, Hutson and company beckon you to feel what they’re feeling. After all, it’s only a feeling, they say, and you can celebrate it in your own way. While Disco is definitely not one of my favorite genres, I can dig some of the early stuff, as the artists were in between the times, trying to infuse this new sound with the sounds they were already prolific with. This raw infusion is exactly what I like, and it’s something that you see Jazz cats doing all the time. They mixed the straight ahead Jazz stuff with a Funk or Soul song, and BAM!, you have a winner. Leroy Hutson did the same, and that’s one of the reasons he’s a success, even today. I’m hoping you felt some kind of spirit with this side. Keep Diggin!

Jimmy “Bo” Horne - Let Me Be Your Lover

Jimmie “Bo” Horne - Let Me Be Your Lover from the Sunshine Sound 45

During the early 1990’s we were hit by a barrage of sample based bands. Me being a young buck in the record game, I had no idea at the time this record was the basis (and basically the meat of) one of the songs that was MTV heavy when MTV actually played videos. I hope the original artist was paid handsomely for the use of this song. The more I think about it, I hope Jimmy Smith was paid more than handsomely for the complete rip off of “Root Down (and Get It)” by the Beastie Boys, who really just lifted the whole song to craft their “Root Down” off of Ill Communication. That’s for another time though, (and for the record I’m a huge Beastie Boys fan and supporter, not a basher). The original song I’m speaking of is “Let Me Be Your Lover” by Jimmie “Bo” Horne in 1978 on Sunshine Sound Records.

Jimmie Horace Horne Jr. aka Jimmy “Bo” Horne was born in Miami, FL in 1949. He grew up around music, and like this author was heavily influenced by his Father’s record collection, and also by his Mother’s Gospel singing. He received his nickname “Bo”, because he was bowel legged, and kept the nickname to let people know what Jimmie he was. He took to singing early on, and won a scholarship for voice at Bethune Cookman College in Daytona, FL. He was another Florida artist that was affiliated with Henry Stone of Alston and TK records fame. Originally signing to Dig he 1967 and released “I Can’t Speak”, as well as “If You Want My Love”, and “Street Corners”. After signing with Alston in 1972 ( produced by Clarence Reid and Willie Clarke), he released the answer to Betty Wright’s “Clean Up Woman”, the aptly titled “Clean Up Man”, written by Reid, Clarke, and Little Beaver. He renegotiated his contract shortly after and then was moved to affiliate TK and Harry Wayne Casey (KC of the Sunshine band). This move would prove to be the right one for him. Horne would capitalize on the latest Disco craze ( and of course TK was the place to be for that ). His first single “Dance Across the Floor” was well received, and is his best known single to date. As a matter of fact, it was a cross over hit for Horne into the white radio markets. Not many white radio stations knew of his early records, and thought that this record was his first record out. He then put out “Gimme Some” (which was my first taste of the genius of this artist) on the brown and white Alston label, a catchy tune with a great hook. It didn’t really chart, but I definitely dig it. His later singles “Spank”, “You Got Me Hot”, and “Is It In” weren’t received too well, and at first glance they really look like 70’s porn titles starring John Holmes rather than song titles. They were they swinging 70’s though. Disco was in, but not always number one in his heart. “I was unhappy about the fact that my records made me seem like a mediocre singer”, says Jimmy. “It didn’t satisfy the passion of my heart, but I was happy that it took care of my family.” He was first and foremost a Soul singer in his mind, and that opportunities to express himself in that genre during the Disco’s hey day weren’t there. He toured throughout the 80’s and has remained pretty low key despite his reworking of his hits sometimes in the early 90’s. He does better in Europe rather than the States (isn’t it always the case…hello Daptone Record label and a myriad of other artists), and is still involved in music today.

“Let Me Be Your Lover” is best known for being sampled by the Stereo MC’s on their hit “Connected”. As a matter of fact, I still sneak that tune in during sets. I will play the original too, because really, it’s a decent record. It’s an upbeat little side with a great bass line and horns. Horne croons his heart out (probably in polyester pants), but you’ll soon be doing the Bump to this as you sit in your computer chair. The record isn’t too hard to come by, and if you see it in the field, I’d recommend picking it up. DJ Prime was the first of my digging friends to get a copy of it, and I found one not too long after him. Henry Stone knew how to churn out artists and hits, and Florida Funk, Soul, and Disco was and still is a force to be reckoned with. Keep Diggin’!

Go here to check out the video for “Let Me Be Your Lover”.

Check out the Stero MCs “Connected” video for the finished sampled product.

The Dynatones - The Fife Piper

Hanna and Barbera make records with more than just Cartoons.

The Dynatones - The Fife Piper from the Hannah Barbera Records 45

If there is one thing that always amazes me, it’s that every time I think I get a handle on some record knowledge, well, along comes a thousand other records that I had no idea that existed, and I have to add to my ever growing wants list. Maybe it’s a Midwest record, or maybe it’s some New Orleans thing, or maybe, just maybe it’s a record put out by a company that primarily made children’s cartoons. Really good cartoons that even as an adult I can still dig. Maybe it’s because they make me feel nostalgic. Maybe because the music was cutting edge (although today the Cartoon Network has taken music to the next level by using everyone from Calexico to Danger Doom in their shows), and it was something that was new to me when I was younger. Whatever the case may be, this is where we are today. Here’s a record recommended to me by Funky 16 Corners as we were elbows deep in some dusty box of records. I’m pretty psyched he did. Not only do I dig the old cartoons, if you haven’t realized, but I am a sucker for some jazzy grooves and a nice beat. Let’s jump into “The Fife Piper” by the Dynatones on Hanna Barbera Records from 1966.

William Hanna and Joseph Barbera founded H & B in 1958, and would go on to release many great cartoons, such as the Flintstones and the Jetsons, but it was cartoons like Johnny Quest, the Herculoids, Atom Ant, Quickdraw McGraw, Magilla Gorilla, The Funky Phantom, and the Wacky Races among others, that always had me glued to the TV set on a Saturday morning. It wasn’t until 1965 that HB would try their hand at actually releasing proper records (some which would go on to chart). They had released children’s records of their cartoon characters in the past via Colpix Record Company, but this was their foray into the music business. With the inception of Hanna Barbera Records, they put out R & B, Garage, Pop, Soul, Folk, and Psych. While there weren’t too many hits getting turned out of this camp, some were classics in their own right, sought after by collectors. From the West Coast Jazz scene, to rural West Virginia to Vegas, HB had music from all over the country. Although it was short lived (1965-67), it opened up doors for other HB productions, such as The Banana Splits, who were television and record stars in their own right. I still crack up whenever there is some Danger Island on, Jan Michel Vincent was a trip.

The only thing I know about this band is that they were from Clarksburgh, West Virginia. This instrumental quartet led by flutist Ray Figlar, was based out of Salem College. This isn’t a first pressing, as the original record label was St. Clair from the Iron City of Pittsburgh, PA. While researching this piece, I did find that Ray Figlar is still playing music in a band called Jazz’R'Us out of New Martinsville, West Virginia.

It’s exactly what you would expect from a cartoon company that started a record label. The electric piano and mid tempo drum beat get the groove going, and the flute of Ray Figlar just take over. It’s definitely a head nodder, that picks up about halfway through (with a slight psych tinge) until the fife piper starts to do his thing again. Herbie Mann would have been proud. I’m sure this quartet was the funkiest, jazziest band to ever come out of Salem College. The beat goes on and if this thing wasn’t released for radio play, it would have no problem finding a slot in one of the many cartoons of the day that Hanna Barbera were putting out. So here you have it family, some Jazzy grooves courtesy of one of the best cartoon companies ever (with Tex Avery running a close second). I’ll see you midweek with some more goodness. Keep Diggin’!

Bonus: Wacky Races: The Great Cold Rush Race

The Tremeloes - Instant Whip

The Tremeloes - Instant Whip from the CBS 45

I’m all about keeping an open mind when I DJ and when I listen to music. This record is all about that. While not a traditional Funk or Soul record at all, I was pleasantly surprised when this thing made it’s way into my record box via a private sale. A few of my DJ friends have definitely turned me on to some Rock drum breaks, and as of late I’ve been picking up more things like Atomic Rooster and some Psych stuff that has a raw, even funky edge to it. I did a review early on of The Illusion out of Long Island, NY, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the drums on this next one. I want to thank DJ Bluewater for turning me on to this slice of British goodness. I’m referring to the Tremeloes with “Instant Whip” from CBS Records in 1969.

Original formed in 1958 as Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, Poole split in 1966 as Alan Blakey took the reigns as leader and the replacement of the old bassist Alan Howard with Len “Chip” Hawkes (also as lead singer) gave them a fresh start. Previously they were on Decca Records, and had a handful of minor hits performing cover songs of Roy Orbison, the Contours, and others. It was move to CBS Records and a cover of a Cat Stevens tune “Here Comes my Baby” in 1967 that opened doors for songs like “My Little Lady”, “Hello World” and the number one “Silence is Golden” (yet another cover, this time of the Four Seasons). The hits seemed to dwindle after 1971, and the line up changed a few times. Some member opted for solo careers, ( Len Hawkes ) and outside producing gigs, only to reunite with the band years later. Like I said there were many line up changes, and the original quartet did score a minor hit in 1992, but there wasn’t success with this band like they had in the earlier years.

The wailing of Chip Hawkes can be heard through out this tune, and on the real, it’s a guitar driven Rock track. Hold up. I know, I said Rock track. But wait, there is more. This thing is drum heavy. It’s all courtesy of drummer Dave Munden. The man is an animal on this track. You know I couldn’t let this side pass through Flea Market Funk without some heavy drums. There they were in 1969, and these English cats are drawing influence from everyone from the Isley Brothers and Cat Stevens ( and obviously some Funk Rock..maybe some Sly?), and they manage to turn out a banger like this. I know this may not be your everyday cup of tea, or something you’ve grown to expect here at FMF, but you can’t deny the beat. Sometimes it’s just all about that, the beat. We’ll see if the weather holds up for some digging this weekend, but at any rate, I have some treats lined up no matter what. Props to Coop over at Positive Ape Index for showing FMF some love and for that sweet little mix he put up this week. Go get it will you? Keep Diggin’!