Martin L. Dumas, Jr. - Attitude, Belief & Determination

Well, I finally, finally got a copy. It's a grail amongst the two-step and boogie crowd. It's also rare as shit. Harder to find than a mosquito dick. Even in Chicago this record has been known to be impossible to find. Our good folks from both far and near, from the folks at Cherries Records to Peabody's know this track doesn't turn up very often. Speaking of the Peabody's and Chicago this song is the mascot, if you will, of the amazing compilation by the Peabody's called 'The Real Side Of Chicago'. Most of you know about this comp, but until I had this glorious Martin Dumas 12 inch in my greasy hands the comp was the only way I had it.


The song is a serious mood setter, and epic at almost 10 minutes. It also has this awesome salsa or brazilian turn around that it plays with throughout the song. This is definite driving music, ripe for cruising around in a convertible or old school ride on a sunday. What I love most is it's positive message it's the kind we need more of in our world.

Martin L. Dumas, Jr. - Attitude, Belief & Determination

Ben - I Would Have To Be a Fool

This kinda ended up being a regular spin at Sweaterfunk. I don't know how it got into my crates but once it did, it was a staple. Rather nice record to have because it has the regular vocal version, and right after it the instrumental version. Even stranger that it's one sided 12 inch. We clearly needed another side from this guy. I don't know anything about Ben, but this record appears to be from the L.A. area. lol. Its just darn good quality indie-soul and this track is a classy boogie jam.
It somehow made it's way into Jon Blunck's crates as well, and played on the regular. With the two of us having it, that meant it was played a lot. I was just reminiscing about SF and how I haven't been able to make it in ages. Jon just recently assured me my membership was 'fo life' and after getting jumped in there's no escaping. I'm not going to push the subject any farther than that. After all, Jon is from Los Angeles, and dresses like a gang banger and I probably don't want to play around.. might end up in the bay with cement shoes on.

This track was just released on 'Under The Influence' number 3 compiled by the homie James Glass. Shit, I've known James for something like 20-25 years. We've gone from bugging out over Dorothy Ashby LP's to wigging out on Willie Wood and the Willie Wood Crew. He's been into disco much, MUCH, longer than I, but we've met in the middle somewhere called boogie. Good chap he is, and a deep digger with a lethal collection. Known for only holding stone cold mint copies of things, he also shows with this comp, his tastes are immaculate as well.

Enjoy this Ben track..


Ben - I Would Have To Be a Fool

Apostles - Feeling Happy

Heading to a record sale here in a few hours. Looking at the list of sellers, it's gonna be a great show. Lots of breaks, funk and music from all over. Everything from African to Latin to Indian funk should be well represented.
For address and additional info check here....
Huge Record Sale
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/gms/2326823926.html
As record sales seem to get better and better, it's tending to be as a result of being in younger hands. The staunchy old 'oldies' collectors have less and less of what we're really looking for.  The younger cats are taking over. More and more record hustlers are selling quantity and setting up shop on ebay and discogs with quality. It's refreshing to see this many sellers at a swap and even more exciting that it's here in Oakland. It's from 12-4pm and even better that folks don't have to get up at the crack of dawn. I'm still wishing for a PM or nite swap like our folks up north with the Nite-Owl record swap in Portland. But, for now this will do. You'll want to make this if you're in the area.

Onto this heavy piece of Nigerian funk from these fine men known as The Apostles. From the 197? LP entitled 'Wisdom' is this funky tune 'Feeling Happy' on EMI Nigeria. These cats have about five other albums, but I know little about their overall history. Juan played this record for me after his first trip to Africa, and I'm just glad he's returned to the motherland and tracked this one down for me. If only now he'd find the ROB record for me!

Most of these records have gobs of dust and dirt. Condition with these records is always difficult. They usually have years of road dirt and hot sun warpage. It's hard to find anything in mint condition. But, the incredible strength of these artist usually shines through, and sometimes the funk out weighs interference. I often like my funk with a bit of bacon sizzling away in the background anyway.


Apostles - Feeling Happy

Ann Alford - Got To Get Me A Job

This is Ann's sole record release but it is a slammin' deep funk 45 heater. It may be her only record, but it's well loved and enjoyed. Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana this sister cut these two sides and vanished as far as we know. The flip is incredible as well, a true ballad in a tear stained James Brown fashion. I think Hy Sign was a subsidiary of the Murco label.


I noticed the other day that BGP has just released this same song this year coupled with Alvin Cash's 'Twine Time' on a new 45. Interesting to see that BGP and ACE are still keeping up with the Joneses. Perhaps they are attempting to cash in on the endless times that this tune has been comped, booted and re-issued. Nice to know you can get this great tune for a cheap price. They've started out well for 2011 and I'm curious to see what's next. In that respect I probably paid way too much for it, but you get to reap the benefits again. Here I present my rip of this great sister funk 45 for you to enjoy.

Ann Alford - Got To Get Me A Job

Edward Fisher - I Feel Good

Speaking of slow 'burners', this one comes to us from Edward Fisher who is also known as Eddie Fisher. My record collecting first lead me to Eddie and his LP 'Eddie Fisher And The Next One Hundred Years'. With songs like 'East St. Louis Blues' and 'Jeremiah Pucket' I had found my crown prince of funky groove. It was exactly what I was looking for at that time. Heavy drum tracks, incredible arrangements and masterful musicianship. Not to mention it was a sample filled and a head nodders dream. It's an incredible jazz funk LP rooted in some heavy band of gypsies trip. So, that was the beginning and a introductory chapter into a great relatively unknown guitarists amazing career. I like all of Fisher's LP's and his work spreads throughout a huge time span of different sounds and influences. This post is from his 'Promise' LP made in 1985. Just so happens that the 'hundred years' LP was the first I heard by Mr. Eddie Fisher.

There were others before it, and it was a few years later that I picked up the rest of his LP's. He started out as The Eddie Fisher Quintet with the 'Third Cup' album. It was a debut album for Chess records and demonstrated his prowess on the guitar and is a formidable acid jazz and soul jazz work. It set the pace for most of his early work. Very funk and groove based but, always with a tinge of psychedelia and general spaced out feel. Always reaching out for more and something deeper it seemed. It's no wonder he was on the Chess label as he had some previous history being the bandleader for Albert King.

Next up was the 'Hundred Years' LP and only further expanded his acid laced funk sound. This record is mental. I think he must have inspired a great deal of jazz funkers at that time. He certainly did for me and others when we re-discovered it. It seems that Chess records was being quite contemporary at that time pushing more funky and commercial records with the Cadet subsidiary. For Stang records he then gave us 'Hot Lunch' which expanded things with more commercial appeal. Use of synthesisers, and branching out from the usual instrumental jazz funk with the use of vocals. Like the very Larry Graham and Sly Stone inspired 'Gimme, Lend Me, Loan Me' and the Marvin Gaye influenced 'It's That Music', it only further illustrated that Eddie was ever evolving.

Later on, possibly in the 80's at some point he started his own label Nentu with his wife. There he cut a p-funk scented boogie masterjam 'Gigalo'
on 12 inch and this LP called 'The Promise'. This album is consistently good throughout. As is all of his LP's. But, for me at the moment, my stand out tracks are this one and the very George Duke sounding 'pluck' adapted song called 'The Jam'. When they surface in my collection again, I will post other songs from these other earlier LP's, but for now this came in the mail the other day and completes the Edward aka 'Eddie' Fisher chapter in my collection. This only means more for YOU to enjoy. Cheers.


Edward Fisher - I Feel Good

Frank Alstin - It Must Be Love This Time

Here's another jam that seems ripe for the summertime. I know very little about Frank Alstin, however he had quite a few tries at this particular jam. This version has a very home spun almost demo tape sound to it. He recorded it again in 1986 with the fabulous Jean Carne. And, in 1992 it was revamped and given a few 'house' remixes and released in the UK. We know close to nothing about the rest of his career, but this little slab of funk boogie soul definitely increases the desire for more of the same caliber. He did pen a few songs for First Choice, Loleatta Holloway, Sandra Phillips and The Jones Girls. Not a bad gang of folks to be associated with!

This earliest version is the best version in my eyes, but it's hard to deny the excellent vocals from Jean Carne. This version lacks those extra female vocals but does have a crisp snappy funk feel and some excellent synth soloing. Although a lot of the versions out there are dated 1983 but, seem to be the later version from 86. I'm happy to share this track as it seems to be the hardest version to come by and doesn't go for cheap these days. I hope you enjoy.

Frank Alstin - It Must Be Love This Time

Professor And The Efficiency Experts - I Gotta Stand For Something

Long story on this one. I first heard about this song way, way back from my friend Seth Roehl who played it for me over the phone. I hassled him about this 'white label' deep funk test pressing, trying to get him to trade it to me throughout the years. At that time most folks knew this as an obscure and rare funk test pressing. Some, like ourselves, knew nothing about it other than it sounded like the heaviest shit we had ever heard. A few years later, I found out that this was in fact a white label re-press done by none other than Skate Master Tate.

Still at that time, it was coveted among funk collectors and still remained a high dollar record, even as a bootleg. I was lucky enough to find the original yellow label Stanson 45 in a shop in L.A. for a measly 5 bucks. I was so overjoyed to separate it from it's sleeve with that certain look and feel that it hadn't been touched before. Finally a conquest for this 45 had ended with a stock unplayed copy.

So, jump down the time line now 10-15 years later when my friends Jon Erickson and Bart Davenport gave me a call and asked if I'd meet them at Wally Sound Recording Studios. They were in the middle of recording a few songs for an upcoming Greyboy album. They were using old equipment and getting a vintage sound, trying to replicate a few original songs that DJ Greyboy had sent them. Jon and Bart insisted I sing with them on one of the tracks and they said I would love the song. As soon as I heard the whistle and crowd noises from the beginning of the record I knew exactly what it was and knew all of the lyrics by heart. I gave it my best shot and still to this day you can hear faintly in the background backings vocals from yours truly. Now, of course Sharon Jones took hold of this track with the lead vocals, but this was an experience of a lifetime for me. Just my ultra tiny little claim to fame, and like my friend Xan said, I was 'high on lead singing' even if the end result had our vocals father away in the mix. Still, incredible to be a part of one of my all time favorite funk 45's and see it evolve into current times and be featured on this LP.  Me and Sharon Jones baby!

This was also issued on 'Funk Spectrum II' compiled by Kenny Dope and Keb Darge. It's listed on that compilation as simply 'Undiscovered Break' with no other information. Oddly my friend Seth did finally give up his copy of this record almost 20 years later, so now I have both the white label bootleg and original now. Go figure.

This is a beast of a funk track. Probably one of my most favorite deep funk 45's. The constant and underlying fuzz and feedback coated guitar really stings like a bee. It's a guitar sound that's straight out of some seedy biker exploitation flick. The drums slap and knock along like a dirty fight that rolls and crashes from the bar out into the street. Check out the wicked fills and rolls..this drummer was serious business. All together wrapped up with speckles of horns and a ever growing party in the studio. Sounds like numerous folks are getting down on the lead vocals. Like a true 'pack' of funkateers. This track is the perfect example of nasty garage funk. Just how we like it.


Professor And The Efficiency Experts - I Gotta Stand For Something

Baba Yaga - Too Cool To Be True

Killer funk jam by this 70's era all women's band. Sounds a bit Afro influenced with these heavy horns piercing through the mix. This one was fit for the club both now, and then according to the lyrics. Swarming to the disco with those uniform denim blues. Look out. These ladies are fired up. Lead by a heavy break in the front, it's charged up with the same shit that's still going on these days..growling stomachs, high gas prices, and people looking for work. This release was distributed by local woman's label Olivia and you can get comprehensive deets and pics here. Probably the tastiest women's funk club tune I can think of and reminds me of the 'all-girl' live performances I saw today.

Yes, I'm still sick from last week and feeling like shit, but I had to make the trek outside in the constant rain to see my daughter perform at the G.R.A.S.P. (Girls Rock After School Program) in downtown Oakland. Sick as I was, I was busy sleeping all day and if she hadn't called to remind me, I may have slept right through it. Daddies, stay on ya toes! It was great (and a great program) to see my daughter rock the drums in her own style and I'm glad I took her to see the Girl's Rock Movie 2 to 3 years ago. I saw a total of 15 groups play one song each, ages ranging from 6 to 16 years young. I was looking at the attendance and over all high head count and thinking there is definite potential for my evolving all ages Oak-a-go-go TV show idea, developed from Chicago's own cable access show Chic-a-go-go. Check out what they do.

While in downtown Oakland, I caught a facebook mention of a record sale. Of course I had to check that out. Sick or not, I was already out there in the rain. I'm in full support of Oakland record shows, and even better when they are in the afternoon or at night. Great little swap at the Spice Monkey Loft organized by Geraldine of feelmygrooves.com and the new east bay multi-genre soul night called 'The Clearing' at the Kingsman's Ivy Room. It's held every third Friday, but April's date is scheduled for the 22nd. Heads up. Been meaning to re-stomp the Ivy Room and see the major re-vamping they've done since our crew was there so many years ago. Props to all those folks at the swap for toughing it out in the rain. Looks as though the Spice Monkey has some tasty food as well. Great idea..the wifey can grab a bite to eat, and I can chip away at our life savings on my compulsion with records.
So, all in all, a nice little day. Even though I felt like absolute crap. I hope I didn't infect anyone along my way. If so, my sincere apologies! Now I'm nestled back in our crib, nice and warm, hopefully nursing this very flu like cold on it's way out the motha-fuckin' door!


Baba Yaga - Too Cool To Be True

Homegrown Syndrome - Confrontation

Big ups to my man Renmin
Cardona. This is a Soundboutique exclusive courtesy of Renmin. Not only does he have the coolest name in the world, but he's truly one of the coolest cats I know. It's rare I come across someone so honest, so mellow, so cool, and with such a great sense of humor. So, I gotta give him dap. But, let's rub his thick cool cat coat of fur a little more...He's deep in the crates game and discovered this true gem of a song by Homegrown Syndrome. WOW! When he first told me about the title, I thought it sounded cheesy as hell. But, once his portable turntable got up to 45 rpm, I also got up to speed with this killer disco boogie cut. Such a aggressive disco burner, complete with tuff breakdown. Anybody that still unearths gems and digs deep until they find something new, get mad, mad respect from me.

He's been a crew member of Sweaterfunk for a few years and along side Proof has brought us two volumes of 'Night Shift', which was one of the earliest boogie mix Cd's floating around San Francisco. He's also my right hand man in busting out with our own pressings of vinyl. More to come in the future. Let's pedal backwards a little to his name, although understand this.. the name does not make the man. How cool is the name Renmin? I mean, you don't have to change your name for DJ flyers or nothin'! Sure, he gets the most amount of ad libs due to the 'Ren' and 'min' in his name...but, this guy is sooooo cool and soooooo mellow, he's usually crackin' the jokes on himself. A comedy style much like myself. But, his humbleness is in it's purest form I would say. My favorite is REN DMC, or rather the more fitting REN DJC. I noticed on his record box the other day it said 'Philip E. Knowles', as in 'Filipinos', truly a cool breeze of a brother in my eyes. So, in addition to the constant humor you have him to thank for discovering this nice little disco boogie funk track.

Sadly this was Homegrown's only offering. Even in 1981 bands got signed to majors like Arista and were dropped like hot cakes with or without a chance for a full length LP. In this case, without a full length album shot. There was an additional issue of this 45 released with the tune 'You And Me Baby' on the flip. It's rumored that this band was in fact a band called 'Home Grown Funk' that recorded with and were under the wing of Ike Turner. But, this can't be confirmed as of yet, it may have been a name for the band that Ike carried around with him for some time supplying it with whomever backed him up. There's an album called 'The Edge' by 'Ike Turner and Home Grown Funk' which appears to be the same group, but again it's not confirmed and hard to pin point.  Homegrown Syndrome were Los Angeles based and Home Grown Funk were from Memphis. It gets confusing with the 'Edge' album release as it's dated 1980, yet sounds more like 1973. Even more affirming is the appearance of Tina Turner's vocals on the 'Edge' album, probably just a marketing of previously unreleased material. Maybe Ike had a hand in helping to sign 'Homegrown' to Arista for the release of this 45.

Whoever Homegrown Syndrome were, if you're out there...we want to know you. We are thankful here on this blog for your music. Again, props are due to Renmin Cardona for discovering and sharing this great tune. Truly a Jedi in the music world and a cool dude to boot. A.k.a Philip!

Homegrown Syndrome - Confrontation

Oliver Sain - On The Hill

My first experience with Oliver Sain was somewhat checkered. I had a relatively bad first few outings when discovering his records. His first record that I found was 'Blue Max', a really cool 'looking' record with hip people on the cover dancing in some sporty dance spot. Turned out to not be the greatest of albums, probably third on his list of three LP's for my tastes. Yet, this was an album that registered a few hits for him with 'Party Hearty' and 'She's A Disco Queen' but quite possibly ended his disco efforts at the time. Then, if luck had meant for us to not meet again, I found 'Bus Stop'. Also looked promising, featuring a double exposure of people getting on a bus. This LP also had a few songs that charted for him including 'Booty Bumpin' and the title track. This LP 'Bus Stop' also prompted a UK tour and wider exposure. Again, looked a lot cooler than it actually was. Not to say that it wasn't good, just not mind melting instrumental heavy weight funk, which was what I was really looking for at that time.

Keep this in mind...these LP's are all amazing works of groove jazz and discofied funk. All of them are top notch. When I say I wasn't initially impressed, please keep in mind I am SUPER picky. Then, finally at last, I found it, the one LP with not just one, but two incredible tracks. Both a bad ass jazz funk instrumental and a deep funk club tune were on there. I couldn't believe it. Finally I had found the one and only grail of Oliver Sain. Again, not to discredit his other offerings, I have them all and don't want to part with them, so that says a lot. But, like I mention...this one LP had the 'real' head nodders and the dance floor packer as well.
So, As it turns out, I discovered these LP's in the opposite order that they were released. This LP 'Main Man' was the first to be issued in 1972.  Then 'Bus Stop' in '74 and 'Blue Max' in '75.
 
'On The Hill' is such heavy mood piece. It slithers around like a anaconda seeking prey. Just raunchy funk. This is great soundtrack material, could have easily complimented any exploitation flick. Hip hop producers seem to agree with me, as this track has been sample a few times. A big broad bodacious mood with funk texture for miles.
The other track from this LP is the classic funk DJ spin 'St. Louis Breakdown' in which he mentions San Francisco! Both 'On The Hill' and 'St. Louis Breakdown' saw release on 45 as well as on this album.
Oliver was vital to St. Louis music history and continued to work and perform there until his battle with bone and bladder cancer was lost in 2003. He started out as a drummer and played with Little Milton, Sonny Boy Williamson and Howlin' Wolf in the wee wee early days. He later got into producing and recording and ignited the careers of Fontella Bass and Bobby McClure. Then he took to the Saxophone, recorded these LP's and never put the sax down. He also has an interesting LP from 1981 on Houston Connection Recording Corporation label which has some funky moments and some tasty sounds thanks to the ARP Synthesizer.
All in all, Oliver's contributions were high in quantity and his efforts well received. I started out probably with his most watered down and eventually got right on down to the real heavy weight nuggets with his best. Now, I appreciate his work as a whole, and as a whole lot of great sound.
Check out this cool little local St. Louis TV bit on him...
KETC - Living in St. Louis with Oliver Sain
It's cool how he mentions being into the music for the satisfaction and reward of helping another artist towards success, especially because he probably made very little money.  Either way...Oliver Sain we appreciate YOU!! Rest in Peace! We'll honor you up on the hill!!

Oliver Sain - On The Hill

Cardell Funk Machine - Shoot Your Shot

With it being Sunday you think it'd be time to ride the gospel train again, but I've got deeper funkier places to take you. The slow seedy funk of Cardell's Funk Machine seems fitting. This is raunchy drop top 80's funk, is perfect for cruising. The beat is mellow and the mood is pimperific. Fantastic analog dripping synthesisers over slapped up bass lines. It's sloppy, atmospheric, and down right rude. I don't think I've heard a stripped down bass and drum track sound so nasty.

This was another one I wanted to share for the anniversary party. There's some bacon gettin' cooked up around the beginning of the song. It's not mint, a bit scratchy really, but because it's so majorly rare I think its ok. I've heard that even Mr. Cardell doesn't have a copy. However, I know he's struck a deal with PPU and made a little cash from this slice of funk. I know the folks at PPU take care of thier folks and have honest business practices, something I think needs commending. I think many artists are getting more these days then when these tunes first came out. I know I bought my first copy of this on the PPU label, and maybe that's a way to ensure they get a piece of the action. I'm struggling with figuring out a way some of the artists that get exposure on this blog can make a dime or two. I'll figure it out, but I wouldn't want to scare people away with a fee. For now, we'll just stick to spreading the good word on artists that need exposure, and sharing a few offerings in hopes that consumers will hunt down and/or buy what IS available. We'll come up with something for the site though.... For now, we'll just continue to pay tribute instead of paying fees.



Cardell Funk Machine - Shoot Your Shot

Freedom - Sunshine

In hope of continuing the celebration of our 2 year anniversary I come bearing gifts. Just so happens to be a track that Cool Chris has blessed us here locally with for some time now. Well, I've finally got my hands on one and now I'm giving it to you.

On the surface, its a great funk track, almost a bit typical sounding in it's formula. Definitely a monster of a funk tune. But, once it reaches the crescendo and the backing vocals take those 'sunshine' harmonies you'll realize there's more to it.  Sweet horns and some jazzy almost fretless sounding guitar riffs contribute to making this more than your average funk 45. It's a bit jazzy and just the right touch of sweetness.

'Sunshine' is the flip side to 'Can't You See' by Freedom on what seems to be their own label. Don't think this group had any other releases and never got a chance to record a full LP.
Just a great little tune. Big thanks to Cool Chris for banging this one out whenever he plays records.


Freedom - Sunshine

The New Establishment - Ridin' High

I scored this at one of the better record shops in San Francisco for 5 bucks. Granted it was a while ago, but still such a great shop. Wonderful really. I'm talking about none other than Rooky Ricardo's on Haight street of course. The shop is run by Dick Vivien. Dick's been supplying the local area with soul flavor for ages. I've been going there for as far back as I can remember. It's always a great shop to hit up, and I've always found good stuff there. You have to be willing to get on your knees (no pun intended) to scour and search through the endless piles. But, I've found some goodies in the stacks. Dick is always willing to keep an eye out for anything you're looking for and often is a great resource. I would imagine it's hard for him to remember everything you're after, but he definitely knows his music and will always try.

Dick is also quite the dance enthusiast and will show you how to do the Football, or the Madison, or the Funky Broadway, or the Funky Chicken..exactly how it was done back then. He's actually given dance lessons at the store. He's full of great ideas and that helps keep music alive and fresh at his shop. KOFY TV 20 had a dance show on Sunday mornings (or, was it Saturdays?) and I used to see him dancing on that show. I think they've brought the TV 20 Dance Party back? I thought I heard someone mention that recently.

Funny factoid...going way back to the early to mid 90's....I once DJ'ed a monthly party there. My good friend Seth Roehl, who was at the time, partner with Dick, and had pioneered the idea of throwing DJ nites there. Imagine that. I've still got the flyers somewhere around here.
If you're coming to the city any time soon, this is a place not to miss. I think they've kept alive by stocking good stuff, pursuing soul 45's and offering mix tapes and recordings to the local SF community.

I found this 45 in their five dollar box and thanks to some funk comp knew exactly what I had just scored. Actually I had really wanted this tune for some time. It became an anthem for me and became a tune that got played every funk party I had something to do with. 'Ridin' High' by The New Establishment is an ultra tasty rare groove bomb. It's the flip side of 'Slums Of The City' which is also gut busting deep funk (apparently NOT working on me anymore) that will pack any dance floor. But, it's this cleaner, more mellow, morality tale that captivated me. Perhaps it's the minor cordage, or the killer falsetto vocals, or the swooning harmonies. Whatever it is, it's always completely drawn me in. Released on the killer looking 'United World' label with the peace symbol in the super tight font design. 
This is another one I'm happy to be posting. I did not see it anywhere else on the net or on other blogs. I wonder why. Perhaps I'm not looking in the right places. But, this is too good to just keep a secret and I'm glad to share it on SB.

Rooky Ricardo's Records in the lower Haight
 

The New Establishment - Ridin' High

Exit 9 - Miss Funky Fox

Just recently came across this LP again and wanted to post it up here. More and more lately I've been trying to get back 'out' in the crates. I'm usually quite content with a small amount of 'field work' and prefer to 'e-dig' when the family is safe and sound asleep. But, making my way back down into the trenches has been fruitful to say the least. Not that I never get out in the stores, flea markets, conventions and so on. But, lately I've been trying to get out more often. Usually, I only see the same old stuff I already have, and because I'm not a seller, double just tent to collect dust. They do tend to act as vehicles to get posted here though.
I had originally planned this tune to make an appearance on my mix 'Heavy Duty Shit' Vol. 2, and now I'm trying to make that happen a little sooner. It also reminded me of the bluesy funk that my Brother digs, and he was just in town again staying at my crib.
He picked up the 'Light On The South Side' LP and book by Numero Group and we were drolling over it. The amazing photos reminded us of the blues bar we grew up around the corner from. I'm realizing that my snobby 'original' wax only policy is keeping me from some of this incredible stuff. The new Syl Johnson box set looks and sounds incredible. I need to get them shits!
Speaking of re-issues, this LP was origianlly released in 1975 on the Brunswick label, but re-issued in 1997 and again by Soul Brother Records in 2002. It's a fantastic LP, solid from start to finish, and containing mostly moving numbers. It's polished, powerful, brassy and funky as shit. My favorite tune is 'Miss Funky Fox' but 'Fly' is pretty dope too. To compare them to a larger mainstream group, I'd say they are closest to Tower Of Power. With a big horn section, hecka band members, a funk heavily rooted in the blues, and smoking hot vocals by Johnny Rios only solidify this comparison.

'Miss Funky Fox' is seriously glowing hot. Just the imagery that comes to mind when you hear this is incredible! I can almost see the carpet on the floor holding the drum set steady, yet it's still got that heavy movement back and forth. You can feel the mesh on the amps shaking and the hands slapping the congas. I've used this term a few times before, but Exit 9 qualify, as they sound like they're coming through with the power of a freight train. Rock solid funk here indeed.
The band members were incredibly young when the group formed and most were 16-20 years old when this record came out. An incredible offering from these young cats from New York. Exit 9 were originally called Qualified Funk and at the time of this finely produced record, they were 9 members deep, although a guest singer on one of the tunes is credited on the liner notes. The majority of these tunes are fast and uptempo and are definitely all killer no filler. It makes sense to me that this has been re-issued twice and remastered as well. Enjoy this tune from their sole LP and see what incredible potential they had.

Exit 9 - Miss Funky Fox

The Eddy Grant Special

EXCLUSIVE WORLD PREMIER TRIBUTE TO  

EDDY GRANT AND THE EQUALS

Time to make way for one of the absolute and undeniable kings of music in my eyes. Often a guy who is lesser known and perhaps never really received his 'due'. I'd put him up there with some of my all time favorite top cats, Arthur Lee or George Clinton, who, in my eyes, really made tracks in their own distinct directions. Eddy wasn't a complete lyrical genius like Arthur Lee, but he could craft a catchy pop tune out of a wet paper bag. He wasn't the founding father of psychedelic funk like George Clinton, but everything he did had a 'funky' edge, even his rock and roll is tuff, soulful and rythmatical. He had some kind of undeniable energy that made everything irresistibly charming and jump right out of the speakers into your lap. Many of his songs, whether they are bubble gum pop, skin head soul, reggae, garage punk, or plain ole rock and roll, they always have another edge to them, and are seriously chock full of potent energy. If there ever was undertones to music or something you could read between the lines it was with Eddy Grant. To me, his freedom to bounce in and out of so many genres made him an endlessly invaluable innovator. I think his only downfall was staying too much in one pocket, mostly being reggae, but somehow he made that work and made tons of money from it.


We all know what it sounds like to take a walk down 'Electric Avenue' but, his rich history is seemingly unknown. I had heard faint whispers online that somewhere someone was going to release a complete Eddy Grant compilation. I forget who it was...Soul Strut? Soul Jazz? Perhaps I will beat them to it here. But, it definitely needs to be accomplished. The man deserves to be known for what is really the bigger Eddy Grant picture
He proves my 'energy' theory with an extended rap sheet of other projects. Not only has he released a ton of other records recording under different names, he's produced so much and been in so many other groups, many of us, myself included are still trying to piece it all together. I will attempt to break the ice on this fascinating untold story. No pun (he was on Ice Records for a while) in tented there.
This may take 2, 3 or even 4 parts to tell his story and post the according tracks. But, in order to do it proper it will take time. The sheer magnitude of what he's done would probably be a 15 CD box set if you catch my drift. And, I'd like to avoid the attention of any copyright infringement issues with our insignificant offerings.

First up, right down to business, from the funky era we have The Equals 'Mystic Sister' from the LP of the same name. Its frightfully experimental with it's jarring, nails on a chalkboard, type of keyboard riff that sounds as though it's partially submerged under water. Yet, the feeling is resurrected with Eddy's powerful almost shouting chants and a few funky 'well, well, wells' thrown in for good measure. Head cracking drums and some early use of synthesisers round it out. One thing about the equals I should start out with is just how amazing they look throughout time. If you have an affinity for mixed race bands that  are draped in 60's through 70's rags, then they're your band. With all the UK, European and Japanese singles that were released, you've got a treasure trove of killer looking covers to collect.


The Equals - Mystic Syster

Next up is 'Diversion' from The Equals. Early fuzzy punk goodness from 1973. Pure mix of glam and punk that easily earns these guys a 'founding fathers of punk' award from me. The guitar rips like a chainsaw and the song crashes along, with mass of maracas and symbols crashing in your ears. Eddy's referencing his 'diversion' as a tale of being thrown in jail for a bit, but he's back. And, back with a vengeance in this killer 60's inspired punk stomp. I love his 'yelps', 'ahs', and 'yeows' and the general raspiness in his voice. His screaming and carrying on make young R&B punk lords The Pretty Things sound docile in comparison.

The Equals - Diversion




Another one from the early days. Brought up from the deepest caverns of garage and punk rock history. 'My Life Ain't Easy' from their first LP. Hard ass drums and fuzz guitar that sounds as if it were recorded in a distant room. All the while with well put harmonizing backing vocals and Eddy screaming on top. There's some interesting things to look at when looking at the career of Eddy Grant and The Equals and the beginning releases. Released in the same year as Sly And The Family Stone's 'A Whole New Thing' one has to question just how ready the industry was to promote mixed race groups. In 1967 when it was released, the American version on Laurie had negative and positive exposures of their band picture, and the UK version on the President label had a strangely suspect and oddly 'colorized' looking picture of them. Makes me wonder what boundaries they encountered as a group in those early days. I'd love to interview Eddy at some point and get all of this info first hand.

The Equals - My Life Ain't Easy

UK version released on President

US version on Laurie

This next classic of his was reworked through several time periods. I've counted a total of 4 different versions of the same song. There may be more, but we'll highlight 2 of the best versions of 'Nobody's Got Time' for this special. This first version is from his very first self titled solo outing on Torpedo records. It's a different mix from the 7 inch version, which is killer as well, but this version is longer and just as lethal. I'll definitely rip the 7 inch soon, because it is jaw dropping heavy funk. It's a damn hard LP to find and really shows what potential he had. It's rock, it's funk, it's reggae, it's really all over the place. But, good and interesting throughout. This LP is a super big treat for y'all. I dug around quite a bit and couldn't find any of this ANYWHERE. So, I'm pretty sure it's a Soundboutique exclusive.

Eddy Grant - Nobody's Got Time (Torpedo LP version)





Then the later version released in 1980 on the 'Love In Exile' LP which became a classic in the loft classic, disco, and cosmic DJ crowds. The dub version of 'Nobody's' is still in great demand. Haunting vocals, sweeping atmosphere, strange keyboards, and the basis for an electro orgasm you can see why. I still prefer the vocal version, just because I am EG's biggest fan. You can't beat a harmonica solo right dab in the middle. You can also see how a dubbed version could cause your head to start to cave in. It's a lethal version later available by the Coach House Rhythm Section on a Ice Records 12 inch.

Eddy Grant - Nobody's Got Time (1980 version)

Last, but not least another tune that seems to pop up here and there. I think there are three versions of this as well. This is yet another heavy treat and from this mega rare first LP 'self titled' from Eddy Grant. A monster funk tune, just raw and gritty. It's a trip to hear many of his tunes as they progressed and changed and cleaned up and got organized. These version from this album as dirty, raw and fairly unpolished. Nice! We like it like that. But, you'll see in the next part of this special on Eddy Grant what a good shave, shit and a shower can do for his tunes. We'll post up a lot more in a part two and/or three...like Black Skinned Blue Eyed Boys, Baby Come Back, Funky Like A Train, I Get So Excited, I can't See But You Don't Know, and the many other versions of Stone Cold Cat and Nobody's Got Time.

Eddy Grant - Stone Cold Cat (Torpedo LP version)

Self Titled LP on Torpedo

World Premier, shhhht. I crack myself up sometimes.

Eldridge Holmes - Pop, Popcorn Children

Well, well, well. Right down to brass tacks for the new year. Undisputed new heavy weight super funk. There's few tracks that bang along like a freight train, and this offering from Mr Holmes is one of them. Solid drum filled smoking hot funk goodness. When I stumbled across a few copies of this at a record convention many years ago, I knew I had hit a soul mine. This juicy 45 was desired by all my fellow funk hunters and honestly, I couldn't have found enough to meet the demand. Everybody wanted it. Nice to be able to trade such a caliber of 45. You'll hear why in a second. Eldridge had a few gems along the way, but never a full LP. Sad but true. Under the wing of Toussaint and fresh from Sehorns Soul farm Eldridge had the highest endorsement. With a nice tuff, raspy strong voice he laced tracks from early boogaloo to northern soul to bad ass funk. From 'Humpback' to 'Lovely Woman',  I don't know a tune by this man that is anything short of killer. Spattered throughout labels, Deesu, Kansu, and Jet Set this man assembled a tasty career of one off's. Funk conessuiers should also peep his slow funk banger 'The Book'. Also, for those looking to follow in the steps of Allen Toussaint's smooth take on soul, Eldridge is a sure bet.

This is another fine artist from the New Orleans area, and there's no doubt that the Meter's graced the recording sessions a time or two. In fact it's more apparent on his earlier recordings, but they are all indeed completely rock solid grooves. But, I truely think this 45 takes the cake. Recorded in 1969 during a brief courting by the Atco label it was one of his last few records that he released.  He resumed a normal life in Louisianna and abandoned a recording and performing career. He never had a hit or entered the charts, but was and still is well loved by soul AND funk enthusiasts world wide. Many, like myself think he was an incredible artist with great potential. Just so happens that a few cats in New Orleans felt the same way. Fortunately they kept pushing him and as a result we have a fine collection of 45 to enjoy. Sadly he passed away at the age of 56 but, saw some long over due credit and respect in the deep funk revival of the 90's. Hats off Mr. Eldridge Holmes, we love what you did and appreciate you big time.
Rest in Peace

Eldridge Holmes - Pop, Popcorn Children

Frieda Nichols - Sweet Peter

How's about a fat juicy slice of sister funk? Straight up, no holds, knuckle up, dragged down to the bone, hassle free heavy funk from mama Frieda Nichols. Bold and Sassy funk with guitar sounds sliding up and down the neck and tickles from the Hammond. On The H & S record label out of L.A., but definitely of New Orleans inspiration. It has that flat footed drum stomp, tight snare and nice fitting tambourine. I can even can go far as to say it sounds as though could have been produced by Edwin Bocage. Love tunes like this, that at times sound as though they are played at the wrong speed. Or, perhaps she had a few hits of helium before the recording?

Not much info on this one, although it is from 1977 and credited as Frieda and Homer Brown and his group. Don't know diddly squat about Ms. Nichols or Mr. Brown. If you do, please let me know. Did I mention I love the comments section? Especially if you've got info to share.

Mind you, Sweet Peter is no carbon copy! Did she say 'photo-static'?? Holy crap!


Frieda Nichols - Sweet Peter

Dennis Landry - Sing My Song

Something bout this tune just does my head in. One of my favorite funky 45's. Probably my preferred tune by Mr. Landry. He had one other pretty juicy 45 release, "Miss Hard to Get" b/w "M’m’M’m’ Good". That 45 may have been a year or two earlier. I faintly remember it being a reply to Mr. Big Stuff, at least of sorts. "Sing My Song" has all the treasured elements of great funky soul. Great Backings vocals, Smart Horns, subtle strings, and equipped and empowered by early synth soundings keyboards. Pure Genius. Starting off in New York City and finally givin' shouts to the 'Frisco Bay' Dennis was spreading his 'song' like a new dance craze. The flip instrumental version "Concentration" is equally banging. Just straight instrumental madness. Whatever that keyboard lick is..I just can't seem to get enough. Pressed in 1974 on Soul Unlimited records, it's one of those soul recipes that has all the tasty ingredients.




Dennis Landry - Sing My Song