Betty Padgett - Sugar Daddy

I owe a tremendous amount of praise and recognition to Andrew Morgan of PPU and Earcave. I've been buying records from his ebay account and his ebay store long before his label came about and long before his ear cave store...which if I remember correctly was originally called District Wax. He used to make monthly mixes to share with his customers. They used to be listed along side his auctions as actual 'for sale' items. It was a kind of genius idea, and I think he still is just that, genius.
He's helped me a tremendous amount with my collecting and my label and other endeavors. Now, I'm passing along the torch to others I can help.
One of his mixes, I think possibly one of the last few (as it seems he stopped them) had this incredible Betty Padgett song 'Sugar Daddy' and I bugged him about it quite a bit.

For a good while this did not show up. Then I jumped on the opportunity to nab an album of Betty's that has both versions of Sugar Daddy. I was at first, holding out for the 12 inch version which Andrew had hipped me to, but I couldn't bare to wait any longer and it never seemed to turn up.
So, after I got the album version, which fortunately has both versions of the song on it, I shared it with the Sweater Funk folks down in the basement of the Lipo Lounge. A year or two later it came out on Luv N' Haight records diguised in a sleeve very similar to that original 12 inch version. That kinda did me in, and my thinking then was it was going to elude me even more now that the 'world' would know about it.

Here's the bas ass Ultra release of Betty's Sugar Daddy

But, last year I finally got a copy of the Ultra 12 inch and its Beautiful. I realize now why it's a hard one to grab. It's a reoccurring problem with rare releases that the spelling can have you searching for an un-obtainable piece. A simple typo with an artists name and you'll NEVER find it. This was the case with Betty Padget, or Betty Padgett.

Here's the well cloned Luv N' Haight version

Betty's a small woman, but a power house singer. She's from New Jersey but somehow ended up in Miami and recorded some tunes with none other than Milton Wright. Betty has this incredible side of deep, deep Miami groove to show for her efforts, she even remembers this song being used in radio and tv commercials due to local popularity. She's remained in the Miami area over the last 30 years and performed with the McCrae's (George and Gwen) as well as Jimmy Bo Horne, Latimore and Little Beaver.

If you can't get the 12 inch, THIS is the album to get.
It's on the ALWA label

Betty is still alive and rocking.. has recent CD's and 'Sugar Daddy' is available now thru Luv N' Haight and via mp3 download.
Hats off to you Betty, I'm glad to finally have your 12 inch and will rock and share it where ever I play.

And, here's yet another issue of the 12 inch which I have never seen on the Space label.

Betty Padgett - Sugar Daddy

The Black On White Affair - Bold Soul Sister, Bold Soul Brother

Welp, I just spend the last 45 minutes hammering out a lengthy post here and good ole blogger didn't save and froze up. So, as I'm writing this 'second' version I don't know what you're gonna get. I'll try an replicate what I already said..but, coming into this over a year after having had a regular routine of posting here, I've forgotten that its best to work offline and post final product to avoid losing a great deal of time, effort and content.
Anyways.. I think I was saying.. This 45 had eluded me for quite some time. Surprisingly it never turned up for me, not even after several ventures up to the Seattle area where it hails. My Mom, rest in peace, was doing what she does..labor organizing to be specific..go mama! and I would visit her there and got to dig around Seattle. So, it's a marvel I had not put my hands to a copy yet.
Anyways, here it is FINALLY and I'm pleased. Two banging sides. Fudge dipped heavy funk from A to B side. Both sides are equal 'Monster Funk'. New category duly noted.

This song opens with some of the most lethal and crunchiest drums I've heard. This song also paves the way into 'Wheedle's Groove' a compilation of Seattle funk and soul. Wheedle's Groove was also the starting point for the Light In The Attic label and championing the West Coast funk and soul digging and collecting scene. I think once people learned there was a rich history and still so many nuggets to be found it kinda exploded.
The movie by the same name should be mentioned here as well, probably one of few if not the only documentary that focuses on the artists, the producers, the local history and the stories of discovery. It's amazing and if you haven't seen it, you really NEED to. I'm surprised I haven't mentioned it yet here at SB, but if I have then it most certainly deserve several rounds of praise and multiple mentions.

The Black On White Affair were an early incarnation of Robbie Hill's Family Affair, and the reason I mention it like that is I'd like to post a Robbie Hill song here as well. For those of you who know me, you may have heard about the theft of my records last year. One of the stolen 45's was my beloved Robbie Hill 'I Just Want To Be (Like Myself)' 45. Once I get that back into the collection, I will post it up here. But, definitely go see 'Wheedle's Groove' the movie and/or get this essential comp.

Both sides of this 45 are hard, mean dirty blues funk. From those completely devastating drums to that first brutal organ screech. Just devastating. Heavy deep funk at it's best. The flip instrumental is also a monster. Just so damn good. I've always liked and kinda grew up on the harder, meaner, ruffer, blues from the likes of Billy Boy Arnold and Taj Mahal.
Funny side story, I think a certain home-girl, good friend of mine Kitty, started a scooter club (or, girl gang ;)) of the same name, The Bold Soul Sisters. Maybe it was even BSS SC. Perhaps you might think she could have been referencing the Ike and Tina song of the same name, but inclusion on a early mix tape of hers, I'm pretty sure she was influenced by THIS song. They are of course COMPLETELY different. Both incredibly good, yet this one being a 100x's rarer and dare I say.. RAWER.
So the quest for this elusive slab of Seattle based funk is FINALLY over, and here for you to enjoy.

ALSO: worth mentioning is the 2007 issue of these same songs on the Sausage Records label...I think I will obtain one as well, and not have to bring out my original. And, much easier and cheaper for the rest of us. Special thanks to Nancy Soultastic for trading with me on this one. It will be cared for and loved.

The Black On White Affair - Bold Soul Sister, Bold Soul Brother

Vaughan Mason - Rocking Big Guitar

Just scored two nice Vaughan Mason 45's for the collection. Well known bomb ass tunes that are dope to have in the 45 format. 'Rocking Big Guitar' and 'You Can Do It' are indeed classic party rockers in my book. Major plus that they are both picture sleeves.
Don't know why every time I hear 'Rocking Big Guitar' it sounds like to me they are saying 'feel my dick get hard'? You can ad-lib the rest of your own dirty lyrics if you want. Perhaps it was intended to be a vulgar jam.

These 45's are ripe for some upcoming gigs over the next two weekends. If you're in the Bay Area (Particularly the EAST BAY)  there's a few things to check out we here at SB approve of.
Perfect for the 45 loving crowd, Friday night, Feb. 21st in Oakland at the legendary '45 Sessions' and Saturday, March 1st for 'Where It's At' which is now a merger between them and Lower Bottoms. So, two nice parties, and sure to be loads of funk, soul and goodness...often on 45 only. Perhaps you will see or hear yours truly at one or both of these events. The Sweaterfunk crew is one of the guest for 45 sessions and the 'Where It's At' party has a solid line up of performers The Grease Traps and Iron Sides both on the already legendary Colemine label.

Known world wide 45 Sessions always comes thru with the epic parties,
and always features a record swap in a near by room, don't miss.

This particular Oakland Saturday night promises to be a good partay.

Im just showing off here... but, love this little 45!

And, oh..by the way...this Rocking Big Guitar is from the 12inch version and is an enormous file. So, may take a minute to download. Just a heads up. I decided to upload the LONGER and better 12 inch version. But, does NOT come in a sweet picture sleeve cover. lol. 

Vaughan Mason - Rocking Big Guitar

Myron And E - They Don't Know

These boys are GOLDEN. This album has been in my playlist since I got a hold of it. And, its growing on me more and more every day. It's golden material all throughout..not stuck in the past music that it emulates but, breathing enough life into it enough to do something new. At least that's how it feels. Yet, it feels remarkably contemporary. Not going to be capable of being pigeonholed as 'retro' soul. And thank god. True soulies know.

These two and a exceptional band, The Soul Investigators, have been putting out quality on the TIMMION label for a minute, and this new venture on Stones Throw will likely put them into the ears and hearts of a whole new audience, and perhaps a new generation. Good for Myron and E and good for those ears. It collects tunes from both Timmion albums and some tunes NOT on the Timmion releases. 'Broadway' is being commandeered as the US version of these releases. There's so many tunes on this LP that I really like, and 'They Don't Know', although a small sample from their catalog, will have to suffice for my share for now. It's such a solidly mature and endearing soul LP. 'If I Gave You My Love' is absolute straight bomb. 'Broadway' and 'Everyday Love' are true sweet soul grooves and all are real catchy and addictive. "Going in Circles' and 'They Don't Know' drift into heavier subject matter..and it's a welcome treat..part of the real appeal of this LP for me. Some thoughtful looks into class/social/behavior and relationships throughout the LP. Meanwhile 'Do It Do It Disco' might be the burner of the year, this AND last. They are seasoned soul travelers and this venture into disco, almost in a BT Express fashion, is hypnotizing and completely lovable.

 Check out the video here...

 

Usually here on this blog we are opposed to posting newer material. But, that's been longing to change for quite some time. There's so much material we want to share, so we've decided to not deny our fellow fans and music lovers. And, additionally this is the perfect gem to break those old rules anyways!
In 2014 and onward we're going to highlight new acts, re-issues, and anything else we see fit. But, we'll probably still stick to things on vinyl...but, we'll see.

All I gotta say is well done fellas. This is a solid album and highest grade of appreciation for it here at Sound Boutique. We just hope they won't be mad at us for sharing one little genius of a song.

Myron And E - They Don't Know

The Limit - Pop

We're baaaaack...and it feels SO right. Been way too damn long. Here's a goodie I could have sworn we had already posted, but I guess not. At least if we have it's been pulled off or down from our site. So, I'm trying again. That's largely been why we've been really behind and lagging in posting new shit on here..because the copyright folks have been on our case. I still don't get it, why those folks can't figure out that this is GOOD exposure, like radio play..and that 'listeners' or downloaders (?) if you will, will go out and BUY shit by these artists. So, we'll see. Who knows how it will be this year.

Anyways, folks into boogie are well aware of The Limit. Bangers like "She's So Divine" and "Crimes Of Passion" are common in the bins and get regular play in good boogie sets. But, this rare b-side only available on the 45 version of "She's So Divine" is a gem in the rough. Originally named Oattes Van Schaik. Like some wild Dutch bastard boogie children of Hall and Oates. But, like really good and stuff. Whether its good two-step or just quality blue-eyed boogie I think it will suffice as a nice come back treat for us to share with you. Enjoy it.

The Limit - Pop

King Sporty - Give You My Love

Miami in the 60's, 70's and 80's was an incredible melting pot of sounds. You had the hard edge funk of the Alston and T.K. labels, a steady flow of salsa infusion, and reggae and island influences continually crashing ashore everyday. Those are only a few of the elements that made up Florida's pedigree. In many respects it was a musical hub of the world and now those of us in love with the signature sounds of the area are still unearthing goodies left and right. It is indeed and incredibly ripe area still bearing fruit quite regularly.

King Sporty was a only somewhat known artist throughout the world, but in Miami and quite possibly in wider Florida, King Sporty was alive on the local airwaves. Whether it was his reggae vibes or his spooky disco sound, it was all soaked in a heavy swamp recipe. He bounced a bit between the two sounds making albums of both styles. King, real name Noel Williams is getting some recent recognitions and discoveries in both categories.

I came across his recordings on the Konduko label in my original quest for another Konduko prize the Ronnie Keating 'Going Down For The Last Time' 45.
Its of the same caliber and closely associated with other T.K. subsidiaries and quite frankly this tune is a lot like an early K.C. and the Sunshine band sound. It also has that same Clarence Reid and Willie Clarke production feel although they are not noted on the credits. Its just that same old Miami magic shining through.
Also, while we're on the same subject, you may want to check out the movie about Clarence Reid. It's "The Weird World Of Blowfly"...While its enjoyable, its also quite depressing and somewhat upsetting. You'll see why, I'll keep my opinion and any spoilers out of the mix.


 


Enjoy this funky dancer from King Sporty....


King Sporty - Give You My Love

Jimmy Jones - Live And Let Live

I can't even comprehend that I haven't posted this one already..and I seriously hope thats not an oversight! You could look through the postings and BUST me for cheating! If I did already post it and this is a second 'pressing' pun intended..then I will make it up to you.. but, I'm hoping not.
I should have posted it a long time ago because its one of my all time favorite funk - anthem 45's.

It's got a really great message and although its not featuring any 'open' breaks its got that covered for the background a plenty. Those congas and the excellent keyboards make for a beautiful jam. I've always been partial to this formula of deep message, seeming that the singer truly cares in what he's preaching and the delicate touch of keys sprinkled throughout. It sounds the most like one of my fave Gil Scot Heron.

But, THIS is Jimmy Jones and he has some other interesting tunes as well. This is of course by all means my absolute favorite. This IS the same Jimmy Jones also called Jimmy 'Handyman' Jones, and who had a long career recordings sides for different labels, savoy, cub, and mgm. Nothing really took off for him and most people don't know of him, But he's LOVED by us in the deep soul community.
Sadly Jimmy passed away last year. Much like a LOT of heros in the funk and soul world.. some of those whom I didn't get around to covering and some that I did.. Jimmy Castor, Etta James.. the list seemed to go on forever.



Rest In Peace Jimmy Jones!
If you're up there reading this..WE LOVE YOU!


 Jimmy Jones - Live And Let Live