Frankie Beverly - Color Blind

I rarely play out much these days, but I did last night. And, maybe I'm getting old, but getting outta the car last night I realized my ears were ringing like a motherfucker. But, it was well worth it. I played alongside two fantastic bands last night and the soul and funk was alive and well in Oakland.
It was incredible really. Gene Washington and The Ironsides were incredible. Both slow soul and dance floor funk done to perfection without a blemish. The singer Gene Washington, could still really belt out his notes and did so with an amazing authenticity and true sincerity, he brought a humble realness to his performance.


Then, the Grease Traps hit the stage. Looked to be an instrumental band, and I hear that's how they started..but, then the man known only as Gata hit the stage and literally set the club on it's ass end. They tore it up. Gata was the man!
Gene and the Ironsides covered Dyke and The Blazers, and did some excellent originals. The good homie Oliver Patches, of Lower Bottoms, told me March was official Dyke and The Blazers month. I like the sound of that! When Gene got into 'Let A Man Be A Man' we all realized how amazingly similar he sounded to Dyke. Grease Traps covered everything from 'I Believe In Miracles' (Jackson Sisters version of course), another Dyke song, 'The Funky Bull', and all the way to this song, 'Color Blind' by Frankie Beverly. Which, by the way sounded EXACTLY like the original. Im' sure this is not an easy feat to accomplish. Those harmonies, that break, those horn riffs. Wow, let's just say I was blown away.

Gene Washington And The Ironsides

It was an incredible night all around. 'Lower Bottoms' and 'Where It's At' DJ's playing in the first level, these two incredible bands playing upstairs. With Fernando and his 45's and yours truly playing all 45's in between the bands. It was also the 'Where It's At' 1 year anniversary and the 1 year anniversary of the Legionnaire, which by the way is turning out to be a fantastic spot. Last night was proof. And, that's coming from me, and I don't get out much these days.

The Grease Traps

The Traps playing 'Color Blind' had special meaning to me. Aside from it still being incredibly relevant of a message, it's one of my all time favorite Bay Area funk 45's. The two early Frankie 45's that I have speak volumes for what they were like as a band, and what it was like with them in the Bay Area. Of course I can't find it now, but I recently snagged a pick off of Facebook with Frankie Beverly listed as playing a weekly spot at the Keystone Club in Berkeley. The Listing read 'Frankie Beverly's Raw Soul, and to imagine them playing 'Color Blind' in Berkeley in 73-74 is just awesome. Well, you could say my dreams came partly true. When Grease Traps did this song completely and efficiently and with a whole LOT of soul, myself and the entire club were elated and with happy feet.

A heartfelt, sincere and electric performance from Gene Washington

Funny thing, the guitar player Kevin O'Dea came up to me, with a copy of their set list, before they took the stage, and said 'Try not to play any more of these' and there was 'Color Blind' at the encore location on their set list. Oops. My bad guys, I honestly did not know a few things...one, that you guys are fuggin incredible, two, that I would be so stupid to play THAT tune, of the TWO Frankie Beverly 45's I brought, and three.. that you guys, the Grease Traps, would have the eloquence and dexterity to cover that song. And, let me say again, to perfection.
Now, the singer for Grease Traps goes by the name of Gata. Lemme just say this man brings it. If you're gonna see the Grease Traps, you are gonna see that Gata man, and you better get your wig on tight, 'cause he's pure dy-no-might. If you give him enough room on stage this cat might just turn back-over flips. Stone cold solid soul performance. all. the. way. 'round.
They also covered another big tune that I almost brought, those of you who actually read these posts (rather than just download everything) will know I just recently acquired it, but 'Bold Soul Sister, Bold Soul Brother' is another hefty tune to cover, at least well. So, hats off to both the Grease Traps and Gene Washington and The Ironsides. For funk and soul to be in Oakland, like that... in that way last night, was a sincere TREAT.

The other Frankie Beverly 45 that I almost dropped on those ears and feet was 'People In The Know' another banger on the Gregar label. Equally rare, and equally potent. Another funk grinder, with higher message included. This version of 'Color Blind' that Grease Traps covered was the early version on Gregar which is much more raw and heavy compared to the later Maze version. The later Maze version is still good, incredible in fact, but no where near the insanity that is this 45. There's a sound of a revolution in this 45.

There's another Frankie Beverly And The Butlers 45 that I really want, on the Sassy label, 'If That's What You Wanted' which is equally hard edged as these two on Gregar, but tinged in a uptempo Norther dancer fashion. It's incredible too. All of Frankie's early shit must be incredible.
Imagining Frankie Beverly and Raw Soul being in the Bay Area way back then, in local clubs to be specific, playing the likes of these tunes is a funk collectors dream. To have bands in the Bay now playing Dyke and The Blazers, and Frankie's tunes is a blessing. Right on Bay Area, kudos to you then and now.

The Grease Traps are coming your way, check em out!

Important not to forget Colemine Records as both the Ironsides and Grease Traps have put out releases on their label. Colemine has brought a tough and solid broad spectrum of funk and soul acts to vinyl. We're thankful for all these new funk families, and as a example of what these bands can bring in the LIVE environment, last night at the Legionnaire, proof is in the pudding and the pudding' was TASTY. New funk is alive and well. Thanks Colemine, you are bringing the heat.

Colemine has an arsenal of new breed funk and soul. 

Check out these bands playing live here in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Gene Washington And The Ironsides are playing 

The Starry Plough on March 8th

The Hopmonk in Novato on the 15th

Amnesia Bar in SF on the 20th

The Grease Traps are playing

19 Broadway in Fairfax on March 20th

  Alpine Meadows (12-3pm) & Bar of America in Truckee (9pm-1am) on April 5th
Amnesia in SF  April 17th
Off The Grid at Ft. Mason in SF May 2nd
 Boom Boom Room in SF (w/Sure Fire Soul Ensemble) on May 17th

And, enjoy this Frankie Beverly's Raw Soul offering 'Color Blind'

Frankie Beverly - Color Blind

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

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

Marsha Hunt - (Oh No, Not) The Beast Day

Marsha Hunt went out with (maybe even was married to) a one T-Rex aka Marc Bolan. Welp, whooped tee doo. Maybe that's slightly trivial, but it is nice to know that when listening to T-rex and you hear her excellent voice all-over-the-place.

She was incredibly beautiful and she modeled all over the place as well. Yes, she's the one you see in gorgeous afros with those 60's twiggy like looks and poses. She also had quite an interesting musical career that played with psych, rock, pop and soul and even disco in the tail end. Mostly covers, and some excellent..even a John's Children cover.. 'Desdemona' and 'Walk On Guilded Splinters' she was aptly in the right pocket.

This is one of my favorite break heavy lady funk tunes. And, I think an original tune..maybe penned for her? it's excellent though. Enjoy!

Marsha Hunt - (Oh No, Not) The Beast Day

Snapp - Medusa

Probably the sickest 7 inch in my crates as of late. Especially in the hard hitting boogie department.
Although it would seem, just because the spelling is the exact same, that this is the same San Francisco boogie funk band SNAPP, with the two P's. But, it is not. At least as far as I could dissect.

This is one 45 that is dying to be heard and it's thunderous groove is very hypnotic. I'm glad to have nabbed one, and ever happier to share with you.

Snapp - Medusa

Wack Attack - 24 Hour Love Affair

Been way too long I know. But, back to it after almost a year. I know I dropped a post or two late last year, but not hardly the kind of trail blazing I really wanted to do. So, enough with the talk, the bullshit and excuses. Here's a treat like I know you've waited for.. and like I know you deserve.

Wack Attack was another Bud Weiser contest record. This group had immense potential, its really a crime that they only got this one side. But, what a fine slice of Ray Parker-esq genius it is. This slap synth bass line kills. The simple genius of these lyrics has got me doing that shower Karaoke where ever I am. Strickly boss boogie modern soul right hur.

Wack Attack - 24 Hour Love Affair

Etta James - Fire

Been off the blog for a minute. Back at it. Trying to make up for lost time and present you with more dope and incredible music. However, this is the NEW face of the Sound Boutique blog. After many a copyright infringement and DMCA warning we have to handle our blog in a new manner. A bunch of our postings have been removed and/or deleted and our viewers have been unable to enjoy them. So, we'll be presenting future posts and all content from here on with YouTube videos. We will be posting videos on YouTube from our collection so you won't be getting just material that is already available there, but rather original content from us. At least that's the plan.
I do also suggest that our readers please continue to share with other readers by sharing links to the mp3 files as anonymous in the comments section. So, I suggest people look in the comments section for any or our posts.

Back to business as usual.

Etta James came onto the music scene LONG before I was born. And, it seems her musical legacy is ever lasting. I got introduced to her as a kid, as a young mod kid in fact, and her impact on me was tremendous. I forget which album it was that I was first introduced to, but I've stayed a long and true loyal fan of hers ever since. I'm pretty sure it was this album, but I'm not sure. It seems to me to be far too incredible and amazing LP of hers to have as a young teenager. But, it likely was.. and likely was a re-issue put out by Chess and purchased by me through Columbia Music House or Columbia Record Club.

As many of you know, she passed away earlier this year. Rumor had it she was sick for a while before her passing. Many folks throughout the soul community morned her passing. She was a absolute soul hero to all of us. Although LONG overdue here at the 'boutique' we want to have a moment of silence for our incredible soul sister Etta James.



I had originally intended to post this back in January of this year, what feels like almost a year ago now.
When I heard the samples of Etta in the Flo-rida song that my 11 year was listening to, I had to whip an education on her. After about 45 minutes of enjoying her music my daughter admitted she liked her. It was cool to give he a lesson of where things come from, the sampling of her decade likely will not be the same of my era.

On another note, I think a good indicator of a quality wedding deejay is whether they play the original version of 'At Last' by Etta, or the remake by Beyonce. I recently had to endure a horrible wedding deejay and amongst tons of other horrible music he played the far less superior Beyonce version, which to me is almost sacrilegious. Or, at least some kind of crime.


Today's offering is from a Cadet 45 from about 1968 or 1969. 'Fire' is a scorching tune,no pun intended. Not really a really one by her, and only a small sample of her immense career. But, back earlier this year it struck me as one tune I wanted to play in her honor at one of my gigs. So, here we are catching up with what we should have given you at the beginning of this year, not the almost end of it. Rest in peace Etta, you are greatly loved and appreciated.

    

Cyril Neville - Gossip

Just a nice funk banger from one of the first family of the funk nation, the Meters and Neville family. I brought this to Lower Bottoms the other night and never got around to play it. So, another plug for the Lower Bottoms party and this incredible funk 45.
This came out in two issues, one as a promo with 'Gossip' on both sides, and another pressing with another incredible tune "Tell Me What's On Your Mind" on the flip. Both songs are massive funk tunes and additional pieces to the overall huge Meters story.
Again, this Lower Bottoms party is easily the best party in the east bay. Always packed, filled with a diverse crowd, and folks are always geared for feverish dancing.

Major props to Bobby for designing this killer flyer!

We'll revisit this 45 again in the future to expose this b-side. But, for now enjoy 'Gossip' and its crazy heavy metal style funk groove complete with electric sitar twangin' throughout. Cyril is still performing around the world with his group Galactic and still doing BOTH of these songs!

Cyril Neville - Gossip

Willie West - Fairchild

Got a strange and funny story for you today. Back in the day, right before eBay there was a gentleman that held auctions for rare funk, soul and R&B 45's. I'm embarrassed to say I don't know his name, maybe some of you will recall the fellow I'm talking about as you read on. I'm ashamed I don't know his name partly because I was so enamored with his service and thought he was pioneering the sale of 45's in his own way. Now, maybe there were other folks that were doing a similar thing, but this was the first AND last time I had heard of such a thing. Again, I can't recall his name, but if I were to dig around in my acres of junk I might find it, or some trace of his service. But, I was sad when he announced that he was retiring. I had tried to convince him that he could take his same formula to the likes of eBay, which mind you, had evolved and become a major source for rare records especially in its infantile state by the time this man retired.

This service involved getting on a mailing list, which involved paying a small fee, and receiving in return for the fee a cassette tape with clips of rare 45's to be auctioned. There was a list that accompanied the tape, it was meticulous and very organized. You had some time to digest the list and the accompanying tape, as I believe if I remember correctly the auctions were held once a month.
The craziest thing about all of this was the way the actual auction took place. You had to call this guy at a certain time and blindly bid against other bidders over the phone. It was a really strange situation, both memorable and unique.

I don't know where this man was getting his 45's from, but he was doing an excellent job. The audio clips of the 45's was an incredible idea. Sure, even back then, I knew what I wanted and most titles I was looking for had certain qualities. But, it was an excellent way to get turned on to new stuff.
It's funny to me now to hear about how someone has to go home or be at home for the end of an eBay auction. Not because I don't.. but, because it reminds me of those days when for a few hours on that very night I couldn't do anything. I couldn't bother to be distracted and I certainly could not take ANY calls. The pressure was enormous to frantically get what I had wanted. And, even the concept of listening to tapes with 30-45 second sound samples is mind boggling. Of course if you've know me for years, you've probably never heard this story. Partly because it was my secret little treasure trove of soul goodies.

If you're reading this and YOU'RE the man I'm speaking of. Please say 'Hello', but more importantly please excuse my grievous error of not remembering your name, your business or service name.

This is the story of how I discovered Willie West. Long before he was comped by the flurry of New Orleans funk and soul volumes of re-issue action. This was a regional record, and I might have never discovered it without this dudes most excellent service. What I got first was the promo copy white label and for a while I had not seen a regular release. In fact I came across another promo before I saw anything else. When I first heard this 45 on one of those tapes, my mind was completely blown. I HAD to have it. I just about lost my shit sweatin' over getting this goodie. I did win it, can't remember for how much, long before the ridiculous prices on eBay and I played the crap out of it. I played it at my mod gigs, but at the time there were fewer funk 4 nites and most mods wanted to hear 60's soul. Still I played it and quickly cleared the floor, both because it was a slow funk churner and totally unknown. But, what a great tune. I'm glad it's resurfaced and folks have found out about Willie and the tune has gotten some play and much deserved attention. Goes the same for the career of Willie himself.

Willie cut a few other 45's, one of my favorites being 'Hello Mamma' for the Deesu label, another fine New Orleans label. Everything Willie cut was tightly aligned with our other hero's the Meters and the Toussaint and Sehorn gang. It seems Willie was another in the camp and was being pushed by that early funk family where ever they could. His singles don't disappoint if you're searching for that sound. We'll rip 'Hello Mamma' for a future post, I promise!



Willie now has a few other records out on P-Vine and Timmion Records. Some excellent stuff there too. Some unreleased material that is incredible and some new material that is just as amazing as his old stuff. Which by the way is incredible if you can get your hands on it. We'll have to revisit the Willie West sound as the 'Don't Be Ashamed to Cry' 45 is a tear drenched haunting soul song. There's other amazing early R&B that Mr. West has as well. Well, not enough time, but another superstar of the New Orleans soul story. He's still around as far as I know. I've heard he's playing and performing out these days. I hope to catch him some time soon. A true secret treasure within the depths of deep soul and New Orleans funk!
right on Willie, we love you here at Sound Boutique!

Willie West - Fairchild

Tony Clarke - Ghetto Man

Tomorrow night is all about Oakland. My funk brothers, the keepers of the Lower Bottoms District in West Oakland, throw their massive wacky party that's a fine mixture of homeless and hipster. It's of course, simply called 'Lower Bottom's Funk and Soul' and is one thee best parties around.

I'm really glad to be back with this crew, I've missed them quite a bit, and I've got some really tasty tunes to get off my chest. This Tony Clarke smoker is one of them. Nothing new on most deep funk heads, but regardless a great tune. I just recently stumbled across another copy of this and decided to throw it in the box for this night.
Tony was a sincere entertainer, a freight train of soul, and put out a lot of steam from 1962 until his death in 1970. He put out about a single every year. I know Tony from his first single, which was also the first single I heard from him, entitled 'The Entertainer'. It was a smooth sweeper big on the mod and northern circuit released in 1965 on Chess. This single 'Ghetto Man' is worlds apart. It's from 1967 and on the Chicory label. Another big Northern and Mod favorite was his huge production and wicked dancer 'Landslide' also recorded for the Chess label. This gives you and idea of just how dynamic his short career was, and what an immense powerhouse he was.

Please look up Lower Bottom's Funk and Soul, and Revolution Cafe to come and join us this Saturday. They serve food. hint hint. And, the place is decorated like a 60's and 70's exploitation film from hell. The Boys at LBF&S have made it very important to play their tunes through the biggest loudest sound systems they can find, so if you enjoy hearing funk and soul LOUD...this is indeed the place to be. We'll be going very late, like we always do. So even if you've got other plans we're a good party to join up with on the late night tip. Sloppy seconds has never been so good.

Tony Clarke - Ghetto Man

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

Flight - No More Part Time Lovin'

Much like the previous Frank Alstin post, we know next to nothing about this group. No, wait. I want to correct that, we know absolutely nothing about them. Still that doesn't take away from this obscure gems magic. If this is the sole outing for this group then they represented quite well in 1981 with this jam. This disco boogie grail is trading hands for big money these days and I'm glad to finally have a minty copy. It's been a hard one to track down, and after a listen you'll see why it's in demand among collectors. This is proof of the excellent mixture of both funk and soul in the boogie tunes of this era. It has it all. Tasty synth, nice backing vocals and several enjoyable breakdowns. It's very much a classy and soulful track. I just love those double disco claps. I'm wondering if they are somehow connected to the group 'Future Flight', but that's just a wild guess. If you know anything more about 'Flight' please get in touch with us.


Flight - No More Part Time Lovin'

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

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

Jerella Hope - Funk '79

I'm gonna always be a sucker for the funk. I have always been and will continue to be. I'm a hunter for this stuff. The more obscure the better.  Even though this isn't my usual taste, I think its a bomb little 45. Not bad for the second offering of the new year. As we approach our second year anniversary of this blog. I'm hoping to find time and energy to make it blossom even further. We'll see if I'm all talk or not this year, because I'd really like to set new records for the amount of posts. We shall see.

 I couldn't find much about this little one anywhere. I couln't find a pic, not on ebay, not of popsike, not in japan. Doesn't mean it's rare or anything. Maybe even means its not 'such' a hot tune. But, I beg to differ. So, I took me own photo. Here's another, yes another soundboutique exclusive. Jerella Hope's 'Funk '79' Hope you enjoy it.

Jerella Hope - Funk '79