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Sunday, 20 January 2013
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Mr Double Down Presents Reggae Got Soul
Welcome back!
It's been a pretty hectic time round these parts lately, a few personal issues and tissues coupled with moving house has meant that (yet again) my little corner of the Interweb has managed to gather some lazy dust.
The big relocation went well, all things considered and anyone with a slightly large record collection will understand the trials and tribulations that go hand in hand with moving house. Boxing, packing, transporting, unpacking and re-homing are all individually stress inducing tasks but you'll be pleased to know that both record collection and my sanity remain intact and back in a state of semi normality!!
Today's mix comes prompted from the back end of that move. After unpacking and refilling 2500 odd 45s! including a couple of mixed crates which had previously been gathering dust, I discovered that my Reggae and Ska sections had significantly swelled since the last count!
Refiling 45s
Whilst the main output here is Funk & Soul, I thought it might be interesting to knock up a mix of Reggae and Ska for you. I'm not a serious collector of the genre but always enjoy dipping in every now and again when something catches my ear.
The Reggae and Ska diehards amongst you may not find anything new here but I think this is a nicely paced mix nonetheless that should hopefully tide you over to my next instalment!
Enjoy today's selections and I'll catch you on the flipside with something cool!
Tracklist
Millie Small - My Boy Lollipop - Smash
Derrick Morgan - Miss Lulu -ACL
Prince Buster & The All Stars - Wash Wash - Prince Buster
Errol Dixon & The Back Beats - Mama Shut Your Door - Blue Beat
The Vikings - Never Grow Old - Island
Lord Packai - Bado Man - Wildbells
Toots & The Maytals - Hold On - Pyramid
Clancy Eccles - Uncle Joe - Hallmark
Nicky Thomas - Lonely Feeling - Hallmark
Dandy - There Is A Mountain - Giant
Jimmy Cliff - Wonderful World, Beautiful People - Trojan
The Pioneers - More Love - Trojan
Desmond Dekker & The Aces - Israelites - Pyramid
Toots & The Maytals - Pressure Drop - Beverley's Records
Desmond Dekker & The Aces - 007 - Pyramid
Edwin Starr - 25 Miles - (Ska Version)
Prince Buster - Ten Commandments (From Man To Woman) - Philips
Cutty Ranks - A Who Seh Me Dun - VP Records
Wayne Smith - Under Me Sleng Teng -SJ Records
Tenor Saw - Ring The Alarm - Technique Records
Sister Nancy - Bam Bam - SJ Records
Althea & Donna - Uptown Top Rankin - SJ Records
The Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number - Trojan
Toots & The Maytals - Reggae Got Soul - Island Records
The Gaylads - ABC Rocksteady - Gay Fleet Records
Bob Marley & The Wailers - One Love / People Get Ready - Island Records
Download Mr Double Down Presents Reggae Got Soul HERE
It's been a pretty hectic time round these parts lately, a few personal issues and tissues coupled with moving house has meant that (yet again) my little corner of the Interweb has managed to gather some lazy dust.
The big relocation went well, all things considered and anyone with a slightly large record collection will understand the trials and tribulations that go hand in hand with moving house. Boxing, packing, transporting, unpacking and re-homing are all individually stress inducing tasks but you'll be pleased to know that both record collection and my sanity remain intact and back in a state of semi normality!!
Today's mix comes prompted from the back end of that move. After unpacking and refilling 2500 odd 45s! including a couple of mixed crates which had previously been gathering dust, I discovered that my Reggae and Ska sections had significantly swelled since the last count!
Whilst the main output here is Funk & Soul, I thought it might be interesting to knock up a mix of Reggae and Ska for you. I'm not a serious collector of the genre but always enjoy dipping in every now and again when something catches my ear.
The Reggae and Ska diehards amongst you may not find anything new here but I think this is a nicely paced mix nonetheless that should hopefully tide you over to my next instalment!
Enjoy today's selections and I'll catch you on the flipside with something cool!
Tracklist
Millie Small - My Boy Lollipop - Smash
Derrick Morgan - Miss Lulu -ACL
Prince Buster & The All Stars - Wash Wash - Prince Buster
Errol Dixon & The Back Beats - Mama Shut Your Door - Blue Beat
The Vikings - Never Grow Old - Island
Lord Packai - Bado Man - Wildbells
Toots & The Maytals - Hold On - Pyramid
Clancy Eccles - Uncle Joe - Hallmark
Nicky Thomas - Lonely Feeling - Hallmark
Dandy - There Is A Mountain - Giant
Jimmy Cliff - Wonderful World, Beautiful People - Trojan
The Pioneers - More Love - Trojan
Desmond Dekker & The Aces - Israelites - Pyramid
Toots & The Maytals - Pressure Drop - Beverley's Records
Desmond Dekker & The Aces - 007 - Pyramid
Edwin Starr - 25 Miles - (Ska Version)
Prince Buster - Ten Commandments (From Man To Woman) - Philips
Cutty Ranks - A Who Seh Me Dun - VP Records
Wayne Smith - Under Me Sleng Teng -SJ Records
Tenor Saw - Ring The Alarm - Technique Records
Sister Nancy - Bam Bam - SJ Records
Althea & Donna - Uptown Top Rankin - SJ Records
The Maytals - 54-46 Was My Number - Trojan
Toots & The Maytals - Reggae Got Soul - Island Records
The Gaylads - ABC Rocksteady - Gay Fleet Records
Bob Marley & The Wailers - One Love / People Get Ready - Island Records
Download Mr Double Down Presents Reggae Got Soul HERE
Monday, 26 March 2012
REVIEW - The Impellers - The Knock Knock / I Predict A Riot - Mocambo Records
Welcome back!
Those that have followed the blog over the last few years will know that here at The Hook & Sling we roll hard for The Impellers! Aside from producing fantastic music, they're an all round straight up bunch of guys! We're proud to have been able to host them several times at our monthly nights and Soul Weekenders, as well as supporting them at some of their recent live gigs!
Well it's been 3 years since their fantastic LP, 'Robot Legs' was released on Freestyle records. An album which, IMHO, injected a brand new lease of life into the New Funk scene during a time that saw somewhat of a down pour of new releases every week. The only 45rpm released from the LP, 'How Am I?' easily held its own and has become a huge favourite at our monthly night as well as amongst collectors and DJs in general!
Fast forward and the band have really gone from strength to strength, A new record label and various personnel changes later and it looks like their next offering 'This Is Not A Drill' is ready to drop on 26th April if all goes to plan!
So, today finally sees the release of their second long awaited 45rpm on Mocambo Records and I was lucky enough to have grabbed an advance copy which has since been getting some serious plays around these parts!
The Knock Knock is a track that the band have been playing out live for sometime now and it finally gets the vinyl release it deserves! It incapsulates The Impellers live sound perfectly and delivers a full on funk roundhouse to the head in the process.
Lady Clair's infallibly raw and powerful vocals are sublime here, proving she's as good, if not better than any female vocalist on today's music scene. A seriously catchy guitar and bass hook are weaved together to provide the back bone of the track. The punchy horn section and shuffling fatback drumbeat adds the meat and two veg to a record that is sure to be a monster on any dance floor!
The bands take on The Kaiser Chiefs hit, ' I Predict A Riot' makes up the flip-side of the 45. This is an absolute organ funk monster that does enough to honour the original but still puts the Impellers stamp on a hugely recognisable track. Hopefully this will get plays in the right places and become a strong crossover record that earns the band the huge fan base that they deserve!
Click HERE for some sneaky previews from "This Is Not A Drill" from The Impellers Soundcloud page.
Buy a shiny new copy of The Impellers - The Knock Knock / I Predict A Riot HERE
Those of you lucky enough to be in the Brighton area on Friday 30th March can catch a Mocambo Records showcase at The Blind Tiger Club featuring The Impellers, The Mighty Mocambos, The Grits and DJ support from Beatwell (What's Wrong With Groovin').
It's a 9pm kick off and handing over a fiver of your hard earned cash gets you in for what will be an awesome night of Funk! All the directions and details can be found on The Impellers Facebook page, HERE.
Be sure to grab The Impellers new 45, stay safe and I'll be back here soon with some more of the Good Stuff!
Those that have followed the blog over the last few years will know that here at The Hook & Sling we roll hard for The Impellers! Aside from producing fantastic music, they're an all round straight up bunch of guys! We're proud to have been able to host them several times at our monthly nights and Soul Weekenders, as well as supporting them at some of their recent live gigs!
Well it's been 3 years since their fantastic LP, 'Robot Legs' was released on Freestyle records. An album which, IMHO, injected a brand new lease of life into the New Funk scene during a time that saw somewhat of a down pour of new releases every week. The only 45rpm released from the LP, 'How Am I?' easily held its own and has become a huge favourite at our monthly night as well as amongst collectors and DJs in general!
Fast forward and the band have really gone from strength to strength, A new record label and various personnel changes later and it looks like their next offering 'This Is Not A Drill' is ready to drop on 26th April if all goes to plan!
So, today finally sees the release of their second long awaited 45rpm on Mocambo Records and I was lucky enough to have grabbed an advance copy which has since been getting some serious plays around these parts!
The Knock Knock is a track that the band have been playing out live for sometime now and it finally gets the vinyl release it deserves! It incapsulates The Impellers live sound perfectly and delivers a full on funk roundhouse to the head in the process.
Lady Clair's infallibly raw and powerful vocals are sublime here, proving she's as good, if not better than any female vocalist on today's music scene. A seriously catchy guitar and bass hook are weaved together to provide the back bone of the track. The punchy horn section and shuffling fatback drumbeat adds the meat and two veg to a record that is sure to be a monster on any dance floor!
The bands take on The Kaiser Chiefs hit, ' I Predict A Riot' makes up the flip-side of the 45. This is an absolute organ funk monster that does enough to honour the original but still puts the Impellers stamp on a hugely recognisable track. Hopefully this will get plays in the right places and become a strong crossover record that earns the band the huge fan base that they deserve!
Click HERE for some sneaky previews from "This Is Not A Drill" from The Impellers Soundcloud page.
Buy a shiny new copy of The Impellers - The Knock Knock / I Predict A Riot HERE
Those of you lucky enough to be in the Brighton area on Friday 30th March can catch a Mocambo Records showcase at The Blind Tiger Club featuring The Impellers, The Mighty Mocambos, The Grits and DJ support from Beatwell (What's Wrong With Groovin').
It's a 9pm kick off and handing over a fiver of your hard earned cash gets you in for what will be an awesome night of Funk! All the directions and details can be found on The Impellers Facebook page, HERE.
Be sure to grab The Impellers new 45, stay safe and I'll be back here soon with some more of the Good Stuff!
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Guest Mix - DJ Kieran Lockyear (Beats Of Music) - I've Got Just The Thing
Welcome back!
After what has been an exceptionally cold snap over here in the UK lately, it's time to drop some heat on you in the form of another Guest mix.
DJ Kieran Lockyear
Today's contributor, DJ Kieran Lockyear also hails from my local town of Chichester and runs a well established monthly Soul night which attracts fellow Soul lovers from all along the South Coast.
The more eagle eyed (and eared) amongst you will remember his previous Guest mix, A Few Soul Brothers, which you can still catch HERE
After recently having the pleasure of catching one of Kieran's Soul nights a while back, I extended the invite for him to drop another Guest mix over here at The Hook & Sling. Thankfully he accepted and the ensuing mix of Soul, R&B and Funk is now up now for you to grab at your leisure!
Those of you on the South Coast of England needing an extra fix of the Good Stuff should head down to Kieran's night, Soul Outta Sight, at La Havana in Chichester on Saturday 18th February. Dancing shoes are a necessity!
More details as well as his mixes etc can be found at his web page HERE
Enjoy today's Guest selections, stay safe and I'll be back here with something cool for you!
Etta James - Something's Got A Hold On Me - Argo
Mable John - Able Mable - Stax
Little Ben & The Cheers - Baby You're Mine - Rush
Betty Adams - Make It Real - Notes Of Gold
Erma Franklin - I'm Just Not Ready For Love - Shout
Betty Harris - There's A Break In The Road - SSS International
5 Miles Out - Super Sweet Girl Of Mine - Action
Dennis Coffey & The Lyman Woodard Trio - It's Your Thing - Maverick
Lou Courtney - I've Got Just The Thing - Riverside
Darrow Fletcher - I've Got To Know Why - Groovy
Johnnie Taylor - Friday Night - Stax
Charles Mintz - Give A Man Break - Abbott
Marvelle & The Blue Mats - The Dance Called The Motion - Dynamic Sound
The Endeavors - I Know You Don't Want Me - Stop
Charles Pryor & Power Of Love - What They Doing - Double 07
Black Lightning - Trouble - MCA
The Malibus - Strong Love - Sure Shot
Junior McCants - The Boy Needs A Girl - King
Gene Chandler - There Was A Time - Brunswick
The Checkmates Ltd - Run Nigger Run - Rustic
Ella Fitzgerald - Sunshine Of Your Love - Prestige
Download DJ Kieran Lockyear - I've Got Just The Thing HERE
After what has been an exceptionally cold snap over here in the UK lately, it's time to drop some heat on you in the form of another Guest mix.
Today's contributor, DJ Kieran Lockyear also hails from my local town of Chichester and runs a well established monthly Soul night which attracts fellow Soul lovers from all along the South Coast.
The more eagle eyed (and eared) amongst you will remember his previous Guest mix, A Few Soul Brothers, which you can still catch HERE
After recently having the pleasure of catching one of Kieran's Soul nights a while back, I extended the invite for him to drop another Guest mix over here at The Hook & Sling. Thankfully he accepted and the ensuing mix of Soul, R&B and Funk is now up now for you to grab at your leisure!
Those of you on the South Coast of England needing an extra fix of the Good Stuff should head down to Kieran's night, Soul Outta Sight, at La Havana in Chichester on Saturday 18th February. Dancing shoes are a necessity!
More details as well as his mixes etc can be found at his web page HERE
Enjoy today's Guest selections, stay safe and I'll be back here with something cool for you!
Track List
Etta James - Something's Got A Hold On Me - Argo
Mable John - Able Mable - Stax
Little Ben & The Cheers - Baby You're Mine - Rush
Betty Adams - Make It Real - Notes Of Gold
Erma Franklin - I'm Just Not Ready For Love - Shout
Betty Harris - There's A Break In The Road - SSS International
5 Miles Out - Super Sweet Girl Of Mine - Action
Dennis Coffey & The Lyman Woodard Trio - It's Your Thing - Maverick
Lou Courtney - I've Got Just The Thing - Riverside
Darrow Fletcher - I've Got To Know Why - Groovy
Johnnie Taylor - Friday Night - Stax
Charles Mintz - Give A Man Break - Abbott
Marvelle & The Blue Mats - The Dance Called The Motion - Dynamic Sound
The Endeavors - I Know You Don't Want Me - Stop
Charles Pryor & Power Of Love - What They Doing - Double 07
Black Lightning - Trouble - MCA
The Malibus - Strong Love - Sure Shot
Junior McCants - The Boy Needs A Girl - King
Gene Chandler - There Was A Time - Brunswick
The Checkmates Ltd - Run Nigger Run - Rustic
Ella Fitzgerald - Sunshine Of Your Love - Prestige
Download DJ Kieran Lockyear - I've Got Just The Thing HERE
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Guest Mix - The Popcorn King Presents Go Ahead On!
Welcome back!
It’s been (as always!) a while, but I’m back with another slice of Soul goodness for you.
This time round, the heat to battle your winter blues is served up from regular Hook & Sling contributor and good friend of mine, The Popcorn King.
The Popcorn King
Those amongst you that have lent an ear to his past mixes or caught his Guest sets at our monthly nights will know his crates run deep and his Guest mix today certainly doesn’t disappoint! It’s been on rotation here at Maison De Hook & Sling since he sent it over and it’s a pleasure to finally share the 1’s and 0’s with you!
You can catch more past mixes from The Popcorn King in the Archives section on the right hand side of the page.
Strap in, turn up the volume and enjoy todays mix and I’ll catch you on the flipside with some more musical goodness!
Lee Moses - Time And Place - Front Page
Johnny Daye - I Love Love - Stax
Gene Faith - Family Man - Virtue
Jimmy Jones - Do What Comes Natural - Deke
Scott Brothers Orch. - They All Came Back – Toddlin’ Town
The Dayton Sidewinders Band - Go Ahead On - Carlco Records
Billy Best And The Ditalians - Baby That Takes The Cake - Mercury
Mercy Men - You Made It Thunder - Bee Gee
Markus Kelly & The Impassions - Pushin’ To The Top - White Eagle
Bobby Holley - Moving Dancer - Weis Records
Ray Gant And The Arabians - Chattanooga Walk - Jay Walking
Renaldo Domino - Let Me Come Within - Twinight
Derek Martin - Soul Power - Tuba
Manuel B. Holcolm - Kick Out Ins - Diamond Jim
Inez Foxx - You Shouldn't Have Set My Soul On Fire – Dynamo
Download The Popcorn King Presents Go Ahead On! HERE
It’s been (as always!) a while, but I’m back with another slice of Soul goodness for you.
This time round, the heat to battle your winter blues is served up from regular Hook & Sling contributor and good friend of mine, The Popcorn King.
Those amongst you that have lent an ear to his past mixes or caught his Guest sets at our monthly nights will know his crates run deep and his Guest mix today certainly doesn’t disappoint! It’s been on rotation here at Maison De Hook & Sling since he sent it over and it’s a pleasure to finally share the 1’s and 0’s with you!
You can catch more past mixes from The Popcorn King in the Archives section on the right hand side of the page.
Strap in, turn up the volume and enjoy todays mix and I’ll catch you on the flipside with some more musical goodness!
Track List
Lee Moses - Time And Place - Front Page
Johnny Daye - I Love Love - Stax
Gene Faith - Family Man - Virtue
Jimmy Jones - Do What Comes Natural - Deke
Scott Brothers Orch. - They All Came Back – Toddlin’ Town
The Dayton Sidewinders Band - Go Ahead On - Carlco Records
Billy Best And The Ditalians - Baby That Takes The Cake - Mercury
Mercy Men - You Made It Thunder - Bee Gee
Markus Kelly & The Impassions - Pushin’ To The Top - White Eagle
Bobby Holley - Moving Dancer - Weis Records
Ray Gant And The Arabians - Chattanooga Walk - Jay Walking
Renaldo Domino - Let Me Come Within - Twinight
Derek Martin - Soul Power - Tuba
Manuel B. Holcolm - Kick Out Ins - Diamond Jim
Inez Foxx - You Shouldn't Have Set My Soul On Fire – Dynamo
Download The Popcorn King Presents Go Ahead On! HERE
Jimmy Castor - R.I.P.
James Walter "Jimmy" Castor (June 23rd 1940 – January 17th 2012) - R.I.P.
The Jimmy Castor Bunch – It’s Just Begun
The Jimmy Castor Bunch – It’s Just Begun
Johnny Otis - R.I.P.
Johnny Otis; born Ioannis Alexandros Veliote (December 28th 1921 – January 17th 2012) - R.I.P.
The Johnny Otis Show – The Watts Breakaway
The Johnny Otis Show – The Watts Breakaway
Etta James - R.I.P.
Etta James (born Jamesetta Hawkins; January 25th 1938 – January 20th 2012)- R.I.P.
Etta James - I'd Rather Go Blind - Cadet
Etta James - I'd Rather Go Blind - Cadet
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Mr Double Down Presents The Redux Mix
Welcome Back!
Firstly let me wish you all a Happy New Year and I hope the recent holiday period was a joyful and productive one!
Last year was a turbulent time around these parts to say the least! A new job, new home and a few real life issues to deal with along the way here, have meant that my little musical corner has been left somewhat neglected and unloved!
One thing I have managed to make time for and keep a grip on is digging for new 45s, and as such have managed to stock pile a lot of new stuff to share here once a suitable sized chunk of time became available.
So here we go with a new selection of records to help ease you into the new year! Today's mix is a nicely paced bag of Soul, Northern, Funk and R&B all taken from 45s that I've recently procured.
There's definitely a few solid stand out tunes in here that have proved real dance floor shakers at our monthly Hook & Sling nights.
'The Lost Generation', 'Peoples Choice' and 'Betty Harris' to name just three have become big favourites on the dance floor at The Vestry. It's always nice to see people dancing to stuff which is off the musical beaten track as it were!
The monthly night at The Vestry has been going from strength to strength, consistently seeing it becoming one in one out on the doors by 10pm, which is always great to see.
As always your continued support is appreciated and we've got some great things lined up for you this year so keep an ear to the ground for details!
So back to today's mix, pull down the ones and zeros, sit back and enjoy 72 minutes of the 'Good Stuff'. Stay safe and I'll be back here shortly!
Intro.
Little Charles & The Sidewinders - Please Open Up The Door - Botanic Records Inc.
DeRobert & The Half-Truths - The Joy - SoulFly Records
Jackie Wilson - Just Be Sincere - Brunswick
The Jelly Beans - I'm Hip To You - Right On! Records
The Lost Generation - You're So Young But You're So True - Brunswick
The Sidewinders - I Like Your Stuff - Soul 7
Boz Scaggs - Lowdown - Columbia
James Fountain - Seven Day Lover - Cream Records
Joseph Moore - I Still Can't Get Next To You - JoeBoy
J.J. Daniels - Mr. Lonesome - Sure-Shot Records
The People's Choice - Big Ladies Man - Phil-L.A Of Soul
Millie Jackson - Breakaway - Polydor
Betty Harris - 12 Red Roses - Sansu Records
Wilson Pickett - Ninety-Nine And A Half (Won't Do) - Atlantic
Ray Sharpe - Help Me (Get The Feeling) Pt1 - Atco Records
The Last Word - Funky & Some - Polydor
The Soul Saints Orchestra - Bag Of Soul - Jazzman Records
Carlton (King) Coleman - The Boo Boo Song Pt1 - King Records
Shorty Long With Manny Alban & His Orchestra - Burnt Toast & Black Coffee - Popcorn Records
Little Esther - Hollerin' And Screamin' - Fryers
Ervin Rucker & The Blue Night Hawks Orchestra - Done Done The Slop - Slopp Records
Big 'T' Tyler - King Kong - Aladdin Records
Nick Waterhouse - I Can Only Give You Everything - IL Records
DeRobert & The Half-Truths - Take Me Out Of The Dark - SoulFly Records
Pharoahe Monch (Featuring Showtyme, Mela Machiko & Tower Of Power) - Push - Universal Records (Ltd Etched 7")
Lack Of Afro (Featuring Wayne Gidden) - A Time For... - Freestyle Records
Outro
Download Mr Double Down Presents The Redux Mix HERE
Firstly let me wish you all a Happy New Year and I hope the recent holiday period was a joyful and productive one!
Last year was a turbulent time around these parts to say the least! A new job, new home and a few real life issues to deal with along the way here, have meant that my little musical corner has been left somewhat neglected and unloved!
One thing I have managed to make time for and keep a grip on is digging for new 45s, and as such have managed to stock pile a lot of new stuff to share here once a suitable sized chunk of time became available.
So here we go with a new selection of records to help ease you into the new year! Today's mix is a nicely paced bag of Soul, Northern, Funk and R&B all taken from 45s that I've recently procured.
There's definitely a few solid stand out tunes in here that have proved real dance floor shakers at our monthly Hook & Sling nights.
'The Lost Generation', 'Peoples Choice' and 'Betty Harris' to name just three have become big favourites on the dance floor at The Vestry. It's always nice to see people dancing to stuff which is off the musical beaten track as it were!
The monthly night at The Vestry has been going from strength to strength, consistently seeing it becoming one in one out on the doors by 10pm, which is always great to see.
As always your continued support is appreciated and we've got some great things lined up for you this year so keep an ear to the ground for details!
So back to today's mix, pull down the ones and zeros, sit back and enjoy 72 minutes of the 'Good Stuff'. Stay safe and I'll be back here shortly!
Track List
Intro.
Little Charles & The Sidewinders - Please Open Up The Door - Botanic Records Inc.
DeRobert & The Half-Truths - The Joy - SoulFly Records
Jackie Wilson - Just Be Sincere - Brunswick
The Jelly Beans - I'm Hip To You - Right On! Records
The Lost Generation - You're So Young But You're So True - Brunswick
The Sidewinders - I Like Your Stuff - Soul 7
Boz Scaggs - Lowdown - Columbia
James Fountain - Seven Day Lover - Cream Records
Joseph Moore - I Still Can't Get Next To You - JoeBoy
J.J. Daniels - Mr. Lonesome - Sure-Shot Records
The People's Choice - Big Ladies Man - Phil-L.A Of Soul
Millie Jackson - Breakaway - Polydor
Betty Harris - 12 Red Roses - Sansu Records
Wilson Pickett - Ninety-Nine And A Half (Won't Do) - Atlantic
Ray Sharpe - Help Me (Get The Feeling) Pt1 - Atco Records
The Last Word - Funky & Some - Polydor
The Soul Saints Orchestra - Bag Of Soul - Jazzman Records
Carlton (King) Coleman - The Boo Boo Song Pt1 - King Records
Shorty Long With Manny Alban & His Orchestra - Burnt Toast & Black Coffee - Popcorn Records
Little Esther - Hollerin' And Screamin' - Fryers
Ervin Rucker & The Blue Night Hawks Orchestra - Done Done The Slop - Slopp Records
Big 'T' Tyler - King Kong - Aladdin Records
Nick Waterhouse - I Can Only Give You Everything - IL Records
DeRobert & The Half-Truths - Take Me Out Of The Dark - SoulFly Records
Pharoahe Monch (Featuring Showtyme, Mela Machiko & Tower Of Power) - Push - Universal Records (Ltd Etched 7")
Lack Of Afro (Featuring Wayne Gidden) - A Time For... - Freestyle Records
Outro
Download Mr Double Down Presents The Redux Mix HERE
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Mr Double Down Presents Down But Not Out
Welcome Back!
It's been a while but I finally return to my little corner of the Internet with another collection of 45s for your aural pleasure.
Things have been hectic (same old same old!) around these parts of late, with some real life and work issues taking up a lot of my time. This has meant finding the time to rip and record records for here has been a bit of a struggle to say the least! I have 10 days away from the 'Coal Face' now, so it's my intention to use that time wisely and stock pile a few mixes up for here, so stay tuned!
On the upside, our monthly night at The Vestry in Chichester has gone from strength to strength over the last 6 months and we've decided to add a few special guests DJs for the coming months.
DJ Beatwell
DJ Beatwell of 'What's Wrong With Groovin' joined us last month and laid down a sublime set of funk & soul for our regulars which also saw the dance floor and the venue rammed to capacity. Great stuff!
Over the next few months we have Tony C (Jazzsyndicate Radio), Dr No (Betterdays) and Ed Meme (The Impellers) joining us, so be sure to check the flyer for details and don't sleep!
Anyway back to the present and today's selections feature a host of 45s that I've picked up from various sources over the last few months. It's a predominantly Funk heavy mix but I've slipped in a couple of R&B and Northern joints to keep everyone happy. Be sure to note the Jesse Potter 45, which I've included both sides of. An absolute monster record from an equally great label.
Enjoy today's mix, stay safe and I'll catch you on the flip side with some more of the Good Stuff soon.
Lou Donaldson - Everything I Do Gohn Be Funky (From Now On) - Blue Note
Jesse Potter & The Fabulairs - Now I Think I'm Ready - Big 8 Records
Arlean Brown - Impeach Me Baby - LaNoRmAyA Records
Betty Barney - Momma Momma - BGP
Shirley & The Shirelles - Never Give You Up (Never Gonna Give You Up) - Bell Records
Llyod Price - Bad Conditions - Llyod Price's Turn Table
Wee Willie & The Winners - Get Some - Shotgun Records
General Crook - Gimme Some Pt1 - Down To Earth Records
James Lewis Fields - How Long Shall I Wait - Top Pop
The Young Disciples & Co. - Crumbs From The Table - Gate Way
Tommy Bush - Skin It Back Pt1 - Cal State Music
Dynamic Corvettes - Keep Off The Grass - Ru-Jac Records
Scott Bross. Orchestra - I Don't Want To Lose You Pt1 - Toddlin' Town Records
Rick Lancelot - Hoo Doo Man - RCA Victor
Shorty Long - Burnt Toast And Black Coffee - Popcorn 45s
C. Alexander & The Natural Three - Somebody Special - Leo Co.
Bobby Womack - Across 110th Street - United Artists Records
Jesse Potter & The Fabulairs - It's A Man's World - Big 8 Records
Download Mr Double Down Presents Down But Not Out HERE
It's been a while but I finally return to my little corner of the Internet with another collection of 45s for your aural pleasure.
Things have been hectic (same old same old!) around these parts of late, with some real life and work issues taking up a lot of my time. This has meant finding the time to rip and record records for here has been a bit of a struggle to say the least! I have 10 days away from the 'Coal Face' now, so it's my intention to use that time wisely and stock pile a few mixes up for here, so stay tuned!
On the upside, our monthly night at The Vestry in Chichester has gone from strength to strength over the last 6 months and we've decided to add a few special guests DJs for the coming months.
DJ Beatwell of 'What's Wrong With Groovin' joined us last month and laid down a sublime set of funk & soul for our regulars which also saw the dance floor and the venue rammed to capacity. Great stuff!
Over the next few months we have Tony C (Jazzsyndicate Radio), Dr No (Betterdays) and Ed Meme (The Impellers) joining us, so be sure to check the flyer for details and don't sleep!
Anyway back to the present and today's selections feature a host of 45s that I've picked up from various sources over the last few months. It's a predominantly Funk heavy mix but I've slipped in a couple of R&B and Northern joints to keep everyone happy. Be sure to note the Jesse Potter 45, which I've included both sides of. An absolute monster record from an equally great label.
Enjoy today's mix, stay safe and I'll catch you on the flip side with some more of the Good Stuff soon.
Track List
Lou Donaldson - Everything I Do Gohn Be Funky (From Now On) - Blue Note
Jesse Potter & The Fabulairs - Now I Think I'm Ready - Big 8 Records
Arlean Brown - Impeach Me Baby - LaNoRmAyA Records
Betty Barney - Momma Momma - BGP
Shirley & The Shirelles - Never Give You Up (Never Gonna Give You Up) - Bell Records
Llyod Price - Bad Conditions - Llyod Price's Turn Table
Wee Willie & The Winners - Get Some - Shotgun Records
General Crook - Gimme Some Pt1 - Down To Earth Records
James Lewis Fields - How Long Shall I Wait - Top Pop
The Young Disciples & Co. - Crumbs From The Table - Gate Way
Tommy Bush - Skin It Back Pt1 - Cal State Music
Dynamic Corvettes - Keep Off The Grass - Ru-Jac Records
Scott Bross. Orchestra - I Don't Want To Lose You Pt1 - Toddlin' Town Records
Rick Lancelot - Hoo Doo Man - RCA Victor
Shorty Long - Burnt Toast And Black Coffee - Popcorn 45s
C. Alexander & The Natural Three - Somebody Special - Leo Co.
Bobby Womack - Across 110th Street - United Artists Records
Jesse Potter & The Fabulairs - It's A Man's World - Big 8 Records
Download Mr Double Down Presents Down But Not Out HERE
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Mr Double Down Presents Movers & Shakers
Welcome back!
I trust you're all well and good?
With the May Bank Holiday crashlanding over here in the UK, I felt it best to make use of the extra free time away from 'The Coal Face' and bring you another long overdue mix. So here we go!
I've been on a real 50s and 60s R&B and Blues tip of late. Todays mix, which clocks in at a little under 50 minutes, reflects a few of the 45s from my crates that have been getting my attention here at Hook & Sling HQ lately.
There's a fair few gems and rarities contained herein, so load the 1's and 0's onto the listening device of your choice and crank it up!
Enjoy today's mix, stay safe and I'll be back shortly with some more of the good stuff!
The Universals Sing - Have Mercy Baby - Southern Records
Little Luther - Eenie Meenie Minie Mo - Checker
Jo Ann Henderson - Baby Please Don't Go - Roseann
Charles Sheffield - It's Your Voodoo Working - Excello Records
Bobby Peterson - Piano Rock - V-Tone Records
The Falcons & Band - Swim - Lu Pine Productions
The Bobby Peterson Quintet - Mama Get Your Hammer - V-Tone Records
Jimmy McCracklin - I'll See It Through - Imperial
B.B. King & His Orchestra - Bim Bam - RPM Records
Pearl Reaves & The Concords - You Can't Stay Here (Step It Up And Go) - Harlem
Blanche Thomas - You Ain't So Such A Much - Pelican Records
Dave Bartholomew - Turn Your Lamps Down Low - Imperial
Smiley Lewis - Goin' To Jump And Shout - Imperial
Bill Haley And His Comets - Paper Boy - Decca
Eddie And Betty - Saturday Night Fish Fry - Warner Bros.
Dollar Bill The One Man Band - My Baby Makes Me Feel..... - Rollin Records
Doctor Ross - New York Breakdown - Hi-Q Records
Joe Lutcher & His Orchestra - Ojai - Modern Records
Eddy Giles - Losin' Boy - Murco Records
The Soul Pleasers - Baby Don't Cry - Funk 45
Download Mr Double Down Presents Movers & Shakers HERE
I trust you're all well and good?
With the May Bank Holiday crashlanding over here in the UK, I felt it best to make use of the extra free time away from 'The Coal Face' and bring you another long overdue mix. So here we go!
I've been on a real 50s and 60s R&B and Blues tip of late. Todays mix, which clocks in at a little under 50 minutes, reflects a few of the 45s from my crates that have been getting my attention here at Hook & Sling HQ lately.
There's a fair few gems and rarities contained herein, so load the 1's and 0's onto the listening device of your choice and crank it up!
Enjoy today's mix, stay safe and I'll be back shortly with some more of the good stuff!
Track List
The Universals Sing - Have Mercy Baby - Southern Records
Little Luther - Eenie Meenie Minie Mo - Checker
Jo Ann Henderson - Baby Please Don't Go - Roseann
Charles Sheffield - It's Your Voodoo Working - Excello Records
Bobby Peterson - Piano Rock - V-Tone Records
The Falcons & Band - Swim - Lu Pine Productions
The Bobby Peterson Quintet - Mama Get Your Hammer - V-Tone Records
Jimmy McCracklin - I'll See It Through - Imperial
B.B. King & His Orchestra - Bim Bam - RPM Records
Pearl Reaves & The Concords - You Can't Stay Here (Step It Up And Go) - Harlem
Blanche Thomas - You Ain't So Such A Much - Pelican Records
Dave Bartholomew - Turn Your Lamps Down Low - Imperial
Smiley Lewis - Goin' To Jump And Shout - Imperial
Bill Haley And His Comets - Paper Boy - Decca
Eddie And Betty - Saturday Night Fish Fry - Warner Bros.
Dollar Bill The One Man Band - My Baby Makes Me Feel..... - Rollin Records
Doctor Ross - New York Breakdown - Hi-Q Records
Joe Lutcher & His Orchestra - Ojai - Modern Records
Eddy Giles - Losin' Boy - Murco Records
The Soul Pleasers - Baby Don't Cry - Funk 45
Download Mr Double Down Presents Movers & Shakers HERE
Gil Scott-Heron - R.I.P.
Gil Scott-Heron (April 1st 1949 – May 27th 2011) - R.I.P.
Gil Scott-Heron - Where Did The Night Go
Monday, 18 April 2011
Mr Double Down Presents Dollar Bin Beats
Wosson Snitches?
I'm finally back! Hopefully dispelling all those mad rumours of my unfortunate demise! Nethertheless, things have been crazy busy round these parts. A new (unforgiving) job and a few personal issues and tissues has meant time has been tight, and I apologise (again) for the lack of posts here.
I have however managed to slide in several digging trips, like that was never not going to happen despite the new job! I have a ton of new stuff to share with those of you who haven't lost faith, so bear with me as I find the time to digitamize it for your aural pleasure and approval.
So here we go with a brand new mix of recent digs. This is completely made up of 45s that I've picked up in the field. A nicely paced mix of Northern, Ska, Soul And a few curve balls thrown in for good measure!
Strap in, turn up your listening device of choice and enjoy! I'll catch you on the flipside with some more goodness, so stay safe until then!
Razzy & The Neighbourhood Kids - I Hate Hate - Grand Strand
James Fountain - Seven Day Lover - Cream Records
The C.O.D.'s - Michael - Kellmac Records
The Spencer Davis Group - I Am A Man - Island Records
Wind - Groovin' With Mr Bloe - Life
The Mohawks - Wicked Lady - Supreme
Prince Buster - Rum & Coca Cola - Wildbells
Errol Dixon & The Back Beats - Too Much Whisky - Back Beat
Robert Parker - I Caught You In A Lie - Dee-Jay Records
Sam Cooke - It's Got The Whole World Shakin' - RCA Victor
Hank Ballard - Work With Me Annie - King Records
Gene Faith - Family Man - Virtue
3 Titans - The Life Of A Scholar - Dunham Records
Duke Ellington Meets John Coltrane - In A Sentimental Mood - Impulse (French EP)
Download Mr Double Down Presents Dollar Bin Beats HERE
I'm finally back! Hopefully dispelling all those mad rumours of my unfortunate demise! Nethertheless, things have been crazy busy round these parts. A new (unforgiving) job and a few personal issues and tissues has meant time has been tight, and I apologise (again) for the lack of posts here.
I have however managed to slide in several digging trips, like that was never not going to happen despite the new job! I have a ton of new stuff to share with those of you who haven't lost faith, so bear with me as I find the time to digitamize it for your aural pleasure and approval.
So here we go with a brand new mix of recent digs. This is completely made up of 45s that I've picked up in the field. A nicely paced mix of Northern, Ska, Soul And a few curve balls thrown in for good measure!
Strap in, turn up your listening device of choice and enjoy! I'll catch you on the flipside with some more goodness, so stay safe until then!
Track List
Razzy & The Neighbourhood Kids - I Hate Hate - Grand Strand
James Fountain - Seven Day Lover - Cream Records
The C.O.D.'s - Michael - Kellmac Records
The Spencer Davis Group - I Am A Man - Island Records
Wind - Groovin' With Mr Bloe - Life
The Mohawks - Wicked Lady - Supreme
Prince Buster - Rum & Coca Cola - Wildbells
Errol Dixon & The Back Beats - Too Much Whisky - Back Beat
Robert Parker - I Caught You In A Lie - Dee-Jay Records
Sam Cooke - It's Got The Whole World Shakin' - RCA Victor
Hank Ballard - Work With Me Annie - King Records
Gene Faith - Family Man - Virtue
3 Titans - The Life Of A Scholar - Dunham Records
Duke Ellington Meets John Coltrane - In A Sentimental Mood - Impulse (French EP)
Download Mr Double Down Presents Dollar Bin Beats HERE
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Mr Double Down Presents The Knee Jerk
Welcome back Soul Children!
If you're reading this then it's a safe bet to assume you've worked out the impromptu new location for the Blog!
Things were becoming rather irritating over at the previous host server. They for some reason found it acceptable to constantly take the site offline in an attempt to strong arm us into an upgrade. After they eventually removed and blocked all the archived Mp3s and pictures I decided to call time and get out.
Sadly however, I could only copy two thirds of the old posts across to here before they finally locked us down. If you check the Tab on the right for January you can find those there, abeit a little out of sorts due to the mad rush of saving them.
So moving forward here's a mix featuring a few of the new records I've been fortunate enough to pick up along my travels recently. A nice selection of Funk and Soul which also includes a couple of long time wants that I finally managed to tick off the ever growing and expanding wants list.
Stay safe, enjoy today's new Mix and I'll be back here soon enough with some more of the 'Good Stuff' for you all!
The Boogaloo Investigators - Sleep Walk - Defunct
Little Richard - It Ain't Whatcha Do (It's The Way How You Do It) - Vee-Jay Records
Jackie Wilson - I Just Can't Help It - Brunswick
Ike & Tina Turner - Cussin', Cryin' & Carryin' On - Pompeii Records
The Sisters Of Righteous - That's How I Feel - King
Impact! - Why Don't You Trust In Me - Alpha Records
Errol Dixon & The Back Beats - Mama Shut Your Door - Blue Beat
Willie Cobb - You Don't Love Me - Dee-Jay
Marvin Gaye - You're The Man - Tamla
Living Brass & Living Marimbas - Mexican Shuffle - RCA
Sly, Slick & Wicked - Sho' Nuff - People
The Crow - Your Autumn Of Tomorrow - Right On
Download Mr Double Down Presents The Knee Jerk HERE
If you're reading this then it's a safe bet to assume you've worked out the impromptu new location for the Blog!
Things were becoming rather irritating over at the previous host server. They for some reason found it acceptable to constantly take the site offline in an attempt to strong arm us into an upgrade. After they eventually removed and blocked all the archived Mp3s and pictures I decided to call time and get out.
Sadly however, I could only copy two thirds of the old posts across to here before they finally locked us down. If you check the Tab on the right for January you can find those there, abeit a little out of sorts due to the mad rush of saving them.
So moving forward here's a mix featuring a few of the new records I've been fortunate enough to pick up along my travels recently. A nice selection of Funk and Soul which also includes a couple of long time wants that I finally managed to tick off the ever growing and expanding wants list.
Stay safe, enjoy today's new Mix and I'll be back here soon enough with some more of the 'Good Stuff' for you all!
Track List
The Boogaloo Investigators - Sleep Walk - Defunct
Little Richard - It Ain't Whatcha Do (It's The Way How You Do It) - Vee-Jay Records
Jackie Wilson - I Just Can't Help It - Brunswick
Ike & Tina Turner - Cussin', Cryin' & Carryin' On - Pompeii Records
The Sisters Of Righteous - That's How I Feel - King
Impact! - Why Don't You Trust In Me - Alpha Records
Errol Dixon & The Back Beats - Mama Shut Your Door - Blue Beat
Willie Cobb - You Don't Love Me - Dee-Jay
Marvin Gaye - You're The Man - Tamla
Living Brass & Living Marimbas - Mexican Shuffle - RCA
Sly, Slick & Wicked - Sho' Nuff - People
The Crow - Your Autumn Of Tomorrow - Right On
Download Mr Double Down Presents The Knee Jerk HERE
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Mr Double Down & Jamie C Present Music Is The Answer Pt2 (The OneThat Flew Over The Fence)
Welcome back!
I hope the beginning of a brand new week finds you all well and good?
I return here with Part 2 of the mix that I put together with Jamie C sometime before Christmas. If you were late out of the blocks and missed part one you can still catch it by heading HERE.
Jamie C (Left) and Mr Double Down (Right)
This time round the sequel is a more R&B based affair and features some really great 45s within for your listening pleasure.
In other exciting news the beginning of February will see us partaking in a full on weekend of Funk and Soul, of which we'd love you to join us!
Friday 4th February sees us heading down to Brighton where we'll be supporting the Jezebel Sextet at The Komedia. Ed Meme and Sir Funk are also on the bill so this is going to be a fantastic night you definitely don't want to miss.
Saturday 5th February marks the return of our regular Hook & Sling monthly night at The Vestry. If the turn out and crowd is only half as good as the previous months then you're in for a treat!
Enjoy today's new mix, stay safe and I'll be back here with some more of the good stuff!
The Chell-mars - Roamin' Heart - Jamie
Titus Turner - Bow Bow - Enjoy
Jimmy McCracklin - That's The Way - Imperial
The Utopians - Ain't No Such Thing -Imperial
Oberia Martinez - Gotta Think It Over - Keith Records
The Valentines - That's It Man - King
Little Richard - I'm Back - Modern Records
Solomon Burke - Peepin' - Atlantic
Mark III Trio - G'wan (Go On) - Wingate
Wilson Pickett - Barefootin' - Belter
Gene Allison - Somebody Somewhere - Ref-O-
Benny Gordon & The Soul Brothers - A Kiss To Build A Dream On - RCA Victor
The Duvals - What Am I? - Boss
Eli 'The Prophet' - Take A Little Give A Lot - Ala
James Brown & The Famous Flames - (Can You) Feel It - London
Dorando - Listen To My Song - Music City
Johnny Griffin & The Big Soul Band - Wade In The Water - Riverside
Download Mr Double Down & Jamie C Present Music Is The Answer Pt2 (The One That Flew Over The Fence) HERE
I hope the beginning of a brand new week finds you all well and good?
I return here with Part 2 of the mix that I put together with Jamie C sometime before Christmas. If you were late out of the blocks and missed part one you can still catch it by heading HERE.
This time round the sequel is a more R&B based affair and features some really great 45s within for your listening pleasure.
In other exciting news the beginning of February will see us partaking in a full on weekend of Funk and Soul, of which we'd love you to join us!
Friday 4th February sees us heading down to Brighton where we'll be supporting the Jezebel Sextet at The Komedia. Ed Meme and Sir Funk are also on the bill so this is going to be a fantastic night you definitely don't want to miss.
Saturday 5th February marks the return of our regular Hook & Sling monthly night at The Vestry. If the turn out and crowd is only half as good as the previous months then you're in for a treat!
Enjoy today's new mix, stay safe and I'll be back here with some more of the good stuff!
Track List
Jamie C
The Chell-mars - Roamin' Heart - Jamie
Titus Turner - Bow Bow - Enjoy
Jimmy McCracklin - That's The Way - Imperial
The Utopians - Ain't No Such Thing -Imperial
Oberia Martinez - Gotta Think It Over - Keith Records
Mr Double Down
The Valentines - That's It Man - King
Little Richard - I'm Back - Modern Records
Solomon Burke - Peepin' - Atlantic
Mark III Trio - G'wan (Go On) - Wingate
Wilson Pickett - Barefootin' - Belter
Jamie C
Gene Allison - Somebody Somewhere - Ref-O-
Benny Gordon & The Soul Brothers - A Kiss To Build A Dream On - RCA Victor
The Duvals - What Am I? - Boss
Eli 'The Prophet' - Take A Little Give A Lot - Ala
Mr Double Down
James Brown & The Famous Flames - (Can You) Feel It - London
Dorando - Listen To My Song - Music City
Johnny Griffin & The Big Soul Band - Wade In The Water - Riverside
Download Mr Double Down & Jamie C Present Music Is The Answer Pt2 (The One That Flew Over The Fence) HERE
Thursday, 20 January 2011
We’re Gonna Have A House Party (Fred Wesley & The New JB’s LIVE @ The Jazz Café)
Welcome back to what has just become something of an unplanned extended weekend here!!
Good Old London Town has just been hit up with what the News Peeps are calling “The worst snow storm in 18 years” Here on the fringes of the capital it's -2°C and we’ve had 6 unexpected (or so it seems) inches of snow falling overnight, with anything upto a foot (maybe more as the weather reports seem to get worse by the hour!) being predicted by midnight tonight. As our somewhat fragile transport system has now crumbled and collapsed to nothing more than medieval styled standards at best, I find myself at home with the heating cranked up to maximum and steaming hot coffee at hand, writing an early morning post for you all.
Fortunately, the snow held off long enough over the weekend for me to head across town to North London to see the legendary Fred Wesley & The New JB’s perform the first of two nights at The Jazz Café in Camden.
Friday’s show was possibly one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen. The band kicked off with a few jazzy numbers which got the crowd warmed up nicely and by the time they started dropping the funk joints everyone had turned out to hear (see?) the whole venue was at boiling point, even seeing some of the diners in the balconies abandoning their tables to get down to the groove!
The band Fred Wesley had assembled for this tour was as tight as they come, made up from long timers who had previously done stints with him. Each took a turn to step forward to showcase their individual talents, no musician stronger or weaker than the others.
The shows highlights for me were ‘Breakin’ Bread’, ‘Pass The Peas’ and the fantastic finale ‘House Party’. Sitting on the end of the piano spectating and almost scrutinising the other band members playing, Fred took on an almost James Brown-esque role as conductor, commanding an awesome stage presence with his trombone, never out shined, with the crowd cheering every single funky note he dropped – truly breathtaking stuff.
Fred Wesley - Trombone Solo - El Passo - 2008
With Fred & The New JB’s touring for the next month or so, I hugely urge you to snatch up tickets and go and see them if they’re playing in a town near you, you certainly won't be disapointed!
I’ll be back in the next day or so with Part 2 of Bold Soul Brothers guest mix (snow permitting!!), So sit tight and stay warm until then.
Good Old London Town has just been hit up with what the News Peeps are calling “The worst snow storm in 18 years” Here on the fringes of the capital it's -2°C and we’ve had 6 unexpected (or so it seems) inches of snow falling overnight, with anything upto a foot (maybe more as the weather reports seem to get worse by the hour!) being predicted by midnight tonight. As our somewhat fragile transport system has now crumbled and collapsed to nothing more than medieval styled standards at best, I find myself at home with the heating cranked up to maximum and steaming hot coffee at hand, writing an early morning post for you all.
Fortunately, the snow held off long enough over the weekend for me to head across town to North London to see the legendary Fred Wesley & The New JB’s perform the first of two nights at The Jazz Café in Camden.
Friday’s show was possibly one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen. The band kicked off with a few jazzy numbers which got the crowd warmed up nicely and by the time they started dropping the funk joints everyone had turned out to hear (see?) the whole venue was at boiling point, even seeing some of the diners in the balconies abandoning their tables to get down to the groove!
The band Fred Wesley had assembled for this tour was as tight as they come, made up from long timers who had previously done stints with him. Each took a turn to step forward to showcase their individual talents, no musician stronger or weaker than the others.
The shows highlights for me were ‘Breakin’ Bread’, ‘Pass The Peas’ and the fantastic finale ‘House Party’. Sitting on the end of the piano spectating and almost scrutinising the other band members playing, Fred took on an almost James Brown-esque role as conductor, commanding an awesome stage presence with his trombone, never out shined, with the crowd cheering every single funky note he dropped – truly breathtaking stuff.
With Fred & The New JB’s touring for the next month or so, I hugely urge you to snatch up tickets and go and see them if they’re playing in a town near you, you certainly won't be disapointed!
I’ll be back in the next day or so with Part 2 of Bold Soul Brothers guest mix (snow permitting!!), So sit tight and stay warm until then.
Mr Double Down Presents Smooth Soul
I hope you're all ok and managed to catch Part One of Bold Soul Brother's excellent guest contribution? If you were late out of the blocks then I suggest you make haste and head HERE to pick it up. Part Two will be dropping on these pages very soon, so don't miss out!
We've also secured new dates for our ongoing South coast funk and soul night at La Havana Bar in Chichester, West Sussex. We're just over a week away from our return, so make sure you polish up your very best dancing shoes and pen these dates into your diaries!
Back to today's aural delicacies. After a very funky styled selection from Bold Soul Brother, I've decided to balance the equation out by dropping some slow burners and laid back soul sides on you all. This all 45 mix was put together from my collection and features singles that were picked up whilst digging in the field.
I hope you enjoy listening to this as much as I did putting it together for you. I'll be back after the weekend with the second part of Bold Soul Brother's guest mix, so don't go too far!
Gene Faith – My Baby’s Missing – Virtue
The Quickest Way Out – Hello Stranger – Karen Records
Anna King – Come On Home – Smash
The Emotions – My Honey And Me –Volt
Mary Jane Hooper – Teach Me – Power
The Superlatives – It’s Easy To Love – Wal-Ly Records
Betty Wright – I’ll Love You Forever – Alston
Freddy Wilson – Where Is She? – Eastbound Records
Aalon Butler And The New Breed Band – Please Give Me A Chance – PKC
Chuck Edwards – I Need You - Punch
We've also secured new dates for our ongoing South coast funk and soul night at La Havana Bar in Chichester, West Sussex. We're just over a week away from our return, so make sure you polish up your very best dancing shoes and pen these dates into your diaries!
Back to today's aural delicacies. After a very funky styled selection from Bold Soul Brother, I've decided to balance the equation out by dropping some slow burners and laid back soul sides on you all. This all 45 mix was put together from my collection and features singles that were picked up whilst digging in the field.
I hope you enjoy listening to this as much as I did putting it together for you. I'll be back after the weekend with the second part of Bold Soul Brother's guest mix, so don't go too far!
Track List
Gene Faith – My Baby’s Missing – Virtue
The Quickest Way Out – Hello Stranger – Karen Records
Anna King – Come On Home – Smash
The Emotions – My Honey And Me –Volt
Mary Jane Hooper – Teach Me – Power
The Superlatives – It’s Easy To Love – Wal-Ly Records
Betty Wright – I’ll Love You Forever – Alston
Freddy Wilson – Where Is She? – Eastbound Records
Aalon Butler And The New Breed Band – Please Give Me A Chance – PKC
Chuck Edwards – I Need You - Punch
Guest Mix - Bold Soul Brother - Bo 'N' Brown 'N' Others
Welcome back!
I hope the end of the week finds you all good. With impending freedom in the form of the weekend just starting to appear on the horizon, I thought it would be a good time to drop the first of my pre-promised Guest Mixes of the year on you all.
After much toing and frowing, I’ve managed to tie down the one and only Bold Soul Brother aka Rich for a fantastic two part Guest contribution. When he’s not being pestered by myself, you can find him running his soul and funk website over at http://boldsoulbrother.com, which he modestly refers to as his ‘work in progress’. Hailing from good Old Blighty, his site features 45s from his collection, as well as some very nice Record Label over views, and is slowly but surely coming along nicely as a good source of information and music.
Today’s Part one of his double edged soul sword is titled Bo 'N' Brown 'N' Others and is a tasty little funk journey that should hopefully leave you looking forward to Part two, which will be hitting these pages shortly there after.
So with out further ado, Ladies and Gentlemen I give you the one and only Bold Soul Brother!!
“What you have in the mix you’ve heard was all mixed from vinyl, most from 45's, but I had to pull a couple of LPs too… these are tunes that sit on my “most played” shelves along with the likes of Baby Huey, Lou Courtney, Alvin Cash, Bobby Byrd, Sly & The Family Stone, The Meters, etc… it runs for 69 minutes, so grab a beer or two, sit back and enjoy…”
James Brown - Shhhh (For A Little While) – 1968 - King (6164)
Sam & The Soul Machine - Mercy D - 1972 - Funky Del (18) *
James Brown - The Drunk – 1970 - Bethlehem (3098)
James Crawford - Fat Eddie – 1967 - King (6130)
Steve Soul - Popcorn With A Feeling – 1970 - Federal (12551)
Trick Bag - Dull Knifin’ – 1972 - Funky Del (18) **
Ernie & The Top Notes - Things Are Better – 1971 - Fordom (105)
The Last Word - Funky & Some – 1974 - Polydor (14226)
Sam & The Soul Machine - Git-It – 1972 - Funky Del (18) ***
Lee Austin – Screwdriver -1971 - International Brothers (801)
Curley Moore & The Kool Ones (Eddie Bo) - Funky, Yeah! – 1968 - House Of The Fox (1934)
James K Nine (Eddie Bo) - Live It Up – 1971 - Federal (12572)
Dome City Rock - Quiet Village (Part 2) – 1970 - Dome City (35)
Osaka Monaurail - Sunshine #9 – 2008 - Our Label (005)
The JB’s – Crossover – 1977 - Polydor (41396)
The Dapps - Bringing Up The Guitar – 1968 - King (6147)
James Brown - Funky Broadway – 1967 - Smash (27093) ****
1984 – Trip – 2007 - Tramp (114) *****
The Hustlers – Hustling – 1975 - People (658)
Dome City Rock - Quiet Village (Part 1) – 1970 - Dome City (35)
Osaka Monaurail - Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours – 2008 - Our Label (005)
James Brown - Lowdown Popcorn – 1969 - King (6250)
Electrostats - 21st Century - Kenya - 1971 Three Oaks (101
* Previously unreleased and taken from the Funky Delicacies LP “Funky, Funky, New Orleans”
** Only released on LP (French Quarter Textiles), taken from LP “Funky, Funky, New Orleans”
*** Previously unreleased and taken from the Funky Delicacies LP “Funky, Funky, New Orleans”
**** Only released, and taken from, LP “James Brown Plays The Real Thing”
***** Previously unreleased and taken from new issue
DOWNLOAD BO 'N' BROWN 'N' OTHERS - A 95MB MP3 FILE HERE
I hope the end of the week finds you all good. With impending freedom in the form of the weekend just starting to appear on the horizon, I thought it would be a good time to drop the first of my pre-promised Guest Mixes of the year on you all.
After much toing and frowing, I’ve managed to tie down the one and only Bold Soul Brother aka Rich for a fantastic two part Guest contribution. When he’s not being pestered by myself, you can find him running his soul and funk website over at http://boldsoulbrother.com, which he modestly refers to as his ‘work in progress’. Hailing from good Old Blighty, his site features 45s from his collection, as well as some very nice Record Label over views, and is slowly but surely coming along nicely as a good source of information and music.
Today’s Part one of his double edged soul sword is titled Bo 'N' Brown 'N' Others and is a tasty little funk journey that should hopefully leave you looking forward to Part two, which will be hitting these pages shortly there after.
So with out further ado, Ladies and Gentlemen I give you the one and only Bold Soul Brother!!
“What you have in the mix you’ve heard was all mixed from vinyl, most from 45's, but I had to pull a couple of LPs too… these are tunes that sit on my “most played” shelves along with the likes of Baby Huey, Lou Courtney, Alvin Cash, Bobby Byrd, Sly & The Family Stone, The Meters, etc… it runs for 69 minutes, so grab a beer or two, sit back and enjoy…”
Track List
James Brown - Shhhh (For A Little While) – 1968 - King (6164)
Sam & The Soul Machine - Mercy D - 1972 - Funky Del (18) *
James Brown - The Drunk – 1970 - Bethlehem (3098)
James Crawford - Fat Eddie – 1967 - King (6130)
Steve Soul - Popcorn With A Feeling – 1970 - Federal (12551)
Trick Bag - Dull Knifin’ – 1972 - Funky Del (18) **
Ernie & The Top Notes - Things Are Better – 1971 - Fordom (105)
The Last Word - Funky & Some – 1974 - Polydor (14226)
Sam & The Soul Machine - Git-It – 1972 - Funky Del (18) ***
Lee Austin – Screwdriver -1971 - International Brothers (801)
Curley Moore & The Kool Ones (Eddie Bo) - Funky, Yeah! – 1968 - House Of The Fox (1934)
James K Nine (Eddie Bo) - Live It Up – 1971 - Federal (12572)
Dome City Rock - Quiet Village (Part 2) – 1970 - Dome City (35)
Osaka Monaurail - Sunshine #9 – 2008 - Our Label (005)
The JB’s – Crossover – 1977 - Polydor (41396)
The Dapps - Bringing Up The Guitar – 1968 - King (6147)
James Brown - Funky Broadway – 1967 - Smash (27093) ****
1984 – Trip – 2007 - Tramp (114) *****
The Hustlers – Hustling – 1975 - People (658)
Dome City Rock - Quiet Village (Part 1) – 1970 - Dome City (35)
Osaka Monaurail - Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours – 2008 - Our Label (005)
James Brown - Lowdown Popcorn – 1969 - King (6250)
Electrostats - 21st Century - Kenya - 1971 Three Oaks (101
* Previously unreleased and taken from the Funky Delicacies LP “Funky, Funky, New Orleans”
** Only released on LP (French Quarter Textiles), taken from LP “Funky, Funky, New Orleans”
*** Previously unreleased and taken from the Funky Delicacies LP “Funky, Funky, New Orleans”
**** Only released, and taken from, LP “James Brown Plays The Real Thing”
***** Previously unreleased and taken from new issue
DOWNLOAD BO 'N' BROWN 'N' OTHERS - A 95MB MP3 FILE HERE
Mr Double Down Presents The New New Super Heavy Funk Mix Volume Two
Welcome back.
I hope you’re all well, on point and ready for today’s new mix?
A little over one year ago I recorded a mix for these pages focussing on new (or fairly new) funk and soul releases from current outfits doing the rounds on the scene. It was one of the most popular mini mixes I’ve posted and still picks up regular hits. If you were slow off the mark don't worry as you can still catch it HERE. A year on and my collection has swelled significantly enough with new 45’s to cobble together a volume two for you, so here we go again!
Breakestra, the funk outfit from Los Angeles, get proceedings going with this excellent cover version of the Leroy And The Drivers hugely rare cut ‘Sad Chicken’. As the original, which was released on Duo fetches somewhat of a pretty penny when a copy does show up, this cover on the Stones Throw label proves to be a very worthy substitute.
Speedometer have been doing the rounds on the funk scene for a while now and have several notable 45s and LPs to boot. They are currently touring the UK again and are definitely worth checking out if you get a chance. ‘Foot And Mouth’ is the flip side to their fifth 45 release on Kennel Klub Records and is a real full on funk onslaught.
Nicole Willis and the Soul Investigators team up with Jimmy Tenor, who provides the flute and horns on this 2003 release on Sahco Records. ‘You Better Change’ took the funk and soul scene by storm and even warranted a second pressing due to demand in 2007, four years after the original release.
Speeedometer’s Ria Currie joins The Deep Soul Messengers for this cover of Robert Moore’s 1971 rarity, ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright’. For a track which is well known to fans of funk and considered to be somewhat of a holy grail by collectors, Ria Currie (as well as the band) does enormous justice to the cut, giving it a nice new spin with her fantastically powerful vocals – Top stuff!
Cookin’ on 3 Burners hail from Australia. This 45, ‘Keb’s Bucket’ (a nod toward funk collector Keb Darge) from 2006, was released on the excellent Freestyle Record label.
The track has a slightly ‘Meters-esque’ feel which is certainly no bad thing at all. The sound delivered by the three piece, comprising of members of The Bamboos is really full and is certainly not empty sounding like other lesser outfits. This one certainly deserves all the plays it gets.
Spanish based Phat Fred hit us up with ‘Stay On The Groove’, released as part of the Soul Shaker Series on Record kicks. This was also featured on their 2006 LP ‘Don’t Spoil The Soup’. The 45 is a tight party funk tune which bowls along tidily with the chicken scratch guitar leading the way. Some nice Hammond chops wrap up a 45 which should feature in everyone’s collection.
The Whitefield Brothers have featured in mixes on these pages before and ‘In The Raw’ was a track I was saving for a rainy day but it fits the bill here nicely. After an eery intro the 45 literally punches you square in the face with its aggressiveness. This one isn’t for the faint hearted and once the groove has been established, it’s down to some seriously skilful Hammond playing. The Whitefield Brothers are made up of members of The Poets Of Rhythm and this single was put out on Philip Lehman’s Soul Fire label.
The Charles Bradley And The Bullets track ‘Now I’m Gone’ is one of my favourites on the NYC based Daptone Record label. I love the change in tempo during the track and Charles Bradley does a great job laying down the vocals on this one. The Bullets are a four piece with a big sound and as with all the other releases on this label the production is also fantastic.
A little while back Robert Moore played a gig in London to promote the launch of the Jazzman Florida Funk LP. While here, he managed to get back into the studio and lay down this fine slice of funk on Freestyle Records. Robert Moore is backed by Speedometer, who lay down a really tight groove while he lets rip on this one, and proves just why all his cuts are highly sought after.
That’s it for the second mix of 2009, Check out the GALLERY PAGES as I've finally managed to pull some more photos of NYE as well as some older ones of past events together. Head back here later on for the first instalment of the year from our continuing Guest Mix Series. I promise it’s going to be another winner!
Breakestra – The Sad Chicken - Stones Throw
Speedometer – “Foot And Mouth” – Kennel Klub Records
Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators With Jimmy Tenor – You Better Change – Sahco Records
Ria Currie And The Deep Soul Messengers – Everything Is Gonna Be Alright – Freestyle Records
Cookin’ On 3 Burners – Keb’s Bucket – Freestyle Records
Phat Fred – Stay On The Groove - (SoulShaker Volume 3 E.P) Record Kicks
The Whitefield Brothers – In The Raw – Soul Fire Records
Charles Bradley And The Bullets – Now That I’m Gone (Look How You’re Crying) –
Daptone Records
Robert Moore – Make It Alright – Freestyle Records
I hope you’re all well, on point and ready for today’s new mix?
A little over one year ago I recorded a mix for these pages focussing on new (or fairly new) funk and soul releases from current outfits doing the rounds on the scene. It was one of the most popular mini mixes I’ve posted and still picks up regular hits. If you were slow off the mark don't worry as you can still catch it HERE. A year on and my collection has swelled significantly enough with new 45’s to cobble together a volume two for you, so here we go again!
Breakestra, the funk outfit from Los Angeles, get proceedings going with this excellent cover version of the Leroy And The Drivers hugely rare cut ‘Sad Chicken’. As the original, which was released on Duo fetches somewhat of a pretty penny when a copy does show up, this cover on the Stones Throw label proves to be a very worthy substitute.
Speedometer have been doing the rounds on the funk scene for a while now and have several notable 45s and LPs to boot. They are currently touring the UK again and are definitely worth checking out if you get a chance. ‘Foot And Mouth’ is the flip side to their fifth 45 release on Kennel Klub Records and is a real full on funk onslaught.
Nicole Willis and the Soul Investigators team up with Jimmy Tenor, who provides the flute and horns on this 2003 release on Sahco Records. ‘You Better Change’ took the funk and soul scene by storm and even warranted a second pressing due to demand in 2007, four years after the original release.
Speeedometer’s Ria Currie joins The Deep Soul Messengers for this cover of Robert Moore’s 1971 rarity, ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright’. For a track which is well known to fans of funk and considered to be somewhat of a holy grail by collectors, Ria Currie (as well as the band) does enormous justice to the cut, giving it a nice new spin with her fantastically powerful vocals – Top stuff!
Cookin’ on 3 Burners hail from Australia. This 45, ‘Keb’s Bucket’ (a nod toward funk collector Keb Darge) from 2006, was released on the excellent Freestyle Record label.
The track has a slightly ‘Meters-esque’ feel which is certainly no bad thing at all. The sound delivered by the three piece, comprising of members of The Bamboos is really full and is certainly not empty sounding like other lesser outfits. This one certainly deserves all the plays it gets.
Spanish based Phat Fred hit us up with ‘Stay On The Groove’, released as part of the Soul Shaker Series on Record kicks. This was also featured on their 2006 LP ‘Don’t Spoil The Soup’. The 45 is a tight party funk tune which bowls along tidily with the chicken scratch guitar leading the way. Some nice Hammond chops wrap up a 45 which should feature in everyone’s collection.
The Whitefield Brothers have featured in mixes on these pages before and ‘In The Raw’ was a track I was saving for a rainy day but it fits the bill here nicely. After an eery intro the 45 literally punches you square in the face with its aggressiveness. This one isn’t for the faint hearted and once the groove has been established, it’s down to some seriously skilful Hammond playing. The Whitefield Brothers are made up of members of The Poets Of Rhythm and this single was put out on Philip Lehman’s Soul Fire label.
The Charles Bradley And The Bullets track ‘Now I’m Gone’ is one of my favourites on the NYC based Daptone Record label. I love the change in tempo during the track and Charles Bradley does a great job laying down the vocals on this one. The Bullets are a four piece with a big sound and as with all the other releases on this label the production is also fantastic.
A little while back Robert Moore played a gig in London to promote the launch of the Jazzman Florida Funk LP. While here, he managed to get back into the studio and lay down this fine slice of funk on Freestyle Records. Robert Moore is backed by Speedometer, who lay down a really tight groove while he lets rip on this one, and proves just why all his cuts are highly sought after.
That’s it for the second mix of 2009, Check out the GALLERY PAGES as I've finally managed to pull some more photos of NYE as well as some older ones of past events together. Head back here later on for the first instalment of the year from our continuing Guest Mix Series. I promise it’s going to be another winner!
Track List (Label scans on request)
Breakestra – The Sad Chicken - Stones Throw
Speedometer – “Foot And Mouth” – Kennel Klub Records
Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators With Jimmy Tenor – You Better Change – Sahco Records
Ria Currie And The Deep Soul Messengers – Everything Is Gonna Be Alright – Freestyle Records
Cookin’ On 3 Burners – Keb’s Bucket – Freestyle Records
Phat Fred – Stay On The Groove - (SoulShaker Volume 3 E.P) Record Kicks
The Whitefield Brothers – In The Raw – Soul Fire Records
Charles Bradley And The Bullets – Now That I’m Gone (Look How You’re Crying) –
Daptone Records
Robert Moore – Make It Alright – Freestyle Records
Mr Double Down Presents Back For 2009
Welcome back Soul Children!
Firstly, Happy New Year and I hope 2009 is a good and prosperous one for all of you.
Secondly I’d like to apologise for my unplanned hiatus as I had originally intended to return here between Christmas and New Years Eve with something for you, but with organising our NYE special (more on that later) and squaring away some continuing real life moves, this proved to be more difficult than I originally envisaged.
2008 has been a bit of rollercoaster ride here at camp Hook And Sling. I’m still in awe at how everything has grown over this year in regards to our nights, as well as the ever-growing readership and subscribers. I owe a lot of that to our many guest contributors and DJ’s, there are far too many of you to name individually but you all know who you are. I also want to thank everyone who’s rolled by these parts and left comments and words of support.
Our New Years Eve Special was a truly memorable night, Aside from all our South coast regulars, there was an abundance of new Soul recruits in attendance. We hit capacity by 10pm, with the dance floor constantly packed right through till the very end. From what I can remember (after several too many beers), I had a ball and really enjoyed watching everyone’s reactions to the 45s we played, both known and unknown. A truly top crowd, very receptive, who all deserve props for creating a fantastic atmosphere.
I’ll be posting more NYE photos on the gallery page as and when they become available to me.
We’d also like to thank Diane and the entire bar staff at The Brown Sugar Bar in London for their help and support with the night over the last couple of years. Unfortunately due to several culminating circumstances it is looking like we will be moving the night back South to La Havana Bar in Chichester for the time being. Dates to follow soon.
Fortunately, during my time away, in between trawling a few of my favourite digging spots, I’ve also managed to put together several new mixes, so hopefully for the time being there wont be any interruptions to my out put here. So lets kick off 2009 as we mean to go on with today’s selection of 45’s.
First up is one of my recent finds, The Fabulous Rhythm Makers with ‘Ya Gotta Be Doing It’ on the highly collectable Forte label. After the teasing intro, this 45 comes out fighting and flailing like a true heavyweight champ! Some serious guitar chops and intricate saxophone make this a sure fire winner.
From the same haul comes this Bobby Powell 45 on Whit Records. ‘Peace Begins Within’ starts out with a lick that has you getting your groove on even before the track fully kicks in. Check out the breakdown just over a minute and a half in – Quality!
Robert Parker is a real Hook and Sling favourite and as a general rule of thumb I always pick up any of his 45’s when I come across them in the field, I’m yet to be disappointed! Parker lays done some brilliant Nola styled R&B with ‘Barefootin’, the flip to ‘Let’s Go Baby’ on the 1966 Island Records issue of the 45.
The Turbans allegedly earned their name after their manager Herman Gillespie suggested they wear caps while performing, when Charlie Williams, the groups baritone replied he’d rather wear a turban instead, the name stuck and the group actually went on to perform wearing turbans! ‘B-I-N-G-O’ was the groups third single, released in 1956 and failed to chart, maybe due to it being a bit to gimmicky for the main stream which was still abound with church styled music at the time.
Huey ‘Piano’ Smith was one of the very first artists I wrote about on these pages and he hits us up again with his ’Clowns’ on this Ace Records release. Another Crescent City offering, this like all of his cuts captures the New Orleans party vibe perfectly. Some nice rolling piano and punchy horns make ‘High Blood Pressure’ a favourite of mine.
The next two 45’s go hand in hand. First we see Marva Whitney and James Brown duet on ‘You Gotta Have A Job (If You Don’t Work You Can’t Eat), a real call to arms which seems almost like a live recording. Horn maestro Maceo Parker provides the glue on this one and I really love the call and answer going on at the end, which just seems to build and build.
And then Bobby Byrd, the man responsible for giving a young James Brown a break (his family took him in after JB did a spell in prison) steps up next with a stripped back, bare bones version of the track, simply titled ‘If You Don’t Work You Can’t Eat’ Its all about the plain guitar and horns in unison here. I find it hard to decide which cut I prefer so I’ll let you choose!!!
Rufus Thomas is next up with the aptly titled ‘All Night Worker’ I felt after the previous two 45’s I had to stick this one in! This is from a black Canadian Stax issue and is something I haven’t seen very often around these parts. A nice little R&B stomper nonetheless.
Finally I thought I’d throw in a curve ball with this jazzy little number from The Righteous Brothers, the duo that bought us ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling’ (This is actually the flip to that 45). Slightly downbeat psyched out vocals but a tidy little piano lick rounds things up here nicely.
So that’s the first mix of 2009! I hope you enjoyed it and rest assured there’s plenty more from where that came from. I’ve also got a couple of special treats coming up for you in the form of some new guest mixes. I promise you won’t be disappointed with these new comers to our ongoing Guest Mix Series and I’m really looking forward to dropping them on you, so make sure you check back here regularly so as not to miss them. I’ll be back soon with another dose of the ‘Good Stuff’ for you so don’t go far.
The Fabulous Rhythm Makers – Ya Gotta Be Doing It – Forte Records
Bobby Powell – Peace Begins Within – Whit
Robert Parker – Barefootin’ – Island Records
The Turbans – B-I-N-G-O (Bingo) – Herald
Huey ‘Piano’ Smith & The Clowns – High Blood Pressure
Marva Whitney And James Brown – You Got To Have A Job (If You Don’t Work – You Can’t Eat) – King
Bobby Byrd – If You Don’t Work You Can’t Eat – King
Rufus Thomas – All Night Worker – Stax
The Righteous Brothers – There’s A Woman – London American Recordings
Firstly, Happy New Year and I hope 2009 is a good and prosperous one for all of you.
Secondly I’d like to apologise for my unplanned hiatus as I had originally intended to return here between Christmas and New Years Eve with something for you, but with organising our NYE special (more on that later) and squaring away some continuing real life moves, this proved to be more difficult than I originally envisaged.
2008 has been a bit of rollercoaster ride here at camp Hook And Sling. I’m still in awe at how everything has grown over this year in regards to our nights, as well as the ever-growing readership and subscribers. I owe a lot of that to our many guest contributors and DJ’s, there are far too many of you to name individually but you all know who you are. I also want to thank everyone who’s rolled by these parts and left comments and words of support.
Our New Years Eve Special was a truly memorable night, Aside from all our South coast regulars, there was an abundance of new Soul recruits in attendance. We hit capacity by 10pm, with the dance floor constantly packed right through till the very end. From what I can remember (after several too many beers), I had a ball and really enjoyed watching everyone’s reactions to the 45s we played, both known and unknown. A truly top crowd, very receptive, who all deserve props for creating a fantastic atmosphere.
I’ll be posting more NYE photos on the gallery page as and when they become available to me.
We’d also like to thank Diane and the entire bar staff at The Brown Sugar Bar in London for their help and support with the night over the last couple of years. Unfortunately due to several culminating circumstances it is looking like we will be moving the night back South to La Havana Bar in Chichester for the time being. Dates to follow soon.
Fortunately, during my time away, in between trawling a few of my favourite digging spots, I’ve also managed to put together several new mixes, so hopefully for the time being there wont be any interruptions to my out put here. So lets kick off 2009 as we mean to go on with today’s selection of 45’s.
First up is one of my recent finds, The Fabulous Rhythm Makers with ‘Ya Gotta Be Doing It’ on the highly collectable Forte label. After the teasing intro, this 45 comes out fighting and flailing like a true heavyweight champ! Some serious guitar chops and intricate saxophone make this a sure fire winner.
From the same haul comes this Bobby Powell 45 on Whit Records. ‘Peace Begins Within’ starts out with a lick that has you getting your groove on even before the track fully kicks in. Check out the breakdown just over a minute and a half in – Quality!
Robert Parker is a real Hook and Sling favourite and as a general rule of thumb I always pick up any of his 45’s when I come across them in the field, I’m yet to be disappointed! Parker lays done some brilliant Nola styled R&B with ‘Barefootin’, the flip to ‘Let’s Go Baby’ on the 1966 Island Records issue of the 45.
The Turbans allegedly earned their name after their manager Herman Gillespie suggested they wear caps while performing, when Charlie Williams, the groups baritone replied he’d rather wear a turban instead, the name stuck and the group actually went on to perform wearing turbans! ‘B-I-N-G-O’ was the groups third single, released in 1956 and failed to chart, maybe due to it being a bit to gimmicky for the main stream which was still abound with church styled music at the time.
Huey ‘Piano’ Smith was one of the very first artists I wrote about on these pages and he hits us up again with his ’Clowns’ on this Ace Records release. Another Crescent City offering, this like all of his cuts captures the New Orleans party vibe perfectly. Some nice rolling piano and punchy horns make ‘High Blood Pressure’ a favourite of mine.
The next two 45’s go hand in hand. First we see Marva Whitney and James Brown duet on ‘You Gotta Have A Job (If You Don’t Work You Can’t Eat), a real call to arms which seems almost like a live recording. Horn maestro Maceo Parker provides the glue on this one and I really love the call and answer going on at the end, which just seems to build and build.
And then Bobby Byrd, the man responsible for giving a young James Brown a break (his family took him in after JB did a spell in prison) steps up next with a stripped back, bare bones version of the track, simply titled ‘If You Don’t Work You Can’t Eat’ Its all about the plain guitar and horns in unison here. I find it hard to decide which cut I prefer so I’ll let you choose!!!
Rufus Thomas is next up with the aptly titled ‘All Night Worker’ I felt after the previous two 45’s I had to stick this one in! This is from a black Canadian Stax issue and is something I haven’t seen very often around these parts. A nice little R&B stomper nonetheless.
Finally I thought I’d throw in a curve ball with this jazzy little number from The Righteous Brothers, the duo that bought us ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling’ (This is actually the flip to that 45). Slightly downbeat psyched out vocals but a tidy little piano lick rounds things up here nicely.
So that’s the first mix of 2009! I hope you enjoyed it and rest assured there’s plenty more from where that came from. I’ve also got a couple of special treats coming up for you in the form of some new guest mixes. I promise you won’t be disappointed with these new comers to our ongoing Guest Mix Series and I’m really looking forward to dropping them on you, so make sure you check back here regularly so as not to miss them. I’ll be back soon with another dose of the ‘Good Stuff’ for you so don’t go far.
Track list (Scans available on request)
The Fabulous Rhythm Makers – Ya Gotta Be Doing It – Forte Records
Bobby Powell – Peace Begins Within – Whit
Robert Parker – Barefootin’ – Island Records
The Turbans – B-I-N-G-O (Bingo) – Herald
Huey ‘Piano’ Smith & The Clowns – High Blood Pressure
Marva Whitney And James Brown – You Got To Have A Job (If You Don’t Work – You Can’t Eat) – King
Bobby Byrd – If You Don’t Work You Can’t Eat – King
Rufus Thomas – All Night Worker – Stax
The Righteous Brothers – There’s A Woman – London American Recordings
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