Primitive Sound System at Maxwells - Mixed Tape Sessions - "You Say It's your Birthday" - Tuesday June 28th - 9PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,
This week I'll be manning the turntables while the fine folks at Maxwell's Party Party Party in celebration of the birth of twins Beth Ann and Danielle. Since one party deserves another I figured I would pull records for a close friend's wedding at the same time. Picking the Party hits proved to be quite fun and many of this weeks tracks will hopefully inspire some asses to make for the dance floor at the wedding as well as the Birthday. The idea for The Mixed Tape Sessions was to always try and turn someone onto to something new. Sometimes it's not about educating the crowd as much as it is about just having fun. This week you are allowed to sit back and relax but only between songs.

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

I feel like dancing, dancing...WOO!
45s:
Monguito Santamaria - "Hey Sister" (Fania cat. 481)
Opening with a familiar Beatles-esque intro and hand claps Monquito and his crew charge head on with this Boo-Ga-Loo ass kicker. Horns come blaring and off we go. Monquito proves to be one hell of a fine Soul singer regardless of genre. The track is layered so heavily with horns, piano, vocals, percussion and bass that even the slightest misstep would send this track careening off its course. Monquito keeps everything in order with repeated phrases and handclaps and we make it to the end uninjured but a bit more sweaty and out of breath.

Hal Blaine - "Drums A Go-Go" (Dunhill cat. D-4049)
Hal Blaine must be the single most recorded drummer in history. He and his Wrecking Crew have backed more hits than any other combo. Blaine recorded about 5 LPs under his own name and most can be categorized as beefed up batches of Car/Surf-toons and full force Go-Go and Lounge tunes. "Drums A Go Go" is of course caged, white, thigh high boots and the beat the beat the beat. Hand claps and hoots dance around this Kinks inspired romp. Blaine's drums are the lead but organ and guitar must get honorable mention. The track bounces and shakes its way through with everyone in the club joining in and falling about the place.

Toussaint McCall - "Shimmy" (Ronn Records (a Division of Jewel) cat. RONN 3)
OK, this is one of the ultimate grooovy tracks. The A Side was a bit of a hit but unfortunately I am not even the slightest bit interested and for the most part unable to even drop the needle on "Nothing Takes the Place of You." It's a beautifully sung ballad but half way through I keep thinking of the slapping, trash can drums and screaming organ just a flip away. I know something that takes the place of you...SHIMMY that's what. "Shimmy" is so infectious and moving that I want it blaring out of my radio everyday when I wake up. The track is audio caffeine. The organ on Shimmy can only be described as a horn announcing "GET OUT MY WAY!" The drums skitter and slam and it almost seems as if the drummer is simultaneously holding the kit together while also beating it apart. The song has several breaks in which the drummer and organ could get creative yet they take the time to recoup a bit from the onslaught they have created.

The Mar-keys - "Grab This Thing, Part 1" (Stax cat. S-181)
Stax can almost do no wrong in my eyes. Whether it be an instrumental backing track or a stylish vocal cut they always had the dance floor n mind. "Grab This Thing" is no exception. Steady and tight from start to finish the band bobs a long with confidence. A screaming horn cuts the track in half and other instruments follow suit as they break from center. Everyone falls back in line after one more "Ah, yeah" vocal in the break and we leave the way we came in... strutting.

Harvey Scales & The Seven Sounds - "Get Down 1970" (Chess cat. 2093)
You can never get enough of a good thing. Harvey Scales takes his classic dance floor number at a slightly quicker pace but he never forgets that it's asses he is entertaining and not heads. Like Monguito's "Hey Sister" this track is not for the weak at heart. One wrong move and you can be thrown from the dance floor like a drunken version of ring-around-the-rosy. "Get, get down, Baby!"

Bobby Freeman - "S-W-I-M" (Autumn cat. Record No. 5)
This, for the lack of a better word, re-make of "C'mon Swim" is an incredible bridge between to worlds I love, Soul and Garage Rock. Like the above "Get Down 1970", this version has a bit more propulsion behind its stroke. There are some incredible Garage organ moments as well as some triple time drumming that is tiring just to listen to. You might as well join in or you are likely to be pulled into the undercurrent. I swear I saw a wake left behind by the needle as this was spinning.

Arthur Alexander - "Need A Shot of Rhythm and Blues" (Dot cat. 45-16309 (Mw-16390)
Arthur Alexander was a usual topic at the counter in the early days of Finyl Vinyl. If a Garage Band or some English Invasion band, namely the Stones, covered a tune the original was coveted regardless of the quality of the remake. Arthur Alexander was a true original and seems to still be one of the most overlooked influences, if not an actual cornerstone, in the creation of Rock-N-Roll. In this incident, the Beatles couldn't hold a candle to the Master. "Need A Shot of Rhythm and Blues" demands you to get up and dance in any way you possible can. This is one you can easily pop drunkenly across the floor to as well as glide in rhythmic perfection with its shoulder and finger popping ease. If you need to define what "cool" is to someone, jut play them this tune.

The Capitols - "We Got A Thing That's In The Groove" (Karen Records cat. 1526 (K-10880))
Congas pound out an intro to one of my favorite tunes since I was a kid. How is it that the Capitols always sound so current in some way? I can't explain that statement but it is a sound that is always there when I listen to them. This is music that is happy, their sense of humor comes through with every spin but it is never clownish or dopey. The congas pound throughout the track and the track never eases for even one second, not even during the breaks. Boo-Ga-Loo, Funk, Soul, R&B, Rock, call it what you will but whatever you do call it often and get ready to move to the groove.

The Barbarians - "What The New Breed Say" (Laurie Records Inc. cat. LR 3321)
HEY, HEY, HEY! Think for your self! Or just jump around like you have lost your mind. The Barbarians are laying down their philosophy while you bounce from one foot to the other and shake wildly in agreement. Let's face it, we dig what the Barbarians are laying down and we aren't going to sit idly and let it pass us by.

The Children Of Darkeness - "Sugar Shack A Go-Go" (royce cat. #5140)
Quite a name for these Frat Rocking Troglodytes. I don't believe the The Children Of Darkness are going for a Horror Movie moniker here as much as they are letting us know that they excel at what they do best after dark. Apparently what they do best is drink, kick their instruments across the stage until they fall down and above all rock the floor. Taken at triple time you are lucky if you can breath at the end of this. Where's my puffer?

The Strangeloves - "Cara-Lin" (Bang Records cat. W-10017)
This could be one of the loudest records I own. The Strangeloves play really really big ass drums and percussion and can sing in Harmony really really loud. I wish I could hire these guys for a party but I have a feeling they can't pound them out like this anymore. The song opens with a big beat break that practically becomes the chorus of this hyper-energetic vocal and guitar duel. A two and a half minute party if there ever was.

...and there is tons more where these came from. I gotta hit the hay. I grabbed a full box more than I usual do so I guess I am going until they kill the power.

Primitive Sound System at Maxwells - Mixed Tape Sessions - Tuesday June 21st - 9PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,
I was all prepared to talk at length about the Jazz and Instrumental 45s I filled my box with for this weeks session. The discs range from the 50's to the 70's and include Blues, Soul Jazz, Hard Bop, R&B, Boogaloo and Boo-Ga-Loo (one for Jazz and Soul and one for Latin), Funk, Soul and Rock. I can go on at length why I prefer Instrumentals to Vocals but I will not at this time. Instead I decided to go through the little stack of 45s I snagged in JC this past weekend and became a perfect Father's Day gift. Driving around in hopes of getting my son to nap we stumbled across some of the finds I was hoping to begin to unearth in town. All the records were seemingly unplayed store stock and promo copies. By-the-way the price was as good as the haul and I couldn't be happier. Thanks Honey and thanks for napping Lil B.
- pat.

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703
Some very nicely priced Father's day finds that I'll be spinning into the mix:

Otis Redding - "Hard To Handle" b/w "Amen" (ATCO Records cat. 45-6592 (white label promo))
The piano intro and break are unmistakable. Most people unfortunately know this song from the Black Crowes and not from the original. Not that there is anything wrong with the Black Crowes but this is Otis Redding we are talking about. Redding's ability to genuinely Rock is what made him standout from his major label Soul brethren. Hard to handle packs a mean punch at a mid tempo and Redding's vocal double times the beat at points and feels as if it just may fall apart but who you kidding. This is tight and all done to great effect. If "Hard To Handle" isn't enough to win you over simply flip this and lose yourself in the most incredible version of "Amen" you may ever experience.

Archie Bell & The Drells - "There's Gonna Be A" SHOWDOWN b/w "Go For What You Know" (Atlantic cat. 45-2583 PLUG SIDE promo)
Archie Bell can always put a smile on my face. Showdown skips along at a hurried pace but is always in the pocket. When he said he could dance as good as he could walk he wasn't kidding. Weirdly I don't imagine Showdowns were ever this happy.

The following Latin sides are mostly from the late 70's and taken from some of the best Salsa LPs that period had to offer. The recording quality is noticeably approved over the 50's and 60's recordings I prefer, favor and veraciously collect. The better sound quality heightens some impressive soloing and of course entire bands that move effortlessly as one through tight as a duck's ass changes and at all times never waver from the groove keeping the dance floor moving. I will always and forever be awed by Latin music and those who play it.

Mongo Santamaria - "Happy As a Fat Rat In A Cheese Factory" b/w "Amanecer" (Vaya Records Inc. cat. V - 5131)
Mr. Santamaria why are you so ef'n good? Proof that there are more LPs in this world than you will ever here this is off a Mongo record I have never heard. "Happy..." is as funky as Mongo gets and if you are familiar with him you know he can get pretty funky. I know "Amanecer" from the Vaya hits package called "Mongo Mongo." It's a mellow Summer time groover that makes me wish it was almost sunset and I was kicking back in a lounge chair. You know...Loungin'.

Lou Perez - "Afro Hustle" b/w "De Todo Un Poco" (Tico cat. T-660)
I have probably sampled 1000 Lou Perez tracks over the years and have never been all that impressed. Well, other than a chorus of ladies singing "Afro Hustle" in a very Disco kind of way this track grooves pretty hard. Even the strings work as they punctuate the percussion and the groove in general. Nice one Lou, and welcome to my record boxes. Maybe I always knew he had it in him.

Fania All Stars - "Desafio" b/w "Foofer Soofer" (Fania cat. 764 (white label promo))
Where "Desafio" is best suited for a play on Lite FM "Woofer Soofer" is a bad ass Soul Jazz track played by the Fania All Stars who are best known for their sweaty dance floor Salsa grooves. I am not familiar with the LP "Delicate & Jumpy" but I hope there are more tracks like this on it than the sappy "Desafio." Tight, ensemble, funky Soul Jazz from a more than qualified source. I am digging this in a big way.

Orchestra Harlow - "La Raz Latina" b/w "Salsa Suite - Pt. 2" (Fania cat. 794)
A classic LP where Harlow and his crew explore the many sounds that make up the history of Latin Music and their own Nuyorican styles.

Pete Conde - "Sentimento" b/w "Pueblo Latino" (Fania cat. 759)
Hard Salsa in a classic mode. "Sentimento" benefits from the great sound quality as the piano and what I believe may be a tres intro the side sweetly yet with a clarity that fills every inch of space.

Orquesta Novel (Vocals: Willie Ellis & Marco Motroni) - "Monono" b/w "De Quien Tu Eres" (Fania cat. 774)
The slow bass and cymbal intro only lasts for a few seconds and sends chills up my spine. The vocals have a very story teller quality and the music goes from a bit corny to insanely good after the final chorus of the first part. Flutes and violins kick it very Pacheco and that's just OK for me. I dare anyone to sit still through the last half of this tune.

The Allegre All Stars - "Bobby ...Bajo Y Clarinete" b/w "Perdido" (Alegre Records cat. 4090)
This one has a very live sound not necessarily a live show recording but a live sound that you get from a Webster Hall type studio session. This band is one of the true masters of Latin music with a sound that is both confident yet relaxed. I can't decide which side to drop first.

Ismael Quintana - "Pierdes" b/w "No Es Preciso" (Vaya Records Inc. cat. 5134)
Horns open this moody vocal track and as it skips along mid tempo. About half way through the band jumps and chases the repeated chorus of "Pierdes, Pierdes." The piano takes a short solo before things take off again and are highlighted by screaming trumpet and trombones. A thing of beauty.

The Latin Brothers - "Te Encontre" b/w "Patrona De Los Reclusos" (Fuentes cat. 1616)
In an original Fuentes sleeve this is two sides of pure Latin groove. The Latin Brothers are a tight outfit if there ever was. I would say this is a vocal with instrumental accompaniment as I wouldn't want to say one stands out over the other. Trombones and trumpet duel over some sharp piano soloing and aggressive percussion.

Bill Withers - "Ruby Lee" b/w "Heartbreak Road" (Sussex Records cat. SR-629)

Anita Ward - "Ring My Bell" b/w "If I Could Feel That Old Feeling Again" (Juana cat. 3422)
I am doing a very close friends wedding in July. One of the few records I have seen EVERYONE dance to regardless of whose wedding it was was this song.

Issac Hayes - "Chocolate Chip" (Vocal and Instrumental) (Hot Buttered Soul Records / ABC Records cat. ABC-12118 (white label promo))

This is Chef's original Chocolate Salty Balls! I have to mention the HBS (Hot Buttered Soul Records) logo. Holy cow do designers suck now. The logo is simple and filled with attitude. A thin line drawing of Issac's bald head from his eyes up and a stylized "HBS" on his forehead like the Super Hero he is. "Shaft" like drums intro this familiar sounding groove for Mr. Hayes and the instrumental track doesn't sound much different from the vocal track but does give more presence to the horns, keys and percussion.

Funkadelic - "Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On" b/w "Jimmy's Got A Little Bit Of Bitch In Him" (Westbound Records cat. w 224)

Masekela - "The Boy's Doin' It" b/w "Excuse Me Please" (Casablanca cat. NB 848)
This is one of my favorite Hugh Masekela 45s. I am so happy to find a nice new clean copy.

2 Puertoricans A Blackman And A Dominican (Featuring Tonya Wynne) - "Do It Properly" Side 1: Special Hot 103 Mix - A Jose "Animal' Diaz Edit Side 2: Fierce Radio Mix - A Jose 'Chep" Nunez Edit (Grooveline cat. GRL 17A)

Again, something has to be said about the label design on this one. If the design wasn't so cool I might have passed this up because I do somewhat remember this song and I remember not being a big fan. The label is bright yellow with a ball of fire shooting across the top with "GROOVELINE" printed in the middle. The type and the fire ball have a nice scratchy hand drawn quality which gives it an older 60's feel. Obviously the band name has always stuck in my mind. Band names don't get more direct than that do they? In 1987 I was not a very big fan of much stuff like this which leads me to one of the things I am most drawn to about collecting music. Something you may have hated years ago can one day sound totally different to you and even become a new found genre to obsess over. I don't think I am going to become a big house music fan but this track sounds pretty fucking good to me now.

L.L. Cool J - "Rock The Bells" (Def Jam Recordings cat. 38-05840 (white label promo)
This is more of what I was still listening to in 1987. Late 80's Hip Hop still sounds so good to me to this day. L.L. Cool J is hard as hell!

Mantronix - "Ladies" b/w "Ladies Dub" (Sleeping Bag Records cat. 7-TLX-006 (white label promo))

Cameo - "Word Up!" b/w "Urban Warrior" (Atlanta Artists / PolyGram Records 884 933-7 picture sleeve)
I am guessing that this one will be hitting the decks at the wedding as well. "Wave your hands in the air like you don't care!" Hey, Word Up! Granny.

Primitive Sound System at Maxwells - Mixed Tape Sessions - "Listening to the Higgins" Tuesday June 14th - 9PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,
This Tuesday at Maxwell's one of Pop Music's best soon-to-be known gems, The Higgins whose sound is as unique as it is familiar, will be entertaining the masses in the back room. The first time I heard them I assumed it was an unreleased Badfinger track as it creeped out of the speakers in D.C.'s Tavern. On second listen more current influences and sounds revealed themselves including the fact that they back Sean Towey who is better known as The Ankles. Aside from stellar song writing, guitars and vocals what is most noticeable about The Higgins is the amazing drumming driving these elaborately simple songs. The true art of aggressive Pop drumming has been lost in the past few years. Of course I may be biased, but if you ask me drums can make or break a band and this is especially true in Pop. If I am lucky I can catch a few glimpses of the band on stage in front of an audience filled mostly with friends. The Higgins debut effort is forth coming from the eclectic Hoboken label Maggadee Records and after a listen I don't think they will be worrying about attendance at their shows in the future.

- pat.

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

Some interesting pop selections:
Suicide - S/T LP - "Ghost Rider" (Red Star Records Inc. cat. RS1)
The United States of America - S/T LP - Pretty much anything off this one. (Columbia cat. CS 9614)
Kevin Ayers - Joy Of The Toy - "Song For Insane Times" (Harvest / EMI cat. SKAO-421)
Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band - Clear Spot - "Crazy Little Thing" (Reprise Records cat. MS 2115)
Eno - Here Come The Warm Jets - "Baby's On Fire" (Editions EG cat. ENO 1)
McDonald and Giles - S/T LP - Again, anything on this is worthy of a spin. (Island cat. ILPS.9126)

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Sessions and the continuing food stylings el Diablo

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

$1 Records from the Swap:
Guitar Gable - "Congo Mambo" (Excello Records cat. 45-2082)
The Super-Sonics With Third Dimension Sound - "New Guitar Boogie Shuffle" (Rainbow Records cat. 45-214)
The Swingin' Six - "The Green Door" (Decca cat. 32042 (117,655))
The Buddy Rich Big Band - "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" b/w "Big Mama Cass" (Pacific Jazz cat. 88145)
McCoy Tyner - "Rotunda" (Mono/Stereo) (Milestone cat. M-304)
Irving Ashby - "Big Guitar" b/w "Motatin'" (Imperial cat. X5485)
The Applejacks - "Rocka-Conga" (Cameo cat. C155-A)
The Wild-Cats - "Gazachstahagen" b/w "Billy's Cha-Cha" (United Artists UA-154 (ZTSP-28739))
The American Rock Revival - "Stompin' It" (Bell Records cat. B-788)
Archie Bell & The Drells - "Tighten Up Part I &II" (Atlantic cat. 54-2478)

New genius releases from Daptone and Truth & Soul:
Charles Bradley and the Bullets - "This Love Ain't Big Enough For The Two Of Us" b/w Dirt Rifle and the Bulletts - "(She's Got) Twighlight Eyes" (Daptone Records cat. DAP-1021)
Sharon Jones/The Dap-Kings - "I Just Dropped In To See What Condition My Condition Is In" (Vocal/Instrumental) (Daptone Records cat. DAP-1022) El Michels Affair - "Creation' b/w "Behind The Blue Curtains"
This consistently amazing crew rewards it's most hardcore fans with this "online only" release. But this is not what you think in this day of low quality downloadable MPee3's this is an online offer for a precious vinyl slab spun at 45 and pressed with the BIG Goddamn hole the way nature intended!

LPs:
MFSB - "s/t" (Philadelphia International Records cat. KZ 32046)

George Russell And His Orchestra (Narration by Jon Hendricks) featuring Bob Brookmeyer, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Frank Rehak, Phil Woods and others... - "New York, N.Y." (Decca Records cat. DL 79216)

The Steve Miller Band - "Your Saving Grace" (Capitol cat. SKAO-331)
The Bob Seger System and The Steve Miller Band produced some of the best music of the late 60's and early 70's and then along came the HORRIBLY recorded 80's and none of the big label Rock acts (except maybe the Kinks) were able to make the transition. Oh yeah, and Neil Young doesn't count because he is above all this music industry crap with almost "0" attitude and none of the Eric Clapton "LEGEND" bullshit. Anyway, this is the fourth LP from Mr. Miller and has eclectic band. The songs are a bit pulled back from "Brave New World" but that doesn't hurt the quality of the compositions.

The James Gang - "16 Greatest Hits" (MCA Records cat. ABCX-801-2)
The James Gang is one of those bands who were perfect one moment and a bit snoozy the next. This is easily explained when you view the writing credits. Any combination not containing "J. Walsh" just might not stand up to the rest of the songs and almost certainly won't stand the test of time. BUT, and as you can see that is a big but, the songs containing Mr. Walsh are never anything short of awesome. "Funk 48," "Funk 49" and "The Bomber" are all insanely good as well as containing breakbeats. The rest of the tracks on this compilation should make any Rock band cower and drop to their knees in not-worthiness.

The Detroit Night Riders - "Night Time In The Ghetto" b/w "Getting Funky" (Mutt Records cat. AR 1670)
I first heard "Getting Funky" on one of the worst titled comps from Goldmine called "Funk Superbowl." Yikes. What the hell kind of title is that? Hopefully they were done compiling had all the rights cleared and realized they had no title as they were preparing for pressing. I digress... "Getting Funky" strolls along and gathers steam as the guitar breaks out.

Hopping on the Dance Caravan - A Day In Deep at Hoctor Records
Hoctor Records is still based out of Waldwick, New Jersey. David Hoctor explained to us that they credit a lot of their success on the fact that they actually purchased many of the dance studio recordings of competitors that were going out of business. I'd say their longevity comes from a spot a little closer to home. We had an opportunity to sample any record they currently had in-stock and the Hoctor Records LP's and 45's were by far-and-away the best played, recorded and programed (whoever selected the songs to be covered should be commended). I was first introduced to the Hoctor catalog by Aldo at A1 Records in NYC and was at the time unfortunately unable to afford the hefty price tagged on the "Robin Hoctor presents Jazz on the road - 12 special arrangements for jazz dancing" LP. The cover was enough to peek anyone's interest and like most of the Hoctor LP's the design sense is as good as the selections and playing. The cover shows Robin dressed in a Wonder Woman-like outfit and striking a pretty bad-ass power stance overlaid on a graphical representation of... a road. OK, that works. Then flip it over and the titles show great promise; "Moving World," Super Fly," and "Cisco Kid" just to name a few. Of course dropping the needle on this unknown gem proved that "if it looks right, feels right and even smells right...it's probably right." It was right and I had another obsession and some more records to add to my endless list of records I would never own. A few years past and I received a phone call from a friend (Mr. Fine Wine) and he said that he was going to set up an appointment with the Hoctor people and wanted to know if I would drive. HELL YEAH! Knowing my place in such situations I let Matt grab carry and stash anything he wanted from the shelves. So I headed for the LP's. Not finding the "Jazz on the road" LP I asked David Hoctor if they might have any "in-stock." He stared at me and then said, "Let me go check in our warehouse." Warehouse? Where the hell were we then? It turns out the warehouse didn't house many Hoctor titles and was more of an "Isle of Misfit Toys" for their competitors stock now in their procession. This pleased me some what after going through a sampling of material repeated in the warehouse and found much of it to be crap. Pleased also because it meant we didn't need to come back. Trust me on this one. I continued to unearth and sample every LP title in their catalog on my portable player and then the stacks of 45's Matt was feverishly sorting through. Hours and hours later I was knee deep in booty produced to help people to learn how to shake theirs. Below are the LP titles and descriptions as well as a few 45 titles not found on any of the LP's (at least as far as I can tell).


Discotheque A-GO-GO! Directed by James Mitchell (Hoctor Records cat. HLP-4007)
This LP is beautifully designed with a laminate cover and one of the best photos I have ever scene. The shot is of Mr. Mitchell out fin front of a sea of (mostly) woman posed in what can only be described as half a Cha-Cha or simply a Cha. You have seen people in 50's films do this dance. The entire floor thrusts their lower extremities in unison simultaneously popping there shoulders back all the while smiling like they are on Lithium. Despite it always being very hard to get past this cover I must. The track listing is phenomenal. Here goes "Hang On Sloopy," "Cerveza," Tequila," "Honky Tonk No. 2," "Batman," "Twine Time," "Wiggle-Waggle," "Satisfaction," "Love Potion No. 9," "This Diamond Ring," "Secret Agent Man," and finally "Wipeout!" Get the picture. Call Annette, drop the needle and hope this Dance Party becomes a Sleep Over! The band name is Discotheque A-GO-GO, how cool is that?

"Strictly Percussion Featuring Daniel Barrajanos and his Drummers playing all the rhythms used in dance accompaniment" (Hoctor HLP-4085)

Jazz Dance Today - Directed by Jo-Jo Smith (Master Teachers Series) (Hoctor Records cat. HLP-4104)

Byron Peterson Orchestra - "Jazz Rock USA - show stopping arrangements for dance accompaniment" (Hoctor Records - Vibrant Stereo HLPS-4138)

"Robin's Rock for Jazz Technique and Dances" - Music by Dittamo (Produced by Robin and Jamie Hoctor) (Hoctor Records - Vibrant Stereo cat. HLPS-4194)
From the back cover:

MUSIC BY DITTAMO

Glenn Lomaro - Organ, Piano, Moog, Vocals
Ricky Dittamo - Bass, Vocals
Jay Dittamo - Percussion
William Ivory - Guitar

SELECTIONS

Side 1. Contains 16 Original rock tunes to accompany Robin Hoctor's Manual of Jazz Technique Exercises.

Of course you are dancing with yourself...you suck!

Ahh, the first in the Disasters column! This is big. Everything about this is just wrong. Right from the first pedestrian almost sleep inducing guitar line to Ms. Hewitt's appalling walk through the lyrics like she is seeing them for the first time. If I had the chance I'd ask the world to please stop the onslaught of mediocrity. I sweat, sweat, sweat, sweat SWEAT! Jennifer Love Hewitt – "Dancing With Myself" By-the-way, ever since Madonna thought it was OK to do a half ass rendition of Don McLean's "Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)" this has been happening more and more. Sometimes it is best to not emulate your heroes and try to make your own mark on society. Thanks to EF for the tip or better yet I should say, "WHY DID YOU SEND THIS TO ME?!" All apologies to Mr. Idol. You deserve better.

Memmories....

I need to send a CD to someone interested in playing with myself and guitarist Mark Maloof. Mark and I made up 2/3s of the instrumental trio known to the world as Hippopotamus. Bassist Colin Kohnhorst rounded out the lineup. In an extended format we were known as Project3 and were augmented by a trumpet player (Walter Kingsley Fogg III), a keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist (Liz Bustamante); a percussionist/multi-instrumentalist (Nick Birmelin) and a host of others including flutes, sax, bass, more percussion, etc, etc. I figured I should listen to the CD (Hippopotamus – "3 Sounds") prior to sending it to someone. Being more of an "of the moment" style player sometimes it is hard to remember what any particular session may have sounded like. Ironically I was pleasantly surprised or at least my ears were. The recording is great sounding thanks to the fabulous Nicholas Vernes of Rare Book Room fame. The playing is not bad at all. At certain moments the playing sounds cautious but that is to be expected as some of the songs were very recently added to our set. All in all I still think it is a good session and one I had no problems listening to all the way through. The musician I am sending it to is a trumpet player and the two songs performed with Project3 do hold up so we'll see if there will be another chapter to the Mark Maloof/Pat Longo musical saga.

Daily Musical Selection...

I never thought I would have anything resembling a Walkman but as technology rages past me I have been thrust into the not so distant past and have been outfitted with an iPod. The greatest thing about the "magic" portable jukebox is the ability to listen to all my favorite LPs as I walk to and from work. This morning I started listening to what I consider a "Must Have" and probably one of my top 10 (I have many of these) if not my top 1 favorite LP – Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers – "L.A.M.F", (The ULTIMATE L.A.M.F CD only) This is nasty Rock-N-Roll played by the already seasoned veteran Mr. Johnny Thunders. This is what every Punk band wishes they were, what every Punk kid should want to be and this LP should be the standard that all "Punk" records are held to. Best yet Johnny didn't even really consider himself a Punk. How Punk is that?! Regardless it is Like A Mother Fucker!

Primitive Sound System at Maxwells - One Big Lounge Scene! Tuesday March 22nd - 9PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,
There isn't a band playing this week so there will be no competition with the sound coming from the back room for this weeks Mixed Tape Session so for the first half of the night I have decided to keep things Loungy. For me most of the best bits of Lounge have a Latin Tinge and some of these LPs like, Candido in Indigo, are not only Lounge classics but essential LPs for any well rounded collection. Of course like all genres, Lounge Music, can have cliches (practically the definition of Lounge Music), and trappings that can keep them from being regular listens. Ironically one of the cliches that is also a simple trap for Lounge Acts to fall into is actually one of the genres finest songs, Caravan, but luckily for us it is also the one track that is usually the standout on many of these LPs. Let's celebrate the positive and accentuate the repetitive. Kick back and enjoy.

For the rest of the evening I've loaded up on enough 50's instrumentals, 60's Garage and Jazz, 70's Punk, Soul, Funk and Rock to keep everyone happy. For my own listening pleasure during my dinner break I have brought an old favorite, Ray Barretto's "Head Sounds" and Gil Scott Heron's "Pieces Of A Man."

See ya there,
-pat.

Primitive Sound System and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

The LPs:
Like the 70's Action films the Lounge Music LPs are all about the covers...

Sabu and his Percussion Ensemble- Sorcery! (Columbia cat. WL 101)
I shit you not I bought this for $1 at Kim's in NYC. It is a beautiful "Adventures in Sound" Gold Label pressing. Thanks gang, it is worth ever penny. About the music. This is pure mood produced by exotic sounds...well that is at least what you would be lead to believe. Instead you do get beautiful exotic mood music played by some of the finest musicians to walk into a studio. So much for the primitives. I think I will start off the evening with the beautiful "Milk Weed" as I don't think the fine folks at Maxwell's could handle many of the more percussion driven epics. "Milk Weed" starts off with a lilting flute line which suddenly crashes head on with Sabu and his hulking ensemble. On this particular track things don't ever really get too out of hand and the flute is allowed enough room to express its delicate groove along side the propulsive beats.

Eddie Cano - Eddie Cano at P.J.'s (Reprise cat. R-6030)
OK, this is an actual Lounge recording and it's a winner at that. Cano had backed both Jack Costanzo and Cal Tjader so he obviously has the chops and proves it on this LP. The selections move through many styles of Afro-Cuban but of course at all times keep it in check to not get to aggressive because we wouldn't want you to spill your drink. After al we are lounging. "Watusi Walk" represents the set well. Beautiful piano leads Latin Percussion and Jazzy bass and drums through some nice changes and even kicks up a bit of dust. it is almost impossible to pick a stand out track here but who wants to. "Barkeep another round please."

The Mad-Hatters - At Midnight (20th Century Fox Records cat. TFM 3141 monaural)
This is another Lounge act in a similar vein as Eddie Cano. The Mad Hatters can really cook and of course know how to glide along at a clouds pace when necessary. "Mad-Hatters Stomp" starts this set off and is 2:15 of pure joy and is just a preview of how good things are going to be. Vibes and organ get equal billing through most of the LP. I don't think I'd be out of line to tell you to get down to any Lounge that these cats are playing. Soulful, swinging and always cool. Other originals include "The Sanctified Thing," the powerful "Soul Samba," and the ever groovy "Monkey Children."

(The Exotic Sounds of...) Martin Denny - Hypnotique (Liberty cat. LRP 3102 "Spectra-Sonic-Sound - The Ultimate in Hi-Fi")
Something magical happened that night in the studio... yeah, the late great Denny and his gang got lit. Hey, I'm just guessing. Of all the Martin Denny LPs I have heard this one is the trippiest and weirdest. The lineup isn't different from his other LPs but his mostly percussion group seem to really go the extra mile on this one to put us in the mind of hookah pipes and scantly clad women. The cover is a mix of modern art, Oriental decor, Southern bumpkin, Italianate style all surrounding a beautiful Vampiraesque lovely seducing us with her stare. Thank you Mr. Denny for "Voodoo Dreams."

...performances by Los Admiradores - Bongos/Flutes/Guitars (Command Records cat. RS 812 SD)
Ah, listen to my technically advanced new home stereo. Hear the way the music bounces from speaker to speaker. That is Modern sound baby, and it kicks. This LP contains one of my favorite versions of "Caravan." Ping Pong percussion and all the trimmings. Of course this is produced by Enoch Light and contains more technical information than Rudy Van Gelder would ever need or use. Even Phill Schaap may give pause at the amount of info provided on the liners. By the way, the Bongos in the title of this gem are played by Willie Rodriguez and Ray Barretto. [For some reason the amplifier at Maxwell's more than not REFUSES to play in Stereo. So unfortunately this track just may not be a Ping Pong of sound. Oh well.]

Al Jazzbo Collins And the Bandidos - A Lovely Bunch of... (Impulse cat. A-9150)
There couldn't be a Lounge night without Jazzbo and his crew. This LP contains one of the coolest readings of "The Three Little Pigs." Radio DJ Al Collins is joined here by Terry Gibbs (vibes), Hal Blaine (probably one of the greatest unsung heros of the throne) on drums, Funky Bluesman Mel Brown on guitar, and Steve Allen tickling the ivories. The Pigs swing easy behind Collins crazy voot. The Wolf eventually gets his in the end, as he always does, but never has his story been so cool. I wish I had a Bandidos club card that was offered inside the gate.

Ken Nordine - The Son of Word Jazz (Dot cat. DPL 3096 "Ultra High Fidelity")
"I Used To Think My Right Hand Was Uglier Than My Left." Wow, this is the musings of someone high as a kite or on the verge of killing. The sad character in this revealing tale is torturing his right hand like it was detached and treating it with prejudice. Suddenly there is an epiphany and he embraces both hands as beautiful. Weirdly you can tell this is not his final conflict he will have with his own body. Nordine's voice is so recognizable. Full round and warm as a wool sweater. "Looking At Numbers" trips along as Nordine describes the shapes of numbers and the power they hold. Vibes, flute guitar, sax, piano, cello, piccolo, bass, and percussion skip over the top in abbreviated solos driven by a repetitive drum line. "Down The Drain" is chilling and open. Again sounding a little crazy but oddly in complete control of his factions describing odd behavior as if he was one up on us. In this case, seated showers are the topic du jour. Hmm, maybe I'll try this tomorrow morning. I hope I don't pour down the drain, end up in Indiana and twist my way back again.

Candido - In Indigo (ABC-Paramount cat. ABC-236)
If there could be a monster session amongst the Lounge records this would be it. Candido is joined here by Joe Puma, Dick Hyman, Ernie Royal, George Duvivier, and Charlie Persip. Though the LP starts off with "Caravan" the majority of this session is made up of originals and this band can seemingly do no wrong with this material. Unexpected twists and turns surprise the ears amongst passages that should be familiar if not cliche. The Joe Puma tune "Candido Cocktail" is my personal favorite. His guitar playing is stellar throughout the LP but hear opens in tandum with Ernie Royal's trumpet and sends chills down my spine. Each member grabs a piece of the floor and so should you.

Other favorites along for the ride:
Gary McFarland - The In Sound (Verve cat. V-8632)
Harry "The Hipster" Gibson - Boogie Woogie In Blue (Musicraft Records cat. MVS-2003)
Chef Slim Gaillard - Smorgasbord ...help yourself! (Verve Records cat. MG V-2013)
Jane Birken / Serge Gainsbourg (Fontana cat. 885 545 MY)
Three Martinis & Olive - Slightly Muddled Medley of Dean Martin's Hits Live... At Somebody's Basement (Mira cat. MLP 3015)
Esquivel His piano and His Orchestra - More of other Worlds, Other Sounds (Reprise cat. R9 - 6046 "Dual 35mm/120 CMPS/Stereo")
Frankie Stein and his Ghouls - Ghoul Music (Power Records cat. 340)
Dracula's Greatest Hits (RCA Victor cat. LPM-2977)
Babs Gonzales - Babs (Chiaroscuro Records (a division of Audiofidelity Ent.) cat. CR2032)
Etc...
Etc...
Etc!

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Tuesday March 15 at Maxwell's

Hello Y'all,
After spinning through the dark allies and seedy hotels of Crime Jazz last week I figured I might as well keep the soundtracks coming. The 70's produced some of the finest movies Hollywood had to offer and the music was nothing less than stellar. These soundtracks were not vehicles to sell some half ass should-a-been one hit wonders like todays ANNOYING soundtracks but highly conceptualized, composed works performed by the eras top musicians, arrangers and composers. A favorite genre of my from the period are the action films and the music that accompanied them can be summed up simply and to the point - Baad Asssss!

In most cases I am going to play cuts I don't usually play. It's so easy to fall into that trap. The best thing about these LPs is that there is something for everyone and there are usually more than one "best cut" on each one.

Primitive Sound System and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

I have got way too many records this week. I have some great themes on 45 but this genre is all about the LPs and the fantastic cover art. For those who care, all but two of these are original copies and sound amazing. Most of these have been re-issued and are still available on vinyl.

I have stuffed the backpack to its limit with the following:
Willie Hutch - The Mack
Willie Hutch - Foxy Brown
Edwin Starr - Hell Up In Harlem
Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come
Jerry Butler - Joe
Grant Green - The Final Comedown
Herbie Hancock - Death Wish
Herbie Hancock - The Spook Who Sat By The Door - I tried to track this down forever and then heard that this LP was only given out at the premier as a promotional item. Thank God for the re-issue.
Solomon Burke - Cool Breeze
Joe Simon and Millie Jackson - Cleopatra Jones
James Brown - Black Caesar
James Brown - Slaughter's Big Rip Off
Dennis Coffey and Luchi de Jesus - Black Belt Jones
Jeff Wayne Space Shuttle - Themes From Star Trek and Planet Of The Apes - "Ape's Shuffle" This is the Lalo Schifrin composed track from "The Planet of The Apes" TV series.
Soul Ecstasy - I am pretty sure this is a fake soundtrack but it is pretty great.
Lalo Schifrin - Enter The Dragon
Lalo Schifrin - Bullitt CHOICE: "Hotel Daniels" or "On The Way From San Mateo"
Lalo Schifirn - Sudden Impact This LP was an unexpected find. I bought it for $1 and was so blown away to find that it included songs from the original Dirty Harry films. "Dirty Harry Creed" is worth the price of admission - "Do you feel lucky Punk...well, do ya?"
Mike Jackson and the Soul Providers - The Revenge of Mister Mopoji - This is 100% a fake soundtrack and it is incerdible. Philip (Pure, Desco, Soul Fire) told me they included the track "The Chicken (Catch It!) for realism. As he said every soundtrack has one dud and in the action film genre it is usually the music played during the scene with the hicks in it.
Curtis Mayfield - Short Eyes
Curtis Mayfield - Superfly
Monk Higgins and Barbara Mason - Sheba Baby CHOICE: "Who The Hell Is That" and "Heavy Shot" or "The Hoods"
Issac Hayes - Shaft
Issac Hayes - Tough Guys CHOICE: "Red Rooster" or "Buns A Pleanty"
Issac Hayes - Truck Turner CHOICE: "Breakthrough" or "Hospital Shootout"
Marvin Gaye - Trouble Man - I don't think soundtracks get much better than this. This will be the LP I play through start to finish while I take my break.
Barry White - Together Brother CHOICE: "You Gotta Case"
Quincy Jones - Smackwater Jack - This great comp contains the full version of Hicky Burr as well as the theme from Ironside and the theme from The Anderson Tapes.
J.J. Johnson - Willie Dynamite CHOICE: "Willie Escapes" This is the organ driven version of "Willie Chase"
Booker T and the MGs - Up Tight CHOICE: "Run Tank Run"

The following have great versions of some favorites:
Bernard Purdie - "Shaft" from the Prestige release of the same name.
Sammy Davis Jr. - Now - "John Shaft" If you don't own this there is something wrong with you. This is the same LP that contains Sammy's reading of "The Candy Man" from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Louis Jordan - One Sided Love then Sakatumi - "Bullitt" Yes, Louis Jordan doing the theme from Bullitt. When I bought this from the Jazz Record Center Fred asked me "are you sure? Have you heard it?" It may not be a traditional Jazz record but this has some pretty cool funky Jazz and R&B tunes. The cover is pretty crazy too.

Primitive Sound System at Maxwells - Tuesday March 8th - 9PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,
OH MY GOD am I tired. There is no way in hell I am writing descriptions tonight. Here's the deal, have you ever organized and been to a 2 year old's birthday party? If you haven't you should try it, it's pretty wild. Be assured you will tire before they do but remember like all drunken frat boys they ain't helping with the clean up. Anyway here's what I got; 50's Instrumentals and Rock; 60's Psych and Garage; 70's Punk; 80's Underground; R&B/Soul/Funk from the 50's to now, Latin Jazz and Boo-Ga-Loo, Afro Beat and some Dub and Ska. In the back pack I have some insano Crime Jazz and Spy records that I really wish I had the time to write about. Oh well...ZZZzzzz...See you there...zzzz.

Thanks to Todd and Everyone at Maxwell's who helped out. Thanks to Lou Barlow for being so patient. Hell, he got a Balloon and Hank got to move around some mic stands. So a good time was had by all.

Primitive Sound System and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

Primitive Sound System at Maxwells - Tuesday March 1st - 9PM - 2AM

Hello Y'all,

*BRAP!* Ah, so we all ate way the hell too much at this past Saturday Record Swap Wing Ding at DC's Tavern. Lovely Ms. Carolynn cooked up some 200 or more wings and tossed in her BLT Salad. BLT Salad is exactly that, and believe me it was delicious. I picked up 11 for $10 from Mr Tormo's very oddly assorted boxes and walked away very satusfied. In honor of or vinyl and chicken feast I'll be spinning food songs on the Lazy Susans this week.

The sampler plate below should wet your appetite for the many many other food oriented discs I'll be bringing along this week.

Primitive Sound System and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

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First up is an invitation to the ghoulish feast by our dear friend Zacherle...

John Zacherle "The Cool Ghoul" - "Dinner With Drac" Part 1 (Cameo cat. C130)
50's Crime Jazz styled guitar lays into a sleazy beat and whaling sax as much to his surprise Zacherle turns out to be on the menu himself. He doesn't seem to mind and the band stomps their way through two parts of this blood orgy. Part two is an even crazier version taken at a slightly quicker pace and seemingly not sung by our beloved Zacherle but some mystery voice in his place.

The Soul Providers - " Earl's Backyard Barbecue" (Desco Records cat. 45-1006)
The wonderful Soul Providers get down with the funky organ on this delicious owed to the Bar-B-Que. Dancing along with nice choppy guitar, heavy bass and snapping drums is a weber kettle spilling over with the goods. I hope Andre comes by later with those Ribs.

The West-Siders - "Candy Yams" (Infinity cat. INX-031)
A little bit haunting for some reason but then again the Yam is a night shade isn't it. These Yams are on the move. This may fit nicely on a Crime Jazz comp but for now it's a side dish of the highest order. Chunky guitar, honking sax and slow beat drums are highlighted by someone smacking the hell out of a triangle. Come and get it!

Sam Wright Group - "Green Onions" (Peak cat. C-7-A)
Equally as haunting is this version of the much covered "Green Onions." This is of course the plated twin of "Night Train" so you can never go wrong. The formula here is similar as our previous fare, guitar, bass, drums and organ layered to form a fine addition to any meal. [I don't know much about this record or the Sam Wright Group but it is out of Newark, NJ and that's OK with me. The B-side is a HORRIBLE song called "Patches" sung by a guy named Jimmy Grant. Holy cow, this guy makes Pat Boone look like a baddass. The craziest thing is by the end of the song the woman he is going to marry, Patches, winds up, face down dead in a muddy ditch and he is now contemplating suicide..."Patches, I'm coming to you." Crazy.]

Russell Evans & The Nite Hawks - "Send Me Some Cornbread" (ATCO Records cat. 45-6411 (66C-10074))
A funky gravel throated jones for some cornbread. The organ sound on this sends chills down my spine. This is what the B3 was built for, testifyn' along with the testifyn'. The rest of the backing is nice and simple. The drums and guitar are exact and taken at a medium pace or better yet lightly browned on the outside and just dense enough on the inside to sop up anything trying to make it's way across your plate. I hope you can understand that.

The Diplomats of Solid Sound - "Porkchop" (Estrus Records cat. ES7164)
One of my favorite labels of all time breaks form and gets down right funky. The amazing Diplomats bring us a delicacy from their homeland, beautifully marbled purple vinyl. Organ is added to steady drumming and bass to turn out one perfectly cooked chop. This is the Hungry Man portion so take it slow.

Jimmy McGriff and Groove Holmes - "Finger Lickin' Good" (Groove Merchant cat. SGM 1020)
McGirff and Groove trade licks on this up tempo tune. McGriff is so recognizable as he drives his free wheeling solo out to an almost psychedelic guitar sound. After a while it's obvious he isn't going to give it up for the ever soulful Groove. Most likely on the LP version Groove gets his say and I bet it's mighty tasty.

The Nightcaps - "Wine Wine Wine" (Vandan cat. VR-7491)
"You get a nickel and I'll get a dime and we'll go out and buy some wine, wine, wine." Early Rock-N-Roll has been sounding so good to me lately. I have been listening to more and more and so far so good. Slashing guitar, piano, pounding (limited kit) drums, sax and of course snotty vocals that will make any parent cringe all up to no f'n good. This is good shit.

Dave Pike - "Sweet Tater Pie" (Atlantic Records cat. 45-5073 (A 10516))
Jazz great Pike gets down in the lounge with this Sounds for the Jet Set classic. Vibes, jazzy rock drums, organ, guitar and trumpet keep out of each others way as they dance across the floor. Always a crowd pleaser and one I have to restrain myself from playing over and over. Matt Helm is digging on this one baby. This goes well with Tjader's classic "Soul Sauce."

Gary McFarland - "Fried Bananas" (Verve cat. VK10380 (65-VK-438))
This is from one of the coolest records ever made. if you want to know what the sound of a lazy summer day is just drop the needle on this magical recording (Gary McFarland "The 'In' Sound" on Verve). McFarland perfected what was known as vocalese, a wordless singing style that follows along with the melody. After an extended intro that almost becomes the majority of the song trumpet and guitar are allowed to converse briefly when suddenly the band and McFarland take it up a level before the songs faded outro.

El Shobey & Co. - "The Whole Thing" (Shout cat.
Food coma has set in as El Shobey and company try to get you to have just a little more. Congas drive this organ jam along with a nice combination of guitar, drums and repeated vocals. This mid tempo funk number is about all you could muster after gorging yourself.

Sammy Davis Jr. - "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke (That Cigarette)" (Applause cat. AS 100)
Although I have never once smoked a cigarette I can tell by the looks on the faces of others that this can be as important as hot sauce or pepper at any meal. Ironically ole' Sammy just might have heeded the words of this little tune if he only knew how true they were. Somewhat of a Country Pop mood going on here but it's not the music on this one that is even important. Wesley Willis could be playing the backing and it wouldn't have mattered. One of my favorite novelty songs.

Well all good things must eventually come to an end and so does our good time. As night gives way to early morning and a good buzz gives way to dehydration the inevitable happens...

Martini's - "Hung Over" (Golden-Bar Records cat. 101 (100-67 A))
This is the other side of "Late Late Party" which of course we have just experienced. This is a very Booker T groove from what is basically the Hi Rhythm section. The first solo break here is a deep note blown into the porcelain throne. Nice, puking as musical expression. A solid little instrumental with deep throated sax and CHUNKY guitar and organ. Come on I had to, how could I not. Well, make sure you tell Ralph and Earl about your new Buick and then crawl back to bed after downing some water and aspirin.

Primitive Sound System - Maxwell's Tuesday 02-22; DC's Thursday and Saturday 02-24 and 26th

This could possibly be the longest email you will ever get from me but there are 3 events this week alone. - pat.

Maxwell's Tuesday February 22nd 9PM - 2AM
There are so many things going on this week that my head is spinning a bit. Tuesday February 22nd at 9PM I'll be a Maxwell's for another Mixed Tape session. I originally settled on this name hoping I was going to be able to record some of these nights on my MiniDisc recorder but the drummer in me isn't able to figure out the reason I am getting unlistenable low volume to the recorder. This week's session will span 55 years of musical genre jumping.

Primitive Sound System and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)
Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

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DC's Tavern Thursday February 24th 10PM - 2AM
Matt "Mr. Fine Wine" Weingarden," Greg "Solid Hit Soul" Tormo and Pat. James Longo aka "Primitive Sound System" will be spinning slab of soul after slab of soul past and present. This is another great installment of DC's Tavern Thursday Night Music and Alcohol Appreciation Series. That's right every Thursday night DC's features music spun by local DJ's as well as some folks who may know a whole lot about music but never even dreamed of spinning records. "Drop by for the music but stay for the drinks." As always if you're drinking don't drive; if you're driving don't drink.

DC's Tavern Saturday Record Swap Winter Wing Ding - Saturday February 26th 1/2PM - 7/8PM
Well at DC's Tavern we just don't ever see a reason to not flare up the grill. Saturday February 26th will be our winter swap aka "The Winter Wing Ding." This time around there will be no bands, just records and wings. Some people claim to get cabin fever in the winter or depression from the earlier than usual darkness. At DC's Tavern we look for reasons to stay out of the light with plenty of alcohol, good music and the pleasant company of friends at least until they have had one too many of those drinks. The swaps are one of the few days we shut down Michael's iPod (the jukebox) and cover the pool table but of course this is for the noblest cause of all... the amicable exchange of vinyl recordings (styrene or shellac is also allowed). Rumor has it that Carolynn Spence will be handling the fryer duties. Hello, this is one of the chef's at NYC much ballyhooed Spotted Pig! "We are NOT worthy!" OK, so I think you all get the picture. Bring a box to sell or trade. Bring a friend. Bring something edible (if you are capable). Bring money for alcohol. Remember, if you're drinking don't drive, if you're driving don't drink and always tip your bartenders. (Jersey still smokes.)
To see the poster for the event --> http://www.primitivesoundsystem.org/images/posters/dcs_tavern/wing_ding.gif

Saturday February 26th - 1/2PM - 8PM
DC's Tavern
"Back In Back"
505 8th Street (Between Jefferson and Madison)
Hoboken NJ
For More Info:
phone: 201-792-5550
email: dcs@dcstavern.com

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SOME MUSIC I'LL BE BRINGING ALONG:

Tuesday's Picks:
Barrett Strong - "Money (That's What I Want)" (Anna Records cat. 1111 (54027-G1))

Nappy Brown with Teacho Wiltshire's Orchestra - "My Baby" (Savoy Records cat. 45-1551 (45-SNB-614848))

Don and Dewey - "Justine" b/w "Bim Bam" (Specialty cat. 631)

The Rolling Stones - "Honky Tonk Women" b/w "You Can't Always Get What You Want" (ABKCO Record Company / London cat. 45-910)

The Zombies - "Time Of The Season" (date cat. 2-1628 (ZSP 139169))

The Strangeloves - "Cara-Lin" (Bang Records cat. W-10017))

Devo (De-Evolution - Q: Are We Not Men ?) - "Mongoloid" b/w "Jocko Homo" (Booji Boy Records cat. 7033-14)

Joe Jackson Band - "Out Of Style" (A&M Records cat. AMS 7536)

The Raunch Hands - "Ford" (Whap-A-Dang Records)

Girl Trouble - "Work That Crowd!" (Empty Records cat. MT-184)

Africa - "Widow" (Ode cat. )

Michael Olatunji - "Soul Makossa - PT. 1" (Paramount Records cat. PAA-0222)

Carol Kaye / Earl Hooker - "Bass Catch" b/w "Two Bugs In A Rug" (Disque D'Or cat. D747)

James Taylor & The New Mastersounds - "Foxy Lady" b/w "Fire" (Blow It Hard Records cat. BIH006)

Thursday's Picks:
I figured my try to go head to head with two of the finest soul DJ's around so I am bringing Soul Nueva.

The Quantic Soul Orchestra - "Babarabatiri" (Tru Thoughts Recording cat. TRU7 055)
The Quantic Soul Orchestra is basically Will Holland getting down as raw and dirty as anyone before him. The sound is beautifully authentic and the original tunes could only be described in the truest sense of a Webster's Dictionary redundant definition...original. His version of "Babarabatiri" explodes out of the grooves combining the comical aspect of early mambo with a tight funk groove. Somewhere Beny Moré and Perez Prado are smiling in appreciation. The Quantic Soul Orchestra LP "Stampede" is a perfect LP and should be owned by anyone claiming to like Soul/Funk.

The Baker Brothers - "All Baked Out" (Peddler cat. PDLR001)
Damn I can't get enough of The Baker Brothers. Adding Modern/Acid Jazz touches to their 70's funk sound has them standing just left of center of the other progenitors of late 60's early 70's funk. "All Baked Out" is no exception. The Brothers push snapping drums, stylish guitar and searing sax to its limit on this mid tempo head bobber. The recording quality on The Baker Brothers material is a real pleasure. Talented mothers if there ever was.

The Whitefield Brothers - "In The Raw" (Soul Fire Records cat. SF-018-A)
OK, most people would disagree with me but The Whitefield Brothers are better than Poets Of Rhythm any day. The Poets can be a little too slick for my liking and it too often "wimps" up their groove. The Whitefield Brothers on the other hand brought to Soul Fire what Philip Lehman had always been searching for; raw, slamming heartfelt late 60's Soul/Funk. These guys not only had the chops but they brought real composition to the New Funk scene. Most of the young lions were satisfied with imitating a beat from the past and laying down a pedestrian melody or groove which sorely trailed behind. The jazzier than the rest Sugarman 3 was one of the first band to school the scene but The Whitefields were the first Funk outfit to show them how to do it. Other than The Bamboos "Eel Oil" I have yet to hear an equal to the appropriately titled "In The Raw."

The Other Side - "Diggin' In The Yard" (Desco cat. DS-1003)
The Other Side was one of Philip Lehman's first forays into the world of New Funk. Philip was so set on making people believe these tracks were old unknown or unreleased tracks that he would out and out lie in every conversation we had to the point where it became comical. Like all musicians, Philip was proud of his drumming and every now and again would slip and say so. I don't believe it is Lehman on drums on the Other Side. The Other Side takes some parts of the JB's and some parts of early Kool and The Gang and come out sounding pretty tasty and unique. "Diggin' In The Yard" sounds just as good today as it did when I first heard it sometime in the 90's. Pumping organ, smooth bass, ensemble horn lines, steady drumming and a wonderful trombone solo keep this cut just diggin' in any yard.

Calypso King & The Soul Investigators - "C'Mon Boot-It!" (Jive (Recorded in glorious Mono)
WEEEEE! This, another mid-tempo stormer, comes out of Finland. Calypso King? OK, if you say say. This is hard as nails funk and it is played so beautifully it should be included on any list of top Funk 45's. Organ, very distinctive guitar and badass drums hold this little gem together as it moves through a few different parts and solos. As a note the A-Side "Investigators Testifying" is a not so surprisingly fast tempo dance floor mover but followed by the very surprising untitled very short free jazz noise piece. This short piece was enough for me to know that these guys would be putting out some great music in the future. Of course they went on to form Timmion Records and have released some of the best 45s and LPs in the past 6 years or so.

Saturday' Picks:
Pickin' The Bone!

Primitive Sound System - Maxwell's - Tuesday Feb 15th!

Hello Y'all,
This week I'll be paying tribute to Jimmy Smith and Tyrone Davis. Both these soulful greats recently passed away. Jimmy Smith was my entrée into the world of Organ Jazz. Organ based Jazz was not very prominent before Smith but the sound of Jazz was soon changed forever by him. He also set the standards and practically wrote the book on the sound of Jazz organ. Over a 3 day period in February of 1957 Smith recorded hours of music which proved the validity of the organ as a true Jazz instrument. Mosaic Records compiled the entire session on "The Complete February 1957 Jimmy Smith Blue Note Sessions" and is as inspiring as it is entertaining. Smith continued to record and perform practically to his last day. Tyrone Davis had an immediately recognizable voice and style. The majority of his career was spent on Dakar/Brunswick Records one of Americas true Independent label gems and bona fide success story. The sharp dressed Mr. Davis seemed most at home with mid-tempo grooves wrapped in warm, smart productions and stories about chasing women. Both of these greats will be missed but we are all lucky that they once walked among us.

- pat.

Primitive Sound System and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

More gigs and dates...
Thursday February 24th - DC's Tavern Thursday Night Music and Alcohol Appreciation Series. This Thursday features Matt "Mr. Fine Wine" Weingarden, Greg "Solid Soul" Tormo and Pat. "Primitive Sound System" Longo for a night of all things Soul.

DC's Tavern
505 8th Street Hoboken, New Jersey
PH: 201-792-5550
URL: http://www.dcstavern.com

AND DON"T FORGET...

DC's Tavern Saturday Record Swap Winter Wing Ding - Saturday February 26th from 1PM - 7-8PM - DC's Tavern 505 8th Street Hoboken, New Jersey - PH: 201-792-5550 URL: http://www.dcstavern.com

THE MUSIC:

Jimmy Smith:
Jimmy Smith At The Organ - Volume 2 (Blue Note cat. BST 81552)
"The Duel" starts off with very churchlike organ but played double time. Blakey's machine like drumming is tiring to listen to even after few minutes. These gentleman are setting an inhuman pace. Smith is the first to break form and hints at the otherworldly sounds to soon follow. Smith's left and right hands are seemingly governed by separate brains. Sounds bounce, ricochet and at times do not sound like they are produced by a B3. Blakey solos but never lets up the machine driven hats. Rolls and strokes are produced by what sounds like a second drummer. Smith returns to add more sounds that could be mistaken for manipulated tape loops. Blakey finishes is solo among Smith's free jamming and then ends the trip with a very traditional run and roll. Amazing, I am not sure if the patrons of Maxwell's would even tolerate it. We'll see how the night goes.

House Party (Blue Note BST 84002)

The Sermon! (Blue Note cat. BST 84011)
"The Sermon Part 1 and 2" (Blue Note cat. 45-1879)

Home Cookin' (Blue Note cat. BST 84050)

Back At The Chicken Shack (Blue Note cat. ST-84117)
"Back At The Chicken Shack Part 1 and 2" (Blue Note cat. 45-1877)

"Prayer Meetin' Part 1 and 2" (Blue Note cat. 451909)
We are definitely in for some religion here. this is the kind of preaching I am always up for, wailing sax over a stroll groove. Stanley Turrentine tells it like it as and the band is steady as can be. Preach Brother Preach!


"Bucket" - Stereo Littlle LP (Blue Note cat. L4235)
"Bucket" and "Sassy Mae"

"Got My Mojo Working Part 1 and 2" (Verve - Sounds Of Fame cat. VK-147 (65-VK-630)

"The Cat" Arranged and Conducted by Lalo Schifrin (Verve cat.VK-10330 (64-VK-343))

Monster - The Incredible Jimmy Smith Arranged and Conducted By Oliver Nelson (Verve cat. V-8618)

"Groove Drops" (Verve cat. VK-10652 (106,623)
Nothing improved the sound of late 60's early 70's Organ Jazz more than the drumming innovations that came out of New Orleans and the drummers of The James Brown bands. "Groove Drops" foreshadows what was to come on the AMAZING "Root Down" LP with the drums having equal billing as Smith's stylish funky organ. Jimmy gives space and lets the beat be heard throughout "Groove Drops." This was not exactly a common recording quality in Jazz as late as the mid 60's. Even when drummers were the leader on the date the drums took a backseat as not to overwhelm the other players. Here the Orchestral backing and heavy drums give the track a very soundtrack.

Root Down - Jimmy Smith Live! (Verve cat. V6-8806)
"Root Down" is what funky Soul Jazz is all about. Congas, guitar, pounding drums and screaming organ. This is one of the top 10 Organ grooves of ALL TIME! I once read that Smith sold these from the back of his car at gigs because Verve wasn't being very helpful promoting or distributing it. If that is true it is just another example of the shortsightedness of the half wits working at labels. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing but add a little success and you have Kid Rock, Limp Dickless (Bisquick or whatever the hell they are called). How Jimmy Smith and other Jazz greats aren't living a life like Sean Combs, KISS, Brittany Spears and the rest of mediocrity is beyond me. No accounting for taste I guess. (I am actually a huge KISS fan but the fact remains America as a whole is not about quality. It's all a popularity contest and the winners are just doing the minimum to get by. Mediocrity.) A big thank you to those who strive for greatness and not fame.

Tyrone Davis:
Without You In My Life (Dakar Records cat. DK 76904)
The playact "I had It All the Time" is so incredible. It begins with a reprise of "Something That You Got" and then out of no where the voice of a stewardess obviously places on on an airplane. Tyrone missing his lady calls her pleading lets her know he is a changed man and he is crawling back to her... Then bang, right in the middle of his begging he throws in, "Aw yeah, I had a date or two but they couldn't take the place of you." Damn!

The Tyrone Davis Story (Kent cat. KENT 037)

"Is It Something You've Got" (Dakar Records cat. 45-605 (DAK-16174-PL))
Songs don't get much better than this for me. Aggressive drumming, guitar and bright horns announce Davis' arrival. "Something" is sung with a smile in his voice regardless of the fact that he can't win the young ladies affections. he seems content to love her from afar but you can tell is isn't going to give up on her too easy.

"Need Your Lovin' Everyday" (Dakar Records cat. 45-609 (DAK-ST-17285-SP))
The formula is similar on "Need." Sounds like ole' Tyrone was busy with few of the ladies.

"Turn Back The Hands Of Time" (Dakar Records cat. 45-616 (DAK-18441-SP))
Classic. This is 100% a perfect soul track. I carried an AM radio around with me as a kid (only rivaled by my portable tape recorder) and I can distinctly remember this magnificent track squeezing its way out that little inadequate speaker and still I loved it.

Primitive Sound System - Maxwell's - Tuesday Feb 1st!

Hello Y'all,
Fat Tuesday comes one week early in my record boxes as next week I will be working on the poster for our next Record Swap. This Swap known as "The Winter Wing Ding" (Saturday February 26th at DC's Tavern) will prove how great Cosco really is, apparently they sell 200 count bags of Chicken wings. You all know that we have a grill and a fryer and we're not afraid to use it. We won't be deterred by our still lingering Snow Storm of 2005! (Or whatever this icy season brings. Remember FIRE is ICE's most feared foe.)

"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"
At 280lbs every Tuesday is Mardi Gras for me. Next to the music and vast influence of the Godfather of Soul from Augusta, GEE A, New Orleans must be in the top 5 of funkiest locales. Not relying of the Blues/Gospel base of traditional R&B, New Orleans' groove is one of the most unique sounding vibrations you can ever be exposed to. Odd timed beats, inflected vocals and a constant party feel (dare I say its Holy Trinity) seem to be the stand out sounds from the regions funkier recordings. Eddie Bo, Allen Toussaint, Lee Dorsey, Huey "Piano" Smith, The Meters/ Nevilles, Marshall Sehorn, Dave Bartholomew, Ernie K-Doe, Leo Morris (a.k.a. Idris Mohammed), etc, etc... Music for your mind body and soul, it's gonna hoodoo you!

- pat.

Primitive Sound System and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

Some 45s:
Anthony Butler & The Invaders - "Katty's Thing" (Big Deal Records cat. 1001 (AR-106 (4072))
A pretty good example of the odd timings of New Orleans. This sluggish stroll kicks off with a nice open drum intro. At times throughout you can't really tell if the drummer is ahead of the band or if he has fallen behind but don't let him fool you he is right where he is supposed to be. Medium to rare, thank you.

Robert Parker - "Let's Go Baby (Where The Action Is)" (Nola Records cat. 721 (174-1594)
B-side of Barefootin' and a bit more laid back than the title implies and that is certainly not a negative. This is a cruising around, with the top laid down, checkin' out the town kinda song. Seems safe for use during Day or Night. There is just something so appealing about Parker's squeezed vocal sound. I also slipped the LP in my backpack.

Ernie K-Doe - "Gotta Pack My Bags" (Duke cat. 437 (LRS 7289))
More open drum intros from N'olens. I saw a video a few years back where Ernie K-Doe was "the celebrity" endorsing this weird homemade one man band thing. He was dancing around jacked up, sportin' a turban and for the most part unintelligible. The products "inventor" may have been only slightly crazier but certainly no way near as entertaining. "Gotta Pack My Bag" is a perfect vehicle for Ernie to shout and yell on his journey to bliss. The drummer breaks it up again about half way through as the band reclines and looks on in awe. Ernie doesn't seem to notice and can still be heard to this day. Om Shanti Ernie, Om Shanti.

Lee Dorsey - "Four Corners - Part II" (Amy cat. AMY 11,031)
Drums! Drums! Drums! But that ain't all folks. We also get Lee and group testifying over the top of some swinging horns bubbling/churning organ and smooth almost "Tighten Up" bass vamps. "Eww Yeah!" Not the best presentation of what I consider the regions top voice but I love this cut so much. I also brought the Amy LP "Working in The Coal Mine and The Polydor LP "Yes We Can."

The Meters - "Message From The Meters" (Josie cat. 45-1024 (Joz 681))
The Meters - "Groovy Lady" (Josie cat. 45-1026 (Joz 686))
Two cuts from the band that made a career out of open drums, thumping bass, fabulously fuzzy/scratchy guitar and enough meaty organ to make any creepy double entendre work freakishly perfect right here. "Message..." adds vocals. The Meters almost rarely played a bad note and they seemed to have recorded as much as Hal Blaine and The Wrecking Crew. If you are not easily impressed try listening to the entire output (including as backing band) of The Meters a feat that is not likely to happen but one challenge well worth taking.

Cyril Neville - "Gossip" (Josie cat. 45-1014 (Joz-663))
Betty Harris - "There's A Break In The Road" (SSS International cat. SSS-766 (711-453))
Mary Jane Hooper - "I've Got Reasons" (Power-Pac cat. 45-2053 (AR-105-4051)
James K Nine - "Live It Up" (Federal)

Curley Moore And the Kool Ones - "Shelley's Rubber Band" b/w "Funky Yeah" (House of The Fox cat. MH-1934)
Just got this one in the mail today! Good God this thing cooks. Echo cracking guitar pops its way through the rubber band-like intro. Suddenly everyone falls into place like soldiers into formation. The band is tight as hell thorough out. Simple, hard and the amp buzz just kills me. Crazy shit. I love this! "Funky Yeah" is just as heavy with some insane guitar riffing throughout. Unfortunately it can't compete with the creativity of side one but on any other day this would be the "Pick Hit" side. Easily classifiable as a two-sider though. Just like it says, "Funky?" "Yeah!"

Some more new stuff...
Joe Simon - "The Whoo Pee" (Vee-Jay Records cat. VJ-694 (65-8600)
I heard this track first on Mr. Fine Wine's amazing "The Shing-A-Ling" giveaway CD from the last drive (Maybe two years ago?). However long I have had this CD I have played it over and over and over. Just like his amazing Friday night radio show every track is a winner. This track in particular was unforgettable and to tell you the truth I didn't want to forget it. Like any good addict this track ate my guts out as I couldn't seem to locate a copy. I finally asked Matt a couple of weeks ago if the track was an impossible find or was I just having some bad luck. He said to check the usual suspects which I had NUMEROUS times. BUT! Magically buried in the wonderful world of all things obsessive (eBay) I located a copy while still answering his email with the message, "I tried those all many many times." Well, 4 Days and 16 hours later I paid my $7.99 plus shipping and I am the proud owner of a nice clean copy. Did I mention that you have to hear this?

Don Pierce - "This Funky Thing" b/w "Spook-A-Delic" (Majesty cat. MAJ-1041)
This one came along with the Curley Moore 45. Slamming slab of funky grooviness. Hard drums, guitar and bright horns that sound like they might be in the studio next to Mr. Pierce. Beautiful female backing vocals are punctuated by guitar before the guitar breaks out into a subtle solo mode. Smooth as ice, but still heavy as hell. "Spook-A-Delic" is far less subtle and even heavier. Pounding, steady drums and layers of guitar bounce around like a set of audio pong. Great 45!

Stan and the Man - "(Muscle Man) "Does The Football" (B And G Records cat. 7750 (b. G. 1124))
"The Football" needless to say an odd sub-genre but one that is always great. This groove is one of those grooves that forces you to jut your head forward like a chicken on the move. Don't worry if you get lost because Stan and The Man will let you know exactly what you need to know to accomplish "The Football" or the "Muscle Man" Apparently you can go home and do the funky football as you wanna. Dancing everywhere any where you want to is truly freedom. Thanks guys.

OK. I am so tired I can't go on. There are a few more newbies but that will all have to wait 2 more weeks. I have a pack full of LPs from Louisiana from many fine folk. Come by and just have fun.

Primitive Sound System Mixed Tape Tuesday - 01-18 at Maxwell's

Hello Y'all,
Looks like 3 acts will be performing at Maxwell's (Tues. 1/18 Louis Logic/Gym Class Heroes/The Superspecs 8 p.m. $8) tomorrow night but I'll still be holding court out front. Louis Logic and Gym Class Heroes are Hip Hop and The Superspecs appear to be a Ska band. Gym Class Heroes are a band producing their own loops with live instrumentation which always appeals to me. I hadn't checked the schedule in a while but it looks like I done good. I pulled records last week while putting away last weeks set. Ironically I pulled a pretty break heavy set as well as some Dub and Ska singles (I rarely pull these to play but I can't explain why).

-pat.

Primitive Sound System and the continuing food stylings of el Diablo Every Tuesday! (9PM - 2AM)

Maxwell's
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

Here's a sampling of what's in the mix:
The 45s:
Billy Garner - "Brand New Girl" (BGP cat. BGPS 006-A)
This is one of the unreleased gems unearthed by BGP for their superior selected and sounding compilations. This track just barrels its way down the road! The snapping drum and shout that opens this up alerts everyone to get the hell out-his-way but Mr. Garner is certainly proud of his lady and has just "GOTTA, tell ya!" Damn that's good. Thank you BGP.

Harvey & The Phenomenals - "Soul & Sunshine" (Funk 45 cat. FUNK45.018)
I can't shake this tune from my head. This tune creeps in on a mellow drum, bass, and guitar intro before the horns speak up. Like a bugle in front of the calvary, but rather than lead the band into any senseless conflict these horns lead the band into a cohesive stylish groove. Some music is all about the feel and and who can argue with pure soul.

Betty Harris - "There's A Break In The Road" (SSS International (Wht. Label Promo) cat. SSS-766 (711-453))
Damn! Damn! Damn! I always picture this being performed at the top of a hill in the middle of the street. The band in silhouette back lit by the setting sun. Betty is out front and the only one doing any kind of real moving around. Stalking, pacing back and forth and shooting you a look to kill and spitting her words right in your face. Feedback laced guitar slithers its way through like a Theremin in a horror movie. It's worth a listen, believe me.

Scacy and The Sound Service - "Sunshine Part 1" (Scacy Records cat. HY 2200)
What a great example of a sound I really love, big horn backed funk bands. Filled with dynamics not found in most funk tunes this one song alone would make a great mixed tape. Big bright horns and "do, do, dos" give way to tight "choruses" of uhhs backed by some heavy recorded drums and bass that can push you around the room. This things even got a fine sax solo pushed along with some hand claps and laughs before finally fading into Part 2 on the next side.

Charlie Lucas And The Thrillers - "Wonderful Feeling" (Waterbird cat. WB001)
Some songs are named so perfectly that it can only add to the listening experience but makes it hard to think of little else. "Wonderful Feeling." Hell yeah; it's even more wonderful when the band steps it up and lets the sax roll up hill where the band meets him and immediately charges down, not down as in negative but down the hill like a when you were a kid trying to run down a hill before gravity and the hill itself over take you and roll your ass to the bottom. Undaunted and smiling ear to ear you rush right back up to do it again. "Wonderful Feeling." WEEEE! I can easily say this is one of the top 10 funky sides I own.

Eastwind - "Nabbit Juice Part II" (Magic Minstrel cat. 3002)
I have always been partial to "Part II" of this track because of its jazzier feel maybe, maybe the fact that I prefer instrumentals to vocal tracks I don't really know. It's not like there are many words to this wonderful ode to the mysterious libation known as Nabbit Juice in Part I anyway. It seems to go without saying because there seems to be a pattern here... yes this is a horn heavy funk track. Love it.

Allen Toussaint - "Get Out Of My Life, Woman" (Bell Records cat. 732 (8734))
So I spoke with Marshall Sehorn about licensing this track in 1998 or so. I had the best conversation with him. We talked for almost an hour. I called him back three days later and he hadn't a clue who I was, oh well. I still remember it and I still love this version of "Get Out My Life Woman." Unhurried and country funky, almost an instrumental version as he doesn't really sing all the words. The piano is definitely leading the way hear though horns and voice punctuate what sounds like out of breath bass. Beautiful percussive sounds lurk around in the background and occasionally pop out especially what sounds like an instrument I used to see in a drum shop on 47th street. The instrument consisted of tubes of ascending height which were beat with these paddle like things. Whatever it is it adds such a nice mood.

Johnny Zamot & His Orch, vocal: Pee Wee Fernandez - "I Got The Feeling" (Gema Records cat. 1630-A)
Johnny Zamot is one interesting guy. I have Boo-ga-loo, Funk and Salsa music he has produced brilliantly over the years. One LP has him dressed like The Hulk on the cover and the music backs up that visual claim impressively. "I Got The Feeling" is one of his funk tracks. Horn driven with repetitive lyrics throughout. For the solo a deep baritone sax wails before the frenzied vocals come back in. Of course all of this is made possible by the wonderful foundation laid down by the bass, drums and congas. A party at 45RPMs if there ever was.

LPs:
Bo Diddley "Where It All Began" (Chess Records cat. CH 50016)
Richard "Groove" Holmes - "Comin' Home" (Blue Note cat. BST-84372)
Johnny Lytle - "The Soulful Rebel" (Milestone cat. MSP 9036)
Dizzy Gillespie - "Soul Salvation" (Tribute Records/GWP Records cat. TRI 5001)
The Cannonball Adderley Quintet - "Music, You All" (Capitol cat. ST-11484)
Rusty Bryant - "Fire Eater" (Prestige cat. 10014)
Jimmy Smith Live! - "Root Down" (Verve cat. V6-8806)
Nina Simone 1974 - "It Is Finished" (RCA cat. APL1-0241)
Toots & the Maytals - "Funky Kingston" (Mango cat.MLPS-9330)
Menique y Kako and His Orchestra - "Sock It To Me Latino" (Artol Records cat. ACS-6049)
Vecchio - "Afro-Rock by..." (De Wolfe Ltd. cat. DW/LP 3220)
Freedom Power (Cometa cat. CMT 4)
Robin's Rock (Music by Dittamo) - "Music For Jazz Dance" (Hoctor cat. HLPS-4194)
Curtis Mayfield - "Roots" (Curtom Records cat. CRS 8009)
The Last Poets with Bernard Purdie - "Delights Of The Garden" (Douglas cat. NBLP 7051)
The Turtles Present The Battle of The Bands (White Whale cat. WWS 7118)

New:
Jack (Bongo) Burger - "...the End On Bongos" (HIFI Record "The Sound That Named A Company" cat. Album No. R-804)
This is one of those Latin Lounge records with the pretty girls on the cover. This one happens to be a painting rather than a photo so this would appeal more to guys who actually think cartoon woman are sexy. Some of the usual Loungey Standards (Miserlou and Boulevard of Broken Dreams), and Clifford Brown's "Jordu" are served up amongst originals that could be covers if I had more time to figure out where there familiar themes were lifted. The real surprise here would be "A Yiddisha Mambo" Yikes a sub-genre if there ever was. All in all this is a pretty great Latin Lounge record bought for $3 while on a break from work.

Lalo Schifrin - "Ins and Outs" (Palo Alto Records & Tapes cat. PA 8055-N)
1982 Recordings with Andy Simpkins (bass), Earl Palmer Sr. (drums), Sam Most (flute), Paulinho Da Costa (percussion) and of course the brilliant Schifrin on piano. The set includes some old Schifrin classics ("Down Here On The Ground" and "The Fox") as well as a pair penned by his old boss Dizzy Gillespie ("Con Alma" and "Manteca"). The recording is super clean which should be a negative for me but in this case it works just fine. This could be easily passed off as an easy listening smooth jazz record but it is much more (or less when appropriate). The real beauty of this record is the bands ability to lay aggressive passages up against soft simple playing filled with space. When the weather is warmer (or maybe on a more depressingly grey Winter day) I'm going to put this on, kick back with a cold one and just let the day breeze by...

Primitive Sound System - Maxwells - Tuesday January 11th

Hello Y'all,
I had the week off between Christmas and New Year's Eve and came across a slew of records I may not have mentioned here. Also included music that Santa left on the turntable for me. The list below is pretty long and hopefully of some use to someone other than myself. Regardless of whether you read it or not I will be spinning most of these tomorrow night at Maxwell's. I didn't get to list a sampling of LPs in my backpack, next week I'll start with the LPs. As always I'll be touching on as many genres as I can possibly weave together with out becoming confused. Hope to see you there.

- pat.

http://www.primitivesoundsystem.org

Featuring - Primitive Sound System and the food stylings of el Diablo
Every Tuesday
Maxwell's
(maxwellsnj.com)
1039 Washington Street
Hoboken New Jersey
(201) 653-1703

New stuff and stuff I may missed when I first got 'em.
The 45s:
Tom and Jerroo - "€œ(Papa Chew) Do The Boo-Ga-Loo" Part 1 and 2 (Jerry-O Records cat. JO 111)
Heavy Heavy Boo-Ga-Loo with a nice drum break and roll. The ever soulful Mr. Jerry-O strikes again.

The Souljers - "€œChinese Checkers"€ b/w "œPoochum" (Rampart cat. 45-ATE-97)
Both sides have a hand clapping party feel with crowd sounds. The oddly named "Poochum" has a bit more swing in its gate and a thumping drumbeat worthy of any 60's flick dance scene. The dirty horn line at the end tells you that your Mom may not be happy to know this is the sort of place you frequent.

Benny Gordon - "Sugar Mama" Part 1 & 2 (Estill cat. A-1000)
Benny tells us about his lady over a soulful little vamp; almost that Motown sound. Simple, sweet and damn groovy.

The Golden Toadstools - "Silly Savages" b/w "Weeping River" (Minaret cat. MIN-138 (711-296/7))
The one thing I miss most about no longer warming a stool behind the counter at Finyl Vinyl was my Sunday visits from friends. One visitor in particular came box in hand and played me some of the best and rarest 45s Funk had to offer. This is one of those 45s that had me reeling ("Silly Savages"). I know I heard it on a comp and it may well have been a comp I even owned but nothing could compare to the sound buried in those beautiful original grooves (Thanks Mr. F. W.). This song is fast paced and lyrically crazy like The Hombres "Let It All Hang Out." After each listen it is really hard to get the "point" of the song. The one thing that is for sure is this is a funky ass piece o'wax.

Red Holloway - "Gittin' Down (The Churn)" b/w "Hoghead" (RH Records cat. 003)
Red Holloway is somewhat of a master at that blowing session yet he can always swing with the best of 'em. His sound typically that of Bluesy 50's jazz with moments that even border on early Rock ("Monkey Sho' Can Talk"). Who knew this Rockin' sax man could also nail a Funk record and this is a powerhouse of a funk tune at that.

Mosquitoes - The "Fly" (Long version and Short version) (Spear cat. SP-1001)
I got this at the last DC's record swap and for some reason forgot to include it in any list of new finds. The long or short of it is that this is an incredible Boo-Ga-Loo record.

Fred Wesley & The JBs - "Rockin' Funky Watergate" Part 1 (People cat. PE 643)
This a promo copy so all it has is Part 1 in both mono and stereo. I have always loved this tune. I think it is the weird frying pan bells that tap throughout. I consider this an instrumental since I don't feel the sporadic cheers and chanted lyrics don't exactly qualify as vocals. Whatever it is its got such a great feel. Once again Watergate and Nixon get a soulful treatment from James Brown.

Lee Arab "Now" b/w Cedric IM Brooks "The Chicken" (Studio One via Soul Jazz Records cat. SJR 97-7-2)
I guess these are printed up as "promos" for the Soul Jazz comp called "Studio One Funk." Apparently all the cuts on the double LP are unreleased gems from the Studio One vaults; apparently I need a copy of the LP because this single is great. "The Chicken" is almost more a Soul Jazz (the genre not the label) funk tune but that is definitely not a bad thing. "Now" comes on a bit more heavy and has some great horn and guitar interplay followed by a very cool organ vamp. Good stuff.

Harlem River Drive - "I Need You" b/w "Overtime" (Arista Records cat. As 0142 2170/1-S))
This is an odd one. I grabbed this hoping it was Eddie Palmieri's Harlem River Drive. "I Need You" doesn't sound to far off from early SalSoul which oddly doesn't seem to help with whether this "the" Harlem River Drive or not. "Overtime" has a nice Crusaders-esque groove with a touch of Platinum Jazz War; very West Coast. The playing is pretty on but it is hard to say if this has anything to do with Mr. Palmieri. Congas, Electric Piano, etc, who knows for sure?

Castor Pollux & the Soul Department - "Gnaoua" b/w "Afrika Sun" (Tramp Records cat. 1002)
Some new, new shit. This is hard and heavy. Side A has a few touches or African influences with grinding horns, a steady beat and keys groove punctuated by some really nice percussive moments. Side B slows things down a bit; here an electronic manipulation that sounds like someone trying to tune in a radio frequency as well as some flute are added to the mix. I like the dynamics to this a lot. This would work nice as a soundtrack.

J.C. Davis - "A New Day" b/w The Mighty Dogcatchers - "It's Gonna Be A Mess" (Mystery of Soul Patrol cat. MSP 01)
We considered "A New Day" when we were putting together the Vital Organs. I remember one of the big reasons for not picking it was the fact that it was a stereo track. Now that I here it again it really wouldn't have fit with the bunch any way. The track is incredible but has a far more Jazz feel than I remember. "It's Gonna Be a Mess" is a mid-tempo funk number with an extended drum and bass intro. The horns come on like many other tunes of its kind before they give way to the drum and bass again. Most likely this is a boot as it has no credit info anywhere. PAY SOME ONE! it's not that difficult to do people.


The LPs:
Mastodon - "Leviathan" (Relapse Records cat. RR6622)
Mastodon are probably the finest band doing the Hardcore/Metal hybrid. Apparently the majority of these tunes were conceived while the band was on the road. The majority of the record is based around the story of Moby Dick. This is a concept that in the wrong hands could come off like Fred Whatever and Limp Dickless doing a concept album about Peter Pan. There is nothing corny about Mastodon. This is music that can physically crush things.

Isis - "The Mosquito Control" EP (Escape Artists Records cat. EAR 3.3)
The current state rock is a sad one but like Mastodon, Isis, are making it better for some of us. This is an EP from 1998 that I only had on CD preciously. Copies come and go so fast on eBay and else where that it becomes a frustrating experience to try and land one (as is the case with almost all of Isis vinyl). This could be their heaviest outing and again like Mastadon have experimented with the Hardcore/Metal hybrid. Unlike Mastadon Isis can be atmospheric and oft times subtle. Isis records contain looped sounds, samples both vocal and musical inventiveness not usually associated with the genre of Metal.

Isis - "Oceanic Remixes Volume IV" (Robotic Empire cat. robo-39)
The title says it all. Being the Hardcore/Metal/Atmospheric sample ladened band that they are Isis' best LP to date ("Oceanic") spawned this insanely creative series. Each 12" is limited to 2500 copies and contains upwards around three remixes per. Never has a band been so deserved of such a project. Volume IV features Venetian Snares, Destructo Swarbots and Fennesz. Past 12s have featured; The Oktopus (Dalek); Mike Patton; Tim Hecker; JK Broadrick and others. As an interesting note the releases are clear vinyl with extra large labels.

Isis - "Panopticon" (Robotic Empire / Ipecac Recordings cat. )
It was during my quest for this, Isis' most recent record, that I stumbled upon the copy of Mosquito Control EP. Copies of this LP are already selling for over $100. Released in October, vinyl of "Panopticon" has dribbled out in insanely small pressings. Always the student of music and music lover before being a collector I was happy to get a black vinyl copy for $16.99. Easily recognizable as Isis from the first note "Panopticon" does not disappoint. Following in the footsteps of the Remix series these LPs come with extremely small labels for a very odd visual effect.

The Black Keys - "Rubber Factory" (Fat Possum cat. ?)
Believe it or not it doesn't even say Fat Possum ANYWHERE on this LP. That's either the dumbest marketing goof ever or the coolest thing ever. Considering The Black Keys are the coolest band making music I'm guessing the ladder. Covering Beefheart's "Grown So Ugly" and the Kinks "Act Nice and Gentle" are bold moves by a duo but these guys have the chops and style to do the do. It's nice to see they are not afraid of the occasional overdub to help flesh out some of their tunes even if it is as simple as hand claps.

Money Mark - "Demo Or Demolition" EP (Chocolate Industries cat. )
The always original Money Mark nails 6 different moods effortlessly on this new effort. I never seem to tire of Mr. Nishita's music and hopefully he will never tire.

Harold Land - "A new Shade of Blue" (Mainstream cat. MRL 314)
Beautiful Soul/Spiritual Jazz played with Bobby Hutcherson. This is my third LP with this pairing.

Wayne Shorter - "Shorter Moments" (Trip Jazz cat. TLX-5009)
Two LP package of late 50's Wayne Shorter performances.

This weeks picks:
The 45s:
The Moving Sidewalks - "99th Floor" (Mutt Records ("I wouldn't Send A Mutt Out On A Record Like This.") cat. M-1030-A)
This was an early band for Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top fame. This tune is just plain amazing. Garage psyche the way it's supposed to be. Slamming drum and organ intro with that hopping dance beat and tripped out lyrics. "Come on baby, come on and treat me right, Let's go to the 99th Floor..." Oh yeah, screaming harmonica and guitar tie things up nicely at the end. Perfection if there ever was.

The "Noc-A-Bouts" - "Jungle Safari" (United Artists cat. 45-S-116)

The Nu-Trons - "Tension" (Federal cat. 45-12495 (45-F844))
Slow and Low that is the tempo. Fuzzy guitar and what sounds like the biggest ride cymbal on earth kick off this odd stroll. Honkng horn and a walking bass round out the feel. At one point the repetitive groove locks, and not to state the obvious but, the tension builds. The guitar and horn seem to want to battle for attention but no one ever really takes the lead. Spooky good.

Moby Grape - "Omaha" (Columbia cat. 4-44173 (JZSP 118972))
The insane backward beginning of this song gives me a chill down my spine. Great harmony singing over the sped up tempo make me want to run around and jump up and down. In fear of breaking things around me as well as possibly breaking me so I resist. This tune slams its way from opening to end. Listen my friends...

Pretenders - "Tattooed Love Boys" (A Real Record cat. ARE 9)
Last week I played "The Wait" and maybe it was just a perfect time to play it but shit this band was great. Grabbed this one this week and upon listening to it I realize what a fool I am for not playing the hell out of this stuff or at least playing it more often. Great skipping beat with pretty guitar sounds followed by a charging punk drive. Half way through this thing just goes crazy. Skipping, skittering, pausing, squealing and moans. Trust me, go back and listen to this stuff again.

The Pop Group - "She is Beyond Good and Evil" (Radarscope Records cat. ADA 29)
Every-time I listen to this I think how bad most current music is. The Pop Group should have sparked a revolution (along with The Slits and Liquid Liquid). Dubby beats and grooves and strained vocals. Dated in its sound and weirdly fresh all at the same time (I can't even explain that). I hate that I never picked up the LP. I only have 2 of the 45s.

The Feelies - "Original Love" (Stiff Records cat. Buy 65-B)
New Jersey has its moments of genius and The Feelies were definitely one of them. Anton Fiers drumming is beyond compare and as song writers go Million and Mercer certainly do their namesakes justice. "Jangly Guitar Sound" was most likely a trophy passed from The Byrds to the Feelies but these angry art nerds pound out emotionally charged songs that some how result in a smile. "Original Love" can sound at times like "Ghost Riders In The Sky" but all the while it seems to ride the New Wave. I must have seen this band 100 times and I wish I could see them 100 more.

Bobbie Gentry - "Mississippi Delta" (Capitol Records cat. 5950 (45-57421))
Like the B-Side to "I got You Babe" this was one of those rare finds when I one day flipped over "Ode To Billy Joe." Bobbie comes on like the Sista of Tony Joe White with this fine bit of Country Go-Go and her gravelly smoke filled voice. This must be heard to be believed if you only know "Ode to Billy Joe." Bari horn sounds, pounding drums, countrified harmonica and strummed guitar. I have owned the LP a few times over the years but I guess I never felt anything came close to this so I have always let it go. As you can imagine this plays well with Dusty' "Son of A Preacher Man."

Bill Doggett - "Honky Tonk Popcorn" (King 45-6239 (SK13085))
Ouch. This shit is so nasty it will cut you. Ole' Bill Doggett and the JBs just taking the shit out of "Honky Tonk" The Organ on this sounds more like the horn of a "32 Ford as it desperately competes with the Guitar which can only be described then as a Cobra trying to muscle its way by. Both stop short and scare the daylights out of some folks on the corner who timidly scream. Convinced everyone is OK, if not just a little shaken, the Organ and Guitar resume their duel and disappear over the horizon.

Sound Explosion - "40 Acres and A Mule" b/w "Blow Your Mind"
Buzzing guitar cuts the air at the intro of this storming funk number. "Give it up now, Give me more mule, HUH!" The whole thing sounds as if it were recorded in the apartment next door but that is a big part of its appeal. Congas grab the groove and help keep everyone on track before the tune slams back into the chorus and rolls on the verge of out of control. Vocals and horns stab in and out over the music and during pulled back moments giving the song even stronger dynamics. Aggressive and funky is the order of business for the Sound Explosion. The instrumental "Blow Your Head" moves at a more measured pace but retains the aggressively funky groove and even touches on moments of some heavy 70's Rock riffing.

Brown Brothers of Soul - "Cholo" b/w "Poquito Soul" (Specialty cat. 698)
Very few songs sound this good EVERY TIME you play them. "Ese CHOLO!" This slow grooving organ/sax instrumental grinds like no other. It takes great restraint as a player not to bust this flow and these guys are dialed in. At one point they pick it up and the vocalist spits out a few more lines but then they pull it right back without a bump or bruise. Tweaked out sax, thundering congas and swirling organ run you to the end. This is one of those songs I wish I could play for anyone who hasn't heard it.

Once again I am way too tired to go through the LPs.