New Orleans Funk V, 2

This compilation is a prime example of why dropping some coin on a reissue is warranted. The folks at Soul Jazz records include a nice slipcase, and a thorough booklet with real liner notes that make listening to this release a joy and educational at the same time.

I purchased this item at Rockit Scientist the last time that I was in Manhattan a couple of weeks back. Robert suggested that it was a must have CD.

For me, the back stories really make it. I am sure that many in the audience know these bits of trivia, but they are new to me. An example of this is the date, May 17, 1970. This is the date when Wardell Quezegue, the producer and arranger extraordinaire took King Floyd, Jean Knight and Bonnie and Sheila to the Malaco recording studio in Jackson Miss. to record. These three sessions on the same da brought up the following results; King Floyd hit with "Groove Me"(Chimneyville), and Jean Knight hit with "Mr. Big Stuff "(Stax). Pretty amazing hit rate, even though Bonnie & Sheila failed to hit on King with "You Keep Me Hanging On.

Another nugget, "Fortune Teller" was written by Naomi Neville-- a pen name for Allen Toussaint. Is it laziness, or what, not sure, but I was never aware that was the origin of the much covered song. Benny Spellman was the first artist credited with this song in '62 on Minit Records.

The music seems to really follow the muse of New Orleans, as it features, R&B, funk, and a wide variety of other influences -- jazz blues, African rhythms. A great overview, I will have to keep my eye out for V. 1.

It has been a while since there has been enough reading material included with a CD that I have purchased to keep me occupied for the entire listening experience. This release is a keeper and gets the nod from Cratedigger Labs.

Combustion Mix

Hello again, finally back in the mix with another set straight from the 1200s chez Cratedigger Labs. I have put together some thoughts to go along with the jams. Hope you dig this mix. Happy Spring into Summer!

This set is dedicated to both the pending Summer season as well as to my favorite power plant, the Ford 289, pictured above. Turn up the system and crack a cold one...

Starting everything off is a track from the Master, Richard Groove Holmes. The Hammond is in effect and should put you in the mood for more grooving to come.

Mixing it up, Archie Bell and The Drells bring it home with the track, "There's Gonna Be A Showdown." This version is certainly better than the NY Dolls, although I profess a weakness for that version as well.

"Testify" is one of my fave 45s, when done by Mr. Clinton and the rest of the Parliaments, but Johnnie Taylor's version still is able to make me attempt to sing along with the chorus. A shaker, undoubtedly.

The next track by The Presidents is a bit sappy, but still a strong track. I am sure it will sound familiar to many of you out there.

The Profiles 45 on Duo was a recent record show find. There to pick up the mood a bit.

And to get a bit weird, take the Funkadelic path where Mssrs. Clinton, Worrell, Collins and Hazel are here to bake your brains. I dig that fuzzy guitar buried in the mix.

Back to the land of Hammond and Jimmy McGriff with "The Worm."

More into the Northern Sound with Nella Dodd. This one makes me move, you?

"Soul Sister" is strong groove instrumental.

Betty Wright is a strong vocalist and the vocal on "Let Me Be Your Lovemaker" is not exception. I love the bassline here.

The instro "Cissy Strut" should be familiar to all, however everytime I spin the record, I am amazed at the ability of the Nevilles to pull it all together at all times. Tight.

Combustion Tracklist

01 Groove's Groove Groove Holmes (Prestige)
02 There's Gonna Be A Showdown Archie Bell & The Drells (Atlantic)
03 Testify (I Wonna) Johnnie Taylor (Stax)
04 5-10-15-20 (25-30 Years of Love) The Presidents (Sussex)
05 Got To Be Your Lover The Profiles (Duo)
06 I'll Bet You Funkadelic (Westbound)
07 The Worm Jimmy McGriff (Solid State)
08 Come See About Me Nella Dodds (Wand)
09 Soul Sister Four Gents (HBR)
10 Let Me Be Your Love Maker Betty Wright (Alston)
11 Cissy Strut The Meters (Josie)

Please download Combustion here

Back from Gotham

I just spent the past few days in Gotham, and it was actually pretty good.

I am starting to find my way around record finding places there. Some of the locals are saying that there are parking garage/lot flea markets on the weekends. Granted these are not local cratediggers, but they say that records are there.

Academy Records on 18th, west of 5th Ave, is always good for a couple of jazz CDs, this time I came away with Sonny Stitt with Jack McGriff on Prestige. The prices are good there as well as I think I paid $8 for it.

I made another stop at Rockit Scientist on St. Marks, but on the walk over there from Union Square, I stumbled upon a guy that had some crates out on the street. I came away with a sealed copy of the Baby Huey LP on Curtom and a King Sunny Ade Hot Banana LP. That was pretty cool. Once in Rockit Scientist, Robert recommended the New Orleans Funk V. 2 on Soul Jazz, I have not listened to the whole thing yet, but it looks solid.

Robert recommended that I head over to Botanica on Houston Street to check our Mr Finewine. It sounded like a plan to me.

After that I hiked over to Madras on 2nd Ave between 4th and 5th for some vegetarian Indian cuisine. The samosas went over very well with the Taj Mahal beer. The entree of cauliflower and green peppers was excellent and very fresh tasting. A litte bit of spicy burn was present, but not enough to break a sweat or anything. The service was a bit grumpy but they warmed up after my constant use of "Thank you."

The night got the better of me and I did not make it out to see Finewine. I hear that he has a residency at Botanica on Wednesdays so I will have to take a rain check.