Nogood Nick, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus and Moises Underground swing at Wham-O Watusi!

¡Ritmos Bailables! That’s what they called it. For the gringo reader, that means danceable rhythms. On Saturday January 2—a mere two days into 2016—WHAM-O WATUSI presented a very special program of danceable rhythms. Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus played host to two special DJs: Moisés Underground, a hep gato from Mexico City and Nogood Nick, who every BOOGALOO BAG reader should be familiar with by now.

Nogood Nick sets the scene at Wham-O Watusi!

It all took place at the Bootleg Bar of Bushwick, Brooklyn—home of the cool breeze!

Moises Underground swings with another hot jam at Wham-O Watusi!

As noted, Moisés Underground is a DJ from Mexico City, but he is more than that. He is a presenter of Mod Music shows (including Chewing Gum Weekender and Oh Yeah! Rhythm Club); he also runs a cool record company called Chez Nobody; he is a singer in a band called Los Ramparts; he is a writer about music (currently working on a book about the great sixties Mexican punk rock band Los Ovnis); and manufactures and/or distributes groovy Moderniste-oriented accessories (including travel bags, buttons and t-shirts). Somehow he found time to come to Brooklyn and play some boss records for the WHAM-O WATUSI faithful.

Our pal DJ Rata dropped by Wham-O Watusi to swing with Moises Underground and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus!

Nogood Nick presents a fine, fine super fine happy hour DJ night at Otto’s Shrunken Head from time to time. Called Rip! Rig! Panic!, man, it really swings. The BOOGALOO BAG writers try to make that scene as often as possible. Nogood Nick has been a friend of Señor Moisés for some time; he has even traveled to Mexico City to DJ at some of his events.

Both guest DJs played some hot grooves: Mr. Nick had the place jumping with the boss organ movers he is known for, and Mr. Underground rocked the joint with some fabulous Mexican punk rock records from the sixties.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus played some of his usual trash, peppered with selections from his own Spanish language rock’n’roll records. Everybody was happy and everybody was dancing to los ¡Ritmos Bailables!

Here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at WHAM-O WATUSI – ¡Ritmos Bailables!

• Frankie Questa at the Organ–The Wham-O Bird (Cub)
• The Ventures–The 2,000 Pound Bee – Part 2 (Dolton)
• The Lively Set–Dippity-Do (Mercury)
• Ruby Johnson–Jerk Shout (Neb’s)
• The Monkees–(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone (Colgems)
• The Impacs–Your Mama Put the Hurt on Me (King)
• The Untouchables–Deacon’s Walk (Lawn)
• Howlin’ Wolf–Well That’s Alright (Sun)
• Nathaniel Mayer and the Shanks–Ride in My 225 (Norton)
• Aaron Neville–Ape Man (Safari)
• The Pigeons–Stick in My Corner Baby (Musicor)
• Dave ‘Baby’ Cortez–Hot Chocolate (Roulette)
• Grupo 15–El Olé (Regal; Spain)
• Big Sandy with Los Straightjackets–Qué Mala! (Spinout)
• The Mops–Asamade Matenai (Can’t Wait) (Victor; Japan)
• Lacy Gibson–I Am Gonna’ Unmask the Batman (Repetto)
• Ronnie Kole Trio–Batman Theme (White Cliffs)
• Byron Lee and the Ska Kings–Last Night Ska (Atlantic)
• Cannibal and the Headhunters–Nau Ninny Nau (Rampart)
• Gene Burks–Shirley Jean (Arock)
• Don Coavay & the Goodtimers–Teen Life Swag (Columbia)
• Val-En-Tines–Gettin’ With the Twist (Bethlehem)
• Los Strwck–W-A-Loo (Discos AZA; Mexico)
• Maytals–Monkey Man (Trojan; UK)
• The Jaguars featuring Tony Davis–Banana Fanna (Cap City)
• Young Guitar Red–Red Hot Red (Formal)
• Wanderlea–Prova de Fogo (CBS; Brazil)
• Los Beats–Eres Tu (Orfeon; Costa Rico)
• Los Rockin’ Devil’s–La Pequeña Lupe Lu (Little Latin Lupe Lu) (Orfeon; Mexico)
• The Easybeats–Gonna Have a Good Time (United Artists)
• The Rockin’ Vickers–I Don’t Need Your Kind (Columbia)
• Los Brillos–Sookie Sookie (Falcon)
• Ronnie Bird–N’´Ecoute Pas Ton Coeur (Philips; France)
• Los Talayotts–Sha La La La Lee (Polydor; Spain)
• The Who–Daddy Rolling Stone (Brunswick; UK)
• Hommy Sanz Orguesta–Heart Full of Soul (Fonseca)
• Johnny Laboriel–Cafe Del Rock (Orfeon)
• Jackie Lee–Bongo Shuffle Boogie (Sure)
• The Dave Clark Five–Chaquita (Epic)
• Cannibal & the Headhunters–La Bamba (Date)
• Pedrito Ramirez con Los Yogis–Louie Louie (Discos Angelo; Mexico)
• The Swingin’ Brothers–Shake ‘Em Up Baby (Tomak)
• The Cadillacs–Groovy Groovy Love (Capitol)
• The ‘5’ Royales–Messin’ Up (King)
• The Ventures–The Savage (Dolton)
• Gary Webb–Drum City – Pt. 2 (Donna)
• Los Johnny Jets–Dracula A Go Go (Discos Columbia)
• Los Rockin Devil’s–Mi Carcachita (Honky Tonk Women) (Orfeon; Mexico)
• The Lovers–Licor de Contrabando (Bootleg) (Picaro; El Salvador)
• The Four Lovers–Honey Love (RCA Victor)
• Los Brincos–Flamenco (NoVoLa; Spain)
• The Carnabeats–Give Me Lovin’ (Philips; Japan)
• Los Johnny Jets–Cul Jerk (Cool Jerk) (Discos Columbia)
• Kip Tyler and His Flips–Jungle Hop (Challenge)

Moises Underground digs the scene at Wham-O Watusi!

Note that WHAM-O WATUSI is held on the first Saturday of the month. Next one will be on February 6. However, the March WHAM-O will take place on Saturday March 19, in order to accommodate the Subway Soul Club, which will take place on March 5.

It’s New Year’s Eve and people are swingin’!!!

New Year’s Eve can be a bummer—it is a time when people who don’t attend many parties or drink very often try to cram a whole year’s worth of fun into one night. At best, these amateurs will wake up the next morning with a headache and the smell of puke on their shoes. At worst, they will start the new year behind bars or in a morgue. Often, these folks do stupid things that annoy people who know how to enjoy themselves without resorting to imbecility.

However, New Year’s Eve can be a wonderful time—the excitement of starting a new year can be awesome!

When the good people at Gemini & Scorpio are putting on the show, you know it is going to swing. These folks have been presenting underground themed events for more than ten years. Add to the mix the party organizational skills of the Rubulad, another institution known for high energy, super duper underground extravaganzas. When these two act together for a New Year’s Eve event, it is bound to be an outstanding and spectacular use of fun time!

Such was the case for Casino Battle Royale, a spy and gambling themed event that these two entities produced, and it took place on the evening of December 31, 2015. The event was held in two locations in Gowanus, Brooklyn. A main building, where there were DJs, including our pals DJ Shakey and Illexxandra; bands, including our pals Telecommand and a brass band; lovely burlesque dancers; a non-stop film fest of vintage movie clips, courtesy of our pal G. Scopitronic; and a casino. Attendees were requested to dress up and required to participate in spy games and/or win at the casino in order to be allowed into the Secret Lair, a couple blocks away.

The Secret Lair was decorated like a psychedelic circus with a grand wooden dance floor and in it DJs Ol’ Stark and Phast Phreddie the Booogaloo Omnibus were spinning exciting sixties Go-Go grooves—many of them with spy themes—and it was jammin’ with fabulously dressed people dancing and frolicking all night long.

Unfortunately, the Boogaloo Bag writers were too busy being wowed by the cool records Ol’ Stark was spinning and they never made it to the other location to dig that scene. Thus, a first-hand account is not available. However, our pal Jack Newcastle made his way to and from each location several times and reported that the whole affair was kind of confusing at times—especially the spy game—but ultimately it was a fun, worthwhile event.

At midnight, attendees did the countdown themselves—no video of the hokey, for-squares-only Times Square ball drop, Yayyy!!! Phony money was distributed in great quantities and champagne flowed like the Nile! Ol’ Stark played Lulu’s “Love Loves to Love Love” because he felt that the new year should start with some love. Then The Boog played a soul version of “Auld Lang Syne.” Man, it was a great time! Nothing could bring this down!

Ol’ Stark and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swing at Casino Battle Royale New Year’s Eve Extravaganza!!

Well, almost nothing. Some jerk—obviously an amateur as noted above—started to light some of the phony money on fire! The Boog had to go over and put the fire out before it got out of control. The Boog also gave the creep a piece of his mind. Luckily, the smoke didn’t get too bad and authority figures were never summoned.

Other than that one incredibly stupid display of idiocy, the Secret Lair portion of Casino Battle Royale was a total success. Here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus:

• Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass–Casino Royale (A&M)
• Les and Larry Elgart and the Unforgivens–The Early Bird Catches the Bomb (Columbia)
• Power Formula–Theme From Laugh-In (Show Town)
• Billy Strange–Our Man Flint (GNP Crescendo)
• Al Hirt–Feelin’ Fruggy (RCA Victor)
• Perry and the Harmonics–Do the Monkey With James (Mercury)
• Velvett Fogg–Telstar ‘69 (Pye; UK)
• Julie Driscoll; Brian Auger & the Trinity–A Kind of Love-In (Atco)
• Enoch Light & the Brass Menagerie–Theme From Shaft (Total Sound/Project 3)
• The Ventures–Flights of Fantasy (Liberty)
• Bob Crane and His Orchestra–Get Smart (Epic)
• Dick Hyman and His Orchestra–Agent Double-O-Soul (Command)
• Les Yper Sound–Psyche Rock (Fontana; Italy)
• Just Brothers–Sliced Tomatoes (Music Merchant)
• The Ventures–Secret Agent Man (Dolton)
• King Curtis & the Kingpins–Whole Lotta Love (Atco)
• The Second Coming–I Feel Free (Steady)
• The Reactors–Do That Thing (Cameo)
• The Cincinnati Music Co.–Let’s Do the Thing (Kapp)
• Don Sebesky & the Jazz-Rock Syndrome featuring Larry Coryell guitar–The Word (Verve)
• The Supremes–The Happening (Motown)
• Billy Strange–The James Bond Theme (GNP Crescendo)
• Rex Garvin (and the Mighty Cravers)–Sock It to ‘Em J.B. – Part I (Like)
• The Combinations–Bump Ball! (RCA Victor)
• Della Reese–It Was a Very Good Year (ABC)
• Honey and the Bees–Auld Lang Syne (Chess)
• James Brown and the Famous Flames–Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag Part I (King)
• Marie Claire–Nitty Gritty (Citation; Canada)
• Lord Sitar–Black Is Black (Capitol)
• Los Yaki–Nadie Como Yo (Capitol; Mexico)
• The Mohawks–Mony Mony (Sir J.J.; UK)
• The Andrew Oldham Orchestra–I Get Around (Parrot)
• The Ventures—The Swinging Creeper (Dolton)
• Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich–Hold Tight (Fontana)
• The Capitols–Cool Jerk ‘68 Instrumental (Karen)
• The Dave Clark Five–Catch Us If You Can (Epic)
• Phil Flowers–I Saw Her Standing There (Dot)
• Little Caesar & the Empire–Everybody Dance Now (Parkway)
• The Liberty Belles–Shing-A-Ling Time (Shout)
• La Bert Ellis–Batman Theme (A&M)
• [no artist listed]–Dance the Slurp (7-Eleven)
• Jack Costanzo Mr. Bongo–Chicken and Rice (Discomoda; Colombia)
• The Aces–Reggae Motion (The Loco-Motion) (Sire)
• Ananda Shankar–Jumpin’ Jack Flash (Reprise; France)
• Andre Brasseur and His Multi-Sound Organ–The Kid (Disc A-Z; France)
• The Golden Pot–Take One (Disc A-Z; France)
• Buddy Rich Orchestra; vocal: Cathy Rich–The Beat Goes On (Pacific Jazz)
• The Hollywood Persuaders–Drums A-Go-Go (Original Sound)
• Dave Baby Cortez–Hurricane (Clock)
• The Bandidos–The Mark of Zorro (Elkay)
• The Yardbirds–Over Under Sideways Down (Epic)
• Dobie Gray–Out on the Floor (Charger)
• The Nick Venet Orchestra–Main Theme from ‘Out of Sight’ (Decca)
• Bill Doggett–Twenty Five Miles (King)
• Curtis Mayfield–Move On Up Part 2 (Buddah; France)
• Curtis Mayfield–Move on Up (Curtom)
• Cliff Nobles–My Love Is Getting Stronger (Atlantic)
• Rhinoceros–Apricot Brandy (Elektra)
• The Mohawks–The Champ (Cotillion)
• The Moon People–Hippy Skippy Moon Strut (Opus #1) (Roulette)
• Maytals–Funky Kingston (Shelter)
• Lou Courtney–Hey Joyce (Pop-Side)
• Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames–Last Night (Imperial)
• [no artist listed]–Mirza (Mlliat Freres; France)
• Lee Dorsey–Four Corners – Part 1 (Amy)
• The Golden Toadstools–Silly Savage (Minaret)
• Paul Revere & the Raiders featuring Mark Lindsay–Happening ‘68 (Columbia)
• La Lupe–Touch Me (Roulette)
• Tony Mottola–Tequila (Project 3)
• Le Trio Sourire–Satisfaction (Rusticana; Canada)
• Smokey Robinson & the Miracles–Going to A Go-Go (Tamla/Motown; UK)
• Dave Bartholomew–Shrimp & Gumbo (Imperial)
• The Electric Prunes–Hideaway (Reprise)
• The Who–Magic Bus (Decca)
• Les Sceptres–Enfin Seul Ensemble (Alliance; Canada)
• Jimmie Haskell–The James Bond Theme (Capitol)
• Santo & Johnny–Goldfinger (Canadian American)
• The Hornets–Fruit Cake (Columbia)
• Booker T. & the M.G.’s–Soul-Limbo (Stax)
• The Baskerville Hounds–Space Rock – Part 2 (Tema)
• What’s Happening–Hot Buttered Buns (Coreco)
• The Green Slime–The Green Slime (M-G-M)
• Wynder K. Frog–I’m a Man (United Artists)
• Jose Luis Y Los Maloos–Confesiones de Media Noche (Cap Latino)
• Bill Wendry & the Boss Tweeds–Fire (Columbia)
• Lee Moses–Day Tripper (Musicor)
• Vincent Bell–Eleanor Rigby (Decca)
• Quincy Jones–(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (Mercury)
• The Latin All Stars–Soul Bossa Nova (Roper)
• The Zombies–This Will Be Our Year (Date)

None of these records are for sale.

The BIG TEN INCH is back in a major way! On December 27, 2015, this fabulous 78 RPM listening party blew into Club Hi-Fi in the East Village of Manhattan for five—NO! actually nearly SIX—hours of shellac power!! Along with host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, nine people brought 78s to play, and many more came to dig the scene. Among the participants were Adam Lore (50 Miles of Elbow Room), Alex De Laszlo (King Missile), Bob Palmeroy, DJ Rata (Mambo Jambo), Michael McMahon (Susquehanna Industrial Tool and Die Co.), Rich Sibello (WFDU), Ted Barron (WFMU’s Give the Drummer Some Radio), and newcomers Josh Styles (Smashed! Blocked!, Daddy Long Legs) and Dominick Costanzo. The action was so heavy that many attendees stayed until nearly 10:00 PM and the shellac was spun up until then.

Everybody brought great records. Many styles of music were played. Rata played some cool mambos and Michael Mac swung the hillbilly scene. Teddy B played Elvis! Adam Lore played “Shrimp and Gumbo”—the greatest record every made!! (The BOOGALOO BAG writers were very envious of this selection and have made a note to obtain a copy on 78.) Swing, gospel, blues, jump blues, rock’n’roll, R&B, doo Wop, jazz, rockabilly and many other hot sounds were aired—all on 78 RPM.

Ted Barron

Michael McMahon

Dj Rata

Rich Sibello

Josh Styles

Adam Lore

Bob Pomeroy

Dominick Constanzo

Alex De Laszlo

BOOGALOO BAG readers should note that, now that The BIG TEN INCH has found a new home, it will take place on the fourth Sunday of every other month, starting on January 24. The Hi-Fi Bar is conveniently located on Avenue A and East 11^th Street and owner Mike Stuto has been very accommodating to The BIG TEN INCH Faithful, even providing pizza! BIG TEN INCH swings from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the first two and a half hours take place during happy hour. We will see you next month.

Here’s a list of all the 78s played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at The BIG TEN INCH (Johnny Otis 78 was played in honor of his birthday the next day):

• Esy Morales and Orchestra–Aphrodite (Magic)
• Freddie Mitchell Orch.–Fish Market Boogie (Derby)
• Duke of Iron and his Trinidad Calypso Troubadours–Kockeemoonga (The Magic Word That Means You Are a Dope) (Monogram)
• Billo’s Caracas Boys Orchestra the No. 1 Dance Orchestra of Venezuela–El Enamorao (Marilu)
• Stan Freberg with the Toads–Wide-Screen Mama Blues (Capitol)
• Tito Rodriguez con Los Lobos Del Mambo–Desert Dance (Tico)
• Nat ‘King’ Cole–Calypso Blues (Capitol)
• Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra–Mingus Fingers (Decca)
• Johnny Otis and his Orchestra–Shake It (Peacock)
• Roy Brown and His Mighty-Mighty Men–Riding High (DeLuxe)
• The Wailers–Dirty Robber (London International; South Africa)
• Bo Diddley–Diddy Wah Diddy (Checker)
• King Perry the Pied Piper of Swingdom and His Sextette–Everything’s Gonna Be All Right Tonight (Specialty)
• Lena Gordon with Sax Kari & Orch.–Mama Took the Baby (Checker)
• Bob Williams and the Chromatics; Ernie Fields Orch.–Rockin’ Beat (Blend)
• Eddie Bo–I’m Wise (Apollo)
• Sonny Boy Williamson–You’re an Old Lady (RCA Victor)
• Mickey ‘Guitar’ Baker–Bandstand Stomp (Rainbow)
• Rufus Gore–Rib Tips (King)
• Von Streeter and His Wig Poppers–Hog’s Knuckles (Coral)
• Yousif Hareb–Ya Shagrat El Beldar (Alkawakeb)
• Lola Ameche with Orchestra conducted by Ralph Martiere–Rock the Joint (Mercury)
• Earl Bostic and His Orchestra; vocal by Clyde Terrell–I Got Loaded (King)
• Moose Jackson–Big Ten Inch Record (King)

None of these 78s are for sale!

The greatest record ever made!