Three cool chicks swing at Wham-O Watusi!

The WHAM-O WATUSI has officially become a truly national and international event. As the astute Boogaloo Bag reader may remember, the last WHAM featured a great DJ from Mexico. On February 6, The WHAM was scheduled to swing at the Bootleg Bar with host Phast Pheddie the Boogaloo Omnibus and guest DJ Mister Brandon Pierce Peck. Then, three weeks before the gig, he got an emergency call on the Bat-phone from our pal DJ Rata: a friend of Rata’s from Barcelona was going to be in town that weekend; can he DJ at the WHAM?

Mister Brandon Pierce, Turis Bang Bang and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swing at WHAM-O WATUSI!

You bet he can! About twelve years ago, The Boog swung at a couple of groovy clubs in Barcelona: Barbara Ann and Badlands. Both experiences were fabulous. The least The Boog could do was to add this fine Spanish DJ to the bill at the WHAM. ¡No problemo!

DJs Turis Bang Bang, Josh Styles and Rata swing at WHAM-O WATUSI!

The man from Spain was Turis Bang Bang. Not only is he a DJ who spins reet sounds, he is also an event promoter, and runs a club called A Wamba Baluba, where he books cool bands, such as our pals Daddy Long Legs. Plus, the guy could play a mean record, that’s for sure!

DJ Turis Bang Bang is visited by Josh Styles and Brian Hurd of DADDY LONG LEGS at the WHAM-O WATUSI!

At WHAM-O WATUSI, Señor Bang Bang only played a couple songs in Spanish. However, he played a LOT of great, rockin’ instrumentals and top R&B jump numbers that kept the joint hoppin’ while he was at the turntables.

Let’s not forget the other guest DJ that night: Mister Brandon Pierce Peck (AKA Handsome Vanzandt) also played a few good records. He’s a hep cat whose sideburns are as long as he is. Mister Brandon, who hails from way down south–Jacksonville, Florida to be exact–has been seen spinning his black round guys at such events and venues as Hullabaloo, Out of Sight, The Lone Wolf, Don Pedro and Otto’s Shrunken Head. At The Wham, his time at the turntables playing boss sounds was appreciated by the many folks boppin’ on the dance floor. Not only that, he contributed to the night in an entirely unique and wonderful way by drawing the incredibly groovy poster that advertised the night (see below). No wonder there were so many beautiful people in attendance, making it the most successful WHAM-O WATUSI yet!

BRANDON!

BOOGALOO!

BANG BANG!

Host DJ Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus played his usual trash: R&B, ska, rock’n’roll, freak beat, garage rock and twisted instrumentals in a mix that he refers to as “excited bedlam.” Plus, unlike the man from Spain, The Boog spun at least a dozen records sung in the Spanish language. It seems that the “Wham-O Bird” record has become the WHAM-O WATUSI theme song, as it has initiated the action for the last three events! Here’s a list of all the records played by El Rapido:

• Frankie Questa at the Organ–The Wham-O Bird (Cub)
• The Snobs–Stand and Deliver (London)
• The Hollywood Persuaders–Persuasion (Original Sound)
• Johnny Angel–I Got My Mojo Working (Josie)
• Leslie Uggams–River Deep, Mountain High (Atlantic)
• Fabulous Flakes–No Excess Baggage (Columbia)
• The Dave Clark Five–Maze of Love (Epic)
• The Montereys–Push-Em Up (Ultima)
• The Fabulous Playboys–Nervous (Daco)
• The Midnighters–Daddy’s Little Baby (Federal)
• The Showboats–Too Much (Goldband)
• Los Brincos–El Pasaporte (Novola; Spain)
• Eddie and the Showmen–Squad Car (Liberty)
• Gene Redd and the Globe Trotters–Zeen Beat (King)
• Yuzo Kayama–Black Sand Beach (Toshiba; Japan)
• Los Rockin’ Devils–Sigue Asi (Go Head On) (Orfeon)
• Los Moustros–Mi Traje Nuevo (Chez Nobody; Mexico)
• The Tempters–Secret Password (Philips; Japan)
• Los Mustang–Conocerte Mejor (I Should Have Known Better) (Regal; Spain)
• The Marvelettes–He’s a Good Guy (Yes He Is) (Tamla)
• Curley Ashe–Clap, Clap (Dawanda)
• Nat Kendrick and the Swans–Dig Rag Part – I (Dade)
• Els Corbs–L’Ultima Vegada (Endigsa; Spain)
• Dondi–S&L (Challenge)
• Underdogs–Get Down on Your Knees (Hideout)
• Bobbie Graham–Zoom, Widge and Wag (Fontana; UK)
• The Maytals; Prince Buster All Stars–Dog War (Prince Buster; Jamaica)
• The Wailers–Simmer Down (CoxSone; Jamaica)
• Roberto Jordan–Hazme Una Señal (Gimme Little Sign) (RCA Victor; Mexico)
• Los Johnny Jets–Bajate de Mi Nube (Get Off of My Cloud) [from EP Los Johnny Jets A Go-Go] (CBS; Mexico)
• Los Mustang–Dandy (Le Voz De Su Amo; Spain)
• Los Faros–Se Llama Eufrasia (Novola; Spain)
• Los Angeles–No Pienses (Hispa Vox; Spain)
• Los Johnny Jets–Bule Bu [from EP Más Éxitos de Los Johnny Jets] (CBS; Mexico)
• Mad Man Taylor–Rock ‘n’ Roll Españole (East-West)
• The Ambertones–Chocolate Covered Ants (Dottie)
• Thee Midniters–Love Special Delivery (Whittier)
• Don Covay & the Goodtimers–Hand Jive Workout (Columbia)
• LIghtnin’ Slim–Rooster Blues (Excello)
• Muddy Waters–She’s Into Something (Chess)
• James Brown and the Famous Flames–Love Don’t Love Nobody (King)
• Screaming Jay Hawkins–Your Kind of Love (Providence)
• Roosevelt Grier–Since You’ve Been Gone (RIC)
• The Dells–Run for Cover (Cadet)
• Juicebox–My Baby Likes to Boogaloo (Cultures of Soul)
• The Vibrants–Something About You Baby (Columbia; Australia)
• Lee Kings–La-La-La Lies (RCA Victor; Sweden)
• Los Canarios–Get on Your Knees (Calla)
• The Hitmakers–Stop the Music (Polydor; Japan)

None of these records are for sale! In order to fully appreciate the Boogaloo Bag Experience, it helps if the reader clicks on the images (which will scientifically Big-O-Fi™) and the links, especially the song links, when provided.

Beautiful flyer designed by Mister Brandon Pierce Peck.

On January 23, Jonas blew into New York City like the fierce winter storm that it was! It dropped enough snow to make it the second biggest snow storm on record in New York City since 1869! However, even with a good two feet or so of snow on the ground, the BIG TEN INCH took place the next evening (the 24^th) as scheduled. Eight people braved the snow and ice to join host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus in the spinning of the old shellac. Also, there was a fabulous group of attendees who just came to dig the sounds at Club Hi-Fi in the East Village.

This particular BIG TEN INCH featured two new-comers: DJs Mike Crash and Tony Salvaje.

DJ Mike Crash

Tony Salvaje

Mike Crash DJs regularly at Union Pool in Williamsburg. His debut appearance at the BIG TEN INCH was a notable one because he played five records—all of them from the Chess/Checker catalog! This sort of activity keenly excites BIG TEN INCH trainspotters.

Tony Salvaje is one of our favorite people to see out at clubs. He and his wife Sonya are excellent dancers and they always spark up the room. Mr. Salvaje is also an excellent DJ, who has been a fine guest at such terrific events as ABC Rebel Night or Shake It Up Sundays at Rockaway Beach in the summer.

Other folks who brought 78s to play included regulars Adam Lore (50 Miles of Elbow Room), Alex De Laszlo, Andy Upsetter FC, DJ Rata (Mambo Jambo), Juke Joint Jonny (Grade A Fancy) and Michael McMahon (Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.).

Adam Lore

Alex De Laszlo

Andy Upsetter

DJ Rata

Juke Joint Jonny

Michael McMahon

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus

In spite of the snow and the slippery sidewalks, there was no report of any 78s broken in transit to or from the BIG TEN INCH. Jonas did not win!

Most of the records played on this day dated from the forties and fifties. We heard a lot of swing, hillbilly, rock’n’roll, R&B, doo wop, bebop, mambo, jazz and even a couple novelty numbers. However, some in the audience complained that there were no pre-war records played. Folks, we’ve got to fix that. If you have pre-war 78s, bring them on down and play them at the next BIG TEN INCH, which will take place on March 27—Easter Sunday! After your annual Easter Egg Hunt, bring yourself and your friends to Club Hi-Fi and swing to real swing music!!!

Here’s a list of all the 78 RPM records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the January BIG TEN INCH:

• Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra–Take the ‘A’ Train (RCA Victor)
• Roy Milton and his Solid Senders–Milton’s Boogie (Roy Milton)
• Perez Prado y Su Orquesta–El Mambo (RCA Victor; Argentina)
• Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five–If It’s Love You Want, Baby That’s Me (Decca)
• Earl Bostic–Jungle Drums (King)
• Xavier Cugat and his Orchestra–Jungle Rhumba (Columbia)
• The Clovers–Ting-A-Ling (Atlantic)
• Oscar McLollie and His Honey Jumpers–The Honey Jump – Pt. I (Modern)
• Nervous Norvus–Dig (Dot)
• Joe Houston–Guided Missile (Imperial)
• Earl Bostic and His Orchestra–Cherokee (King)
• Flash and His Calypso Masters–Cocoa-Tea (Jet)
• The Eagles–Tryin’ to Get to You (Mercury)
• Joe Loco his Piano & Quintet–Why Don’t You Do Right (Tico)
• [no artist listed]–The OKeh Laughing Record (OKeh)
• The Paragons–Hey Little School Girl (Winley)
• Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five–Onions (Decca)
• Conjunto Caney; canta: Negret–Ogunde (Verne)
• Donald Woods and the Vel-Aires with the Ray Johnson Combo–Man From Utopia (Flip)
• Moose Jackson–Big Ten Inch Record (King)

None of these 78s are for sale.

Some of the records played at the BIG TEN INCH are shown below. Click on the images and they will Big-O-Fi utilizing an exclusive electronic process perfected by The Military:

Yana Lil-Jerk and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swing at LIMBO!

On January 22, Wang Dang Doodle Productions presented LIMBO! at the Commodore—Williamsburg’s home of fine fried chicken. Selector Yana Lil-Jerk (AKA Bunny Punch) joined host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus in an evening of wild and rockin’ recordings spinning at 45 revolutions per minute.

Yana Lil-Jerk gets down to business at LIMBO!

Miss Yana’s exploits were duly noted in the Boogaloo Blog a few years ago. Recently, her DJ expertise has been on display at the Robert Bar, a new joint in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, where she plays hostess to both Madchester (a night of nineties Brit pop) and Living for Kicks ( she plays anything she wants every Thursday).

Yana Lil-Jerk and Nancy “Jeannie” Gardner swing as Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus spins a boss record at LIMBO!

Yana’s specialty is ska and rocksteady. She’s got a ton of great Jamaican records and a few years ago she was playing them regularly at her Bangarang night at Club Hi-Fi. However, at the LIMBO!, Miss Yana swung the place with some very boss soul and garage rock records—along with the ska records she is known for.

Our pal DJ Rata dropped by to dig the scene with Yana Lil-Jerk at LIMBO! He’s the one who took all the photos!!

Inside the warm confines of the Commodore, these two DJs played hot records all night and into the wee hours of the morning. At the end of one of Yana’s sets, she played a cracked record, and then the Phast Man began his subsequent set with “Cracked Up Over You.” Meanwhile, outside it was cold and a wicked snowstorm was whipping up. The storm was so harsh that weather people gave it the name Jonas. At four o’clock in the morning, Miss Yana played the Liverpool Five’s version of “If You Gotta Go Go Now.” It was definitely time to go, in order to get home before winter storm Jonas stopped the subway trains!

Here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at LIMBO!

• The Music City Five–Pipeline (Hit)
• The Duals–Stick Shift (Sue)
• Elliott Shavers and His Bossmen–Toe Jam (Blaun)
• The David Clowney Band–Movin’ ‘n Groovin’ (Ember)
• The Brotherhood–Are You a Turtle (Yes I Am) (Dial)
• Johnny Scotton–I’m Not Tired Yet (Twain)
• The Wailers–Ska Jerk (CoxSone; Jamaica)
• Sonny Wright–Lullaby With a Beat (Atlantic)
• Charlie Earland–The Pump (Terry)
• The Reflections–Comin’ At You (Golden World)
• The Move–The Fire Brigade (Regal Zonophone; UK)
• Champagne Brothers–I’ll Run Away, Far Away (Tear Drop)
• Merry Clayton–Beg Me (Capitol)
• Bobby Hebb–Everything Is Coming Up Roses (Philips)
• Eddie Hodges–Hitch Hike (Aurora)
• Little Eva–Makin’ With the Magilla (Dimension)
• The Interpretations–Automatic Soul – Part 1 (Bell)
• Bobby Barnes–The Skate (Cross-Tone)
• Slim Harpo–Little Queen Bee (Got a Brand New King) (Excello)
• Davie Jones with the King Bees–Liza Jane (Vocalion Pop; UK)
• Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band–Frying Pan (A&M)
• Desmond Dekker & the Aces–Intensified (Beverly’s; Jamaica)
• Laurel Aitken with the Blue Beats–Railroad Track (Blue Beat; UK)
• Lazy Lester–Sugar Coated Love (Excello)
• The Rolling Stones–Little by Little (Decca; UK)
• Johnny Otis Show–Hum Ding a Ling (Capitol)
• The Touch–Pick and Shovel (Lecasver)
• Brenton Wood–Whoop It on Me (Double Shot)
• Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames–El Bandido (Imperial)
• The Superiors–What Would I Do (Verve)
• Linda Jones–I Can’t Stop Lovin’ My Baby (Loma)
• Marv Johnson–I Miss You Baby (How I Miss You) (Gordy)
• Doris Troy–I’ll Do Anything (Calla)
• Danny White–Cracked Up Over You (Decca)
• Colleen Lanza–Don’t Lean on Me (Merph)
• Dean Parrish–Determination (Boom)
• Les Watson & the Panthers–Oh Yeah (Pompeii)
• The Hot Tamales–Hum Double Bubble (PAC)
• Charlie McCoy and the Escorts–Harpoon Man (Monument)
• The Young Executives–Come on in Baby (Mercury)
• The Jalopy Five–(I’ve Got A) Tiger in My Tank (Hit)
• The Jaguars–Wakai Ashita (Philips; Japan)
• The Rhythm Rockers–Rendezvous Stomp (Challenge)
• Eddie Clearwater–Twist Like This (Federal)
• Skip Cole and his Fabulous Hi-Spots–Twist & Freeze (Band Box)
• Nella Dodds–P’s and Q’s (Wand)
• The Miracles–Mighty Good Lovin’ (Tamla)
• King Stitt–Lee Van Cleef (New Beat; Jamaica)
• D.D. Dennis–I Had to Let It Out (Magnet; UK)
• King Curtis & the Noble Knights–Night Train (Specialty; UK)
• Earl (Good-rockin) Brown–Mary’s House Party (Shirley)
• The Harptones–Hep Teenager (Warwick)
• The Chanteurs–The Grizzly Bear (Vee Jay)
• The Surf Breakers–Ridin’ in Number Nine (Mercury)
• The Beach Boys–Moon Dawg (Capitol; Japan)
• Rangers–4 on the Floor (FTP)
• The Showboats–Sidewinder (Goldband)
• Billy Clark & His Orch.–Tonker (Nale)

None of these records are for sale.

Here’s another photo of Yana Lil-Jerk doing her thing at LIMBO!