Dab Van Ommen and Jonny Trash swing at the WHAM-O WATUSI!

Saturday the Fourth was the date of the March WHAM-O WATUSI; it was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because our pals Jonathan Toubin and Todd-O-Phonic Todd had scheduled, for Friday the Third, a fabulous program of boss rock and soul acts at the Warsaw: Nick Waterhouse & his band backing Ural Thomas, Baby Washington, Young Jessie, Maxine Brown, Archie Bell and David Johansen; King Khan; Joe Bataan and his Orchestra; all topped off with a very special performance by the legendary Irma Thomas. A most excellent event, and the Boogaloo Bag writers were in attendance and dug the show immensely. This show drew people from all over the world and The WHAM-O WATUSI benefited when several out of town DJs came knocking, looking for jobs for the following night.  WHAM-O host and resident DJ Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus hired on three of them, plus local selector DJ Rata. It was going to be a very swingin’ affair!!

DJ Rata, Lilly Martini & Dab Van Ommen swing at the WHAM-O WATUSI!

Then, perhaps a few weeks before the big weekend arrived, it was announced that Mr. Toubin had scheduled another slightly less heavy but still quite fabulous show at Baby’s All Right (with Nick Waterhouse, King Khan, Ural Thomas and Eli Paperboy Reed in the performance space and more than a dozen fabulous DJs spinning in the front room) for Saturday the Fourth. Mr. Toubin even invited a couple of WHAM-O DJs to work at his event!

Whaaaah!!!!

But all was not lost. The WHAM-O WATUSI took place as scheduled at the friendly confines of The Bootleg Bar, where WHAM-O attendees were in abundance in spite of the hipper gig across town. Guest DJs included Jonny Trash (Spankys; Peterborough, Ontario), Dab Van Ommen (Utrecht, Netherlands), DJ Alr!ght (Secret Soul Club, Cleveland) plus our pal DJ Rata. Everybody took turns spinning their rockin’ 45s with host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus. Excellent records were played, new friends were made (including Chelsea Hartman, Jay Nugent and Lilly Martini, who provided the Bag with some photos) and old friends turned up to jump around. DJ Alr!ight and Jonny Trash performed their respective sets early in the night, hung out for a spell, then took off for Baby’s All Right. Mr. Van Ommen and Rata stayed to make noise well into the wee hours.

DJ Alr!ght swings at the WHAM-O WATUSI!

The Boogaloo Bag writers first became aware of DJ Alr!ght at the Keystone State Soul Weekender last year. Although his DJ sets were not witnessed, music was discussed intensely and it was determined that DJ Alr!ght has all the right records and attitude.

Jonny Trash swings at WHAM-O WATUSI!!

Jonny Trash came to us via SMA-F (social media apparatus: facedog). He owns a joint called Spanky’s in Peterborough, Ontario that apparently features reet music every night and has hosted Jonathan Toubin’s Soul Clap events there. So you know he’s got the goods.

Chelsea Harman, Dab Van Ommen and Jay Nugent swing at WHAM-O WATUSI!!!

Dab Van Ommen came to our attention via DJ Rata. The two of them have DJed together, both in New York, as well as in Mr. Van Ommen’s home town of Utrecht, where he hosts many fine parties—some dealing with reggae music.

DJ Rata swings at the WHAM-O WATUSI!

Of course, DJ Rata is DJ Rata, a frequent guest DJ at the WHAM-O and one can read about him in many past Boogaloo Bag posts, such as this one and this one.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, Dab Van Ommen and DJ Rata conspire to swing at the WHAM-O WATUSI! (photo by Chelsea Hartman)

Not only did each DJ play incredible records, some of them came bearing gifts. DJ Alr!ght presented the Phastman with his recent mix CD. DJ Rata gave the Boog a cool Swing-A-Ling record. Our new Dutch friend gave everyone a copy of the EP Go Sound by The Riddlers, a fantastic surf combo Mr. Van Ommen played guitar with during the Nineties. He also gave the Boog a cool 45 by the Nederbeat group Ro-D-Ys.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swings at the WHAM-O WATUSI! (photo by Javier Roa)

For his part, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus gave each DJ a copy of The Pizza Record and played all of these 45s:

• Carl Edmondson with the Driving Winds–Watusi Stomp (Fraternity)
• Marty Wilson and the Strat-O-Lites–Stroll Me (Tel)
• Eddie & the Showmen—Movin’ (Liberty)
• Preston Epps–Bongo Rock 1965 (Polo)
• René Touzet and His Orchestra–Ticklish Mambo (Caquillita) (GNP)
• The Charioteers; Sid Bass Orch.—Don’t Play No Mambo (Josie)
• The Debelaires with Al Allen & the Skyscrapers–The Wa-Wabble (Lectra)
• Dodi Marshall–Good Good Gravy (Pulse)
• Joe Swift’s Internationals–Boo-Ga-Loo Party (Onacrest)
• Roek Williams and his Fighting Cats–You Walked Away (Fontana; Netherlands)
• The Sorrows–Mi Si Spezza Il Cuore (Take a Heart) (Pye; Italy)
• ZZ en de Maskers–Ik Bedoel ‘T Altijd Zo Goed (Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood) (Artone; Netherlands)
• Lulu–Boy (Columbia; Germany)
• Ripp Tide–Dynamite (Josie)
• The Wailers–Ska Jerk (CoxSone; Jamaica)
• Larry Harlow–That Groovy Shingaling (Fania)
• Ace Cannon–Drunk (Hi)
• The Aire-Dales–Just Plain Mess (Roulette)
• Dick and Libby Halleman and Their Society Orchestra vs Tom and Ray–Pizza Sure Is Good (Summit)
• Timmy Thomas–Whole Lotta Shaking Going On (Goldwax)
• Lyres–Security (Norton)
• Fantastic Dee-Jays–Fight Fire (Tri Power)
• Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band–Abba Zabba (Buddah)
• Otis Spann—Walkin’ (Blue Horizon)
• The Dave Clark Five–Five by Five (Epic)
• Haramiler–Çamlica Yolunda (Altin Mikrofon – 1967; Turkey)
• Winston Groovey–Funky Chicken (Jackpot; UK)
• Laurel Aitken–Reggae 69 (Nu Beat; UK)
• Eddie Lovette–Boomerang (Steady)
• Sister Rosetta Tharpe—That’s All (Verve)
• Baby Washington–Knock Yourself Out (Checker)
• The Utopians—Ain’t No Such Thing (Imperial)
• Los Rockin’ Devil’s–La Peque–a Marilu (I’m Blue) (Orfeon)
• Tages–Leaving Here (Platina; Sweden)
• The Movers–Leave Me Loose (1-2-3)
• Fleshtones–The Dreg (Fleshtone – 77) (Illegal; France)
• George and Gene–Clap Around (Sotoplay)
• The Revengers–The Batman Theme (M-G-M)
• The Ventures–Green Hornet Theme (Liberty; Japan)
• The Woodpeckers–Woodpecker (Decca; UK)
• Terry & the Bunnys—Terry’s Theme (King: Japan)
• Jody Reynolds–Fire of Love (Demon)

None of these records are for sale. Some of the songs listed above have links to the youtubes–click on them and recreate the WHAM-O WATUSI scene in the privacy of your own environment!

DJ Rata, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus and Dab Van Ommen are the last DJs standing at the WHAM-O WATUSI! (photo by Lilly Martini)

For February, the WHAM-O WATUSI was pushed back two full weeks and took place on the 18th at the Bootleg Bar—Bushwick’s most exciting watering hole! But that’s ok, as it turned out that night was the best time for guest DJ Andy Maltz to make his first appearance at the WHAM.

The Boogaloo Bag writers have been aware of Mr. Maltz for some time, mostly via a vast array of mutual friends; his bands The Little Killers and The Piggies; and through the activities of Norton Records in which he often partakes. Plus, he DJs twice a week at Union Pool in Williamsburg–Thursday and Sundays starting at 8pm. Thus, everybody already knows he has hip taste in reet sounds. However, The Boogaloo Bag writers were very impressed with his DJ skills as he applied them on January 1 at Friends and Lovers during the birthday tribute to the late great Billy Miller of said Norton Records. The way he put his set together—punk rock mixed in with garage rockers and R&B shouters—was totally boss. WHAM host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus heard that and was knocked out completely—deciding right then that Mr. Maltz had to be asked to swing at the soonest WHAM-O WATUSI possible.

Andy Maltz did not disappoint. First off, due to subway train schedules being mixed up over the weekend, the Phast Man was nearly 20 minutes late to the dance. Luckily, when he walked into the dark, friendly confines of the Bootleg Bar, Mr. Maltz was already swingin’, having set up the DJ booth and commenced playing cool 45s at the appropriate volume for the lucky folks in attendance. Each of his thirty-minute sets seemed to contain mini-sets that kept the beat flowing in a sensible manner, even when he was playing insensible records! For the last hour, he and Phast Phreddie traded plays, as they went from some rockabilly platters, to garage rock, to surf records before it got a little nuts.

Unfortunately, the Boogaloo Bag writers left the camera at home, therefore no photos exist of Andy Maltz swingin’ at the Boot on this night. For that, we apologize and promise to have him back soon in order to make up for this unthinkable oversight in planning!

Here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the WHAM-O WATUSI on February 18:

• Carlo & the Secrets–A Hundred Pounds of Potatoes (Throne)
• The Ozarks–Who Stole My Dog? (California)
• The Tronics–The Big Scroungy (Landa)
• Coatesville Harris and the All Stars–Coates-Ville (Rhythm)
• Daddy ‘G’ and the Church St. Five–Look Alive (LeGrand)
• Jackie Shane; Frank Motley & Motley Crew Orch.–Sticks and Stones (Cookin’)
• Paul Peek–Rockin’ Pneumonia and Boogie Woogie Flu (Columbia)
• Arthur Alexander–Pretty Girls Everywhere (Dot)
• David Clayton-Thomas–Walk That Walk (Atco)
• Boo Boo & Bunky–This Old Town (Brent)
• The Headliners–You’re Bad News (V.I.P.)
• Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs–Juimonos (Let’s Went) (M-G-M; Germany)
• The Five Satins–Kangaroo (Warner Bros.)
• The Dazzlers–Oo-Clazy (Knick)
• The Beatniks–Beatnik’s Blues (Roulette)
• Bo Diddley–Put the Shoes on Willie (Pye International; UK)
• Menard Rogers–Good Food, I Am for You (Margaret)
• The Debelaires with Al Allen & the Skyscrapers–The Wa-Wabblers (Lectra)
• Betty Harris–Show It (Sansu)
• Sylvie Vartan–Twiste et Chante (Twist and Shout) (RCA Victor; France)
• Little Eva–Taking Back What I Said (Dimension)
• The Mojo Men–She’s My Baby (Reprise)
• The Fenways–I’m a Mover (Co & CE)
• The Kingsmen–Little Sally Tease (Wand)
• Elvis Presley–Little Sister (RCA Victor)
• Lee Allen–Cat Walk (Ember)
• Clifton Chenier–Keep on Knockin’ (The Crazy Cajun)
• Lee Dorsey & His Ya Ya Band–Rock (Ace)
• Rockin’ Uncle Potts–He La-Ba’s (Goldband)
• Mike Sanchez; Conjunto de Ricky Rays; Ernesto Marroquin: sax–Papa Molida (Mashed Potato Time) (Falcon)
• Bobby Freeman–Let’s Surf Again (Autumn)
• Eddie & the De-Havelons–Xmas Party (Peacock)
• The Standells–Try It (Tower)
• Bob Kuban and the In-Men–Harlem Shuffle (Musicland U.S.A.)
• The Casuals–Money (That’s What I Want) (Minaret)
• The Videos–Shoo Bee Doo Bee Cha Cha Cha (Bim Bam Boom)
• The Fabulous Playboys–Nervous (Daco)
• Chris Montez–Rockin’ blues (Monogram)
• Cliff ‘Honky Tonk’ Scott–Fros-Tee Nite (King)
• Maureen Gray–Come on and Dance (Chancellor)
• Goldie Coates and the Blenders–Fisherman (Cortland)
• Lattimore Brown–Chick Chick, Chicky Chick (Zil)
• Hank Blackman & the Killers–Itchy Koo (Brent)
• The Thunderbirds–Thunderbird Twist (Delta)
• The Rolling Stones–Route 66 (Decca; France)
• [no artist listed]–All Day and All of the Night (Hit Parader)
• Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band–Frying Pan (A&M)
• Prince Carter–Shake Me Up (Go)
• Gino Washington–I’m Coming Home (Wand)
• The Jolly Jax–Pony Shuffle (Airmaster)
• Bobby Fuller Four–Never to Be Forgotten (Mustang)
• Mouse and the Traps–Cryin’ Inside (Fraternity)
• The Misfits–Naughty Rooster (Warren International)
• Larry Birdsong with Al Smith’s Orchestra–Fannie’s Place (Vee Jay)
• Lenny Coleman–Shake It Easy (Laurie)
• Little Henry and the Shamrocks–The Ta Ta Song (Kent)
• The Chants–Choo Choo (Verve)
• The Four Jokers–She’s a Flirt (Amy)
• Rufus Thomas–Ya Ya [from EP Jump Back With Rufus Thomas] (Atlantic; UK)
• Stan Robinson–Can She Give You Fever (Amy)
• Lord Luther with the Dave R. Band–A Thinkin’ Man’s Girl (Imperial)
• LaVern Baker–Ain’t Gonna Cry No More (Atlantic)
• The Buddies–Only My Friend (Swing)
• The Ron-Dels–Lose Your Money (Smash)
• Eddie Cochran–Cut Across Shorty (Liberty)
• Tom Tall and His Tom Kats–Stack-A-Records (Crest)
• Buddy Sharpe & the Shakers–Jump Into the River (Bishop)
• Johnny Rivers–Baby Come Back (Roulette)
• Elvis Presley–Shake Rattle and Roll (RCA Victor)
• Ronnie Hawkins–Who Do You Love (Roulette)
• Fantastic Emanons–Hitch-Hike (Agogo)
• Link Wray and His Ray Men–Bo Diddley (Norton)
• The Arrows featuring Davie Allan–Space Hop (Tower)
• Jimmy McHugh–Do the Kangaroo (Sucess)
• The Bobbi-Pins–Why Did You Go (Mercury)
• Will Sanders and the Duprees–Summertime (Regatta)
• Buddy Morrow and His Orchestra–Rib Joint (Mercury)

Some of the songs have links to the youtube so the reader can attempt to recreate the night in the privacy of his or her own home. None of these records are for sale.

On Friday January 27 at the Commodore in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, an evening took place that could only have been billed as Solid Hit Boogaloo. Host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus asked his pal Greg Tormo to guest DJ with him and to spin more syncopated soul records than he usually does. Mr. Tormo has great records—mostly the kind known as Northern Soul. In fact, he is known far and wide as an excellent Northern Soul DJ and record collector. His Solid Hit Soul Club of the late Nineties was a fabulous, though ultimately short-lived, stop-gap between the Empire State Soul Club and the Subway Soul Club, the latter of which came alive in the early part of the 21^st Century.

Greg Tormo makes another genius selection at Solid Hit Boogaloo!

Little did anybody know that Mr. Tormo also has a fine collection of funk records, and it was mostly those that he spun at the Commodore on this evening. Greg was obviously having a good time. It seemed as if after just about every record he played, he would announce that he had never played that one out at a club before. People, if you have an event that requires funk music, the Boogaloo Bag writers heartily recommend that Mr. Tormo be hired; he has fantastic funk records! You better catch him quickly, as he is due to move to Palm Springs, California in the fall. If the good people running the Desert Soul Club have their dirt together, they would ask Mr. Tormo to swing as often as possible.

Greg Tormo cues another hot funk 45 at the Solid Hit Boogaloo!

Here’s a list of the soul and funk records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the Solid Hit Boogaloo–many with links to youtubes clips:

• The Music City Two in One–Snag Nasty (Music City)
• The Continentals–Funky Fox (Blue Fox)
• The Harvey Averne Band–Run Away Child Running Wild (Uptite)
• Ohio Players–Funky Worm (Westbound)
• Chuck-A-Luck & the Lovemen LTD–Whip You (Taster)
• Betty Barney–Mamma, Momma (GWP)
• The Fabulous Peps–I Can’t Get Right (Premium Stuff)
• George Jackson–Love Highjacker (Verve)
• Lou Pride–Phony People (Gemco)
• Maxine Brown–Love in Them There Hills (Epic)
• J.J. Jackson–Sho Nuff (Got a Good Thing Going) (Loma)
• Sonny Richards and the Panics–Can You Dig It (Roulette)
• Jones and Blumenberg–Right Track (Volt)
• Kool and the Gang–Raw Hamburgers (De-Lite)
• Tina Britt–Sookie Sookie (Veep)
• The Presidents–Gold Walk (DeLuxe)
• Bobby Wayne–You’re Blowing My Mind (La Val)
• Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band–Must Be Your Thing (Warner Bros.-Seven Arts)
• Andre Williams–Humpin’, Bumpin’ and Thumping (Checker)
• Les Tres Femmes–Listen to Your Mama (Phil-L.A. of Soul)
• Marva Whitney–He’s the One (King)
• Katie Love–How Can You Mistreat the One You Love (Stax)
• Parliament–Breakdown (Invictus)
• The People’s Choice–Let Me Do My Thing (Phil-L.A. of Soul)
• The Pop-Ups–Lurking (HBR)
• Jamo Thomas and the Party Brothers–Bahama Mama Part I (Decca)
• The James Boys–The Mule (Phil-L.A. of Soul)
• The Mandells–Don’t Turn Your Back on Me (Hour Glass)
• The Artistics–Price of Love (Brunswick)
• Edwin Starr–Adios Senorita (Tamla/Motown; France)
• Willis Wooten–Your Love Is Indescribably Delicious (Virtue)
• Howard Tate–Plenty of Love (Turn Table)
• Mighty Joe Drake–Get Out of My Life Woman (Kapp)
• Billy Mack–Son of a Lover (Miss Betty)
• Frankie Newsome–Coming on Strong Staying Long (Sagport)
• James Barnes & the Agents–Good & Funky (Golden Hit Prod.)
• Ruben Wright–Hey Girl (Capitol)
• The Blues Groove–Makin’ It (Verve)
• Chuck Bernard–Funny Changes (Satellite)
• Dyke and the Blazers–Funky Walk Part I (East) (Original Sound)
• Willard Burton & the Pacifiers–Warm the Pot (Till It Gets Good and Hot) (Money)
• The Meters–(The World Is a Bit Under the Weather) Doodle-Oop (Josie)
• Carl Carlton–Wild Child (Back Beat)
• Funkadelic–Cosmic Slop (Westbound)
• The Isley Brothers–Spill the Wine (T-Neck)
• Curtis Mayfield–Get Down (Curtom)
• Joe Bataan–Shaft (Fania)
• The Temptations–Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today) (Gordy)
• The Honey Drippers–Impeach the President (Alaga)
• King Hannibal–Wake Up (Aware)
• The Maskman and the Agents–Stand Up (B.B.C.)
• Johnny Tolbert and De Thangs–Take It Off – Part I (Atlantic)
• Pat Peterman–Like the Way You Do Your Thing (1-2-3)
• Gladys Knight & the Pips–Friendship Train (Soul)
• Syl Johnson–Take Me to the River (Hi)

None of these records are for sale.

On Sunday January 22, a BIG TEN INCH took place at the Hi-Fi Bar in the East Village of Manhattan. Along with host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, eight other folks showed up to spin 78s: Adam Lore, Alex DeLazslo, Tony Salvaje, Andy Upsetter, John Clemente, Michael McMahon, Juke Joint Jonny and Rich Sibello. Each came packing hot 78s that were each played at the proper speed.

Adam Lore

Alex DeLazslo

Tony Salvaje

Andy the Upsetter

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus

John Clemente

Michael McMahon

Juke Joint Jonny

Rich Sibello

Highlights included a 12-inch V-Disc recording of Machito and his Orchestra and a 1968 recording by Ramito—an ode to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who had just been assassinated. The latter is proof that 78s were part of the Latin music market well into the sixties and it is probably one of the most recent 78s that will get played at the BIG TEN INCH. Both of these were played by Andy Upsetter.

Another high point of the event was when spontaneous swing dancing took place. This often happens when a hot swing or jump blues record is spinning.

A pair of Goofballs swing at Big Ten Inch!

Let’s not forget Adam Lore’s full set of nothing but John Lee Hooker records! “Too Much Boogie!” I don’t think so.

John Clemente always prints out a list of the records he brings, and often plays them in the order in which they appear.

John Clemente’s list.

In all, it was another fabulous evening of platters, pizza and pilsner at the Hi-Fi Bar. Here’s a list of all the 78s played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus:

• Mario Hernandez y sus Diablos del Caribe; cantan: Ignacio y Mario–Navidad en Mi Terruño (B.M.C.)
• Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra; vocal chorus by The Hamptones–Pink Champagne (Decca)
• Richard Huey and His Sundown Singers–Blues Boogie Woogie (Decca)
• Pete Johnson and Albert Ammons–Movin’ the Boogie (RCA Victor)
• Jesse Price and His Blues Band–Baby Let’s Be Friends (Capitol)
• Bill Crosby–Come for a Ride (Columbia)
• Cozy Cole’s All Stars–Look Here (Continental)
• King Houdini and His Calypso Parliament–Brave Son of America (Apollo)
• Freddie Mitchell Orch.; featuring Rip Harrigan on piano–Aul Lang Syne Boogie (Derby)
• ‘Gatemouth’ Moore; Budd Johnson’s All Stars–Bum Dee Dah Ra Dee (National)
• Bo Diddley–Bo Diddley (Checker)
• Dave Bartholomew–An Old Cowhand From a Blues Band (Imperial)
• Wynonie Harris–Night Train (King)
• Red Prysock–Blow Your Horn (Mercury)
• Big Bill–When I Been Drinking (OKeh)
• Tiny Bradshaw–One, Two, Three Kick (King)
• Luke Jones and Orchestra–Mama Oh Mama (RPM)
• Moose Jackson–Big Ten-Inch Record (King)

None of these records are for sale

In January, the weather in New York City can get pretty cold. On the evening of the first WHAM-O WATUSI for 2017 (January 7, to be exact), it was twenty-four degrees Fahrenheit. That is chilly. What the WHAM needed was a hot guest DJ, and, boy, did we get one: Matt Clarke.

Matt Clarke swings at WHAM-O WATUSI!

Mr. Clarke must be one of the busiest men on the scene today. Most folks know him because he is in two of Brooklyn’s best rock’n’roll combos: he plays guitar for The Above and bass for Quitty & the Don’ts. He also hosts a program called What’s Happening! on the WFMU Rock ‘n’ Soul Ichiban Stream that airs every Tuesday from 3pm to 4pm. The show is heavy on the Sixties Beat Scene: British Invasion, garage rock, freak beat, Euro Beat, sunshine pop—you get the picture. (The shows are archived, so feel free to listen to them any time you need an hour of boss beat power.)

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus and Matt Clarke say, “Dots nice!”

Mr. Clarke is also a snappy dresser. For this special occasion, host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus snapped up his attire as well.

With the temperature outside the Bootleg Bar way below freezing, inside the venue the DJs heated the place up with their super groovy sounds. Both played songs from the Sixties—fuzz-toned garage rock, yeah! Also, some wicked R&B and soul records were thrown into the mix for keen effect. Folks were jumpin’ around and ballin’ it up. It was a hot time at the Boot, that’s for sure!

Here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus (many have links to youtubes clips so you can instantly dig them!):

• The Strangers–Mindreader (Liberty)
• Bob and the Messengers–Splash Down (Rust)
• The Bikinis–Crazy Vibrations (Top Rank)
• Jerry Cole and His Spacemen–Pokey (Capitol)
• Les Cooper & the Soulrockers–Garbage Can (Everlast)
• Mod Singers & Mod Lads–Let’s Have Some Fun Part I (Wand)
• Les Mersey’s–Je Suis Las (TéléDisc; Canada)
• The Naturals–It Was You (Liberty)
• The Exterminators–The Beetle-Bomb (Chancellor)
• The Fourmost–Just in Case (Atco)
• Los Mustang–Dandy (Le Voz De Su Amo; Spain)
• The Footprints–Never Say Die (Capitol)
• Frank Alamo–Heureux Tous Les Deux (Happy Together) (Riviera; France)
• The Five Emprees–Gone From My Mind (Smash)
• Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart–Where Angels Go (Trouble Follows) (A&M)
• The Fun and Games–The Grooviest Girl in the World (Uni)
• Baby Terry Hall–Shake-A-Fin (Philips)
• The Merseybeats–Good, Good Lovin’ (Fontana; UK)
• The Gonks–Gonk Song (London)
• Mike Adkins–The Invaders Are Here (RCA Victor)
• Lonnie Mack–Nashville (Fraternity)
• Them–One, Two Brown Eyes (Parrot)
• Bo Diddley–Mama Keep Your Big Mouth Shut (Checker)
• Clyde and the Blue Jays–The Big Jerk – Pt. I (Loma)
• The Bad Boys–Balliamo il Jerk (Style; Italy)
• The Supremes–The Happening (Motown)
• The Kittens–Shindig (ABC-Paramount)
• The Girls with the Harry Betts Orchestra–Way…Way Out (20th Century)
• The Carnabeats–Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um (Philips; Japan)
• The Rajahs–Kiss Me Now (Leedon; Australia)
• The Taffys–Bongo Man (Amy)
• Marvin Gaye–I’m Yours, You’re Mine (Tamla)
• The Yorkshires–Switch Time Part I (Mammoth)
• Carl Wayne and the Vikings–Shimmy Shammy Jingle (ABC-Paramount)
• Willie and the Travelaires–The Fiery Stomp (Milky Way)
• Gary Lewis and the Playboys–Little Miss Go-Go (Liberty)
• Dave Clark Five–Forget (Epic)
• Boy’s Wonder–All Tied Up (Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace) (Lowland; Netherlands)
• Johnny Hallyday–Psychedelic (Philips; France)
• The Rationals–Look What You’re Doin’ (To Me Baby) (A Squared)
• Loose Ends–Tax Man (Decca; UK)
• The Kinks–Ev’rybody’s Gonna Be Happy (Reprise)
• The Jalopy Five–I Like It Like That (Hit)
• The Buffalo Springfield–Mr. Soul (Atco)
• The Third Rail–The Shape of Things to Come (Epic)
• Blue–Sad ‘Bout Us (Iris)
• The Who–A Legal Matter (Decca)
• Dave Clark Five–I Know You (Epic)
• Danyel Gerard avec Les Champions–Sugar Shake (Vogue; Canada)
• Los Blue Angels–Donde Esta Mendocino (Del Gordo)
• Los Yakis–Agnete Secreto (Capito; Mexico)
• Liverpool Five–The Snake (RCA Victor)
• The Peddlers–Comin’ Home Baby (CBS; UK)
• The Ones–Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream (Motown)
• Nancy Ames–I Don’t Want to Talk About It (Epic)
• The Temptashuns–Strawberry Man (Federal)
• Travis Phillips & His Wonder Boys–Do the Everything (ABC-Paramount)
• The Chants–Choo Choo (Verve)
• Angel & the Devines–The Octopus (Siana)
• The Reflections–Oowee Now Now (Golden World)
• Katy Richards–Judy’s Turn to Cry (Hit)
• The Headliners–Tonight’s the Night (V.I.P.)
• James Duncan–Too Hot to Hold (King)
• Big Bo and the Arrows featuring Fred Lowery–I Done Got Over It (Checker)
• The Sherry’s–No, No Baby (Mercury)
• The Rollicks–Things of Love (CBS; Germany)
• Harbinger Complex–I Think I’m Down (Brent)
• Dino, Desi and Billy–It’s Just the Way you Are (Reprise)

None of these records are for sale.

(Photo by Melissa Walker)

For the last several years it seems somehow, some way, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus has been requested to spin records at a New Year’s Eve party. There were some great Subway Soul Club NYE events—like the two sold-out shows at the Bell House and the one at Coco 66; the several Dynagroove events at Teddy’s; and last year’s Casino Battle Royale at an undisclosed location near the Gowanus Canal. This year it was the elegantly appointed Robert Bar that swung with The Boog. Yana Li’l Jerk was the nominal hostess with Bad Penny and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus appearing as her guest DJs.

Bad Penny, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus and Yana Lil’ Jerk swing New Year’s Eve at the elegantly appointed Robert Bar.

Yana is a cool chick who spins regularly at the Robert Bar. On most Thursdays one can find her at the turntables spinning New Wave Brit Pop records from the Nineties at her Madchester night. Yana is also known for her love of reggae records, but she did not bring any!

Yana Lil’ Jerk swings at the Robert Bar!

That’s ok, because Bad Penny brought some. She also brought some cool soul records and all three DJs kept the joint hoppin’ and heads were a-boppin’!

Bad Penny swings at the Robert Bar.

The Robert Bar is a beautiful, intimate club and it was packed on New Year’s Eve. Its owner, Phil Morgan, stood up on the solid wooden bar with a watch and did the countdown to 2017. Everyone screamed, drank free champagne, hugged each other and wished each other a Happy New Year. One of the best things about this New Year party was that there was no TV screen, and therefore, no corporate countdown/ball drop from Times Square—square indeed! The Robert Bar is a solid scene where the kids are clean!

Mr. Morgan shouted the countdown to the New Year from atop the bar!

The Robert Bar was full of very groovy people!

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swings at the Robert Bar. (Photo by Sam Mends-Cole)

Although it was billed as a Sixties New Year’s Eve Party, it really wasn’t, what with Yana’s Brit Pop obsession and Bad Penny playing reggae records. Even Phast Phreddie veered from the map, as can be seen in the complete list of all the 45s he played that night:

• Ray Charles–One Mint Julep (Impulse)
• Pucho & Latin Soul Bros.–Freddie’s Dead (Zanzee)
• The Big Game Hunters–See the Cheetah (Uni)
• Junior Murvin–Police and Thief (Wild Flower; Jamaica)
• Meditations–Wake Up! (Double-D)
• The Temptations–Hum Along and Dance (Gordy)
• Eddie Horan–I’m Gonna Speak Out (Money)
• The Fame Gang–Grits and Gravy (Fame)
• Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings–Got a Thing on My Mind (Daptone)
• The Touch–Pick and Shovel (Lecasver)
• Paul ‘Sir Raggedy’ Flagg–Papa-Momma-Romper-Stomper (Atlantic)
• Honey and the Bees–Auld Lang Syne (Chess)
• Ricardo Ray–Mony Mony (Roulette UK)
• The Coral Reef–Cherry Cherry (Epic)
• Bruno Lomas–No Es Serio Tu Amor (Regal; Spain)
• The John Schroeder Orchestra–Agent 00-Soul (Cameo)
• Gloria Jones–Tainted Love (Champion)
• Marvin Gaye–Baby Don’t You Do It (Tamla)
• Phil Flowers & the Flower Shop–Like a Rolling Stone (A&M)
• The Hi-Fly Orch.–Crosstown Traffic (Tramp; Bavaria)
• Mongo Santamaria–Sunshine of Your Love (Atlantic)
• Coasters–Love Potion Number Nine (King)
• Orquesta Tropicana–Tequila (Soundway; UK)
• Just Brothers–Sliced Tomatoes (Music Merchant)
• La Lupe–Fever (Mercury)
• Derek Martin–Daddy Rollin’ Stone (Crackerjack)
• Norman T. Washington–Tip Toe (SLD; France)
• The Magics–Let’s Boogaloo (R.F.A.)
• James Barnett–Keep on Talking (Fame)
• Jessica James & the Outlaws–We’ll Be Makin’ Out (Bronco)
• Major Lance–Ain’t No Soul (In These Old Shoes) (OKeh)
• The Formations–At the Top of the Stairs (Bank)
• Jay & the Techniques–Help Yourself to All My Lovin’ (Smash)
• Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson–Keep on Lovin’ You (OKeh)
• Desmond Dekker & the Aces–Israelites (Uni)
• Toots & the Maytals–Pressure Drop (Beverley’s; UK)
• China Street–Rock Against Racism (EMI; UK)
• Ondatrópica–Pig Bag (Soundway; UK)
• Orquesta Joe Cain–Mambo Au Go Go (Mainstream)
• James Brown–Make It Funky (Part 1) (Polydor)
• The Relations–Funky – Monkey Part II (Community)
• The Cliffs of Rhythms Band–The Boogaloo Popeye (Dit Dot)
• Kolahyah–Leo (Part One) (Kino)
• The Temptations–Cloud Nine (Gordy)
• Marva Whitney–Things Got to Get Better (Get Together) (King)
• The Honey Drippers–Impeach the President (Alaga)
• Sons of Slum–Right On (Stax)
• Shark Wilson & the Basement Heaters–Make It Reggae (Dynamite!; UK)

None of these records are for sale.

Lenny Kaye and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus pay homage to their fallen friend, Billy Miller, at the WHAM-O WATUSI.

As noted in previous Boogaloo Bag entries, our friend Billy Miller passed away on November 13. Billy Miller was a huge influence on the Boogaloo Bag writers, especially Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, who knew him quite well. Billy, along with this wife Miriam Linna, founded the legendary Kicks Magazine; the important Norton Record Company; and he was the lead singer for the incredible A-Bones. To get an idea of the breadth of his activities and importance to the musical community, please read the New York Times obituary. Billy sold Phreddie some of his favorite records. They often talked about records and recording artists. When Billy was in the hospital, Phreddie visited with a stack of records and a portable record player.

About a month ago, when The Phast Man was rounding up a guest DJ for the December WHAM-O WATUSI at the Bootleg Bar, our hero Lenny Kaye agreed to appear and turn some records. Billy and Lenny have been friends since the late seventies. After Billy passed, Lenny suggested the WHAM-O night be transformed into a tribute to Billy by playing some of his favorite records, records Norton issued, records that reminded us of Billy, records by artists that were important to him and especially records emblazoned with the Fortune label–the Detroit record company that Billy was in the process of writing a book about.

The event took place on Saturday December 3. Although this was not an official Billy Miller memorial, it had the blessing of Miriam, who shared the Facedog event page and expressed pleasure with Lenny and Phreddie for arranging it. It looked as if she may even show up, but alas, she was still overcome with grief at Billy’s loss and could not make it. Many of us are still overcome with grief; however, some of us were able to celebrate Billy’s life and the music he loved at the Bootleg Bar on this WHAM-O WATUSI night.

Lenny Kaye swings with Jonathan Toubin, Bobby Rich (Bootleg Bar), Drew Redmond, Todd-O-Phonic Todd, Danny Rozelle (Pretty Quick) (Avi Spivak in the back!) at the WHAM-O WATUSI.

Among the celebrants were people who were close to Billy, including Avi Spivak, the artist for Kicksville Comics; Brian Hurd, singer for the boss blues with rhythm combo Daddy Long Legs, whose records are issued by Norton; Reyes Rodriguez, who currently works with the Norton people; WFMU DJ Todd-O-Phonic Todd (AKA The Boss Groover); Jonathan Toubin (Soul Clap). Boogaloo Bag photographer Nancy “Jeannie” Gardner made chocolate crinkles that gave everyone a sweet taste.

Pixie 66 tastes one of Nancy “Jeannie” Gardener’s chocolate crinkles at the WHAM-O WATUSI.

One of the highlights of the evening was about forty minutes of Lenny and top reet music DJ Drew Redmond spinning 45s from the Fortune Records catalog. That was a gas and a half! There was a fellow who brought an album by the Flat Duo Jets (issued on Norton) that he said changed his life, so a track was played. With a photo of Billy in the DJ booth, his presence was definitely felt, and one can only hope that he would have enjoyed this little tribute to him. A larger, official memorial is being planned for the spring and we hope that all the Boogaloo Bag readers will be able to attend.

A photo of Billy Miller was in the DJ booth in order to inspire rockin’ records.

Billy Miller was a major force on the reet music scene, here in New York City, as well as around the world. To give you just an idea of how great of a force he was we can tell you that no less than ten WFMU DJs presented tributes to him on their respective shows in the immediate days after his passing.

Lenny Kaye and Brian Hurd swing at the WHAM-O WATUSI.

Lenny Kaye and Drew Redmond played a bunch of records from the Fortune catalog at the WHAM-O WATUSI.

Lenny Kaye swings with Jonathan Toubin at the WHAM-O WATUSI.

Lenny Kaye got visited by Todd-O-Phonic Todd at the WHAM-O WATUSI.

Even more than being such a music impresario, Billy was a great friend and one of the most wonderful human beings that anyone will ever meet. The world cannot afford to lose people like him—especially in these trying times. His absence is going to leave a significant hole in our soul forever. Nearly every one of Phast Phreddie’s DJ gigs are spiced with records that are connected to  Billy in some way, and in the future they will evoke a special poignancy and reflection.

Here is a list of all of the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the WHAM-O WATUSI tribute to Billy Miller:

• The Nite Sounds–Cheese Cake (Fortune)
• Bobby Fuller–Stringer (Todd)
• The Guitar Ramblers–Surf Beat (Columbia)
• The Bell Notes–I’ve Had It (Time)
• Hasil Adkins–Don’t Start Cryin’ Now (Norton)
• The Rivieras–Let’s Have a Party (Riviera)
• Rick & the Ravens featuring Ray Daniels–Henrietta (Aura)
• The Fleshtones–Soul Struttin’ (alternate version) (Get Hip)
• Andre ‘Mr. Rhythm’ Williams with the El Dorados–Daddy Rollling Stone (Norton)
• Jerry Dallman and the Knightcaps–The Bug (Punch)
• Fantastic Dee-Jays–Fight Fire (Tri Power)
• The Fire Escape–Love Special Delivery (GNP Crescendo)
• Paul Revere and the Raiders–Him Or Me – What’s It Gonna Be? (Columbia)
• Randy Fuller–It’s Love Come What May (Show Town)
• Link Wray & the Ray Men–Fat Back (Norton)
• Joel Hill–I Thought It Over (Trans American)
• Dale Hawkins–Number Nine Train (Norton)
• Larry Williams–She Said ‘Yeah’ (Specialty)
• The Zantees–Rockin’ in the House (Little Ricky)
• Flamin’ Groovies–Slow Death (United Artists; UK)
• The 5.6.7.8’s–19th Nervous Breakdown (Norton)
• The Sonics–Don’t Believe in Christmas (Norton)
• The Elite–One Potato (Charay)
• Paul Revere and the Raiders–Oo Poo Pah Doo (Columbia)
• Nathaniel Mayer and His Fabulous Twilights–Work It Out (Fortune)
• Gino Washington–Gino Is a Coward (Ric-Tic)
• The Girlfriends–My One and Only Jimmy Boy (Colpix)
• Frankie Olvera–Huggie’s Bunnies (N.R.M.)
• Eddie Kirk–The Grunt (Fortune)
• The Artesians–Tick Bag (Norton)
• The Iguanas–Mona (Forte)
• Lyres–Security (Norton)
• The American Four–Luci Baines (Selma)
• The Primitives–The Ostrich (Pickwick)
• The Other Half–Mr. Pharmacist (G.N.P. Crescendo)
• Fax–I Can Only Give You Everything (Trans-Action)
• The Shangri-Las–Sophisticated Boom Boom (Red Bird)
• Randy Fuller–Wolfman (Mustang)
• The Saxons–Camel Walk (Part One) (Sho-Biz)
• The Shangri-Las–Give Him a Great Big Kiss (Red Bird)
• The Rivingtons–The Bird’s the Word (Liberty)
• Bunker Hill–Hide & Go Seek Part I (Mala)
• Lacy Gibson–I Am Gonna’ Unmask the Batman (Repetto)
• Rockin’ Robin Roberts–Louie Louie (Norton)
• Paul Revere & the Raiders–Louie – Go Home (Columbia)
• The Surfaris–Go Go Go for Louie’s Place (Decca)
• Linc Jeffries with the Missing Links–On the Rampage (Key)
• Paul Peek–The Rock-A-Round (National Recording Corp.)
• Rudy ‘Tutti’ Grayzell–Duck Tail (Starday)
• El Bandido–El Lobo Feroz (The Hair on My Chinny Chin Chin) (Decca)
• Les Missiles–Ring Dang Dou (Ring Dang Doo) (Ducretet Thomson; France)
• The Remains–Once Before (Epic)
• Unrelated Segments–Story of My Life (HBR)
• Godfrey–The Trip (Cee-Jam)
• The Chocolate Watchband–Sweet Young Thing (Uptown)
• The Shadows of Knight–Oh Yeah (Dunwich)
• Thee Midniters–Jump, Jive and Harmonize (Whittier)
• Les Rats–Wooly Bully (Fantastic; Canada)
• The Flamin’ Groovies–Teenage Head (Kama Sutra; UK)
• The Seeds–Pushin’ Too Hard (G.N.P. Crescendo)
• The Wailers–Out of Our Tree (Norton)
• The Sonics–Boss Hoss (Etiquette)
• The Animals–Inside-Looking Out (Decca; UK)
• The Royaltones–Flamingo Express (Goldisc)
• The Lollipop Shoppe–You Must Be a Witch (Uni)
• Miriam–My Love Has Gone (Norton)
• The Shangri-Las–Remember (Walking in the Sand) (Red Bird)

None of these records are for sale.

Tony Salvaje and Michael McMahon swing punches as they fight over who plays the next 78 at the BIG TEN INCH!

The November BIG TEN INCH 78 RPM Listening Party was quite possibly the best one ever—certainly since it was resurrected last year. There were lots of folks in attendance and a full dozen folks with 78s to play. Dig: DJ Rata; Adam Lore, Tony Salvaje, Alex De Laszlo, Ted Barron, Michael McMahon, Darren Deicide, Andy Upsetter, Justin CollectorScum, Rich Sibello and John Clemente—plus host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus. This was quite a departure after the September BIG TEN INCH, when only three DJs showed up. This time, Club Hi-Fi was crowded and folks were excited and enthused about the sounds being put down. All the DJs had some boss jams in the shellac format. Newcomer Darren Deicide delighted us with a series of novelty songs and the other cats played the usual blues, rock’n’roll, hillbilly, mambo, jazz, R&B, doo wop and mento platters. Hi-Fi supplied some pizza and the four pies disappeared before you can say, “pizza sure is good!”

Swingsters swing at the BIG TEN INCH!

And that’s not all; Boogaloo Bag photographer Nancy “Jeannie” Gardner made some very special fudge and we all were able to satisfy our sweet teeth!

Adam Lore displays his BIG TEN INCH!

Alex DeLazslo makes with the BIG TEN INCH!

Andy Upsetter spins boss mento jam at the BIG TEN INCH.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus is faced with a decision at the BIG TEN INCH.

Darren Deicide plays the Elmer Fudd record at the BIG TEN INCH.

John Clemente exhibits Excello excellence at the BIG TEN INCH.

Justin CollectorScum proudly shows off his Rudy “Tutti” Grayzell 78 at the BIG TEN INCH.

Michael McMahon explains the finer points of a 78 RPM record to his friend at the BIG TEN INCH.

Rata makes it mambo time at the BIG TEN INCH.

Rich Sibello displays his Checkered past at the BIG TEN INCH.

Ted Barron rifles through his box of 78 RPM hits at the BIG TEN INCH.

Tony Salvaje appears here with his black shellac at the BIG TEN INCH.

The hits do not stop there. Adam Lore was nice enough to give to The Boog one of the greatest records of all time: “Shrimp and Gumbo” by Dave Bartholomew! (This was especially appreciated after coming off a week where The Boog lost two of his closest friends.) Expect to hear this record at many up-coming BIG TEN INCH Parties! Adam, The Boog owes you in a major way—and he will be happy to make a payback of some sort!

Here’s a list of all the 78s played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the BIG TEN INCH, held on November 27^th at Hi-Fi in New York City (click on them for link to youtubes):

• Pete Johnson and Albert Ammons–Cuttin’ the Boogie (RCA Victor)
• Al Castellanos and Orch.–Free for All (Ya-Se Formo) (Mardi-Gras)
• Josh White–Hard Time Blues (Musicraft)
• Brother Lee Roy–Indian Giver (Epic)
• Sir Lancelot; Gerald Clark’s Caribbean Serenaders–Scandal in the Family (Keynote)
• Red Norvo and His Selected Sextet–Halleluliah (Comet)
• Lalo Guerrero–Pancho Lopez (Davy Crockett) (Real)
• Earl Bostic–Artistry by Bostic (Gotham)
• ‘Gatemouth’ Moore; Budd Johnson’s All Stars–Walking My Blues Away (National)
• Arthur Gunter–Baby Let’s Play House (Excello)
• Dave Bartholomew–Shrimp and Gumbo (Imperial) [YAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!]
• Luke Jones and Orchestra–Rompin’ the Boogie (RPM)
• The Just Jazz All Stars featuring Louis Bellson–Punkin’ (Capitol)
• Bill Crosby and His Band–Eat, Drink and Be Merry (Columbia)
• Moose Jackson–Big Ten-Inch Record (King)

None of these records are for sale.

Below is a gallery of some of the 78s played at the BIG TEN INCH:

Don Waller was a friend of The Boogaloo Bag writers for more than forty years. Suffice to say that he was pretty close to Phast Phreddie, especially during the latter’s years in Los Angeles (early Seventies to 1991, when he moved to New York). Early in their lives they influenced each other in very positive ways, most of which involved music. Waller died on November 17, after a battle with lung cancer that lasted nearly a year.

The Boogaloo Bag writers are much too saddened by Don’s death to supply much background information on their dear friend. They suggest you read his obituaries in the L.A. Times, the L.A. Weekly and one that our friend Steve Hochman wrote for buzzbands. By doing so, you will start to understand the scope of the person Waller was.

There is one truth in this world: No matter what happens, no matter if the event is tragic, terrifying, ground-breaking, or no matter how extreme, life will go on. The death of Don Waller has been devastating to us here at The Boogaloo Bag because he meant so much to us. However, life goes on; and so do DJ gigs.

It was with Don Waller in mind, about a week after his passing, that we selected records for our November gig at The Commodore. Waller dug all kinds of reet music. In the early Seventies, he turned us on to The Stooges, Mott the Hoople and The New York Dolls. Blue Öyster Cult adapted one of his songs, “This Ain’t the Summer of Love.” He dug The Clash and The Sex Pistols, X and The Blasters, The Faces and The Rolling Stones. He wrote a book about the great soul music record company Motown.

Don Waller loved soul music. After his book came out in 1985, he became the go-to guy for soul music information. He interviewed just about every living soul singing legend, semi-legend, and one-hit wonder still alive in the Eighties, from James Brown on down. He enjoyed every minute of it.

When it came time to select records for The Commodore DJ night, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus found himself picking records connected to Don Waller—either ones that Waller had played when they DJ’d together, had turned the Phast Man on to, had written about or had some other association with Waller. So The Boog decided to turn the night into his own personal celebration of Don Waller and their friendship. In all, about 300 or so 45s must have been pulled—way more than the Phast Man could ever play in the five hours allotted at the Friday night gig. It was hard to edit them down: He would only have time to play less than half that many records and his box only held about 160. So it was decided: Leave the hard rock, punk rock, and garage rock at home and bring only the soul and funk records.

The Boog did a little homework. He found a Waller set list from a DJ gig he did a few years ago in an old email and used it as a guide. It included many fabulous funk records, and The Boog noted that the opening and closing records were by Georgie Fame. Obviously, a preponderance of Motown (and associated) records was in order. Waller’s DJ name was Agent Double-O Soul, so the Edwin Starr record was a must (as was the Sonny Stitt instrumental version). When Waller interviewed a soul singer, he asked every one of them this question: Of your performing contemporaries, who do you think was the most underrated? Every one of them, except one, answered that they themselves were underrated. James Brown said Joe Tex. So Joe Tex records had to be played. Waller had seen Labelle play at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, so “Lady Marmalade” was played. Other songs we learned from cassette tapes that were sent to Waller by a Detroit music collector who was helping him with research for the Motown book. In April of 1980, The Clash played a show at the Roxy on the Sunset Strip. DJ Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus was the opening act with Don Waller as his assistant. The last record they played before the band went on was Otis Redding’s “I Can’t Turn You Loose.” At the time, The Clash was opening its shows with a cover of “Time Is Tight” by Booker T & the M.G.’s, which has a very similar riff. The group started playing while the Otis record was spinning and it sounded as if the band was playing along with it. Waller and The Boog cracked up!! So that event was sort of recreated at The Commodore. There was one LP track that was played–a song by Major Lance that Waller dug but was never issued on a 7″ 45 RPM record. The original version of “Back Door Man” by Howlin’ Wolf had to be played, since it was the name of the hard core rock’n’roll fanzine that Waller, Phast and their pals DD Faye and Tom Gardner (among others) worked on during the mid-Seventies. And so it went.

In a sad coincidence, two artists that Waller admired, Mose Allison and Sharon Jones, also recently passed away. So their records were added to the mix as well.

Although few people in New York City knew Don Waller, the folks in attendance at The Commodore enjoyed the evening. Who doesn’t love soul music? Toward the end of the night, during one of the funk portions of the program, the place went absolutely wild, with folks frolicking and falling all over themselves; losing themselves in the music—as did The Boogaloo Bag writers.

For more than twenty years, Don Waller lived with his partner Natalie Nichols—herself an excellent music journalist. Once the tremendous shock of Waller’s death has receded somewhat (it can never recede fully for those of us who knew him), she may plan a proper memorial in Los Angeles, where many hundreds of people knew and loved him. It may be a full-on party, where we can listen to The Stooges and The Miracles and The Sonics and The Zeros and Chocolate Watchband and Wilson Pickett and Patti Smith and Little Richard and watch the video of his band The Imperial Dogs and everyone there will understand and dance and laugh and sing as we celebrate the passing of this great human being.

Maybe then we can stop crying.

Here is a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus in tribute to his friend Don Waller at The Commodore on November 25, 2016:

• Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames–El Bandido (Imperial)
• Sonny Stitt–The Double-O-Soul of Sonny Stitt (Wingate)
• The Church Street Five–A Night With Daddy G (Legrand)
• Billy Preston–Billy’s Bag (Vee Jay)
• Jr. Walker & the All Stars–Monkey Jump (Soul)
• Don Covay & the Goodtimers–Mercy, Mercy (Rosemart)
• Mose Allison–Foolkiller (Atlantic)
• The Dynamics–I’m the Man (Big Top)
• Benny Spellman–Fortune Teller (Minit)
• Falcons–(I’m a Fool) I Must Love You (Big Wheel)
• Bobby Bland–Ain’t Nothing You Can Do (Duke)
• The Marvelettes–You’re My Remedy (Tamla)
• Muddy Waters–Manish Boy (Chess)
• The Marquees; Orch. under dir. of Ellas McDaniel–Hey Little School Girl (OKeh)
• Sam Cooke–Having a Party (RCA Victor)
• Lee Dorsey–Ride Your Pony (Amy)
• Marvin Gaye–Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home) (Tamla)
• Joe Tex–If Sugar Was as Sweet as You (Dial)
• The Marvelettes–The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game (Tamla)
• Dobie Gray–The ‘In’ Crowd (Charger)
• Rufus Thomas–Walking the Dog (Stax)
• Junior Wells–Messing With the Kid (Mel)
• Howlin’ Wolf–Killing Floor (Chess)
• Little Bob–I Got Loaded (La Louisianne)
• The Jayhawks–Stranded in the Jungle (Flash)
• Mose Allison–Parchman Farm (Prestige)
• Chuck Berry–Come On (Chess)
• Fabulous Counts–Lunar Funk (Moira)
• Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings–What Have You Done for Me Lately? (Daptone)
• Vic Waters and the Entertainers–I’m White – I’m Alright (Crazy Horse)
• James Brown–I Don’t Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing (Open Up the Door I’ll Get It Myself) (Part 1) (King)
• Parliament–Up for the Down Stroke (Casablanca)
• The Miracles–I Gotta Dance to Keep From Crying (Tamla)
• Four Tops–7-Rooms of Gloom (Motown)
• The Monitors–Number One in Your Heart (V.I.P.)
• The Contours–First I Look at the Purse (Gordy)
• Isley Brothers–Behind a Painted Smile (Tamla/Motown; UK)
• The Freeman Brothers–Beautiful Brown Eyes (Soul)
• Jackie Wilson–Soul Galore (Brunswick)
• Darrell Banks–Open the Door to Your Heart (Revilot)
• Wilson Pickett–Soul Dance Number Three (Atlantic)
• Wayne Cochran–Harlem Shuffle (Mercury)
• Willie Parker–I Live the Life I Love (M-Pac!)
• The Cookies–Chains (Dimension)
• Deon Jackson–Love Makes the World Go Round (Carla)
• Chris Clark–From Head to Toe (Motown)
• Supremes–Buttered Popcorn (Tamla)
• The Miracles–Ain’t It Baby (Tamla)
• Marvin Gaye–Baby Don’t You Do It (Tamla)
• Bar-Kays–Soul Finger (Volt)
• Cliff Nobles & Co.–The Horse (Phil-L.A. of Soul)
• Chuck Wood–Seven Days Too Long (Roulette)
• The Bandwagon–Breakin’ Down the Walls of Heartache (Epic)
• Butlers–She Tried to Kiss Me (All I Could Do Was Run) (Liberty Bell)
• Sheriff & the Ravels–Shombalor (Vee-Jay)
• Howlin’ Wolf–Hidden Charms (Chess)
• James Brown and the Famous Flames–I’ll Go Crazy (King)
• The Isley Brothers–Testify (Part I) (T-Neck)
• Barbara Randolph–Can I Get a Witness (Soul)
• Eddie Bo–Hook and Sling – Part I (Scram)
• Bobby Williams and his Orchestra–Funky Super Fly – Pt. 1 (Duplex)
• Sharon Jones–You Better Think Twice (Desco)
• Tom Dooley & His Lovelights–Tight Rope (TRX)
• The Miracles–Mickey’s Monkey (Tamla)
• Martha & the Vandellas–I’m Ready for Love (Gordy)
• The Supremes–He’s All I Got (Motown)
• Bob Brady & the Con Chords–More, More, More of Your Love (Chariot)
• The Crystals–He’s a Rebel (Philles)
• Ernie K-Doe–A Certain Girl (Minit)
• Sam & Dave–I Thank You (Stax)
• Homer Banks–A Lot of Love (Minit)
• Harvey Scales & the 7 Sounds–Love-Itis (Magic Touch)
• Soul Brothers–Some Kind of Wonderful (Atlantic)
• Joe Tex–Baby Be Good (Dial)
• Edwin Starr–Agent Double-O-Soul (Ric-Tic)
• Marvin Gaye–Ain’t That Peculiar (Tamla)
• The Temptations–Ain’t Too Proud to Beg (Gordy)
• Shorty Long–Function at the Junction (Soul)
• The Supremes–My World Is Empty Without You (Motown)
• The Spinners–It’s a Shame (V.I.P.)
• Archie Bell & the Drells–‘There’s Gonna Be A’ Showdown (Atlantic)
• The Trammps–Hold Back the Night (Buddah)
• Major Lance–What’s Happening [from LP The Monkey Time] (OKeh)
• Tyrone Davis–Turn Back the Hands of Time (Dakar)
• The O’Jays–Lipstick Traces (On a Cigarette) (Imperial)
• Jamo Thomas & His Party Brothers Orchestra–I Spy (For the FBI) (Thomas)
• Lou Courtney–Hey Joyce (Pop-Side)
• Steve Colt–Dynamite (Big Beat)
• The Vibrettes–Humpty Dump pt. 1 (Lujon)
• Dyke and the Blazers–So Sharp (Original Sound)
• The Honey Drippers–Impeach the President (Alaga)
• Arthur Jackson–The Philosophy of Chopp Funk (Part 1) (A.J.’s)
• Heatwave–Grooveline (Epic)
• Parliament–Flash Light (Casablanca)
• The Fabulous Counts–Jan Jan (Moira)
• Labelle–Lady Marmalade (Epic)
• Eddie Bo–Check Your Bucket Pt. I (Bo-Sound)
• Sly and the Family Stone–Thank You falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin (Epic)
• The Dixie Cups–Two-Way-Poc-A-Way (ABC-Paramount)
• The Versatones–Bila (Atlantic)
• Sugar Boy–She’s Gotta Wobble (When She Walks) (Imperial)
• Howlin’ Wolf–Back Door Man (Chess)
• Barrett Strong–Money (That’s What I Want) (Tamla)
• Otis Redding–I Can’t Turn You Loose (Volt)
• Booker T. & the M.G.’s–Time Is Tight (Stax)
• Ted Taylor–(Love Is Like A) Ramblin’ Rose (OKeh)
• Eddie Bo–Every Dog Got His Day (RIC)
• R. Dean Taylor–There’s a Ghost in the House (Tamla/Motown; UK)
• Eddie Floyd–Big Bird (Stax)
• Eddie Holland–Leaving Here (Motown)
• Johnny & Jackey–Someday We’ll Be Together (Tri-Phi)
• Georgie Fame–Beware of the Dog (Epic)
• Santo & Johnny–Sleep Walk (Canadian American)

None of these records are for sale.

Julio Apollo XII is a Spaniard. David Raistrick is an Englishman. Somehow, they both ended up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They are record collectors and soul music DJs. A couple years ago, Julio  founded the Red Rose Soul Club there with DJ Salinger. Mr. Raistrick also lives in Skegness, England, where he runs the Tamala Coffee Bar and Record Shop. Early last year, they started planning to have a Northern Soul weekender in Lancaster. They found a beautiful venue for it—the Elk’s Lodge on N. Duke Street—and rounded up a bunch of DJs who were known nationally and internationally. One of those caught in the dragnet was Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus. The dates chosen were November 11^th through the 13^th. And so the Keystone State Soul Weekender was on.

Jason Thornton and Bruno Jerez swing at the Keystone State Soul Weekender.

By all rights, this should have been a completely joyous occasion—with frolicking and dancing and all sorts carrying on. However, a virtual cloud hovered over the event when the national election that took place on November 8 surprisingly selected a man whose fascist and extreme nationalistic tendencies are very troubling. Many of those who attended the Weekender worried about the future of our country. Being in deep Pennsylvania, a state that turned red for the first time after six elections, felt a little like being behind enemy lines. However, here we all were at a boss soul weekender with some of the finest soul music DJs in the world, trying to make the best of it. You can be sure that the music that was played was fabulous. We were happy to see smiling faces and dancing feet that came from all over the place—especially a contingent of our friends who came from New York City that included Lady Dawn of the Subway Soul Club and Connie T Empress of the Empire State Soul Club.

Among the DJs who took part were: Quincy Bright (Philadelphia), John Burns (Philadelphia), Tom Dechristofaro (Cleveland), Kev Draper (England), Ian Friend (Pittsburg), Bruno Jerez (a Frenchman living in New York), Gene Merideth (Allentown), Andy Powell (England), DJ Salinger (Lancaster), Jason Thornton (Boston), Greg Tormo (Hoboken, NJ) and The Thing With Two Heads (Bazooka Joe and X-Tine 16 of Dallastown, PA). Each of the DJs brought their own style to the dance—especially The Thing With Two Heads, which will never be confused with a Northern Soul DJ, but its excellent choice of hot R&B numbers had the place boppin’.

The Thing With Two Heads swings at the Keystone State Soul Weekender!

The Volcanoes made great records that Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus likes to play!

Saturday afternoon at the Elks Lodge was very special. Some vendors were set up to sell records and the legendary soul vocal group from Philadelphia The Volcanos sat and signed autographs. Singer Steve Kelly wrote a book about his experience with the group, and The Trammps into which The Voclanos morphed, called Behind the Curtains. The book was available and he signed a copy for The Boog. On Sunday afternoon the event was visited by Howard Washington of The Tranells and Dennis Brennan of The Intentions.

Julio Apollo XII, Howard Washington of The Trenells, David Raistrick and Dennis Brennan of The Intentions swing at the Keystone State Soul Weekender.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, though the resident DJ of the Subway Soul Club, is not really a pure Northern Soul DJ—unlike most of the DJs who selected at this event—but his sets were well received, especially the one on Saturday that featured Go-Go dancing by Nancy “Jeannie” Gardner!

Nancy “Jeannie” Gardner” Go-Go dances at the Keystone State Soul Weekender. Photo by Frank Lipsius.

On Sunday morning, the Keystone Record Collectors’ monthly record show took place at the Continental Inn—perhaps the best monthly record show east of the Mississippi. Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus was attending said event when he got a call from Miss Nancy: our close friend Billy Miller of Norton Records and The A-Bones had just passed away. He had been very ill, but still, this was incredibly sad news.

Phast Phreddie hurried to the hotel room and quickly confirmed that this was true, as per a posting by his wife Miriam Linna on the facebooks. Billy had been fighting diabetes, cancer and seemingly a half-dozen other ailments in the past two years that kept him in and out of the hospital—mostly in.

Phast Phreddie had committed to an afternoon DJ slot back at the Keystone State Soul Weekender and he was determined to fulfill that commitment unless he had a broken leg. So he decided to do so with a broken heart. Phast Phreddie returned to the record show to look for a good record to end his set with, in order to salute Billy Miller. Although he was a heavy record collector, Billy Miller didn’t really like Northern Soul music, so it is with a bit of irony that this salute was done at all. However, Phast Phreddie couldn’t justify executing his set that day without some sort of tribute to his fallen friend. So it was for Billy Miller that Phast Phreddie closed his set with a song by The Shangri-Las—one of Billy’s all-time favorite acts—and one by Andre Williams—one of the acts whose career Norton Records helped to revitalize. The Thing With Two Heads was also very close to Billy Miller and its Sunday set was cancelled.

Directly after his set, Phast Phreddie and Nancy “Jeannie” Gardner climbed into their rented car and drove back to Brooklyn, wiping tears from their eyes the whole way.

Here is a complete list of all the songs played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the Keystone State Soul Weekender:

Friday Night set list:

• Philly Pops String Band–You Can’t Hurry Love (Bell Sound – acetate)
• The Four Larks–Groovin’ at the Go-Go (Tower)
• Lorraine Chandler–I Can’t Hold On (RCA Victor)
• The Astors–In the Twilight Zone (Stax)
• Billy Butler–Right Track (OKeh)
• Harvey (formerly of The Moonglows)–Any Way You Wanta (Tri-Phi)
• Timmy Thomas–Have Some Boogaloo (Goldwax)
• Earl Grant–Hide Nor Hair (Decca)
• The Apollas–Mr. Creator (Warner Bros.)
• Johnny Nash–I’m Movin’ On (Warner Bros.)
• The Vibrations–’Cause You’re Mine (Epic)
• The Kane Triplets–Theme From ‘Mission: Impossible’ (United Artists)
• The Liberty Belles–Shing-A-Ling Time (Shout)
• Dorothy Berry–Shindig City (Planetary)
• Reparata and the Delrons–Boys and Girls (RCA Victor)
• Peaches & Herb–Satisfy My Hunger (Date)
• Frank Wilson–Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) (Tamla/Motown; UK)

Saturday Night set list:

• Pretty Purdie–Caravan (Date)
• The Dramatics–All Because of You (Sport)
• Cliff Nobles–My Love Is Getting Stronger (Atlantic)
• The Marvelettes–I’ll Keep Holding On (Tamla)
• Bob and Earl–Everybody Jerk (Warner Bros.; UK)
• Troy Dodds–Earthquake (Baytown)
• Lee Dorsey–Four Corners – Part 2 (Amy)
• Jun Mayuzumi–Black Room (Capitol; Japan)
• Buddy Rich Orchestra; vocal: Cathy Rich–The Beat Goes On (Pacific Jazz)
• The Fabulous Peps–With These Eyes (Wee 3)
• Don Gardner–My Baby Likes to Boogaloo (Tru-Glo-Town)
• The Aces–Reggae Motion (The Loco-Motion) (Sire)
• The Wailers–Ska Jerk (CoxSone; Jamaica)
• Willie Mitchell–That Driving Beat (Hi)
• Richard Anthony and the Blue Notes–The Boston Monkey (Swan)
• Mel Taylor–Bang Bang Rhythm (Warner Bros.)

Sunday Afternoon set list:

• Hank Jacobs–Elijah Rockin’ With Soul (Call Me)
• Weston Prim–Get That Feelin’ (Brent)
• Freddy Scott–Pow City (Marlin)
• Pierre Perpall–Stop Il Faut Arreter (Citation; Canada)
• Toots & the Maytals–Pressure Drop (Beverley’s; UK)
• Sam Dees–Soul Sister (Lo Lo)
• The Volcanos–You’re Number 1 (Arctic)
• Honey and the Bees–Why Do You Hurt the One Who Loves You (Arctic)
• The Ambassadors–Storm Warning (Arctic)
• Carl Hall–You’re So Qualified (Mercury)
• The Sherwoods–Ice Cream (Kapp)
• The Four Shells–Hot Dog (My Baby’s Comin’ Home) (Volt)
• The Five Royales–I Like It Like That (Smash)
• Shangri-Las–Right Now and Not Later (Red Bird)
• Andre Williams & His Orch.–Rib Tip’s Part 1 (Avin)

None of these records are for sale.

PS: Thank you so much to Julio Apollo XII and David Raistrick for asking The Boog to spin records at their wonderful event. All of the DJs played amazing records every night. The Boogaloo Bag writers made so many new friends and were very happy to hang with some old ones. Here’s hoping that there is another event next year, and that everyone we know stays healthy!

Andy Powell

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus

David Raistrick, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, Bettie Mojoros, Julio Apollo XII

Dave Raistrick, Greg Tormo and Gene Merideth

Dave Raistrick

Nancy “Jeannie” Gardner, Kiki Lenoue, X-tine 16, Bazooka Joe, Greg Tormo, Connie T Empress

Gene Merideth

Ian Friend

Julio Apollo XII

Quincy Bright and his record dealer!

Quincy Bright

Tom Dechristofaro and Ian Friend

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus on Sunday.

Tom Dechristofaro and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus