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!

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!

DJs Kurtis Powers, Ol’ Stark and Shakey swing at the Sip & Shop Party!

Our pal and fellow DJ Ol’ Stark is a cool Parisian moderniste who has been living in this city for more than ten years. He often hosts very groovy events—his Let’s Boogaloo was a huge favorite—and for the last several years he has been providing the soundtrack to the Arts & Fleas room of the Chelsea Market in Manhattan. Plus, Ol’ Stark has a booth of his own there, selling records and some very swingin’ threads. In December, he and the Arts & Fleas folks host a party called Sip & Shop: Ol’ Stark invites some of his DJ buddies to play records and the Arts & Fleas folks provide some champagne for anybody who wants it.

This year, the party was held on Thursday December 10^th and included DJs Shakey, Kamala, Kurtis Powers, Camille, Domewrecka, Tru Tones and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus—each given about twenty minutes in which to bring joy to the world. This event is always a fun one because checking out the talented local artists’ goods while listening to good music is always a good time. The Boogaloo Bag writers were especially taken with the jewelry made with old typewriter keys

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus made the scene with a handful of his top Sixties Go-Go instrumentals, then closed with a seasonal treat. Here’s a list of all of it:

• The Real Don Steele–Tina Delgado Is Alive (Cameo)
• Swinging Soul Machine–Spooky’s Day Off (Polydor; Netherlands)
• The Gallants–The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (Capitol)
• Sounds Incorporated–Rinky Dink (Liberty)
• [no artist listed]–Get It On (Hoctor)
• The Sensational Epics–It’s a Gas (Cameo)
• Nick Ayoub–Piment Rouge (Caprice; Canada)
• Hank Marr–The ‘Out’ Crowd (Wingate)
• Patsy Raye & the Beatniks–Beatnik’s Wish (Roulette)

None of these records are for sale.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus and Captain Heartlock display their respective gang signs at WHAM-O WATUSI!

Captain Heartlock has got to be one of the busiest musicians in town. He’s in three bands: Madam Robot and the Lust Brigade, The Electric Mess and The Othermen. All of the bands are good, play often and make sound recordings. Plus, he is often seen around town DJing with his boss records. It was in the latter capacity for which he was employed at the Bootleg Bar on December 5 for WHAM-O WATUSI, hosted by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus.

Captain Heartlock peruses through his box of 45s in order to select the perfect record to play at WHAM-O WATUSI!

The good Captain is often referred to as a “psychedelic fellow,” and indeed he played many records on this evening that fell into that category—even a few that were fairly recently recorded, yet had a groovy sound. At one point a group of young ladies asked Captain Heartlock to play some girl group records and he complied heartily.  He also played some great R&B and soul records. Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, on the other hand, stuck to the same old stuff he always plays—R&B, Go-Go, Garage Rock, Funk, Soul, Ska, and other jumpin’ jive. I guess you had to have been there…

Here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus:

• Frankie Questa at the Organ–The Wham-O Bird (Cub)
• The Hip Sound–Too Much (Limelight)
• Stan Kenton and His Orchestra–Dragnet (Capitol)
• The Steve Karmen Big Band featuring Jimmy Radcliffe–Breakaway (Part I) (United Artists)
• Black & George–Peanut Butter (Coxsone; Jamaica)
• The Buttons–Popeye Does the Mashed Potatoes (Columbia; Japan)
• Sir Walter Releigh and the Tampa Jewels–Try to Love Me (My)
• The Nightcrawlers–You’re Running Wild (Kapp)
• The Shirelles–Look A Here Baby (Scepter)
• Dumas King–Loose Eel (Ronn)
• Bobby Colquitt and String Bean–I’m Gone (Colt)
• Slim Harpo–I Need Money (Keep Your Alibis) (Excello)
• The Marcels–Merry Twist-Mas (Colpix)
• Milton Delugg–Rise Robots Rise (Mainstream)
• The Piltdown Men–Big Lizzard (Capitol)
• The Bob Crew Generation–Girls on the Rocks (DynoVoice)
• Les Pirates avec Dany Logan–Le Jet (Bel-Air; France)
• Bobby Fuller Four–Little Annie Lou (Mustang)
• Johnny Angel–All Night Party (Gardena)
• Elvis Presley with the Jordanaires–Come What May (RCA Victor)
• Jan & Dean–I Found a Girl (Liberty)
• The Dovells–(Hey, Hey, Hey) Alright (Swan)
• The Atlantics–Sonny & Cher (Rampart)
• Dean Christie–Shake! (Select)
• The Explosions–Work With Me Annie (Imperial)
• Professor Morrison’s Lollipop–You Got the Love (White Whale)
• Nino and the Ebb Tides–Automatic Reaction (Mala)
• Johnny Kirk & Lilly Thomas–Bitter With the Sweet (Cotique)
• The Denims–Ya Ya (Columbia)
• ? and the Mysterians–Smokes (Cameo)
• Los Javaloyas–Quiero Que Me Quieras (Gimme Some Loving) (La Voz de Su Amo; Spain)
• The Other Side–Streetcar (Brent)
• The Outsiders–And Now You Want My Sympathy (Capitol)
• Friday Night & Saturday–Going Nowhere (Tuba)
• Love–A House Is Not a Motel (Elektra)
• The Lollipop Shoppe–You Must Be A Witch (Uni)
• The Dynamites–Tunnel to Heaven (Victor; Japan)
• Power Formula–Theme From Laugh-In (Show Town)
• Tony Tribe–Red, Red Wine (United Artists)
• Diane Renay–Watch Out Sally! (M-G-M)
• Barbara Lewis–My Heart Went Do Dat Da (Atlantic)
• The Pandoras–Hey Ah (Imperial)
• Roger & the Gypsies–Pass the Hatchet Part 2 (Seven B)
• Candido–Jump Back (Blue Note)
• Black Blood–Kiswahili (Mainstream)
• Africa–Widow (Epic)
• Lyn Collins–Wheel of Life (Polydor)
• Bobby Wayne–You’re Blowing My Mind (La Val)
• Sherlock Holmes Investigation–The Pot’s Hot (C.R.S.)
• Claude François–J’ai Joue Et Puis J’ai Perdu (I Fought the Law) (Philips; France)
• The Brisks–Wooly Bully (Belter; Spain)
• The Rebounds–(I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone (Tower)
• Les Surfs–Reviens Vite Et Oublie (Be My Baby) (Festival; France)
• Little Willie John–Uh Uh Baby (No No Baby) (King)
• Johnny Newbag–Little Samson (Port)
• Young Jesse–Lula Belle (Capitol)
• Bo Diddley–Crackin Up (Checker)
• The Rolling Stones–Off the Hook (Decca; UK)
• Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs–High Blood Pressure (Herald)
• The Premiers–Farmer John (Faro)
• The Chosen Few–La La La La La (Co-Op)
• Chris Kenner–Land of 1000 Dances (Instant)
• Allison Gary and the Burners–Burn (Ro Yo)
• The Spinners–Itching for My Baby but I Don’t Know Where to Scratch (Tri-Phi)
• Desmond Dekker & the Aces–Problems (Uni)
• Jackie Mittoo; The Soul Bros.–Do the Bogaloo (Coxson; Jamaica)
• Osibisa–Wango Wango (Makin’ Everybody Happy) (Decca)
• Manfred Mann–Machines (Capitol; Mexico)
• The Dixie Cups–Iko Iko (Red Bird)
• A Little Bit of Sound–Incense and Peppermints (Carole)
• The Thanes–She’s Coming Back to Me (Sandgate Sound Studios; Europe)
• Los Brincos–Sola (Novola; Spain )
• The Kinks–It’s All Right (Reprise)
• The Poor Little Rich Kids–Stop – Quit It (H.I.P.)

None of these records are for sale.

The psychedelic Captain Heartlock!

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus and Kid Congo Powers swing at TWIST ALL NIGHT!

This November, the Commodore Boogaloo Night fell on the day after Thanksgiving (the 27th)—as it does most years. When that happens, host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus brings out a host of food and bird records. He did it this year, when he presented the third TWIST ALL NIGHT, augmented in the most fabulous fashion with guest DJ Kid Congo Powers.

As the Boogaloo Bag reported when The Kid was guest DJ at WHAM-O WATUSI in August, he and The Boog go way back—most likely before most Boogaloo Bag readers were even born. The Kid has spent his entire adult life as a professional musician—playing guitar for (in roughly chronological order) The Creeping Ritual (which became The Gun Club), The Cramps, (then back to) The Gun Club, The Fur Bible, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Congo Norvell, The Knoxville Girls and his current organization The Pink Monkey Birds. Man, that’s a lot of action with top legends. And to top it off, the band that he works with now is one of his best. The Boogaloo Bag writers recently caught his act in person and they will enthusiastically tell you that this is one great Rock’n’Roll teen combo! It is so great to see Kid Congo fronting his own band, writing whack songs and playing stun guitar! When this band comes to your town, by all means, go see it. Also, buy the records!

Meanwhile, back at TWIST ALL NIGHT, The Kid and The Boog spun boss records right up until 4:00 AM, when the Commodore bouncer insisted the music stop. This fellow is much too big for anyone to argue with, so the music ended… but not before these two fine DJs played a ton of great records. As noted, The Boog played a few food records and The Kid played some smokin’ instrumentals. Around about 3:00 AM they alternated the playing of records, which resulted in even more instrumentals being played—including the spinning of Travis Wammack’s “Scratchy” by The Kid followed by the Phast Man spinning “Scratch My Back” by B.J. & the Geminis. The Kid played the hot blues instrumental “The Freeze” by Fenton Robinson which The Boog followed with “Soul Express” by Lonnie Mack. The Kid also played his own answer to all the food songs when he set needle to “It’s a Gas!”

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus and Kid Congo Powers take special care to select the perfect records to play at TWIST ALL NIGHT!

The Boog also played a little tribute to two recently departed heroes: Allen Toussaint wrote “Candy Yam” for Lee Dorsey (fitting into the Thanksgiving theme); and “Swim Time U.S.A.” by The Life Guards was played in order to remember P.F. Sloan (and to salute our friend DJ Rata, a swim instructor by day, Boogaloo Enthusiast by night!).

Here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the third TWIST ALL NIGHT:

• Ray Anthony–Tequila With a Twist (Capitol)
• Tommy Wills and His Twisting Tomcats–Aw Shucks – Go On Twist (Terry)
• Lowell Fulson–Can She (Checker)
• The Marathons–Mashed Potatoes One More Time (Plaza)
• The Jesters–The Jesters Jump (Foxie)
• The Beatles–Mr. Moonlight (Apple; Japan)
• Roy Head–Just a Little Bit (Scepter)
• Chuck Berry–Jaguar and Thunderbird (Chess)
• Little Rose Evans and Chorus–Your Goose Is Cooked (Tahoe)
• Dee Dee Sharp–Do the Bird (Cameo)
• Jamie Ross–Let’s Do the Cat (Coun-Tree)
• Gino Washington–Doing the Pop Corn (Atac)
• Ace St. Clair with Mack Johnson Combo–Doin the Uncle Willie (Stacy)
• Singin’ Sammy Ward–That Child Is Really Wild (Tamla)
• The Magnificents–The Dribble (Twist) (Checker)
• Carlos Malcolm & His Afro-Jamaican Rhythm–Bonanza Ska (Up-Beat; Jamaica)
• Bill Haley and His Comets–Lean Jean (Decca)
• The Jaguars with Tom Looney–Jaguar (Epic)
• Eddie Kochak & His Orch.–Shish-Ka-Bob Rock (Darl)
• Chick Carlton and the Mixtures–Turkey Time – Part I (Faro)
• The Olympics–Mash Them ‘Taters (Arvee)
• Danny and the Juniors–Do the Mashed Potatoes (Swan)
• Robert Williams and the Groovers–Cranberry Blues (Tip Top)
• Warren Smith–Ubangi Stomp (Sun)
• Tom Jones–Chills and Fever (Decca; France)
• Kane & Abel–The Twist Is Back (Red Bird)
• Horace Bailey–Cool Monkey (Delene)
• Hank Diamond–Soul Sauce (Wachi Wara) (World Pacific)
• Ozzie Torrens and His Exciting Orchestra–Tijuana Grass (Decca)
• Pablo Beltran Ruiz y su Orquesta–La Banda Borracha (RCA Victor; Mexico)
• Los Yaki–¡Auxilio! – Help (Capitol; Mexico)
• Los Gatos Negros–La Tierra de las Mil Danzas (Land of 1000 Dances) (Vergara; Spain)
• Link Wray and the Wraymen–Slinky (Epic)
• The Smoke–My Friend Jack (Metronome; Germany)
• Sharp Hawks–Let Me Go! (Seven Seas; Japan)
• Les Lutins–Je Cherche (Carrousel; Canada)
• Dave Clark Five–Can’t You See That She’s Mine (Epic)
• Roy Orbison–Things Go Better With Coke [from EP Let’s Swing the Jingle for Coca-Cola] (McCann-Erickson/Coca-Cola)
• Travis Wammack–Louie Louie (Atlantic)
• Les Problèmes–Il Suffirait d’ Un Rien (Disques Vogue; France)
• Marsha Gee–The Peanut Duck (Joker; UK)
• Four Tees–Funky Duck (Kent)
• Bobby Sax and the Housekeepers–Sock It (DePlace)
• Lacy Gibson–I Am Gonna’ Unmask the Batman (Repetto)
• Bo Diddley–Mush Mouth Millie (Checker)
• Shelton Dunaway with the Cup Cakes–Franko-Chinese Cha Cha Cha (Khoury’s)
• Lee Dorsey–Candy Yam (Amy)
• Russell Evans and the Nite Hawks–Send Me Some Cornbread (Atco)
• Marvin & Johnny–Hot Biscuits and Gravy (Felsted)
• Dee Dee Sharp–Mashed Potato Time (Cameo)
• The Triads–Bacon Fat (Dilly Dilly Womp Womp) (Ringo)
• Dick and Libby Halleman and Their Society Orchestra vs Tom and Ray–Pizza Sure Is Good (Summit)
• Boyd Bennett–Hershey Bar (Mercury)
• Leroy Washington–Wild Cherry (Excello)
• Russ Lewis–Brand New Recipe (Sharp)
• Sly Stewart–I Just Learned How to Swim (Autumn)
• The Life Guards–Swimtime U.S.A. (Reprise)
• The Creations–Shang Shang (Jamie)
• Jimmy McCracklin–Georgia Slop (Mercury)
• Dossie (Thunderbird) Terry and Orchestra–Skinny Ginny (Amp 3)
• Wailers–Out of Our Tree (Etiquette)
• The South Street Soul Guitars–Soul Fire (Silver Fox)
• Ronny Kae–Twistin’ Rumble (Band Box)
• Maximillian at the Piano–Gee Baby, You’re the Utmost (Cub)
• Willie Wright and His Sparklers–Bloodhound (Federal)
• B.J. and the Geminis–Scratch My Back (Part 2) (Atco)
• Hugo Montenegro & Orch.–Hot Crawfish (Time)
• Lonnie Mack–Soul Express (Fraternity)
• Hal Blaine–Secret Agent Man (Dunhill)

None of these records are for sale. Photos by Nancy “Jeannie” Gardner.

Kid Congo Powers and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus sample the fantastic French fries at the Commodore!

All the DJs swing at Botanica: Eli “Paperboy” Reed, One Mint Julep, Miss Jenny Wasserman, Sheila B, Todd-O-Phonic Todd, Rata, Mr. Fine Wine, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus. Photo curtesy of Sheila B.

What is there to say about Mr. Fine Wine that has not already been said about Mr. Fine Wine here in the Boogaloo Bag? If you have not been listening in to his radio show every Friday night on radio station WFMU then you must do so as soon as you come out of your coma! If you need to know more about Mr. Fine Wine, you can read previous remarks about him in these Boogaloo Bag posts… here, here and here, or at the precursor to the Boogaloo Bag, the Boogaloo Blog where you can read about him here.

Suffice it to say, he is a happening cat with a rope to swing on! Seems he always has something happening. On Wednesday November 18, Mr. Fine Wine was celebrating the release of R&B Hipshakers #4: Bossa Nova and Grits, a collection of R&B and soul records culled from the vaults of King and Federal Records that he compiled. These collections are released on a 20-track CD as well as a 10-disc box set of 7-inch 45 RPM records and are jam packed with some of the finest music of all time; essential listening for the Boogaloo Bag reader.

So on this evening, Mr. Fine Wine turned his weekly DJ night at Botanica into a record release party that featured some of his friends DJing—including One Mint Julep, Eli “Paperboy” Reed, DJ Rata, Jonathan Toubin and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus. In attendance were many other friends including his fellow WFMU DJs Todd-O-Phonic Todd and Sheila B; J.B. Flatt of the Brooklyn Rhythm Band; and Miss Jenny Wasserman who has recently returned to New York City after a year in San Francisco.

Highlights of the evening include the playing of some fabulous gospel records by the Paperboy, a couple wild Mexican records played by DJ Rata—who also won the raffle for the box set of the celebrated new release! Also, Mr. Fine Wine played an acetate demo of a new Eli “Paperboy” Reed track that was absolutely killer—one of the best things we’ve heard all year! The Boogaloo Bag is looking forward to the Paperboy’s next album, that’s for sure.

Each guest DJ was given about 20 minutes to swing. Although Wednesdays at Botanic is regularly reserved for the playing of soul music, Mr. Fine Wine did not expect the guest DJs to adhere to that policy. Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus led off with a reggae version of a song written by the recently departed Allen Toussaint. Here’s a list of all of the records the Phastman played:

• The Heptones; Impact Allstars–Soul Sister (Giant; Jamaica)
• The Crowns–Jerking the Dog (Pama; UK)
• Gregory Isaaes (sic)–Open the Door to Your Heart (Sydna)
• Charlie McCoy & the Escorts–Screamin’, Shoutin’, Beggin’, Pleadin’ (Monument)
• Beverly Ann Gibson–Do the Monkey (Jubilee)
• Johnny Laboriel–Cafe Del Rock (Orfeon)
• The Atlantics–Sloop Dance (Rampart)
• Lacy Gibson–I Am Gonna’ Unmask the Batman (Repetto)
• Amos Milburn–Christmas (Comes But Once A Year) (King)

None of these records are for sale.

DJ Rata wins the raffle for the 10-disc box set! Yayyyy!!! Photo curtesy of Javier Roa.