Drew Redmond swings at Sofisticated Savage!

Sofisticated Savage is a Drew Redmond concoction: he and a guest DJ swing with fuzz-toned garage and up-beat R&B records all night at the Bar Below Rye in Downtown Williamsburg, Brooklyn. On Saturday June 28, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus got the call to swing… and swing they did. These two DJs had the place jumpin’. At one point, about 80% of the attendees were boppin’ out on the floor!

Spinning records with Mr. Redmond is always a gas. He’s got some good ones, and one can’t help but come away with additions to the old “want list” after a night diggin’ his selections. Plus, he is the kind of person who can keep up his end of the conversation when discussing the joys of collecting records on the Legrand label.

The Bar Below Rye is an elegant and cozy joint with a nice DJ booth and excellent sound system. It is located, as one may guess, under a restaurant called Rye on South First Street. The restaurant has an excellent menu and the Boogaloo Omnibus was able to take advantage of it when he ordered a desert item: warm chocolate cake with pistachio ice cream. Delicious! Going back for more soon!

Warm chocolate cake with pistachio ice cream… or what’s left of it!!

Here is a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at Sofisticated Savage:

• The Dave Clark Five–Rumble (Capitol; Mexico)
• Bobby Peterson Quintet–The Hunch (V-Tone)
• Elliott Shavers and His Blazers–Scratch That Itch (King)
• The Rolling Stones–Stoned (Decca; UK)
• Jerry & the Upbeats–The Crow (United Artists)
• The Hueys–You Ain’t No Hippie (Instant)
• The Millionaires–Love Is Strange (Specialty)
• Frankie & the Del Stars–Don’t Shine Me On Part 2 (Foremost)
• The Orchids–That Boy Is Messin’ Up My Mind (Columbia)
• Johnny Green and the Green Men–Something You Got (Emerald)
• Ian & the Zodiacs–Why Can’t It Be Me (Philips)
• Little Johnny Shaw with the Buddy Miller Band–Work Out (World)
• Jimmie Heap & His Orchestra–Gismo (Dart)
• Harvey & Doc–Oh Baby!! (Annette)
• Kid Congo & the Pink Monkey Birds–Bruce Juice (In the Red)
• The Elite–One Potato (Charay)
• Rosko and the Desires–The B.M.T. (Domain)
• Bo Diddley–Hong Kong Mississippi (Pye International; UK)
• The Mellow Jacks–Mellow You Down (Marquee)
• Los Mustang–Verano en la Ciudad (La Voz de Si Amo; Spain)
• Les 409–Donne-Moi Ton Amour (Gimme Some Loving) (RCA Victor – Canada International; Canada)
• The Poor Boys–(I’m Gonna) Spend My Money (Apollo)
• The Soul Survivors–Shakin’ With Linda (Decca)
• Fantastic Dee-Jays–Fight Fire (Tri Power)
• Sonny Forriest and his Orchestra–I Got a Woman (Decca)
• The Pagents–Big Daddy (Era)
• Nathaniel Mayer and His Fabulous Twilights–Work It Out (Fortune)
• Rhoda Scott Trio–Hey – Hey – Hey! (Tru-Sound)
• Sonny Flaharty–Teenage War Chant (Huron)
• The Sheiks–Twist That Twist (Legrand)
• Lattimore Brown–Say What (Duchess)
• The Phantoms–Going to A’ Go-Go (MG Mitten; Singapore)
• The Golden Crusaders–Hey Good Lookin’ (Epic)
• Rufus Brown with Herbie Layne’s Orch.–Sweet Little Sixteen (Gateway Top Tune)
• The Scorpions–Hello Josephine (CNR; Netherlands)
• Larry & the Loafers–Let’s Go to the Beach (Shurfine)
• The Pat Holben Trio–Monkey Jerk (Fortune)
• The Jaguars–The Beat (Impression; UK)
• The Guru’s–Come Girl (United Artists)
• The Ugly Ducklings–Nothin’ (Arc; Canada)
• Los Canarios–Get on Your Knees (Calla)
• Sharon Tandy–Hold On (Atco)
• The Other Half–Mr. Pharmacist (G.N.P. Crescendo)
• Fax–I Can Only Give You Everything (Trans-Action)
• The Primitives–The Ostrich (Pickwick)
• Rocky & His Friends–Riot City (Tower)
• The Legend–Portrait of Youth (Megaphone)
• Cordells–Love Is Where It Is (Steel Town Sound, Inc.)
• Jimmy Moore–Bye Bye My Love (Legrand)
• Boot Hog Pefferly and the Loafers–I’m Not Going to Work Today (Sound Stage 7)
• Emergency Exit–Why Girl (Dunhill)
• Yuzo Kayama–Why Don’t You (Toshiba; Japan)

None of these records are for sale.

Elevator Operator and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swing at Hi-Fi: In Focus. Photo by Christina Caira.

On Friday May 27, HI-FI: IN FOCUS took place at The Commodore. This was an exciting event that featured the boss record playing of Elevator Operator and host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus. Both DJs played the swingin’ sounds of the sixties as presented on 45 RPM seven-inch records.

Elevator Operator, known to his friends as Matt Marando, is a quiet fellow with a very loud talent. He plays in two of the best rock’n’roll bands in the city: Quitty & the Don’ts and The Above*. Both acts are strongly influenced by the sounds of the sixties. He also hosts a radio show on the WFMU Ichiban web stream. The show is called “What’s Happening?!?!?!” and it features copious amounts of recordings from the sixties. Guess what? At HI-FI: IN FOCUS he played all sixties records all night long (well, with the exception of a Little Richard record, maybe).

Not only that, but the next day, Mr. Operator was on the real WFMU airwaves, filling in at the last minute for our pal Todd-O-Phonic Todd, who was out sick. He must have brought the same box of records to the radio station that he brought to The Commodore because he played about a dozen or so of the same records on the radio show! Ha! (Dig the set list here.) That’s cool with the Boogaloo Bag writers, since he played such great records on Friday night that it was great to hear them again on Saturday afternoon–but this time without people screamin’ and bottles breaking and folks throwing up, such as what goes on at a hip Williamsburg night club.

Our pal Brandon Pierce Peck goofs as Elevator Operator and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swing at Hi-Fi: In Focus. Photo by Christina Caira.

When Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus walked into the club, rap music was being played very loudly. Rap music ain’t so bad in itself, and the Boogaloo Bag writers understand that some people have to try as hard as possible to do and/or say (rap) outrageous things in order to get attention, but does every song have to have the F-word, the B-word and the N-word, over and over, punctuated by “yo” and “money?” It gets to the point when none of it means anything any more. It seems that a rapper these days may be able to get better acknowledgement by suggesting kids stay in school and get a good education. What can be more outrageous than that?

Once the rap records were nixed, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus unleashed a slew of sixties records–or those that sound like it–as can be witnessed by his complete play list noted below:

• PS & Artie (Guitar Duo)–Fink! (Triumph)
• The Catalinas–Bulletin (Sims)
• The Phil Bodner Sextet–Hanky Panky (RCA-Victor)
• Jesse Sailes and the Waves–Monkey Drums (Felsted)
• Betty Mabry–It’s My Life (Columbia)
• Walkin’ Willie and His Orch.–If You Just Woulda Said Goodbye (Webcor)
• The Human Jungle–Gorilla Milk (Double Shot)
• Les New Players–Rush (CBS; France)
• Eric Burdon and the Animals–That Ain’t Where It’s At (M-G-M)
• The Chambers Brothers–My Baby Takes Care of Business (Columbia)
• The Soul Set–He Don’t Love You (And He’ll Break Your Heart) (BB)
• The Creation–Making Time (Planet)
• The C and C Boys–It’s All Over Now (Duke)
• The Shamrocks–La, La, La, (Polydor; Japan)
• The Zombies–I’ll Call You Mine (CBS; Netherlands)
• Les 409–S’il Faut Un Homme (I’m a Man) (RCA Victor – Canada International; Canada)
• Mel Turner and the Bandits–Daddy Cool (Metronome; Germany)
• The Yardbirds–Psycho Daisies (Capitol; Canada)
• Jimmy Brand–Fly in the Buttermilk (Prestige)
• Jimmy Lomax–Come on Home (Camille)
• The Kickapoo Kidd and the Deputies–The Kick-A-Poo Pt. 1 (Soulville)
• Maurice Williams–Whirlpool (Atlantic)
• The Belegianetts–Do the Crank (USA)
• Tony Roman Cinq–Hey, Hey, Hey (Canusa; Canada)
• Los Brincos–I Try to Find (NoVoLa; Spain)
• The Pineapple Heard–Valleri (Diamond)
• Dave Clark & Friends–Draggin’ the Line (Columbia; UK)
• The Beatstalkers–Get a Better Hold On (Press)
• Joey Dee and the Starlighters–It’s Got You (Jubilee)
• The Merseys–So Sad About Us (Fontana; UK)
• the Jay-Jays–So Mystifying (Philips; Netherlands)
• The Fleshtones–End of My Neighborhood (Yep Roc)
• The Spencer Davis Group–High Time Baby (Fontana; UK)
• The Mystery Lights–Too Many Girls (Wick)
• The Applejacks–Baby Jane (Decca; UK)
• Bobby Rydell–When I See That Girl of Mine (Capitol)
• The Rolling Stones–Everybody Needs Somebody to Love (Decca; France)
• Richie Barrett–Some Other Guy (Atlantic)
• Bobby Porter–Foxy Devil (Enjoy)
• Bobby Powell (with Jackie Johnson)–Done Got Over (Whit)
• Grover Mitchell–That’s a Good Idea (Vee Jay)
• Johnny Caswell–Hot Dogs (Smash)
• The Cartoons–Batusi (Tuba)
• The Tokens–Dirt Track Twister (RCA Victor; France)
• Don Gardner and Dee Dee Ford–Shake a Leg, Baby (Red Top)
• The Manchesters–Dragonfly (Vee Jay)
• The Fourmost–Respectable (Atco)
• Les Revoltes–Viens Danser (Say I Am, What I Am) (RCA Victor – Canada International; Canada)
• Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich–She’s So Good (Fontana)
• The Volcanics–Your Kind of Loving (Is My Kind of Loving) (Parkway)
• Gerry and the Pacemakers–You’re the Reason (Laurie)
• Marty Wilde and the Wild Cats–My What a Woman (Jamie)
• Carol Shaw–Jimmy Boy (Atco)
• The Blossoms–Lover Boy (Reprise)
• Clara Wilson–Don’t Say Nothin’ Bad (About My Baby) (Hit)
• B.G. Ramblers–Hey Mr. Popeye (Sparkel)
• Jimmy Dell–Skippin’ (Philips)
• The Merced Blue Notes–Bad Bad Whiskey (Galaxy)
• The Upsetters–’Tater Machine (Little Star)

None of these records are for sale.

* The Above have a brand new 10” EP out called There Is a Reason (Hidden Volume HV0022). The Boogaloo Bag writers have recently obtained a copy and it is quite possibly the first non-single recording that they have listened to all the way through, both sides, three times in a row! They liked it that much. Although The Above may evoke your favorite groups of the sixties–The Kinks, The Who, The Zombies–this is a thoroughly modern act that adds its own flavor to their six original songs on this collection: an excellent concoction of jingle-jangle melodies and harmonies that sound familiarly unique and exciting.

The elegantly appointed Robert Bar features a trio of lava lamps next to the turntables in order to remind the DJs to play groovy music.

A few months ago, when Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus received a call from Nogood Nick asking him to DJ at the Robert Bar on April 29—another Rip Rig Panic—The Boog jumped at the opportunity. After all, The Boog had nothing going on DJ-wise that weekend; The Boog digs swingin’ with Nogood Nick at the Rip Rig Panic; and The Boog digs the elegant Robert Bar (where the DJ booth has a rubber mat to keep the DJ’s feet from getting sore!); plus, with spring having been sprung, the chances are good that the weather will be nice enough for The Boog to ride his bicycle to the club—it’s that close to Boogaloo Omnibus Productions Worldwide Headquarters.

Ah! But if only life were that easy and uncomplicated! As it turned out, that Friday April 29 was the first day of the three-day WFMU Record Fair. That in itself wouldn’t be a big enough reason to upset plans, however, The Boog had bought a table to sell records on the Saturday and must be at the site around the ungodly hour of 7:00 AM in order to set up. Once Mr. Nick was informed, he suggested The Boog play an early set, and he’ll get another DJ to work late.

That day, The Boog spent a good portion of the afternoon and early evening at the Record Fair, buying a few records. When it was time to go to the Robert Bar, it was raining. No way does The Boog bike in the rain—the brakes won’t work, and the water on his glasses will prevent him from seeing very well. So it was the F Train that took The Boog and his box of records to the gig. Unfortunately, once out on the street, The Boog walked four blocks before he realized he was heading in the wrong direction. In the rain.

When a wet and irritated Boog finally arrived at the Robert Bar, Nogood Nick had the place swingin’ with his groovy sounds. The club was full of people. Our pal Lady Dawn was in attendance and holding court in the corner with about a half-dozen of her friends. What could have been a disaster ended up being a fun night. Mr. Nick played a few more jams, as The Boog prepared his records and ordered a drink. Robert Bar has a selection of fine, artisanal beverages, one of which is called The Fez. This sweet yet sour concoction, which The Boog imbibes in its non-alcoholic configuration, is most excellent and highly recommended. The Robert Bar is the perfect place for Rip Rig Panic. It’s retro-modernist atmosphere blends perfectly with the equally tasteful records that Nogood Nick tends to play.

The Boog provided an audio aura for about an hour and a half featuring recordings that may be described as jazzoid, funkified and/or soulish. Roped in to assist with DJ operations once The Boog had left the building was a British fellow named Patrick Syms. Unfortunately, the Boogaloo Bag writers were unable to stick around for his set(s), but Nogood Nick assures us that he played some excellent rare groove jams and that the evening continued in a most pleasing manner.

Hopefully, the next time time Noogood Nick invites The Boog to swing at a Rip Rig Panic that things will go much smoother for him. Meanwhile, here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus:

• Woody Herman–Do Anything You Wanna (Columbia)
• Lenny Bryan–Twistin’ Blues (Canatral; Canada)
• Gene Shaw Sextet–Street Dance – Pt. 1 (Argo)
• Charlie Rouse–Back to the Tropics (Blue Note)
• Les McCann–The Shout (Pacific Jazz)
• Marvin Gaye–Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home) (Tamla)
• The Chi-Lites–Stoned Out of My Mind (Brunswick)
• Owen Gray–Groove Me (Camel; UK)
• Joyce Williams–The First Thing I Do in the Morning (Nickel)
• The Wild Tchoupitoulas–Hey Hey (Indians Comin’) (Antilles)
• Willie Mitchell–Breaking Point (Hi)
• (no artist listed)–Sunshine of Your Love (R&J)
• Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings–What Does Hanukkah Mean to You? (Daptone)
• Mel Brown–Chicken Fat (Impulse)
• Joe Williams and the Jazz Orchestra–Get Out of My Life Woman (Solid State)
• Gwen McCrae–Ain’t Nothing You Can Do (Columbia)
• The Ventures–Wack Wack (Liberty; Japan)
• Darrow Fletcher–Let’s Get Together (Atco)
• Phil Flowers & the Flower Shop–Like a Rolling Stone (long version) (A&M)
• Mary Jane Hooper–I’ve Got Reasons (Power)
• Barbara Lynn–You Make Me So Hot (Atlantic)
• King Floyd–Let Me See You Do That Thing (Chimneyville)
• Jimmy London–Till I Kissed You (Giant; Jamaica)
• Johnny Nash–Hold Me Tight (JAD)
• Underground Vegetables–Melting Pot (Ximeno)
• Chris Connor–Hallelujah I Love Him So (Atlantic)
• Ella Fitzgerald–A Hard Day’s Night (Verve)
• Mickey Farrell & the Dynamics–We Did the Bossa Nova (Bethlehem)

None of these records are for sale.

P.S.: The next day, The Boog woke up at 0-dark-hundred in order to sell his records. He also bought a few. Many of his finds will be played at future Wang Dang Doodle events; of this, you can be assured.

On Friday April 15, A.B.C. Rebel Night took place at the Grand Victory bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus received the call to perform guest DJ duties. Rebel Night got off to a late start, due to the fact that the big punk show that was held earlier went late into Rebel Night time. The headlining veteran punk rock group M.D.C. played a good 20 minutes after its cut-off time of 11 PM. As soon as the last of M.D.C.’s feedback noise disappeared, Rebel Night host Hiromu was at the turntable booth setting up. He got the rockin’ sounds going as soon as he could.

Usually it is our pal Seiji who runs the Rebel Night show. However, that weekend was the big rockabilly weekender in Las Vegas and Seiji, along with Rebel Night den mother Katie Bickert–and apparently a LOT of the Rebel Night regulars–were at the event, known as Viva Las Vegas. However, there were plenty of folks who hung out after the M.D.C. show to make the Rebel Night a success. A few of the punks even danced, but most of the them remained in the bar area where they drank their beer and bopped their heads to the beat. One would hope they were thinking that this Rebel Night music is where the whole punk rock thing started–because it would be true! Also, there were plenty of folks who didn’t make the scene in Las Vegas but were happy to do the stroll in Williamsburg.

DJ Hiromu cues a hot bopper at Rebel Night!

Our pal DJ Jumpy was another guest that night. He surprised folks by playing some fine records we never heard him play  before. It was a gas listening to his set. From time to time, he would play a particularly rockin’ record, and he would come out from behind the DJ booth and bop along to it. That’s our Jumpy!

DJ Jumpy selects a rockin’ record from his box of discs at Rebel Night!

For the Boogaloo Bag writers, the treat of the evening was when DJ Junichi took to the turntables. He is one of our favorite people on the planet. Although he was one of the founders of Rebel Night, lately he has not been DJing much at events held at the Grand Victory, since his day job often finds him working nights. But somehow he was able to make the scene and selected a set of wild rock’n’roll and rockabilly records for the Rebel Night faithful.

DJ Junichi used a magic touch at Rebel Night!

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus presented two sets of rock’n’roll 45s: a couple old favorites, a couple R&B things, a couple of crazy things–most of them over 200 BPM–and an awesome Link Wray record.

A.B.C. Always Be Cool! Here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at Rebel Night:

• The Strangers–Rockin’ Rebel (Titan)
• The Royaltones–Little Bo (Jubilee)
• The Misfits–Mess Around (Agar)
• K.J. Knight and the Niteriders–Mo-Jo (Live at the Upper Deck of the Rooster Tail) (Sound Patterns)
• The Creations–Shang Shang (Jamie)
• The Sonics–Money (Norton)
• King Size Taylor and the Dominoes–Bad Boy (Decca; UK)
• Andy and the Classics–Wilma (Hurd)
• The Standells–I’ll Go Crazy (Liberty)
• MC5–Back in the USA (Atlantic; Germany)
• Jerry Lee Lewis–I’m on Fire (Smash)
• Dave Phillips & the Hot Rod Gang–Tainted Love (Rockhouse; Netherlands)
• Los Sirex–El Tren de la Costa (Vergara; Spain)
• Warren Smith–Ubangi Stomp (Sun)
• Kip Tyler and His Flips–Jungle Hop (Challenge)
• Eddie Clearwater–Twist Like This (Federal)
• The Time Keepers–3 Minutes Heavy (Generation)
• The Bandidos–The Mark of Zorro (Elkay)
• The Undertakers–Mashed Potato (Pye; UK)
• Bern Elliott and the Fenmen–Nobody But Me (Decca; UK)
• Hollywood Hurricanes–Have Love Will Travel (Prima)
• Big Mama Thornton and Her Houndogs–Wade in the Water (Arhoolie)
• Erma Franklin–I Don’t Want No Mama’s Boy (Epic)
• The Lovers–Security (Checker)
• Link Wray and His Raymen–The Shadow Knows (Swan)
• Les Ombres–Teen Age Letter (Olympia; Belgium)
• The El Cobras–Oh Yeah (Last Night) (Essar)

None of these records are for sale

DJ Rata and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swing at WHAM-O WATUSI!

April started out with a bang for Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus. It all began with a trip to Allentown, Pennsylvania for the Original World Famous Semi-Annual 45/78 Only Record Expo, hosted by Surround Sound Productions at the Merchants Square Mall. This event actually took place on Saturday April 2, but The Boog, along with Boogaloo Bag photographer Nancy “Jeannie” Gardner, Yana Lil’ Jerk and Miss Melissa went up a day early to work the hotel room scene: Dozens of dealers in a nearby hotel set up little record stores in their respective rooms, buying and selling from each other, and any record collector who drops in. Man, did they buy records!

The Boog was able to pick up a few garage rock records (“Psycho” by The Swamp Rats, “Fight Fire” by The Fantastic Dee Jays), boss R&B (Bo Diddley’s very rare EP on Chess with the cardboard cover, all in most excellent shape!), some European pressings of Motown singles that feature tracks not available in the US, a few soul records, and some twist records, among other things. The Boog continuously purchases 45s in order to ensure that each DJ night is a unique experience and attendees are not subjected to the same dozen or so records at every event.

On the day of the Record Expo, more records were obtained; in all, a stack of 45s measuring about 6 and a half inches. Also, five 78s were picked up and they will be in the box for the next BIG TEN INCH.

On the night of April 2, The Boog was due to DJ at the Bootleg Bar: WHAM-O WATUSI, after driving all the way from Allentown back to Brooklyn. There was a little time to eat and unlax before driving out to Downtown Bushwick for the DJ gig. Guest was DJ Rata, a heavy, heavy cat with heavy, heavy records. In accordance with the recent international nature of the WHAM, Rata was born in Venezuela. Adding to that, he was accompanied by a young lass from Ireland!

DJ Rata in action at the WHAM-O WATUSI!

Rata has his own night, Mambo Jambo, held at Otto’s Shrunken Head on the third Saturday of the month. Acording to the Otto’s web-o-site, “Resident DJ Ratta bring you a Night dedicated to Blues, R&B, Mambo, Cha Cha’s, Rock & Roll, Mento , Ska, Rocksteady, Surf, Rock & Roll, Exotica, Boogaloo, Doo Wop, Soul and more…” Huh? “And more?” What else is there!!! He’s named just about every reet sound you can think of! This is what makes the Mambo Jambo so groovy: it has it all! Also, this is what makes DJ Rata such a fine selector: he plays it all! He sure did so at the WHAM-O WATUSI, and we’d like to thank him for it.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus selects a record to play at the WHAM-O WATUSI!

Below is a list of the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, including 17 that he picked up in Allentown. Expect to hear further new acquisitions at upcoming Boogaloo Omnibus events.

• The Rumblers–Boss Strikes Back (Dot)*
• The Jaguars–The Beat (impression; UK)*
• The Wailer’s–Shakedown (Etiquette)*
• The Pat Holben Trio–I Am the Greatest (Fortune)*
• Marty Wilson and the Strat-O-Lites–I’m All Woke Up (Decca)*
• The Flying Tornados–Chattanooga Drummer Man (Glendale)
• The Orlons–It’s No Big Thing (Cameo)
• Tim Tam and the Turn-Ons–Cheryl Ann (Palmer)
• The Headliners–Tonight’s the Night (V.I.P.)
• The Five-Du-Tones–Outside the Record Hop ‘Trying to Get In’ (One-Derful!)
• Don Fletcher–I’m So Glad (Peacock)
• Lonnie Russ featuring Pat Hunt–Tell Me How (4J)
• Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland and His Band–You Did Me Wrong (Duke)
• Ronnie Tyler & the Knighthawks–Mad Maggie (Avant Garde)
• Owen Gray–Walk All Over (Studio 1; Jamaica)
• Joe Liggins and His Orchestra–They Were Doin’ the Mambo (Mercury)
• Thomas Sisters–Donde Esta Santa Claus? (Chief)
• Los Johnny Jets–Un Poquito de Alma (CBS; Costa Rica)
• Curtis Lee–Pretty Little Angel Eyes (Dunes)
• Ricky Nelson–I’m Walkin’ (Verve)*
• Smiley Lewis–Shane, Shane, Shane (sic) (Imperial)
• The Bracelets–Waddle, Waddle (Congress)
• Elvis Presley–Long Legged Girl (With the Short Dress On) (RCA Victor)
• The Spirals–The Rockin’ Cow (Capitol)
• Connie Francis–Gonna Git That Man (M-G-M)
• Tony Gee–Freeze (Time)
• Kelly Garrett–The Boy on the Drums (Palomar)
• The Teen-Beats–Swimmin’ Part Two (Original Sound)
• Laurel Aitken–Bagaboo (Big Diamond)
• The Maytals–Peeping Tom (Beverley’s; Jamaica)
• James Brown at the Organ–Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag (Smash)
• Bobby and Walter–Do It Like You Feel It (Sanns)
• Bobby Long & the Satelites–Stir It Up (Vegas)
• Cash McCall–More Power to You (PS)*
• Jodi Gales; music by Pillow of Strength–Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (Savern)*
• Lou (Moondog) Lawton–$ & ¢ Dollars and Cents (Heart & Soul)*
• James Brown and the Famous Flames–I’ve Got Money (King)
• The Casuals–Money (That’s What I Want) (Minaret)
• The Riddlers–Batman Theme (Polydor; UK)
• Louis Jones–The Birds Is Coming (Decca)*
• Guadalajara Kings–Cu-Cu-Rru-Cu-Cu Paloma (Liberty)*
• Las Moscas–Prefiero Robar (Beg Borrow and Steal) (CBS; Peru)
• Bobby Russell and the Beagles–Roll Over Beethoven (Spar)
• Bern Elliott and the Fenmen–Nobody But Me (Decca; UK)
• The Gants–Road Runner (Liberty)
• Bo Diddley–Bo Meets the Monster [from EP Bo Diddley] (Chess)*
• Teddy Randazzo–Foot Sompin’ (ABC-Paramount)
• The Ineligibles–Do the Groove (Capella)
• Johnny Clark; The Four Playboys–Jungle Stomp (Norton)
• Ivi Pele and the Royal Samoans–Pago Pago Drums (49th State)
• The Individuals–Jungle Superman (Show Time)
• Stomp Gordon and his Orchestra–Ride Superman Ride (Savoy)
• Bobby Rydell–The Cha-Cha-Cha (Cameo)
• The Turtles–Buzz Saw (White Whale)
• Dave Berry–You’re Gonna Need Somebody (Decca; UK)
• Grant Higgins–Shame, Shame (Limelight)
• John Lee Hooker–Big Fine Woman (Elmor)
• Sunny and the Sunliners–Trick Bag (Tear Drop)
• Carlton Moore–Soul Jamaica (Tobin)
• Erric Barnett–Bumper to Bumper (Pama Supreme; UK)
• Mighty Sparrow–Calypso Boogaloo (RA; West Indies)
• King Errison–Samba D Jubilee (Canyon)
• John Torres and His Organ of Power–Caliente Baby ‘You Got It’ (Musart)
• Sam Samson and the Shufflers–Rockin’ Celinto (Verve)*
• Fantastic Dee-Jays–Fight Fire (Tri Power)*
• The Romancers–Love’s the Thing (Linda)
• Bake Turner–Violation (Rotate)*
• Donald Lautrec–Je Te L’Avais Bien Dit (Jupiter; Canada)
• Cliff Driver and His Orch.–Vosart (D-Tone)
• Ray Anthony–C’mon and Swim (Capitol)
• Sly Stewart–I Just Learned How to Swim (Autumn)
• Mike St. Shaw–Feel It (Capitol)
• Uno Dos Tres–Sugar Sugar (United Artists)
• The Sparks–Cool It (Cub)*
• Kip Anderson–I Feel Good (Everlast)
• The Astronauts–Movin’ (RCA; Japan)
• The Crickets–Maybe Baby (Brunswick)*
• Manfred Mann–When Will I Be Loved (United Artists)
• Shelton Dunaway & the Cupcakes–Honey Hush (Jin)
• Little Richard–Poor Boy Paul (Specialty)
• The Impacs–In the Midnight Hour (Sundi)

None of these records are for sale.

DJ Andy Upsetter FC played this cool Laurel Aitken 78!

The BIG TEN INCH has settled into its regular time-slot: the fourth Sunday of every other month. March’s BIG TEN INCH fell on Easter, so it should be no surprise that some of the folks who came to dig the shellac were dressed up like bunnies! Hi-Fi Bar looked like a rabbit farm!

Easter Bunnies swing at BIG TEN INCH!

78s were played by those who brought them: Jukebox Jonny (Grade A Fancy), Alex De Lazslo, Tony Salvaje, Malcolm Tent (Trash American Style), Michael McMahon (Susquehanna Industrial Tool and Die), Adam Lore (50 Miles of Elbow Room), Ted Barron, Andy Upsetter FC and newcomers Heather McCabe and Red Wing Mark.

Wonderful records were played. (See the gallery below for a sampling. Click on the image and it will scientifically Big-O-Fi.) Occasional swing dancing broke out. Pizza was devoured, as were the most excellent chocolate chip cookies that were baked by BOOGALOO BAG photographer Nancy “Jeannie” Gardner. Our friend and frequent BIG TEN INCH attendee Karen McBurnie brought pretzels and robins eggs, which likewise disappeared quickly.  Here’s hoping that snacks such as these are at all future BIG TEN INCH events!

Adam Lore

Alex De Laszlo

Andy Upsetter FC

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus

Heather McCabe

Juke Joint Jonny

Malcolm Tent

Michael McMahon

Red Wing Mark

Ted Barron

Tony Salvaje

Here’s a list of all the 78s played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the BIG TEN INCH held on Easter Sunday:

• Big Jay McNeely–Ice Water (Federal)
• Cozy Cole–Strictly Drums (Guild)
• Duke Ellingtons and his Famous Orchestra–Raincheck (Victor)
• Cab Calloway and his Orchestra–Fifteen Minute Intermission (OKeh)
• Al ‘Jazzbo’ Collins–Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Capitol)
• Charlie Barnet and his Orchestra–Swing Street Strut (Bluebird)
• Dinah Washington with Teddy Stewart’s Orchestra–Fast Movin’ Mama (Mercury)
• Fats Waller and his Rhythm–I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter (Victor)
• Ivory Joe Hunter–We’re Gonna Boogie (Pacific)
• Nervous Norvus–Transfusion (Dot)
• Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson–Bald Headed Blues (King)
• Wynonie ‘Blues’ Harris with Johnny Alston & His All Stars–Playful Baby (Apollo)
• Roy Brown with Earl M. Barnes and His Orchestra–Mighty Mighty Man (DeLuxe)
• Slim Gaillard and His Orchestra–Chicken Rhythm (Majestic)
• Freddie Mitchell Orchestra–Hog Head (Derby)
• Chano Pozo con Ritmo De Tambores–Ritmo Afro-Cubano No. 1 (SMC Pro-Arte)
• Moose Jackson–Big Ten Inch Record (King)

None of these records are for sale.

The Fantastica crew: One Mint Julep, Nogood Nick and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus.

¡FANTASTICA! is the latest creation from the genius laboratories of WANG DANG DOODLE Productions. It incorporates the juxtaposition of three distinct DJs, each with his or her own style, attitude and approach to selecting recordings for an evening’s dining, dancing and drinking pleasure. On Friday March 25, the first ever ¡FANTASTICA! took place when One Mint Julep, Nogood Nick and host Phast Phreddie the Boogloo Omnibus brought their respective collections of 45 RPM records to the Commodore and played them at an appropriate volume and in an appropriate order.

One Mint Julep!

One Mint Julep first came to the attention of the BOOGALOO BAG writers back around 2012, when she made an appearance at a BIG TEN INCH party, back when it was still being held at the Bell House. She played some incredible hillbilly records that completely wowed the place. Since then, she has been one busy gal: She now has her own radio show on WFMU (Honky Tonk Radio Girl, Wednesday nights at 8pm); a DJ night with Mr. Fine Wine at the Robert Bar where they play popcorn records; and another night, also with Mr. Fine Wine, where they play great soul records at a joint called Friends and Lovers. PLUS! She is now married to Mr. Fine Wine and that must make her Mrs. Fine Wine! So you know she’s got great records and she knows how to play them. At ¡FANTASTICA! she played rockabilly, hillbilly, popcorn, soul, funk and, if memory serves, perhaps a doo wop record or two.

Nogood Nick

Nogood Nick is often found in the BOOGALOO BAG for the simple reasons that he is one of the most amiable DJs, has great records and he knows how to get the place swingin’ with said great records. What else is left to say about him, except his Rip! Rig! Panic! night at Otto’s Shrunken Head is the best happy hour event in town. The BOOGALOO BAG writers try to make that scene each month.

Everybody swings at ¡Fantastica!

After only two excellent sets, Mr. Fine Wine had to drag One Mint Julep out of the club—they had a plane to Detroit to catch at 0-dark-hundred the next morning. This was a bummer, but Nogood Nick brought extra records and he and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus continued the ¡FANTASTICA! through the night and into the wee hours of the morning. Nogood Nick played saucy soul music and tough organ grooves. The Phast Man swung with rock’n’roll, R&B, blues and the usual trash. Around 4:02 AM the great big bouncer came over and pulled the plug. But what a night! Folks were dancing and romancing the entire time. Man, if this ¡FANTASTICA! gig happens again, you really want to make that scene.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus

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

• Earl Palmer and his Ten Piece Rockin’ Band–Drum Village Part I (Capitol)
• The Citations–The Snake (Majestic)
• Neal Scott; The Fortunes; Sam Pruitt and His Orchestra–Go Bohemian (Clown)
• Lester Lanin–West Indies Ska (Philips)
• Bobby Rydell–The Fish (Cameo)
• Charlie McCoy and the Escorts–I’m Ready (Monument)
• Tim Hardin–Do the Do (Columbia)
• Warner Mack with Anita Kerr Quartet–Roc-A-Chicka (Decca)
• Rusty Draper–Buzz Buzz Buzz (Mercury)
• Lefty Frizzell–You’re Humbuggin’ Me (Columbia)
• John Frogg–Workin’ for My Lady (Le Grand)
• The Hour Glass–Heartbeat (Liberty)
• Carl Perkins–The Monkeyshine (Decca)
• Jimmy McCracklin–What’s That (Pt. 1) (Mercury)
• Dodi Marshall–Sweet Potato (Pulse)
• Larry Williams–Woman (Mercury)
• Lue Cazz–Hey Wilma (Clock)
• Floyd Brown with Charles Brown at the Piano–Can I Have a Word (Ace)
• Marvin Gaye–I’m Yours, You’re Mine (Tamla)
• Little Bessie–For Your Love (Amy)
• Bobby Allen & Gee Pees–The Ya Ya Song (UPPP)
• ‘Little’ Frankie Brunson (Big Daddy)–How Can I Please You (Gee)
• Shirely & Jessie–Oh Baby (We Got A Good Thing Going) (Wand)
• The Ikettes–Da Doo Ron Ron (Modern)
• Teddy Randazzo–Ooh-Poo-Pah-Doo (ABC-Paramount)
• The Victorians–Monkey Stroll (Liberty)
• Chick Willis–Lean and Lanky (Mark IV)
• Philip & Lloyd (The Blues Busters)–Here I Am Come and Take Me (Scepter)
• Bob Marley & the Wailers–Trench Town Rock (Trojan; UK)
• The Heptones–Get in the Groove (Studio 1; Jamaica)
• The Natural Four–The Devil Made Me Do It (Chess)
• Lee Dorsey–What You Want (Is What You Get) (Bell)
• Barbara & the Browns–You Don’t Love Me (M-G-M/Sounds of Memphis)
• Rufus Williams; Walter Cato and his Orchestra–Shake My Leg (Sputnick)
• Howlin’ Wolf–Nature (Chess)
• J.B. Lenoir–Do What I Say (Vee-Jay)
• Danny and the Juniors–Cha Cha Go Go (Chicago Cha Cha) (Swan)
• King Coney and the Hot Dogs–Ba-Pa-Da Ba-Pa-Da (Legrand)
• Ironing Board Sam–Original Funky Bell Bottom (Googa-Mooga; France)
• Memphis Slim–Chunkin (Calumet; France)
• Little Sonny–We Got a Groove (Revilot)
• Eddie Bridges and His Lowriders–Peekaboo (Romark)
• Johnny Soul–Pt. I – A Dance Call (You Cookin With Soul) (Townes)
• Johnny Flamingo and the Cleartones–I Got Loaded (Caddy)
• The Shadows–Viajando en la Cubierta (Voyage to the Bottom Of) (Odeon; Nicaragua)
• Teddy and the Rough Riders–Money and Gold (Part 2) (Huron)
• The Fabulous Playboys–Nervous (Daco)
• Bill Warren–Riding in My Jaguar (Fay)
• Lloyd Price–Boo Hoo (ABC-Paramount)
• Lonnie Russ–Flip Flop (4J)
• The Diamonds–Sneaky Alligator (Mercury)
• The Isley Brothers–Lay-Away (T-Neck)
• Ken Boothe–Ain’t That Loving You (Lee; Jamaica)
• Ben E. King–It’s Amazing (Atco)
• Archie Bell & the Drells–The Yankee Dance (Regency; Canada)
• The Fabulous Denos–Bad Girl (King)
• Charlie Rich–Love Is After Me (Hi)

None of these records are for sale.

Mr. Fine Wine and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swing at Botanica!

As this is being typed, the Boogaloo Bag writers are listening to a fabulous radio show: Downtown Soulville on radio station WFMU, hosted by our pal Mr. Fine Wine. For one hour (from 8 to 9pm NYC Time) every Friday Mr. Fine Wine plays some super fantabulous soul, funk and R&B records. Listeners wish the show was longer—maybe five hours longer!

Well, if you want to hear that many of Mr. Fine Wine’s soul, funk and R&B records, we suggest you make it to Club Botanica every Wednesday night from about 9:30 or 10:00 to who knows when. It’s a groovy little joint on Houston Street in New York City that is managed by folks smart enough to ask the best soul music DJ in the world to lay down some funky mid-week sonic atmosphere. So there he is: Mr. Fine Wine, playing his great records—and he has been doing it for 20 years! The Boogaloo Bag writers try to make the scene when they can, but alas, it is on a school night, so sometimes they just sit at home and listen to their own soul records. Somehow, it is just not the same; Mr. Fine Wine has way better records!

Anyway, 20 years is a LONG time for a DJ night to take place—especially a weekly one. Much congratulations are in order for Mr. Fine Wine for keeping the place jumpin’ with such fine records over all these years. This is truly a tuff task to ask of anyone, but if anyone is up to it, it is Mr. Fine Wine. On Wednesday, March 23, he celebrated this feat and quite a few of our friends were on hand to celebrate with him.

Botanica was full of beautiful people when Mr. Fine Wine celebrated 20 years at the club!

Several of Mr. Fine Wine’s DJ friends were asked to participate (each swingin’ with a 15-or-so-minute set) including Warren Lee (of the late, lamented Empire State Soul Club), Jonathan Toubin (New York Night Train) and Chairman Mao (Bumpshop), all of whom the Boogaloo Bag writers missed because they left early. However, they were able to witness the most excellent DJ skills of Drew Redmond (Finger Lickin’ Fridays), Greg Tormo (Solid Hit Soul Club), Sean Connors (Friends and Lovers Soul Night) and the lovely Connie T Empress (Empire State Soul Club). Also in the house, and they may have participated, was Mikey Post (Daptone) and Young Chris (Thee Knights of the Turntables); probably others as well, but in the dark confines of Botanica, the Boogaloo Bag writers couldn’t recognize them! As the Boogaloo Bag writers were leaving, One Mint Julep (aka Honky Tonk Radio Girl, aka Mrs. Fine Wine) was preparing her set. It was a shame to miss it, but, as mentioned, it was a school night.

One Mint Julep and Connie T Empress discuss the finer points of Popcorn records at Botanica!

Drew Redmond, Connie T Empress and Greg Tormo swing at Botanica!

One of the DJs asked to participate was Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, who started the guest DJ action with a set of these instrumentals:

• Seleno Clarke–Stimulation (Scorpio Sounds)
• Andre Brasseur and his Multi-Sound Organ–The Duck (Palette; Italy)
• Pete Bennett & the Embers–Fever (Sunset)
• Bo Jr.–Coffee Pot – Pt. I (Tail-Gate)
• Mario Pagaro–Le Rock Du Roc (Atlas Copco; France)
• T-K-O’s with Hank Jacobs at the organ–The Charge (Ten Star)

None of these records are for sale.

Once again: Hearty congratulations to Mr. Fine Wine for 20 years of playing soul records at Botanica!!!

Connie T Empress congratulates Mr. Fine Wine for 20 years of service to the cause!

Tony Salvaje and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swing at WHAM-O WATUSI!

The international aspect of The WHAM-O WATUSI nights at the Bootleg Bar continued on Saturday March 19 when the guest DJ was Tony Salvaje, an expecially adept DJ who was born in El Salvador.

Tony Salvaje played some great records at WHAM-O WATUSI!

Tony Salvaje shows off one of the fine records he played at WHAM-O WATUSI!

Mr. Salvaje came to this country as a teenager and has since lived and DJed in Los Angeles and Seattle. His playing of fantastic rock’n’roll records is quite notable, and since moving to Brooklyn, he has often worked turntables at the fabulous ABC Rebel Nights and Shake It Up Sundays—two of the City’s best dance parties.

On this particular night, Mr. Salvaje rocked the house with his tremendous records, including those by acts from Peru and Mexico. He had the place jumpin’ all night. We hope to see him back at the WHAM soon.

This month’s WHAM-O WATUSI took place on the third Saturday of the month, trading with our pal Drew Redmond who usually holds forth at the Bootleg with his Sleaze to Please night, in order for host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus to take part in the Subway Soul Club festivities on the first Saturday of March. The WHAM will return to it’s regular night in April (the 2^nd) and, in keeping with the international jet-set theme of this year’s WHAM-O WATUSI scene, the special guest will be DJ Rata, a superb DJ from Venezuela who now lives in Brooklyn. He digs the rock, the bop and the mambo; and so will you. Be there!

Between his DJ sets, Tony Salvaje scored a replay on Bootleg Bar’s groovy pinball machine at WHAM-O WATUSI!

Meanwhile, on March 19, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus played a few records, too. All of them listed here:

• King Curtis & the Noble Knights–Wiggle Wobble (Specialty; UK)
• Bob Taylor–(Flyin’ High) After Hours (Stacy)
• The Shadows–Apache (Columbia; UK)
• Los Straightjackets–Brooklyn Slide (Yep Roc)
• Fabulous Continentals–Let’s Get Going (CB)
• The Destroyers–Compass (Cotillion)
• Sam (The Man) Taylor–Hit the Road (M-G-M)
• Bobby Darin and the Rinky Dinks–Mighty, Mighty Man (Atco)
• The Mask Man and the Agents with Hampton’s Band–Roaches (Loop)
• The Goodnight Kisses–If He Kissed Me (Atco)
• The Gentrys–You Make Me Feel So Good (M-G-M)
• The Houstons–Where Did Our Love Go (Hit)
• The Fenways–I Move Around (CO & CE)
• The Livers (The Chicagoans)–Beatle Time (Constellation)
• James Hunter Six–Talkin’ ‘Bout My Love (Daptone)
• The Fanatics–Woman (Caped Crusader)
• Tom Rush–Who Do You Love (Elektra)
• Count Rockin’ Sidney & His Dukes–Gonna Be Looking (Goldband)
• Los Sirex–Que Bueno, Que Bueno (Vergara; Spain)
• The Challengers–Moondawg (Vault)
• The Pastel Six–The Milkshake (Zen)
• The Dave Clark Five–Inside and Out (Epic)
• The Jerms–Green Door (Honor Brigade)
• The Hondels–Sea Cruise (Mercury)
• Joey Paige–Roll Over Beethoven (Vee Jay)
• Bruno Lomas–Jungle Hop (Discophon; Spain)
• Arthur Conley–Ha! Ha! Ha! (Atlantic; Spain)
• Ike & Tina Turner–I Wanna Jump (Minit)
• The Jaguars–Crazy Thing (Cap City)
• The Wailers–Ska Jerk (CoxSone; Jamaica)
• Billy Brooks with Red Saunders Band–Mambo Is Everywhere (Duke)
• Jimmy Daley and the Ding-A-Lings; vocal by Kip Tyler–Bongo Rock (Decca)
• Los Freddy’s (canta: Javier)–Me Siento Bien (Anahuac; Mexico)
• Les Lionceaux–Quatre Garçons Dans Le Vent (A Hard Day’s Night) (Fontana; Canada)
• Barbara Lynn–Money (Jamie)
• Brian Poole and the Tremeloes–Twist and Shout (Decca; UK)
• The Beavers–Why Baby Why (Seven Seas; Japan)
• Hermanos Carrion–Todo A Su Tiempo (Turn, Turn, Turn) (Orfeon; Mexico)
• Johnny and the Debonaires–The Bonecracker (Fenway)
• Bobby Byrd–Looby Doo (Zephyr)
• Ludaway–The Pig (Duel)
• The Kickapoo Kidd and the Deputies–The Kick-A-Poo Pt. 1 (Soulville)
• Bob Jenkins–The Fairytale Boogaloo (Up To Date)
• Comparsa Universitaria de La Laguna–Boogaloo en Tijuana (RCA Victor)
• Dodi Marshall–Good, Good Gravy (Pulse)
• The Lavenders–One More Time (Mercury)
• Betty Everett–The Real Thing (Vee Jay)
• Bunny Foote Watson–Donkey and the Goat (Part 1) A New Dance (Big Hawk)
• Prince Buster’s All Stars–One Step Beyond (Blue Beat; UK)
• The Joe Cuba Sextet–Oh Yeah! (Tico)
• Pierre Laurendeau–La La La La La (Ideal; Canada)
• The Brassettes–Brassette Rock (Ebb)
• Sonny Fulton–Sugar Woogah (Big Daddy)
• Wynona Carr–I’m Mad at You (Specialty)
• Little Booker–Open the Door (Ace)
• John Lee Hooker–She’s Mine (Vee Jay)
• The Primitives–Sneaky Pete (Pickwick City)
• Shadow Lake 8 Orchestra–Power (Em Kay)
• Teddy and the Rough Riders–Money and Gold (Part 1) (Huron)
• The Cherry Slush–I Cannot Stop You (U.S.A.)
• The ‘In’ Crowd—-Sha-La-La-La-Lee (Star Club; Germany)
• The Pretty Things–Don’t Bring Me Down (Fontana; UK)
• The Running Jumping Standing Still–Diddy Wah Diddy (Sunshine; Australia)
• Bo Diddley–Back to School (Checker)
• Smiley Lewis–Oh Red! (Imperial)
• Els 4 Gats–Tu Parles Molt (You Talk Too Much) (Ediphone; Spain)
• The Carnabeats–Mony Mony (Philips; Japan)
• Lonnie Youngblood–Wooley Bully (Fairmount)
• The Spencer Davis Group–Keep on Running (Atco)
• Bunny Sigler–Let the Good Times Roll and Feel So Good (Parkway)
• The MCoys–Come On Let’s Go (Bang)
• The Honeycombs–Have I the Right (Interphon)
• Mike Redway and the Beatmen–Can’t You See That She’s Mine (Discofoon; Netherlands)
• Bob Seger & the Last Heard–East Side Story (Cameo)
• The Newbeats–Top Secret (Hickory)
• The Young Executives–Everybody Do the Duck (Merucry)
• Sir Douglas–She Digs My Love (Tribe)
• Peter Jay and the Jaywalkers–Redskins (Decca; UK)

King Coney and the Hot Dogs–Ten Two and Four (Legrand)

None of these records are for sale.