Subway Soul Club Springs Into Action!!!

SSC_dancers_action

Subway Soul Club is the most fabulous sixties soul music dance club in New York City. Others have come and gone, but the Subway Soul Club, although not nearly as active as it was when it was held monthly, can still deliver the goods whenever hostess Lady Dawn decides it’s time to swing.

SSC_BirdsEye

On Saturday March 5, Subway Soul Club, with the aid of our friends at Cavestomp, held an event at Lucille’s, the comfortable room adjacent to BB King’s Blues Club on the edge of Times Square. This is what a night out is all about: going to Midtown to dine and dance and have a good time with good friends. This is why we live in New York City: because sitting at home on and watching TV on a Saturday night is for squares! This is heaven for all the hip cats and kittens who attend. The elegantly appointed Lucille’s, with its large dance floor, excellent food (yes, Lucille’s has a complete menu on which to dine!) and professional staff, is the perfect place for it to happen.

SSC_dancers1

The scene on this particular Saturday night was made ever more marvelous by the expert DJ efforts of the guest DJs: Gene Merideth and Sheila B.

Gene Merideth swings at Subway Soul Club!

Gene Merideth swings at Subway Soul Club!

Gene Merideth has been one of the Subway Soul Club’s favorite guest DJs since its early days back at the late, lamented Club Rififi. Nowadays, Mr. Merideth keeps himself busy on the vintage scooter scene (his company Scooters Originali repairs and restores vintage Vespas and Lambrettas) where he is often seen DJing at rallies. A few years ago he moved to the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania and DJs monthly at Porters Pub in Easton. He tells us that he finds good records in the area. Judging by the sound of the sets he played at the Subway Soul Club, he is finding GREAT records!

Sheila B swings at Subway Soul Club!

Sheila B swings at Subway Soul Club!

Sheila B is one of the most busy and popular DJs around. Last year she started her highly entertaining, educational and eclectic Sophisticated Boom Boom radio show on WFMU (heard every Friday from 3 to 6 PM). On the third Friday of the month she plays hostess at Our Wicked Lady in Bushwick with her Sh-Boom DJ night. She is the curator for a girl-pop-centric web-o magazine called Ch Cha Charming (every Boogaloo Bag reader should check it out). Also she is the producer of finely crafted re-issue compilations of girl group wonderment, most recently Love Hit Me! Decca Beat Girls 1962 – 1970. She knows her stuff, that’s for sure, and she proved it live and in person when she played records for Subway Soul Club!

SSC_Lady_Dawn

Lady Dawn swings at Subway Soul Club!

 

 

The event itself was a blast. The dance floor had activity going the entire night. The DJs all played fabulous records. A lot of our favorite familiar faces showed up to watusi, including filmmaker Rachael Guma who was celebrating a birthday. Also, there were plenty of new faces that we hope to see next time.

 

Next time, indeed! When will the next Subway Soul Club take place? Only hostess Lady Dawn knows for sure. She has been very busy with her own design business that we will be lucky to see another one this year. However, resident DJ Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus is going to push to have one in June or July and perhaps one in November. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed on that!

 

Speaking of the Phast One, he celebrated the amazing music being played that night by drinking one of Lucille’s fine root beer floats! He also played a couple of records, including salutes to the recently passed Clarence Reid and Maurice White (The Salty Peppers).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Subway Soul Club Crew: Sheila B, Gene Merideth, Lady Dawn & Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus.

The Subway Soul Club Crew: Sheila B, Gene Merideth, Lady Dawn & Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus.

Guest DJs Gene Merideth and Sheila B have graciously listed some of the records that they played:

 

Gene Merideth (partial list, in no order)

  • Etta James — Mellow Fellow (Argo)
  • Shirley & Jesse — You Can’t Fight Love (Wand)
  • Marlena Shaw — Let’s Wade In The Water (Cadet)
  • Bobby Wells — Bes That Way Sometimes (Romur)
  • Tommy Neal — Goin To A Happening (Pameline)
  • Greg Perry — Love Control (Chess)
  • Lee Rogers — Go Go Girl (D Town)
  • Dynells — Call On Me (Atco)
  • Melba Moore — Magic Touch (Kent; UK)
  • Jimmy Ruffin — He Who Picks A Rose (unissued)
  • Bobby Garrett — I Can’t Get Away (Mirwood)
  • Julian Covey — A Little Bit Hurt (Philips)
  • World Column — So Is The Sun (Tower)
  • Stemmons Express — Love Power (Wand)
  • Linda Jones — I Just Can’t Live My Life (WB)
  • Edwin Starr — Way Over There (Gordy)
  • Jimmy Breedlove — I Can’t Help Lovin You (Roulette)
  • Carl Hall — My Babys So Good (Mercury)
  • Adventurers — Easy Baby (Compass)
  • Cooperettes — Shing A Ling (Brunswick)
  • Moses Smith — Girl Across The Street (Dionn)
  • John Wesley — Love Is A Funny Thing (Melic)
  • Larry Williams & Johnny Watson — Quitter Never Wins (Okeh)
  • High Keys — Livin A Lie (Verve)
  • Frank Wilson — Do I Love You (Tamla/Motown; UK)

 

Sheila B (partial, in no order)

  • Pointer Sisters—Send Him Back (Atlantic)
  • The LaSalles—La La La La (V.I.P.)
  • Eddie Holman—I Surrender (ABC Records)
  • Billie Davis—Whatcha Gonna Do (Columbia)
  • The Capri Sisters—I Want You To Be My Boy (Newtown)
  • The Crystals (Featuring La La Brooks)—I Got A Man (United Artists)
  • Gia Mateo—If You Can’t Say Anything Nice (RCA Victor)
  • Carl Carlton—I Can Feel It (Back Beat)
  • Pearl Woods—Don’t Tell It All (Crackerjack)
  • Ann Cole—Each Day (Baton)
  • Nancy Adams—I Wanna Hear It From You (RCA Victor)
  • Cold Blood—I’m A Good Woman (San Francisco)
  • Mary Love—Lay This Burden Down (Modern)
  • Stella Starr—Bring Him Back (Piccadilly)
  • Big Maybelle—Quittin’ Time (Rojac)
  • Gloria Brown—Looking For My Baby (Checker)

 

Every record, in order, played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaoo Omnibus:

  • B.B. King–Poontwangie (Kent)
  • Booker T. & the MG’s–Tic-Tac-Toe (Stax)
  • J. Gardner–Mustard Greens (Blue Rock)
  • Teacho and the Students–Chills and Fever (OKeh)
  • The New Clarence Reid–Cadillac Annie (Phil-L.A. of Soul)
  • Tammi Terrell–This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) (Motown)
  • James Brown & the Famous Flames–Choo-Choo (King)
  • The Salty Peppers–Uh Huh Yeah (Captiol)
  • The Four Tops–I’ll Turn to Stone (Tamla/Motown; UK)
  • Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers featuring Guy Turner–Gonna Have a Lot of Fun (Atco)
  • Betty Wright–Sweet Lovin’ Daddy (Alston)
  • Lowell Fulsom–Tramp (Kent)
  • Roddie Joy–I Want You Back (Parkway)
  • The Marvelettes–Danger Heartbreak Dead Ahead (Tamla)
  • Smokey Robinson & the Miracles–Crazy About the La La La (Tamla)
  • Lonnie Youngblood–Soul Food (That’s What I Like) (Fairmount)
  • Ruby Andrews–Let’s Get a Groove Going On Part 1 (Zodiac)
  • Eddie Holland–Baby Shake (Motown)
  • Z.Z. Hill–Ain’t Too Proud to Beg (Audrey)
  • Four Tops–I Got a Feeling (Motown)
  • Major Lance–Forever (OKeh)
  • Roosevelt Grier–Since You’ve Been Gone (Recording Industries Corp)
  • Jr. Walker & the All Stars–Anyway You Wannta (Soul)
  • Beverly Ann Gibson–Do the Monkey (Jubilee)
  • Patti Austin–Got to Check You Out (Coral)
  • Cliff Nobles & Co.–The Horse (Phil-L.A. of Soul)
  • Nick Ashford–I Don’t Need No Doctor (Verve)
  • The Ikettes–What’cha Gonna Do (When I Leave You) (Phi-Dan)
  • Robb Fortune–Crazy Feelin (Paramount)
  • Trade Martin–Moanin’ (RCA Victor)
  • Bill Withers–Three Nights and a Morning (Lotus)
  • Dee Dee Sharp–Comin’ Home Baby (Cameo/Outta Sight; UK)
  • The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band–Brown Sugar (Warner Bros.)
  • Calif. Soul Explosion–Chain of Fools (Pashlo)
  • Eddie Floyd–Big Bird (Stax)
  • Shirley Ellis–Sugar Let’s Shing-A-Ling (Columbia)
  • Lee Moses–Reach Out, I’ll Be There (Musicor)
  • Dave Cortez & the Moon People–Happy Soul (w/a Hook) (Speed)
  • Curtis Mayfield–Move On Up Part 2 (Buddah; France)
  • Curtis Mayfield–Move On Up Part 1 (Curtom)
  • Jun Mayuzumi–Black Room (Captol; Japan)
  • Ramona King–Hey Everybody (Warner Bros.)
  • Edwin Starr–Agent Double-O-Soul (Ric-Tic)
  • The Webs–Give In (Popside)
  • The Precisions–If This Is Love (I’d Rather Be Lonely) (Drew)
  • Charlie McCoy & the Escorts–Screamin’, Shoutin’, Beggin’, Pleadin’ (Monument)
  • Cannibal and the Headhunters–Out of Sight (Rampart)
  • Les Beethovens–Pour Moi Ça Va (Miracle; Canada)
  • The Wailers–Simmer Down (CoxSone; Jamaica)
  • Prince Buster and the All Stars–Madness (Prince Buster; Jamaica)
  • Ela Laboriel–El Gato Negro (Musar; Mexico)
  • [no artist listed]–Mirza (Mlliat Freres; France)
  • The Lollipops–Busy Signal (RCA Victor)
  • Quincy Jones and His Orchestra–Soul Bossa Nova (Mercury)

None of these records are for sale.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus toasts Subway Soul Club with a root beer float!!

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus toasts Subway Soul Club with a root beer float!!

Subwaysoul BB KIngs 3.5.16-01

Rip! Rig! Robert!

Nogood Nick and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swing at Rip! Rig! Panic!

Nogood Nick and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swing at Rip! Rig! Panic!

Nogood Nick cues another Mod Jazz groove at Rip! Rig! Panic!

Nogood Nick cues another Mod Jazz groove at Rip! Rig! Panic!

Rip! Rig! Panic! is one of the Boogaloo Bag’s favorite events. Hosted by our friend Nogood Nick, it presents moderniste jazz along with sweet soul music in a manner that is very pleasing to the ear. It was for that express reason that Nogood Nick was often asked to guest DJ at the late, lamented DYNAGROOVE. Usually the Rip! Rig! is held on the second Friday of the month during the happy hour at Otto’s Shrunken Head. However, On Saturday February 27, a very special Rip! Rig! was held at a new joint in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn called the Robert Bar. Guest DJ was Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus.

 

The Robert Bar is groovy. It is outfitted with a marvelous décor, including three working lava lamps next to the DJ booth, and the walls consist of decades old tiles from around the world. The ceiling is made up of thousands of dominos. The swingin’ sounds, funky rhythms and organ grooves of the Rip! Rig! Panic! fit the Robert Bar perfectly. Our pal Yana Lil’ Jerk, who appears often in the Boogaloo Bag, dropped by to hang out and she became noticeably animated whenever a rocksteady beat emanated from the speakers.

Yana Lil' Jerk and Nogood Nick discuss the proper method of selecting 45 RPM records at Rip! Rig! Panic!

Yana Lil’ Jerk and Nogood Nick discuss the proper method of selecting 45 RPM records at Rip! Rig! Panic!

The owners of the Robert Bar seemed to be very pleased with the audio atmosphere developed by Mr. Nick and Mr. Boogaloo, so we expect them to be asked back soon—together or separately either way, it will be a gas and a half and all Boogaloo Bag readers should make the scene.

Here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at Rip! Rig! Panic! on February 27, 2016:

None of these records are for sale.

Brandon, Boogaloo and Bang Bang!

Three cool chicks swing at Wham-O Watusi!

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!

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!

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!

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 SightThe Lone WolfDon 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!

BRANDON!

BOOGALOO!

BOOGALOO!

BANG BANG!

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:

 

 

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.

Beautiful flyer designed by Mister Brandon Pierce Peck.

 

Post Blizzard BIG TEN INCH Action!

 

_Red_Raven

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 24th) 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

DJ Mike Crash

Tony Salvaje

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

Adam Lore

Alex De Laszlo

Alex De Laszlo

Andy Upsetter

Andy Upsetter

DJ Rata

DJ Rata

Juke Joint Jonny

Juke Joint Jonny

Michael McMahon

Michael McMahon

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus

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:

 

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:

 

78_Basie78_Billie_Holiday

 

 

 

 

 

78_Bob_King78_Creole_Fantasy

 

 

 

 

 

78_Sonny_T78_Sultans

 

 

 

 

 

78_Tito_Rod78_Western

 

 

 

 

 

78_Good_Bait

 

Do the LIMBO, baby!

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

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!

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 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 into to dig the scene with Yana Lil-Jerk at LIMBO! He's the one who took all the photos!!

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!

 

None of these records are for sale.

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

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

¡Ritmos Bailables y Boogaloo!

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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Casino Boogaloo Royale — Happy New Year!!!

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

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.

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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.

NYE_2016_OlStark

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!!

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.

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78 Revolutions Per Minute!

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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_B_78

Ted Barron

Michael_McM_78

Michael McMahon

Rata_78

Dj Rata

Rich_S_78

Rich Sibello

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Josh_78

Josh Styles

Adam_78

Adam Lore

Bob_P_78

Bob Pomeroy

 

 

 

Domenick_78

Dominick Constanzo

Alex_78

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 11th 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):

 

None of these 78s are for sale!

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The greatest record ever made!

Sip & Shop A’ Go-Go!

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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 10th 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:

None of these records are for sale.

The Captain Goes WHAM-O!

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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.

 

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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:

 

None of these records are for sale.

Owie

The psychedelic Captain Heartlock!