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

WHAM-O WATUSI is a whole new scene, concocted in the Wang Dang Doodle laboratory by crazy people. It is the playing of old 45 RPM records containing all sorts of reet sounds: in other words—folks bangin’ on shit and screamin’!!! Wham-O Watusi will take place at the Bootleg Bar in downtown Bushwick, Brooklyn, whenever host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus gets a night there (hint: next Wham-O Watusi will take place on Friday August 14).

The first Wham-O Watusi happened on July 10, with guest DJ Rata.

DJ Rata hosts several fine dance events around town. The most spectacular, of course, are his late afternoon Shake It Up Sundays at Rockaway Beach during the summer. He also hosts Mambo Jambo, a swingin’ affair held at Otto’s Shrunken Head. Mr. Rata has a strong collection of reet music: jump blues, surf, R&B, garage, rock’n’roll. He is from Venezuela, so he comes fully equipped with mambo records, too, which he played in abundance. The Boog, likewise, spiced his sets up with a few mambos and records with bongos and even some sung in Spanish, just to make DJ Rata feel at home. There was no need. When Rata was working the turntables, he was on fire, playing some absolutely fabulous records. Dig a few here:

Here is a list of records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the very first ever Wham-O Watusi:

• The Dave Pell Singers–Mah-Ná-Mah-Ná (Liberty)
• The Atlantics–Bombora (CBS; Netherlands)
• The Routers–Crack Up (Warner Bros.)
• Ziggy Gonzales and His Orchestra–Salt and Pepper (Glen)
• The Fortunes–St. Johns’ Cha Cha (Lake)
• Pete Terrace et son Orchestre-It’s Boogaloo Time [from EP Le Boogaloo] (Disques Vogue; France)
• Rude Girl–Cocky a Boss (Chappy)
• Miriam Makeba–Pata Pata (Reprise)
• Jimmy Soul–Ella Is Yella (S.P.Q.R.)
• Roy Lee Johnson–Black Pepper Will Make You Sneeze (OKeh)
• The Nashville Teens–T.N.T. (London)
• The Deejays–Dimples (International Polydor Production; Germany)
• The Dootones–Ay Si Si (Dooto)
• Toni Stante–Donde Esta Santa Claus? (Parkway)
• Los Faros–Se Llama Eufrasia (Novola; Spain)
• Los Yakis–Agnete Secreto (Capito; Mexico)
• The Dave Clark Five–At the Scene (Epic)
• The Blue Things–Twist and Shout (RCA Victor)
• Dick Dale and His Del-Tones–Surfin’ and A-Swingin’ (Capitol)
• The Astronauts–Hot-Doggin’ (RCA Victor)
• Freddie Cannon–Summertime U.S.A. (Warner Bros.)
• The Orchids–From Bad to Worse (Columbia)
• The Ramrocks–Pasha (Press)
• Dick and Libby Halleman and Their Society Orchestra vs. Tom and Ray–Pizza Sure Is Good (Summit)
• Lloyd Price and His Band–Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance (Specialty)
• Paul Revere & the Raiders–Swim (Columbia)
• Grupo Sta. Cecilia; canta: Sergio Ruíz–1 – 2 – 3 Hustle (Orfeon; Mexico)
• Love Childs Afro Cuban Blues Band–Life and Death in G&A (Roulette)
• The Maytals–54-46 (Shelter)
• The Clarendonians–Rudie Bam Bam (Coxsone)
• The Ska Kings with Monty Morris & Chorus–Oil in My Lamp (Atlantic)
• Nat Kendrick and the Swans; vocal by King Coleman–(Do The) Mashed Potatoes (Part 1) (Dade)
• Howling Wolf–Riding in the Moonlight (Modern Oldies)
• Donovan–Hey Gyp (Dig the Slowness) (Hickory)
• Los Rockin’ Devil’s–La Pequeña Lupe Lu (Little Latin Lupe Lu) (Orfeon; Mexico)
• Palito Ortega–Poco Puedo Darte (RCA Victor)
• Andy and the Classics–Wilma (Hurd)
• The Arrows featuring Davie Allan–Apache ’65 (Tower)
• The Ventures–The McCoy (Dolton)
• The McCoys–Say Those Magic Words (Bang)
• The Reflections–(Just Like) Romeo & Juliet (Golden World)
• Roy Orbison–Twinkle Toes (M-G-M)
• Terry Klein with Dee-Jay & the Runaways–Keep on Running (Stone)
• Kela Gates–Te Alcanzare [ Reach Out ] (Virrey; Peru)
• Billy Harner–Watch Your Step (OR)
• The Doors–Break on Through (To the Other Side) (Elektra; UK)
• The (St. Thomas) Pepper Smelter–In. A. Gadda. Da. Vida (Virrey; Peru)
• Donna Loren–So Do the Zonk (Capitol)
• The Driftwoods–The Antillean Mango (Laurie)
• The Defenders–Wooly Bully (Sonet; Europe)
• Hank Diamond–Soul Sauce (Wachi Wara) (World Pacific)
• Jules Blattner–No Money Down (Coral)
• Ronny and the Daytonas–Bucket ‘T’ (Mala)
• Randy & the Rainbows–Little Hot Rod Suzie (Rust)
• The Del-Vetts–I Call My Baby STP (Dunwich)
• The Music Machine–Double Yellow Line (Original Sound)
• Bob Brady & the Con Chords–It’s Love (Chariot)
• Marcie Blane–Bobby’s Girl (Seville)
• Elvis Presley with the Jordanaires–Let Yourself Go (RCA Victor; UK)
• Mad Dog & the Pups–Hip Squeeze Part I (Magic City)
• The incredible Bongo Band–Bongolia (Pride)
• Earl Grant–House of Bamboo (Decca)
• Los Hispanos–Macondo (Discos Fuentes; Columbia)
• Orquesta Joe Cain–Chunga Au Go Go Chunga (Mainstream)
• Ricardo Ray–Ya Ya (Alegre)
• Joe Bataan–Johnny’s No Good (Fania)

None of these records are for sale.

Note: Although this post is out of chronological sequence, Wham-O Watusi should not be overlooked. It is a happening event and you should be part of the next one…happening on Friday August 14 at the Bootleg Bar. Be there and get Wham-O-fied!!

Wham-O-Fication of Bushwick begins!!!

ABC Rebel Night is quite possibly the most fabulous Rock’n’Roll dance party in the world!! A couple weeks ago (July 17, 18 & 19, 2015) it celebrated it’s Tenth Anniversary with a super tremendous three day event. On the Friday, a regular Rebel Night Wild Dance Party was held at the Grand Victory in Williamsburg (with our pal DJ Jumpy as one of the guest DJs). Then on the Saturday and Sunday, the celebrations continued at the Shop in Bushwick with live acts and even more wildness: burlesque dancers, limbo contest, barbeque, you name it!

The Clams

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus was asked to supply some of the rockin’ tunes, as well as the soundtrack for the limbo contest—grand prize: $100!!!—on the Saturday.

The acts that played the shows included The Clams, Muck and the Mires, Rick Palumbo and the Flipped Fedoras, Jukebox Jodi and Her 45s, The Garnet Hearts, Josh Hi-Fi Sorheim, Will and the Hi-Rollers and Silvertooth Loos and the Witch. PLUS, Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny (“Sleepwalk”) headlined on Sunday (unfortunately, the Boogaloo Bag writers were away at another event and sadly missed the swingin’ pedal steel guitar playing of Mr. Farina). Other DJs included Hank (from Germany), Savage Matt (from Detroit) and Tommy Rivera (from Chicago).

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so the graphics department of the Boogaloo Bag has worked overtime to present these wonderful photos taken on the Saturday night of this very special event. Click on the photos and they will magically big-o-fi to a size that will not hurt the eyes!

The Boog wishes to thank all the cool Rebel Night crew for inviting him to be part of the scene once again: Thanks Seiji, Junichi, Hiromu and Miss Katie. We hope to see you next year for Hula Rock III!!!

Hiromu and Junichi swing at Hula Rock II!!

Will and the Hi-Rollers (from Las Vegas).

Silvertooth Loos and the Witch from (Los Angeles).

Here’s a list of all the songs played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, including those played during the limbo contest:

• The Astronauts–Baja (RCA Victor)
• Elvis Presley with the Jordanaires–Rock-A-Hula Baby (Twist Special) (RCA; UK)
• The Rivieras–Let’s Go to Hawaii (Riviera)
• Mickey Gilley–Down the Line (Astro)
• Chubby Checker–Limbo Rock (Parkway)
• Little Anthony & the Imperials–Limbo Part 2 (End)
• Lord Flea and His Calypsonians–Shake Shake Sonora (Capitol)
• Young William and the Jamaicans–Limbo Drum Part II (Dimension)
• The Mighty Sparrow–Bang Bang Lulu (RA; West Indies)
• Preston Epps–Afro Mania (Jo-Jo)
• Willie White & the Bleu Matts–Everybody Dance (Odessa)
• Kid Thomas–Rockin’ This Joint To-Nite (Transcontinental Recording Co.)
• Ba Ba Thomas–Miss Shake It (King)
• Los Sirex–El Tren de la Costa (Vergara; Spain)
• Ronnie Hawkins & the Hawks–Diddley Diddley Daddy (Hawk; Canada)
• The Versatones–Bila (Atlantic)
• The Staccatos–C’mon Everybody (Capitol Canada)
• Eddie Kirk–The Grunt (Fortune)
• The Matadors–Wobble Wobble (Forbes)

None of these records are for sale.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swings at Hula Rock II!!

On July 16, Phast Phreddie the Boogalo Omnibus was a guest DJ at Out of Sight, the groovy new soul music dance party held every Thursday and hosted by our pal DJ Xerox at the Beauty Bar in Manhattan. This time out, The Boog’s partner was Peanut Butter Brown. Mr. Peanut Butter is making a final tour of DJ nights, as he is due to move to San Francisco in the early fall. New York City will miss him and his Uptown Getdown series of soul music events.

On this night, Peanut Butter Brown and the Boogaloo Omnibus traded thirty-minute sets. As the evening was winding down, a bunch of revelers appeared and the two DJs responded by making them dance an extra half-hour after the event was scheduled to end!

DJ Xerox, who also hosts the cool Copycat Cover Song Night at Otto’s Shrunken Head, was in and out of the room all night, shaking hands and buying drinks for his friends. The Boog paid tribute to him by playing the “Copy Cat” song, then following it with a whole slew of cover songs; 12 of next 14 records he played!

Here’s a list of everything played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at Out of Sight:

• Bobby Bryant Sextet–58th Street (Cadet)
• Booker T & the MG’s–Big Train (Stax)
• Ray Charles–One Mint Julep (Impulse)
• Freddie Hubbard–Backlash (Atlantic)
• Jo Ann Garrett–That Little Brown Letter (Duo)
• Lloyd Price–Take All (JAD)
• The Festivals–Hey Girl (Blue Rock)
• The Soul Believers–Charlena (Smak)
• Mike Kelly–I Know (Megaphone)
• Pauline Shivers–You Better Tell Him No (O-Pex)
• Leon Haywood–Ain’t No Use (Fat Fish)
• The Bluesbusters–I’ve Gotta Get There (Capitol)
• Tommy Bryant–I Wanna Come Home to You Baby (T-Neck)
• Midnight Movers–Stop Look and Listen (Elephant V Ltd.)
• Lina–Dip (Soulside)
• Edwin Starr–I Want My Baby Back (Gordy)
• United Image–Love’s Creeping Up on Me (Volt)
• The Showstoppers–What Can a Man Do? (Showtime)
• David Morris, Jr.–(Everything Is) Hunky Funky (I’ll Be Anything If You Want Me) (Philips)
• The Persuasions–Party in the Woods (Minit)
• Geater Davis–Wrapped Up in You (House of Orange)
• The J.B.s–The Grunt (Part 1) (King)
• Dizzy Gillespie–Chicken Giblets (Tribute)
• Freddy-Henchi & the Soulsetters–Popcorn Baby (Tower)
• Johnny Talbot and De-Thangs–Git Sum (Jasman)
• Don Julian and the Meadow Larks–Philly Jerk (Jerk)
• LaVern Baker–One Monkey (Don’t Stop the Show) (Brunswick)
• The Question Marks–Doin’ the Thing (Money)
• Bobby Marchan–I’ve Got a Thing Going On (Dial)
• J.J. Caillier with Dalton Francis & the Flaming Arrows–I Got a Groove (Maison de Soul)
• The Savonics–Soul Groove (MTA)
• Darlene Payne & the O.D. Girls–Copy Cat (O.P.J.)
• Donnie Brooks–Hush (Happy Tiger)
• Sam Moore–Shop Around (Atlantic)
• Sly and the Family Stone–I Can’t Turn You Lose (Loadstone)
• Hot Property–Hard to Handle (Generation)
• Bobby Powell–Funky Broadway ’69 (Whit)
• Tommy Strand–I Wanna Testify (Fame)
• The Exclusive–Gracias (Thank You) (Palacio; Venezuela)
• Maurice Williams–Oo Poo Pah Do (Dee Su)
• Joe Tex–S.Y.S.L.J.F.M. (The Letter Song) (Dial)
• Gerry and the Georgettes–Quicksand (Hit)
• Gentleman June Gardner–Last Night (Emarcy)
• The Stylettes–On Fire (Cameo)
• Les Preachers–Allons Danser (Où il y a de l’action) (Plaza; Canada)
• Marthe Fleurant–Pense A Notre Amour (Choc!; Canada)
• Lee Dorsey–Candy Yam (Amy)
• Four Tops–Don’t Let Him Take Your Love From Me (Motown)

None of these records are for sale.

Our pal $mall ¢hange can only be described as a crazy Californian—especially if you were to meet and hang out with him for a short period. However, get to know him and you will know a fine example of humanity: intelligent, sincere, honest and possessing a fine sense of humor. He sponsors the Blackcrack group on the Facebooks—a bunch of folks discussing DJ gigs and all sorts of things dealing with vinyl records—and is himself one of the finest club DJs in the City. The Boogalooo Bag writers have never been to a room where $mall ¢hange was working and witnessed people sitting on their hands. When $mall ¢hange says, “dance!” everybody dances!

Recently, $mall ¢hange has become a club owner. He and the fine people who own The Commodore have joined forces and opened a new joint called El Cortez. It is a Tex-Mex restaurant with a hip jungle theme. It has two floors: the first floor serves the food and the upstairs Safari Room is where there is another bar and a dance floor.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus was asked to DJ in the main room on Tuesday June 30. The Boogaloo Bag writers are here to tell you that this is one beautiful club. Located in the industrial area of East Williamsburg, El Cortez is notable as soon as you see it, with its tall totem pole and full moon on the façade. Walk in and you will be doubly impressed by the very groovy décor. (The Boogaloo Bag writers are embarrassed that proper photos of the place were not taken on this night, so The Boog will have to be asked back in order for photographic evidence to appear in the Boogaloo Bag.) The Boog made the scene on a slow Tuesday evening (is there ever a busy Tuesday?), but folks were in the room all night, boppin’ and appropriately groovin’ to a night The Boog called INSTANT GROOVE!

INSTANT GROOVE! combines musics of various hot rhythms: funk, soul, reggae, mambo, afro-beat—totally in cahoots with the jungle-themed venue. At various times, El Cortez clientele approached the DJ booth to express satisfaction with the DJs selections. Here is a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at INSANT GROOVE! at El Cortez:

• King Curtis & the Kingpins–Instant Groove (Atco)
• The Seven Souls–Groovin In (Venture)
• Billy ‘Guitar’ Davis–You Put Me in a Groove (A&M)
• J.J. Caillier with Dalton Francis & the Flaming Arrows–I Got a Groove (Maison de Soul)
• The Heptones–Get in the Groove (Studio 1; Jamaica)
• The Destroyers–Compass (Cotillion)
• Underground Vegetables–Melting Pot (Ximeno)
• Terry Montana–Why Can’t We Live Together (Vogue; France)
• Quartette Trés Bien–Boss Trés Bien Part 1 (Norman)
• The Latin All Stars–Oye Como Va (Roper)
• Pace-Setters–Push on Jessie Jackson (Kent)
• Tony Newman–Soul Thing (Parrot)
• Bobby Bennett–Bumble Bee (Sting Me) (Philadelphia International)
• Tony Aiken & Future 2000–Soul Disco (Kimsha)
• Eddie Bo–If It’s Good to You (It’s Good For You) Part I (Scram)
• The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band–Do Your Thing (Warner Bros.)
• Mongo Santamaria–I Got You (I Feel Good) (Columbia)
• The Cheap Skates–Latin Skate (Bang)
• Johnny El Bravo; canta: Toñito Lopez–No Hay Dinero (Proyect)
• The International Ray Camacho & the Teardrops–Caballo Negro (California Artists Corp.)
• Reebop Kwaku Baah–Kye Kye Kule (Island)
• Augustus Pablo–King Tubby Meets the Rockers Uptown (Mango)
• The Meditations–Tricked (United Artists; UK)
• Lou Donaldson–Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky (From Now On) (Blue Note)
• The Four Tops–One Chain Don’t Make No Prison (Probe; UK)
• Tyrone Davis–Love Bones (Dakar)
• Gunga Din–Crabcakes (Valise)
• Beaufort Express–Here I Come (Priscilla)
• The U-Dwi Peoples Paraphernalia–Push and Pull (The Tom Jones) (BRC)
• The Undisputed Truth–Law of the Land (Gordy)
• Funkadelic–Red Hot Momma (20th Century/Westbound)
• Paul Humphrey & His Cool Aid Chemists–Funky L.A. (Lizard)
• The Rascals–Jungle Walk (Columbia)
• Osibisa–Music for Gong Gong (Decca)
• Vic Upshaw; Mickey Baker Orchestra–Popcorn Crazy (Disc A-Z; France)
• Vigon–Popcorn Popcorn (Egg; France)
• Preston Epps–Mister Bongos (Donna)
• Jimmy Cliff–Guns of Brixton (Collective Sounds; UK)
• Aswad–Three Babylon (Island; UK)
• Meditations–Wake Up! (Double-D)
• Dennis Brown–Rock With Me Baby (Observer; Jamaica)
• Marvin Gaye–You’re the Man (Part 1) (Tamla)
• Mongo Santamaria–Hippo Walk (Atlantic)
• Boogaloo Assassins–No, No, No (Sicario)
• Pete Terrace et son Orchestre–Here Comes Pete [from EP Le Boogaloo] (Disques Vogue; France)
• The Joe Cuba Sextet–Push, Push, Push (Tico)
• Melvin Jackson–Funky Skull – Part 1 (Limelight)
• The Fatback Band–Njia (Nija) Walk (Street Walk) (Perception)
• Ondatrópica–Pig Bag (Soundway; UK)
• Black Soul–Africa, Africa (Vogue; France)
• Tommy McCook and the Supersonics–Tribute to Don (Yew)
• Laurel Aitken–Mr. Popcorn (NewBeat; UK)
• Lee Dorsey–Give It Up (Amy)
• Tommy Strand–Am I Groovin’ You (Fame)
• Willie Tomlin–Stroke My Yoke (Peacock)
• Everyday People–I Like What I Like Part 2 (Paramount)
• The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band–Giggin’ Down 103rd (Warner Bros.-Seven Arts)
• Billy Sha-Rae–Let’s Do It Again (Triple B)
• Mark V Unlimited–Gone! (Sagport)
• The Trammps–Hold Back the Night (Buddah)
• Dave Collins–Shackatac (Rhino; UK)
• Upsetters–Return of Django (Upsetter; UK)
• Mongo Santamaria & Orchestra–Tacos (Riverside)
• Ray Rivera Orch.–Guava (M-G-M)
• [no artist listed]–Get It On (Hoctor)
• Lee Fields–Tell Her I Love Her (Bedford)
• Naomi Shelton featuring Cliff Driver–Talkin’ About a Good Thing (Daptone)
• Jo Ann Garrett–Sting Me Baby (Duke)
• Eddie Bo & the Soul Finders–We’re Doing It (The Thang) Pt. 1 (Vampi Soul; Spain)
• Bobby Rush–Done Got Good to Me Pt. I (Sedgrick)
• Eugene Morgan–It’s Your Voodoo Working (Full Sail)
• Señor Soul–Pata Pata (Double Shot)
• Cris Powell–Mambo Powell (Grand)
• Johnny Zamot–Mambo Village (Decca)
• Fela Ransome-Kuti and the Africa ’70–Chop and Quench (Regal Zonophone; UK)
• Jackie Mittoo & Randy’s All Stars–30-60-90 (Dynamite; UK)
• Burning Spear–Lion (Island; UK)
• Dellenger & King Tubby–Jah Jah Dub (Jackpot; Jamaica)
• Warren Covington and His Orchestra–El Watusi (Decca)
• Ray & His Court–Soul Freedom (Jazzman; UK)
• Billy Martin and the Soul Jets–The Strut (London; Canada)
• The Beginning of the End–Monkey Tamarind (Alston)
• The Fabulous Fugitives featuring Michael Sharkey–You Made Me Cry (Cultures of Soul)
• Syl Johnson–I Take Care of Homework (Twinight)
• The Barons–No More Baby Love (Shout)
• Don Gregory & the Soul Trainers–Soul Line (Apt)
• Earl King–Mama & Papa (Listening Post)
• Richard Groove Holmes–Don’t Mess With Me (Blue Note)
• Leon Thomas–Let’s Go Down to Lucy’s (Flying Dutchman)
• Black Heat–The Jungle – Pt. I (Atlantic)
• The Al Capps Band–Sissy Strutt (Columbia)
• Walter Wanderley–Kee-Ka-Roo (Verve)
• Jackie Edwards & Soulmakers–Che Che (Daran)
• Jack Costanzo; guitar – Neil Norman–Viva Tirado (GNP Crescendo)
• Willie Bobo–Fried Neckbones and Home Fries (Verve)
• Joe Thomas–Chitlins and Cuchifritos (Today)
• Merry Clayton–Good Girls (Ode ’70)
• Bill Withers–Better Off Dead (Sussex)
• Max Romeo & the Upsetters–One Step Forward (Island)
• El-Rego et ses Commados–Hessa (L.A.Aux Ecoutes; Nigeria)
• Grupo Sta. Cecilia; canta: Sergio Ruíz–1 – 2 – 3 Hustle (Orfeon; Mexico)
• King Errison–Samba D Jubilee (Canyon)
• Nanette Workman–Lady Marmalade (instrumental) (Pacha; Canada)
• The Devil’s Anvil–Karkadon (Columbia)
• The Hip Sound–Far Out (Limelight)

None of these records are for sale

Roomful of Blues celebrates the music of Doc Pomus at Lincoln Center!

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus has been asked to DJ at Lincoln Center’s fabulous Midsummer Nights’ Swing series of concerts and dance events for about ten years now—maybe more. Each time it is a gas. Except when it gets rained out. Last year’s event was rained out; it poured like it was the end of the world, thunder echoed through and lightning reflected off the glass and iron skyscrapers of Midtown—an awesome display of nature but the night was cancelled. Billed as “Save the Last Dance for Me: Roomful of Blues plays the Music of Doc Pomus,” it was rescheduled for June 27 of this year.

It rained on this night, also, but not nearly like last year. An abbreviated version of the show took place, but with the dance floor closed off, and everyone who showed up was allowed into the tented V.I.P. area, where the friends, fans and family of Doc Pomus were determined to celebrate the accomplishments of the great man on this evening, which would have been Mr. Pomus’ ninetieth birthday!

Due to the rain, the dance instruction portion of the show was not performed; The Boog only played one set of records, for about an hour; and Roomful of Blues played one long ninety minute set. But the songwriter was definitely given a fine tribute and those who attended were very pleased with it.

Doc Pomus is one of the finest songwriters of the last half of the Twentieth Century. To list all the songs he wrote may take up the whole internets, but check the song titles in The Boog’s set list and note that the band performed a whole hour of Pomus’ songs without playing any of the songs in the list (well, maybe one.). Also, the Boogaloo Bag reader is strongly urged to see AKA Doc Pomus, a documentary about him. (Also, click on the link every time his name is mentioned for more information on him.)

Roomful of Blues is quite simply the premier practitioner of jump blues in the country—perhaps the world—and has been such almost since it’s inception in 1967. The group, with it’s honkin’ horns and hot rhythm section, can swing with the best of them, lay down a funky soul beat and play a bop that just won’t stop. Although its personnel changes from time to time, it maintains an extraordinary high level of playing. It can only be described as an American institution dedicated to playing a style of music that must not die. In the past it has often acted as a most excellent backing band for such legends of jump blues as Big Joe Turner, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson and Earl King. Today it is a proud carrier of the torch.

Jenni Muldaur swings with Roomful of Blues at Lincoln Center.

The group was a most excellent choice to be part of this celebration of Pomus’ music, as The Roomfuls have cut several of his songs, and the songwriter was instrumental in the group getting its initial recording contract back in the Seventies. This is a clear example of the best possible act being involved with a most worthy tribute. Plus, Jenni Muldaur, a woman whose fame has never caught up with the power of her voice, was on hand, along with a trio of women backup singers, to sing Dion & the Belmonts’ hit “Why Must I Be a Teenager in Love” and “I’m Gonna Cry Til My Tears Run Dry,” first cut by the great Irma Thomas. These people were obviously prepared and delivered the goods. No doubt Doc Pomus was looking down from heaven with a great big smile on his face!

Here’s a list of the songs—all written or co-written (mostly with Mort Shuman) by Doc Pomus—played by DJ Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at Midsummer Nights’ Swing:

• The Drifters–Save the Last Dance for Me (Atlantic)
• Andy Williams–Can’t Get Used to Losing You (Columbia)
• Frankie Love–First Star (Loma)
• Freddie McCoy–Lonely Avenue (Prestige)
• The Drifters–Sweets for My Sweet (Atlantic)
• The Mystics–Hushabye (Laurie)
• The Drifters–This Magic Moment (Atlantic)
• Elvis Presley–(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame (RCA Victor)
• Ray Charles–You Be My Baby (Atlantic)
• Joe Turner with Choker Campbell and his Orchestra–Love Roller Coaster (Atlantic)
• Richard Barrett–Snake and the Bookworm (20th Fox)
• The Drifters–I Count the Tears (Atlantic)
• Jimmy Clanton–Go, Jimmy, Go (Ace)
• Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires–(It’s a) Long, Lonely Highway (RCA Victor)
• Fabian–Hound Dog Man (Chancellor)
• Frank Alamo–Ma Biche (Sweets for My Sweet) (Barclay; Canada)
• Terry Stafford–Suspicion (Crusader)
• Steve Rowland with Earl Palmer and Band–Say the Word (Intro)
• Jerry Lee Lewis and His Pumping Piano–Save the Last Dance for Me (Sun)
• The Lone Twister–The Lone Twister (Atlantic)
• Ray Charles–Carrying That Load (Atlantic)
• Elvis Presley with The Jordanaires–Viva Las Vegas (RCA Victor)
• Gary (U.S.) Bonds–Seven Day Weekend (Legrand)
• Jerry Grant and the Rockabilly Bandits–Someday Maybe Tonight (Atco)

None of these records are for sale

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swings at Lincoln Center!

The Mighty Fine swings at Club Hi-Fi!

The Mighty Fine is one of the finest new teen combos going. Based in Brooklyn, the group plays from time to time and always presents an exciting show. The Boogaloo Bag writers have witnessed this act on several instances, and each one it seems the group is getting better and better. The Mighty Fine is led by the mighty fine singer Steve Myers, who also sings back-up in the current touring version of The Afghan Whigs. When The Mighty Fine were asked to play the rock club Hi-Fi in Manhattan on Saturday May 30, it was Mr. Myers who insisted that Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus DJ the after show party at the club… and so it happened!

Mighty Fine singer Steve Myers emotes at Club Hi-Fi!

The group is not called The Mighty Fine for nothing. The sound is good—garage-tinged modern rock occasionally spiced up with a funk rhythm—and Mr. Myers is a singer who is totally immersed in R&B from the eighties. This is not a bad thing; such acts as The Gap Band, Maze and of course Prince made terrific records back then. While waiting for the group’s next gig, the Boogaloo Bag writers suggest to the reader to find a copy of Mighty Fine’s LP Get Up to Get Down (Drug Front Records) and dig it.

Speaking of the eighties, this event was also notable for the appearance of some mighty fine familiar faces that go back to The Boog’s California days. Greg De La Peña and his lovely wife Melissa were at the gig, sat as close as possible to The Boog as he spun his platters, and thoroughly dug the scene. The Boog remembers them fondly from the era when he worked at the Rhino Record Store in Westwood; a lot of water under the bridge, but what refreshing water it is! The reunion was even nicer when, after the DJ gig, these three and Nancy “Jeannie” Gardner made their way to Stromboli’s on St. Mark’s Place and First Avenue to partake in the mighty fine pizza there!

Greg, Melissa and Phast swing at Club Hi-Fi!

Here is a list of every record—exactly one hundred—played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus after The Mighty Fine played its show. A quick look at it and once could easily see that he not only took the event seriously, but clearly he had fun with it, playing many old favorites and a bunch of new acquisitions. Plus, one attendee dug the Lee Fields version of The Sonics’ “Shot Down” so much he asked that it played again. And so it was! Dig it:

• Rex Garvin (and the Mighty Cravers)–Sock It to ‘Em J.B. – Part I (Like)
• Willie Mitchell–That Driving Beat (Hi)
• The Temptations–All I Need (Gordy)
• Jamo Thomas & His Party Brothers Orchestra–I Spy (For the FBI) (Thomas)
• Wilson Pickett–Fire and Water (Atlantic)
• Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band–Electricity (Buddah; UK)
• The Shadows of Knight–Light Bulb Blues (Dunwich)
• The Tempters–Secret Password (Philips; Japan)
• Les Mersey’s–Si Tu M’Aimes (Telédisc; Canada)
• Los Mustangs–Dejen De Pensar En Mi (Gonna Have a Good Time) (DCA; El Salvador)
• Mickey Lee Lane–Hey San-Lo-Ney (Swan)
• Elvis Presley with the Jordanaires–Spinout (RCA Victor)
• Roy Orbison and the Candy Men–Oh’ Pretty Woman (Monument)
• The Who–Happy Jack (Reaction; UK)
• Toots & the Maytals–Pressure Drop (Beverley’s; UK)
• The Slickers–Papa Was a Rolling Stone (Ice; Jamaica)
• Charly and the Bourbon Family–Boogachi (Poplandia; Spain)
• Ronny Kae and His Drums–Harry – Play Those Drums (Honey)
• Otis Redding–Day Tripper (Atco; France)
• Ginette Reno–QuelQu’un a Aimer (Somebody to Love) (Apex; Canada)
• The Rolling Stones–Get Off My Cloud (London)
• Michel Polnareff–Time Will Tell (4 Corners of the World)
• The Spiders–Hey Boy (Philips; UK)
• Eddie Floyd–Big Bird (Stax)
• Lou Courtney–Rubber Neckin’ (Chick Checkin’) (Verve)
• The People’s Choice–The Wootie-T-Woo (Phil-L.A. of Soul)
• Ohio Players–Skin Tight (Mercury)
• James Brown–Hot Pants Pt 1 (She Got to Use What She Got to Get What She Wants) (People)
• Shark Wilson & the Basement Heaters–Make It Reggae (Soul Jazz; UK)
• The Champs–Sombrero (Challenge)
• The Zanies–The Blob (Era)
• Milt Sealey–Jelly Bean (Philips)
• Howlin’ Wolf–Ooh Baby (Chess)
• Johnny Winter–Road Runner (Todd)
• The Rosalyns–Destroy That Boy [from EP Hide and Seek] (Ugly Things)
• The Crawdaddys–There She Goes (Voxx)
• Darlene Payne & the O.D. Girls–Copy Cat (O.P.J.)
• Los Yogis–Night Rider (Jinete Nocturno) (Angelo)
• Jesse James and the James Boys–Do It Like You Feel It (Match)
• All the People featuring Robert Moore–Cramp Your Style (Blue Candle)
• Jr. Dibbs and Society–Power [from the single A Tribute to King Curtis] (Decca; France)
• Los Comandos–Moby Dick (Odeon; Peru)
• Los Shain’s–Niebla Púrpura [Purple Haze] (Odeon; Peru)
• Shocking Blue–Love Buzz (Music on Vinyl; Netherlands)
• The Hook–Homes (Uni)
• Laurel Aitken–Reggae 69 (Nu Beat; UK)
• James Brown–Talkin’ Loud and Saying Nothin’ Pt. I (King)
• Hank Ballard–I’m a Junkie for My Baby’s Love (Chess)
• Lee Fields and Sugarman & Co.–Shot Down (Daptone)
• The Wailers–Ska Jerk (Coxsone; Jamaica)
• Desmond Dekker–007 (Beverley’s; Jamaica)
• Eddie Lovette–Too Experienced (Federal; Jamaica)
• The Charms–Carry Go Bring Come (Island; UK)
• King Curtis–Green Onions (Atco)
• Los Johnny Jets–Cul Jerk (Cool Jerk) (Discos Columbia)
• Otis Redding–Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag (Atco)
• Vernon Garrett–Shine It On (Kent)
• B.B. King–Think It Over (Bluesway)
• Sir White and His Sounds–Doin’ the Scratch (Redbug)
• Sonny King–Dig Yourself (Marida)
• Dick and Libby Halleman and Their Society Orchestra vs Tom and Ray–Pizza Sure Is Good (Summit)
• Dave Phillips & the Hot Rod Gang–Tainted Love (Rockhouse; Netherlands)
• Brian Poole and the Tremeloes–I Want Candy (Decca; UK)
• Whichwhat–Gimme Gimme Good Lovin’ (Beacon; France)
• The Monkees–She Hangs Out (RCA Victor; Mexico)
• The Seeds–Night Time Girl (Norton)
• The Left Bank–I Haven’t Got the Nerve (Smash)
• The Paymarks–Dollar Bill (Jerden)
• Bob Dylan–Mixed Up Confusion (CBS; France)
• The Pyramids–Pressure (Cedwicke)
• Sterling Harrison–Let’s Wobble (VVVV)
• James Ray–Do the Monkey (Congress)
• James (Sugarboy) Crawford–She’s the One (Imperial)
• Dee Clark–Heartbreak (Constellation)
• The Soul Trippers–Girl of Mine (Providence)
• The Lovers–Licor de Contrabando (Bootleg) (Picaro; El Salvador)
• 17th Avenue Exits–I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Any More (Modern)
• Tommy James and the Shondells–Mirage (Roulette)
• Les Sextans–Ils Aiment La Vie (Vedettes)
• Peace and Love–’New’ 96 Tears (Juke)
• Hou-Lops–Oui J’ai Compris (Apex; Canada)
• Clefs of Lavender Hill–It Won’t Be Long (Date)
• Dave Clark Five–All of the Time (Epic)
• Los Bravos–Trapped (Columbia; Spain)
• Los Iberos–Liar Liar (Columbia; Spain)
• Les Atomes–Pauvre Fou (Little Boy Sad) (Capitol: Canada)
• Little Joe and the Mustangs–I Dig You Baby (Challenge)
• The Sonics–The Hustler (Etiquette)
• Kit and the Outlaws–Don’t Tread on Me (Black Knight)
• The Bonniwell Music Machine–Me-Myself and I (Warner Bros.)
• The Spencer Davis Group–Don’t Want You Know More (United Artists; Canada)
• The Denims–Ya Ya (Columbia)
• Big Brother and the Holding Company–Intruder (Mainstream)
• Terry Knight and the Pack–Numbers (Lucky Eleven)
• Michele Richard–Le Boites A Go-Go (Trans Canada; Canada)
• Dave Clark Five–Over and Over (Columbia; Germany)
• Lipstick Killers–Hindu Gods (Of Love) (Voxx)
• The Astronauts–Kuk (RCA Victor)
• Rufus Thomas–Walking the Dog (Stax)
• Bill Doggett–Hot Fudge (Columbia)

None of these records are for sale.

Grace of Spades is Out of Sight!

Thursday night is Out Of Sight—the groovy new soul dance party hosted by our pal DJ Xerox. Each Thursday he rounds up a pair of excellent soul music DJs—and there are dozens of them in New York City!—and asks them to play some of their bossest records for the faithful at the Beauty Bar in Manhattan. On May 7, the two DJs were Grace Of Spades and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus.

Due to a scheduling conflict, the night was set up so Miss Grace could swing early and cut out for another engagement. She’s got a cool radio show called Watch This Sound on BBox Radio that streams over the Internets. She’s also got a bunch of cool records and she played some at Out Of Sight. As The Boog walked in, about an hour into her set, she was swinging with some righteous R&B records, jumped it up with a couple of early seventies funk jams and ended her portion of the evening with Koko Taylor’s great version of “Wang Dang Doodle” (a touching salute to the DJ who followed her). That Grace Of Spades certainly knows how to play a record, that’s for sure!!

Our pal Yana Lil-Jerk was in attendance with her friend Bella, who was celebrating her birthday. The two of them kept the dance floor lively all night long. For his part, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus had fun with the night, especially in the middle, when he played a set of funky “thing” records.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swings at Out Of Sight! This was the last public appearance of The Boog’s goatee!! Photo by DJ Xerox

Here’s a list of every record played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at Out of Sight:

• The Fame Gang–Grits and Gravy (Fame)
• Jimmy Castor–Block Party (Jet Set)
• Rufus Thomas–Willy Nilly (Stax)
• Kim Tolliver–(Your Trying Too) Cop My Stuff (Rojac)
• Joe Kennedy–Slick Trick (Bang)
• The Four Tops–Piangono Gli Uomini (Tamla/Motown; Italy)
• Johnny Maestro with the Crests–Heartburn (Parkway)
• Witches and the Warlock–Behind Locked Doors (Sew City)
• The Platters–Sweet, Sweet Lovin’ (Musicor)
• Dee Dee Sharp–Let the Sunshine In (Cameo/Parkway; Germany)
• Saxie Russell–Come Dance With Me (Ran Dee)
• Linda Jones–I Can’t Stand It (Loma)
• Irwin Clement & the Exotics–Don’t Lead Me On (Festival; France)
• Mike & the Censations–Don’t Mess With Me (Highland)
• Richard Groove Holmes–Don’t Mess With Me (Blue Note)
• Tony Clarke–Ghetto Man (Chicory)
• Jesse Anderson–Mighty Mighty (Thomas)
• Bobby Bland–Gotta Get to Know You (Duke)
• Lou Rawls–When Love Goes Wrong (Capitol)
• Lynne Randell–That’s a Hoe Down (Epic)
• The Mirettes–He’s All Right With Me (Mirwood)
• Jimmy Holiday & Clydie King–Ready Willing and Able (Minit)
• Jive (Five) Fyve–I Want You to Be My Baby (Decca)
• Sonny Warner–Bell Bottom Blue Jeans (Checker)
• Olympics–Lookin’ for a Love (Parkway)
• Wylie Trass–That Soul Thing–Pt. I (ABC)
• Charles Lattimore–Do the Thing (Shout)
• Bill Coday–I Got a Thing (Galaxy)
• Bobby Powell–Into My Own Thing (Whit)
• The T.S.U. Toronadoes–My Thing Is a Moving Thing (Volt)
• Winfield Parker–Shake That Thing (Arctic)
• Googie Rene–Look at Your Girl (Kapp)
• Bobby Hatfield–Hot Tamales (Moonglow)
• Ronnie Love–Detroit, Michigan (D-Town)
• Joe Moore–I’ve Got My Sweet Baby (Verve)
• Billy Mack–Too Much (Philips)
• Kitty Love–You Gotta Change (Dade)
• Baby Lloyd–I Need Love (Atco)
• James Brown and the Famous Flames–Fine Old Foxy Self (King)
• Rodger Collins–She’s a Good Woman (Galaxy)
• Ike & Tina Turner–Can’t Chance a Break Up (Sue)
• King Curtis–Do the Monkey (Capitol)
• The Astro-Notes–Monkey Workout (Dot)
• Diamond Uprisers–New Kind of Jerk (Diamond Jerk) (Riley’s)
• Jeb Stuart–Soul Jerk It Baby (King)
• Bobby Newton–Do the Whip (Mercury; Japan)
• The Flame ‘n’ King–The Whip (Raines)
• Barbara Mercer–Nobody Loves You Like Me (Golden World)
• The inspirations–Touch Me, Hold Me, Thrill Me (Black Pearl)
• Major Lance–The Monkey Time (OKeh)
• Johnny Winter–Out of Sight (First Generation Gold)

None of these records are for sale.