Tag Archives: music

Introducing ¡Shingaling Boogaloo!

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On February 21, DJ Pete Pop and his sidekick Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus introduced a new concept in disco DJ nights: ¡Shingaling Boogaloo! At this event—which will take place on every other third Saturday of the month at the Salt Box (rotating with Funky Kingston)—the two DJs will play their bossest tropical-style records: mambo; latin soul, cumbia, boogaloo, reggae, Afro-groove and just about anything with bongos. This is a format that Pete Pop has been dreaming about for the last several years and it finally happened.

This very first ¡Shingaling Boogaloo! took place on a night when the Salt Box was also celebrating three years of existence—so the atmosphere was more party-like than usual, with all sorts of folks boppin’ around all night long… tons of crazy people!!! The night was incredibly successful.

Pete was in his element; he was able to play some of his favorite cumbia and latin soul records. Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus played a bunch of boss boogaloo and reggae records, like the ones listed here:

  • Uta Bella–Ziliyankyan (Akue; France)
  • The International Ray Camacho & the Teardrops–Caballo Negro (California Artists Corp.)
  • Leo Acosta–Marimba Boogaloo (Capitol; Mexico)
  • Septeto La Playa–Descargo Cubana (Puchito; Cuba)
  • Johnny Sedes and His Orch.–Mama Calunga (Fonseca)
  • Toño Quirazco y Su Conjunto–Mama Gorda (Orfeon)
  • Brown Brothers of Soul–Poquito Soul (Specialty)
  • Charlie Palmieri & His Orchestra–Uptight (Atlantic)
  • Tito Rodriguez and His Orchestra–Ko Ko Mo – Mambo (RCA Victor)
  • Aillacara 2743–Cumbia Yerba Buena (Names You Can Trust)
  • The Charioteers; Sid Bass Orch.–Don’t Play No Mambo (Josie)
  • Chris Powell and the Blue Flames–Unchained Melody-Mambo (Groove)
  • Chuz Alfred and His Combo–Caravan (Savoy)
  • Walter Lane Trio–Drumambo (Riviera)
  • Johnny and Willis–Run Joe (Newtime)
  • Wilson Simonal–Pata Pata (Odeon; Brazil)
  • Willie Bobo–Sunshine Superman (Verve)
  • The Joe Cuba Sextet–Oye Como Va (Aprietalo) (Tico)
  • Los Fulanos–Soul Drummer (Vampi Soul; Spain)
  • Pepe Fernandez & His Orchestra–Having Fun (20th Century-Fox)
  • The Clarendonians–Shu-Be-Do (Coxsone)
  • Olatunji – Drums of Passion–Omo Pupa (UTA/CBS; France)
  • Joe Quijano and His Orchestra–Saboo (Wabble-Cha) (Columbia)
  • Chris Powell and His Five Blue Flames–I Come From Jamaica (Spanish Town; UK)
  • Shirley Scott (vocal and organ)–Soul Sauce (Impulse)
  • Ricardo Ray–Mrs. Robinson (Alegre)
  • Damaso Perez Prado–Sexomania (Orfeon)
  • Montego Joe–Ouch (Prestige)
  • Grupo Sta. Cecilia; canta: Sergio Ruìz–1 – 2 – 3 Hustle (Orfeon; Mexico)
  • Black & George–Peanut Butter (Coxsone; Jamaica)
  • Alton Ellis–Reggae With You (Third World; UK)
  • Mighty Diamonds–Have Mercy (Virgin; UK)
  • Laurel Aitken–Mr. Popcorn (NewBeat; UK)
  • Jack Costanzo Mr. Bongo–Chicken and Rice (Discomoda; Colombia)
  • Barel Coppet et ses Antillais–Edith Souffle [from EP Chants des Antilles] (Philips; France)
  • Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra–Cugi’s Cocktail (Mercury)
  • René Touzet and His Orchestra–Ticklish Mambo (Caquillita) (GNP)
  • Joe Bataan–Latin Strut (Super Strut) (RCA Victor; Canada)
  • Bantous de la Capitale–Watchiwara (Soul Jazz; UK)
  • Cal Tjader–First There Is a Mountain (Fantasy)
  • Ginger Baker Drum Choir–Atunde! (We Are Here) – Pt. 1 (Atco)
  • Hully Gully Boys–Yabba (Amy)
  • Eddie Bo–We Like Mambo (Ace)
  • Khunpol Maungsuphan–Wowpidrudoo (Star; Thailand)
  • Belmonte & His Afro-American Music; vocal by Susan Miller–You Gotta Do the Mambo Today (Columbia)
  • Howard Crook–Limbo Nova (Philips)
  • Don Chicharrón–Valle (Snappy Little Numbers)
  • The Latin Brothers–Bella Cumbia (Fuentes)
  • Carlos Roman y su Conjunto–Swing Colombiano (Welcome Twist) (Son-Art; Mexico)
  • The Lincoln Trio–Garden of Eden Part I (Big Top)
  • Preston Epps–Mister Bongos (Donna)
  • Sandy Nelson–Caravan (Imperial)
  • Bop-A-Loos–Bongo Mambo (Mercury)
  • The Wild Magnolias–(Somebody Got) Soul Soul Soul (Dynamite Cuts; UK)
  • The Mighty Typhoons–Take Five (Tardam; Europe)
  • El Big Toe y El Guámbito–Sobroso y Espooky (Cumbia Espooky) (Peace & Rhythm/Lechehouse)
  • Fruko y sus Tesos–Descarga Fruko (Pearless; Mexico)
  • Cal Tjader & Eddie Palmieri–Modesty (Verve)
  • Earl Bostic–El Choclo Bossa Nova (King)
  • Ralph Roig–Montuno Para Ti (M-G-M)
  • Tito Puente – King of the Cha Cha Mambo and HIs Orchestra–Mambo Lenko (Tico)
  • Paquito Guzman con Jose Quijano y su Conjunto Cachana–Azuquita Mami (Cesta)
  • The X-Rays–Chinchilla (Kapp)
  • Los Mirlos–Cumbia de la Selva (Gas; Mexico)
  • Perez Prado and His Orchestra “The King of the Mambo”–Crazy… Crazy… (RCA Victor)
  • [no artist listed]–North Shore Mambo (Hoctor)
  • Joe Loco and His Quintet–Gee (Tico)
  • Walter Wanderley–Cheganca (Verve)
  • The Draytons Two–G.O. Go (Strakers)

None of these records are for sale

Friday the 45th!!!

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On February 13—the first of two Friday the 13ths in a row!!—the rock’n’soul dance known as Do The 45 rolled into Quinn’s as the gods intended. Miss Nancy made chocolate cupcakes with little hearts on them (Valentines Day the next day). Bella Bombora danced up a storm—often joined by local folks. Our pal DJ No Rules began the proceedings with a set of some really groovy stuff. Pete Pop played his usual fantastic records.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus played some weird shit. See below…

Billy Dee and the Super-Chargers–Curb-Service (Westford)
The Del-Rays–Fortune Teller (Atco)
Los Moustros–Mi Traje Nuevo (Chez Nobody; Mexico)
The Grass Roots–Depressed Feeling (Dunhill)
Link Cromwell–Crazy Like a Fox (Hollywood)
The Monkees–Mary Mary (RCA; Australia)
Alex & Los Findes–Tuvimos Que Dejar Este Lugar (Discophon; Spain)
Las Moskas–Llorando Como Nino (CBS; Mexico)
Mary Weiss–A Certain Guy (Norton)
St. Louis Union–English Tea (Decca; UK)
The Missing Souls–You Just Gotta Know My Mind (Dangerhouse Skylab)
The Other Side–Streetcar (Brent)
Lee Bernard–Turn Around and Go (Goldband)
The Moments–Hurts on Me Baby (Stang)
Donnie Elbert–I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) (Avco)
Toots and the Maytals–Sit Right Down (Trojan; UK)
Sounds Incorporated–Rinky Dink (Columbia; UK)
Charly Antolini–Charly’s Drums (BASF/Cornet; Germany)
The Five Steps–These Boots Are Made for Walking (Dade)
Takeshi Terauchi & Blue Jeans–Ski-A-Go-Go (King; Japan)
The Angels–My Boyfriend’s Back (Smash)
The Velvettes–He Was Really Sayin’ Somethin’ (V.I.P.)
Kim Weston–Take Me in Your Arms (Gordy)
The Elgins–Heaven Must Have Sent You (V.I.P.)
Little Eva–The Loco-Motion (Dimension)
Elliott Shavers–Soul Village (Blaun)
Cecil Garrett & the Fascinations–Bearcat (Part I) (Calla)
Harold and Connie–Bugaloo Party (Carnival)
The Soul Three–Temptation Walk (Line Dance) (Omen)
Lou Lawton–Doing the Philly Dog (Capitol)
The Standells–Try It (Tower)
Richard Anthony–Il Te Faudra Chercher (Keep Searchin’) (Columbia; France)
The Fabulous Courettes–Shake! (Damaged Goods; UK)
The Inmates–You Tell Lies (Columbia)
The Trippers–Taking Care of Business (Ruby-Doo)
Gary Street and the Fairways–Hold Me Closer (Domain; UK)
Billy Lee Riley–Happy Man (Atlantic)
La Tribu–Para Que (El Eclypse)
Liverpool Five–The Snake (RCA Victor)
The Headliners–We Call It Fun (V.I.P.)
Orly Ilacad & the Ramrods–Let’s Do the Jerk (Rajah; Philippines)
Jenny Rock–Walking the Dog (Select; Canada)
Okie Duke–Chiken Lickin’ (Ovation)
no artist listed–Get With It! (PAMS Productions)
The Mad Lads–The Sidewalk Surf (Stax)
Bob Vaught & the Renegades–Exotic (GNP Crescendo)
The Defiant Ones–Defiant Drums #2 (Real Fine)
The Johnny Howard Group–Mind Reader (Decca; UK)
Les Aiglons–Marie-Line (Gold Drouot; France)
The Uniques–Areba (Paula)
Los Teddy Bears–Quiero Estrechar tu Mano (I Want to Hold Your Hand) [from EP Surfin con Los Teddy Bears] (CoRo; Mexico)
Judy Harriet–She’s Got Everything (Columbia)
The Prime Movers–1-2-5 (Moulty)
Tony Saxon featuring Harry Katz & the Company Sleeves–You Drink Too Much Booze (Sax-On-Wax)
Jan Davis–Hornets Nest (Shamley)

None of these records are for sale.

First Anniversary of the all new Empire State Soul Club!

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Back in early 1992, we were getting ready to move from Albany, NY to Brooklyn, so we decided to sell some records at a local record show in order to lighten the load. We moved some units, made a little money, but the thing we remember most was a bunch of folks running around the room, looking through old 45s, wearing T-shirts with “Empire State Soul Club” emblazoned on them. “What was this?” we thought.

A couple months after the move, we noticed an advertisement in the Village Voice for The Empire State Soul Club—a sixties soul dance night at the Irving Plaza. Intrigued, we made the scene. It was a gas, with DJs playing some great soul records: hits, non-hits, obscure stuff, not-so-obscure stuff. The place was packed and everyone was dancing. For some reason, it was a while before we were able to find out when the next one was. Soon we discovered that The Empire State Soul Club was holding events monthly at a downtown joint called the North River Bar, so we attended whenever we could. We also met some of the key players: Brother Weems, W. Lee, Jeff the Chef and Connie T. Empress, the Empress of Soul.

Before the end of the decade, Weems and the Chef moved out of town. A newcomer, Mister Fine Wine, was added to the DJ roster, and he was excellent. But soon after, Mister Lee and the Empress must have lost interest in keeping it all together because ESSC seemed to have fizzled out. It left a void that others tried to fill, including Greg Tormo’s Solid Hit Soul Club; as fabulous as it was, it never got off the ground. Unfortunately, W. Lee passed away in 2019. It wasn’t until the Subway Soul Club started in late 2001 that a new scene emerged—but that’s another story.

Over the last several years, The Empress has tried to keep the Empire State Soul Club name alive: passing out buttons, selling T-shirts, etc. A few years ago she started Soul Finger, another soul music dance night. Last year she decided to resurrect the Empire State Soul Club brand and brought it into Otto’s Shrunken Head on East 14th Street in Manhattan. Every month she would send out word about the new ESSC and it made us feel crummy because we now live about two hours north of The City, making attendance difficult.

However, when the new Empire State Soul Club celebrated its first anniversary, The Empress turned to Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus to be one of its guest DJs. As much as this was very important to him, it took a while to figure out if he could actually do it. After all, he was scheduled to work a Do The 45 in Beacon, NY on the night before. Would he have the stamina to do them both?

“IT’S THE EMPIRE STATE SOUL CLUB, DUMMY, JUST DO IT!!” his conscience screamed at him.

So he did it, along with two other fine guest DJs, and of course, the lovely, talented and gracious Connie T Empress. The other DJs were Nogood Nick and Agent Jay. Nick is a person we’ve known forever—he’s been a guest at the Subway Soul Club, Dynagroove, Wham-O-Watusi and recently Funky Kingston. The Boog has guested at Nick’s fabulous Rip Rig + Panic events. Agent Jay is someone we don’t know as well, but he’s a good guy and he played some really cool records. He’s the guitarist for the groovy, hip NY ska band The Slackers. We know him a little bit, but this is the first chance we had to DJ with him.

The Empress, of course, was the Empress of Soul! Miss Connie played some fantastic records. She rounded up the DJs thusly: She worked from about 9PM until nearly 10. The Boogaloo Omnibus was next and swung for about 45 minutes, then Agent Jay played his selections followed by Nogood Nick. After that, The Empress returned to the turntables and remained there until the very end. She played the best records of the night—at least the few we heard were the best. We had a long drive ahead of us, so we ditched out a little early.

To sweeten things up, Miss Nancy made some brownies that were devoured pretty quickly. A special nod goes to DJ Kojak, Connie’s friend who brought an excellent DJ set up, including a big sub-woofer, that made the music sound like magic. A shout out here to our pal DJ Pete Pop who accompanied us down to The City. He enjoyed the Empire State Soul Club scene immensely and we discussed it all the way up the Taconic State Parkway on the way home. Also, a cat from AM New York was on the scene and wrote a little article about The Empress and her Empire. Dig it here!!

Thank you, Miss Connie T Empress for inviting us down to swing with you. We’ll invite you up for a Funky Kingston some time this year.

Here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the Empire State Soul Club one year anniversary party, held on January 10.

None of these records are for sale.

Shivering at the Shim Sham Shimmy!

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The first Shim Sham Shimmy of the year was held on January 3, as always, at the great, stoned building called The Salt Box in Kingston, NY. It was cold outside—REALLY cold! However, DJs Pete Pop and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus brought the heat in the form of some wild and rockin’ 45 RPM records. Pete Pop was so excited about the Shimmy that he made two posters for it (see below.)

Since the event was so close to New Year’s Eve not much was expected, but folks came out—lots of folks came out—to dig the boss sounds that the DJs were puttin’ down. Miss Nancy baked some Spanish cinnamon cookies, pumpkin bread and chex mix. Needing something a little more substantive, Phast Phreddie ordered some French fries from the adjacent food truck. That was good.

Here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the January Shim Sham Shimmy:

None of these records are for sale!

Smash! Crash! Bash! Goes Cold Turkey!

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On the day after Thanksgiving, our friends Peter Aaron and Sean McDJ were scheduled to work the dog at the Salt Box for their fabulous Smash! Crash! Bash! DJ night—it was the last Friday of the month. However, both of them have parents who are aged and ailing with whom they wanted to spend the Thanksgiving weekend with, so they bowed out of the gig. The Smash! Crash! Bash! needed to go on, so subbing for them was Pete Pop and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus.

Since the Smash! Crash! Bash! regulars are accustomed to digging punk and new wave records —and generally rockin’ records from the seventies and eighties and even newer—at these events, that’s what Mr. Pop and El Rapido brought to the show. In fact, Pete Pop went so far as to play LP tracks from actual 12” long-playing albums—something he never does!!! There are photos to prove it!

Because the Funky Kingston (fifth Saturday of the month, when there is one) was scheduled for the next night, Phast Phreddie brought his DJ gear; thus the presence of the Bat Signal! Once again, Miss Nancy supplied some yummy treats. A whole bunch of our friends showed up and the entire night was a swingin’ success. It was so successful that Mr. Pop and the Phast One were asked to return for the next Smash! Crash! Bash! on the day after Christmas for the same reason! Make that scene, won’t you?

Here’s a list of all the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the November Smash! Crash! Bash!:

None of these records are for sale!

Smash! Crash! Bash! Boogaloo!

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[WARNING: this post is way out of order—the Boogaloo Blog writers apologize profusely for any confusion that it may incur]

Peter Aaron and Phast Phreddie swing with cool records at Smash! Crash! Bash!

Our friends Peter Aaron and Sean McDJ have a swingin’ DJ night they call Smash! Crash! Bash! that takes place on the last Friday of the month at the all mighty Salt Box in Kingston, NY. On these nights they tend to play a lot of punk, glam and new wave records, as well as old garage, soul, latin, funk—whatever they feel like playing. Both DJs are very eclectic, however, most of the night one will hear a lot of records from the seventies and early eighties. Miss Nancy likes to attend these affairs because they will play Devo, Bowie and T-Rex records, which she likes to dance to. The Boogaloo Bag writers like to attend these affairs because the DJs always play cool stuff they’ve never heard before—and that makes it interesting.

DJ Peter Aaron

Peter Aaron is a musician (most famously a member of The Chrome Cranks), a radio personality (Go-Go Kitty on Radio Kingston), and an arts editor for the Hudson Valley culture magazine (Chronogram), and the author of books (most recently a biography of Ric Ocasek). He’s a busy guy who still finds time to collect groovy records and spin them at the Salt Box.

Sean McDJ

Sean McDJ is equally busy as a photographer, a computer specialist, a professional DJ (weddings, parties, anything) and, we think, several other employments that he doesn’t talk about. He’s also a neat guy who is happy to talk about any record you can think of.

This particular Smash! Crash! Bash! was held on July 25. Originally, Sean McDJ was planning on being absent due to other arrangements. Because of this, Peter Aaron asked Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus to step into his shoes for the night. However, as it turned out, Mr. Sean was able to make the scene after all. Instead of kicking the Phast One off the bill, they decided to add him into the mix. Usually Peter and Sean take turns playing one record at a time. This time, the three of them traded three-song sets. Our pal Pete Pop showed up to dig the scene.

This was a gas for Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, who had a chance to break out many songs he hadn’t played in a long time, including some new-ish ones and several by his friends from the olden days. He’ll be back on Halloween, as Sean has another gig that night!

Here’s a list of all the songs played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at Smash! Crash! Bash!

None of these records are for sale

Keystone Number Nine takes off for the planet Soul!!

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The Ninth Annual Keystone State Northern Soul Weekender took place on the 24th, 25th and 26th of October. As has been reported in previous Boogaloo Bags, this is one of the most fantastic weekends imaginable! A bunch of great DJs—friends, all (or soon to be!)—playing great records almost non-stop for three days in a row. Plus, folks selling records. Plus, folks dancing to records. Plus, the new location is right next door to a really good Mexican restaurant. You couldn’t get closer to heaven if you said the Hail Mary a hundred times a day for the rest of your life!! It is held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania at the Moose Lodge, which has a fabulous wooden dance floor.

Julio Fernandez is the most gracious host imaginable. There were several first-time DJs at this year’s event—so many that Julio cut his own DJ time in order to make room for them.

Please note that the new DJs are not new to DJing—just new to DJing at the Keystone event. Each of them have had plenty of DJ experience in their respective home towns, as well as nationally and internationally. Among those who worked the Keystone for the first time were Gabe Besaw (Nor’easter Soul Club, Albany, NY), Jon Friesen (Santa Ana, CA), Kenneth MacDonald (Scotland), Michael Chriestzberg (Wig Out, Seattle), Marc Muller (Emerald City Soul Club, Seattle), Gordy Greenawalt (Title Town Soul Party, Pittsburgh) and Kevin Higham (Rare Music Direct, UK).

Returning DJs included Scott Boyko (Garden State Soul Club, NJ), Debbie Benjamin-Koller (Heart of Chicago Soul Club), Sean Connors (Philly Soul Club, Philadelphia), Aret Sakal (Windy City Soul Club, Chicago), DJ Bywell (Soul Buzz, San Diego), Mr. Fine Wine (Downtown Soulville, WFMU), Eric Svirida (Long Island), Yana Lil’ Jerk (Strong G+, Brooklyn), Connie T. Empress (Empire State Soul Club, NYC) Mikey Post (Daptone Records), Jay Boxcar (Garden State Soul Club, NJ), Chey Frazier (Easton Vinyl Assassins, Easton, PA) and, of course, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus (he and Mr. Fernandez are the only DJs who have appeared in all nine events).

Another fellow who has become a regular at the Keystone Weekender was Brother Weems, who has been the MC for at least 7 or 8 years. He’s a friendly chap who, when not announcing the DJs, is on the floor dancing.

This year’s event was very well attended and folks were on the dance floor nearly the entire time—especially during the two evening periods. All of the DJs did such a swell job that, if one were to put a gun to the Boogaloo Bag writers’ heads and ask who was best, they’d end up shot!!!

Although she was unable to make the scene, Miss Nancy baked some very delicious cookies that were properly devoured: Double chocolate cookies and pumpkin flavored cookies.

The Keystone Soul Weekender family!

[try clicking on the photos and they may big-o-fi magically!]

FRIDAY NIGHT

Although he was a late add to the Friday night roster, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus was able to round up a few good records to play:

The Four Larks–Groovin’ at the Go-Go (Tower)
Roy Handy–Baby That’s a Groove (Stephannye)
Cliff Nobles–Your Love Is All I Need (Atlantic)
Maurice McCallister (formerly of The Radiants)–Baby Hang On (Chess)
The Cavaliers–Hold To My Baby (RCA Victor)
Carl Carlton–I Can Feel It (Back Beat)
Shirley J. Scott–Goose Pimples (Stephanye)
Sidney Barnes–You’ll Always Be in Style (Red Bird)
The Jay Walkers featuring Mickey Holiday–Can’t Live Without You (Swan)
Don Covay–Fat Man (Atlantic; France)
Claudine Clark–Buttered Popcorn (Jamie)
The Wailers–The Jerk (Island; UK)

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

During the daytime events, DJs double up on their 30 minute sets. The Phast Man was paired with Gordy Greenawalt from Pittsburgh. This was a reunion of sorts, as Mister Greenawalt was enlisted to be a special guest DJ at a New Year’s Eve Subway Soul Club event many years ago. They hadn’t seen each other since. They traded off playing records and it was a gas. Dig Phreddie’s selections here:

The Honey Drippers–Impeach the President (Alaga)
Kenny Gamble–The Jokes on You (Arctic)
Junior Wells–(I Got A) Stomach Ache (Vanguard)
Ellie Greenwich–Niki Hoeky (United Artists; Philippines)
Herb Fame–You’re Messin’ Up My Mind (Date)


SATURDAY NIGHT

This is the big night. Folks were arriving at the venue early, so Phast Phreddie, who was the first DJ of the night, started a little early and was able to sneak in a few extra spins:

Rex Garvin and the Mighty Cravers–Queen of the Go-Go (Tower)
Lydia Marcelle–Everybody Dance (Atco)
Joe Medwick–Whatever It Takes (Westpark)
The Soul Twins–It’s Not What You Do It’s the Way That You Do It (Karen)
The Charmaines–Eternally (Date)
The Willows–Hurtin’ All Over (M-G-M)
Amanda Humphrey–Power of Love (U.S.A.)
Jewel Akens–A Slice of the Pie (Era)
Isley Brothers–Got to Have You Back (Tamla)
The Happy Cats–These Boots Are Made for Walking (Omack)
Millie Small–Carry Go Bring Come (Fontana; UK)
Jun Mayuzumi–Black Room (Capitol; Japan)
Pal Rakes and the Prophets–Can’t Deny the Hurt (Verve)
Theresa Lindsey–I’ll Bet You (Golden World)

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Once again, Phreddie was teamed with Mister Greenawalt for this brunch-time event. This is a time when the DJs get a little crazed with their selections. Also once again, folks were arriving early so they started spinning early and thus had some extra time on the air. Hence these jams:

Lyn Taitt–Out on a Funky Trip (Randys)
Timmy Thomas–Have Some Boogaloo (Goldwax)
Nino Ferrer–Les Cornichons (Monkey) (Riviera; Canada)
Little Bob–I Got Loaded (La Louisianne)
J.J. Jackson and the Jackaels–Oo-Ma-Liddi (Prelude)
Dave Bartholomew–Shrimp & Gumbo (Imperial)
La Tribu–Para Que (El Eclypse)
The Tammys–Egyptian Shumba (United Artists)

None of these records are for sale!

The Boogaloo Bag writers urge all of its readers to join the Keystone Northern Soul Weekender group on Facebook in order to become aware of the next event—and make sure you be there. You won’t regret it.

Kingston Goes Big and Funky!!

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Big Ed swings under the Bat Signal at the Funky Kingston!!

The Funky Kingston rolled into the mighty, mighty Salt Box on August 30—the fifth Saturday of the month. Host Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus was very pleased to invite Big Ed Martuscello as guest DJ. Big Ed is a resident DJ at the Nor’easter Soul Club—a swingin’ thing that takes place up in Saratoga Springs. He also runs a record store in Glens Falls called Sweet Side. We’ve seen him DJ in Troy and at the Keystone State Northern Soul Weekender. We call him Big Ed because, not only is he big in stature, but he has a big heart and when he is workin’ the turntables he brings a big sound!

Did he ever bring the big sound to the Salt Box for the Funky Kingston!! He lives up north of Albany somewhere, but was planning to work a record show in Woodstock on the day of our gig, then work another one a little further north and west the next day, so he was going to spend the night nearby anyway; thus joining us at the Funky Kingston worked out for everybody involved. The Funky Kingston regulars were all gassed by the cool trash he laid down. Man, it was great to have him.

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

None of these records are for sale. Please note that the next Funky Kingston will take place on November 29—Thanksgiving weekend. Make your plans now to join us!!

Time Surfers + Funky Kingston = time for FUN!

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On May 31, The Funky Kingston returned to the Salt Box as scheduled–on the fifth Saturday of the month, when there is one. But first, there was an earlier, must-attend event: one of our favorite local surf music combos happened to appear at a private barbecue party in New Windsor (a town south of Newburgh, NY). Also, it just so happens that our favorite Go-Go dancer, Bella Bombora, is the official Go-Go dancer for the band: The Time Surfers. So we had to check that out.

Bella Bombora swings with The Time Surfers!!

The event was fun enough—however a bit of rain put a somewhat of a damper on it. It was held at someone’s pad that had a basement full of pinball machines (indeed, a pinball contest was going on) and there was a ton of excellent food. Yay. Of course, The Time Surfers once again played an excellent set of their fabulous instrumental music and Bella Bombora danced away as a light rain came down.

From there, we traveled up the New York State Throughway to Kingston where we were able to set up the turntables at the Salt Box around 8:30 or so. Guest DJ was…wait for it… DJ Pete Pop!!!

Pete Pop is known nationally and internationally for his excellent collection of garage rock records; so much so that he was a consultant on Moptop Mike Markesich’s fantastic garage rock bible Teenbeat Mayhem! However, Mr. Pop is no one-trick pony. His vast record collection contains all sorts of reet jams, including some fantastic funk records, and he brought plenty of them to the Funky Kingston. Plus, he mixed it up with a few reggae jams and some hot Latin boogaloo riffs.

Local personality Peter Aaron visits with the Funky Kingston DJs: Pete Pop and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus!

We are also happy to report that the Bat Signal was in full effect, many of our friends came to hang out and swing with us, and the Salt Box had a very big night. The Funky Kingston is getting to be quite the scene. Make sure you can make it out to the next one—due to take place on August 30.

Here’s a list of all the funky tracks played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the May Funky Kingston:

  • Tribe–Funky Kingston (Grenade)
  • The Fabulous Counts–Dirty Red (Moira)
  • Conjunto Jae’s Soul–Sintonia en Soul (Deep Dark)
  • Keno-1 & the Hermit–Heavy Heavy (Breakin’ Bread; UK)
  • Barbara Acklin–I Can’t Do My Thing (Brunswick)
  • War–Get Down (United Artists)
  • Hopeton Lewis with the S.P.M.s–Grooving Out on Life (Merritone)
  • Tito Puente y su Orquesta–Work Song (Tico)
  • Flash and the Dynamics–Chango (Roulette; France)
  • Max Romeo & the Upsetters–One Step Forward (Island)
  • Danny Freeman and the Soul Superiors–Jungle Walk (Do That Jungle Talk Too) (W.S.J. Sound)
  • The Jackson 5–Get It Together (Motown)
  • Homer Chambers–Do the Fire Bird (Golden)
  • Sonny Okosuns–Papa’s Land – Part 1 (Cinterdisc; France)
  • The Wild Magnolias–They Call Us Wild (Barcaly; France)
  • The Rudees–Give Peace a Chance (Pama; UK)
  • Richard Ace and His Band–Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely (Harry J; Jamaica)
  • Mary Jane Hooper–I’ve Got Reasons (Power)
  • Clarence Reid–Funky Party (Alston)
  • Mind Readers–Bitter Tears (Village Sounds)
  • Pazant Brothers & Beaufort Express–Dragon Fly (Vigor)
  • Harmonics–Scum-A-Doom Doom (Gold Plate)
  • Love Childs Afro Cuban Blues Band–Life and Death in G&A (Roulette)
  • James & the Incredible Showmen–James Brown’s Boo-Ga-Loo (Disco)
  • Rabbits and Carrots–Maquina de Amor (Vampi Soul; Spain)
  • Joe Bataan–Latin Strut (Super Strut) (RCA Victor; Canada)
  • Dennis Coffey and the Detroit Guitar Band–Scorpio (Sussex)
  • The Temptations–Cloud Nine (Gordy)
  • Untouchable Machine Shop–Machine Shop – Part 2 (Wavelength)
  • The Vibrettes–Humpty Dump pt. 1 (Lujon)
  • Curtis Mayfield–(Don’t Worry) If There’s A Hell Below We’re All Going to Go (Curtom)
  • Sons of Slum–Right On (Stax)
  • Maytals–Funky Kingston (Shelter)
  • Honey & the Bees–Baby Do That Thing (Arctic)
  • Sly & the Family Stone–Bad Risk (Epic)
  • The Honey Drippers–Impeach the President (Alaga)
  • The Chi-Lites–I Like Your Lovin’ (Do You Like Mine) (Brunswick)
  • Abelardo Carbono con Meridian Brothers–Cumbia Sampuesana (Okra; Japan)
  • Los Destellos–La Cumbia del Sol (Odeon; Peru)
  • O.S.K.I. Jazz–Murie Abebuli (Omwanmi Nabongo; Kenya)
  • Shark Wilson & the Basement Heaters–Make It Reggae (Soul Jazz; UK)
  • Bob Marley & the Wailers–Trench Town Rock (Trojan; UK)
  • Dillinger–Cokane in My Brain (Black Swan; UK)
  • The 20th Century–Hot Pants (Part I) (Sky Disc)
  • Artus Satterfield–Hot Pants (Axis)
  • Norma and the Heartaches–Hot Pants (Gonna Get You in Trouble) (Marmaduke)
  • Marvin & the Uptights–Oomph (Spotlight)
  • The Landslides–We Don’t Need No Music (Huff Puff)
  • Albert Jones–Wisdom Song (Tri-City)
  • Crawdad Farmers–Jesse’s Party (Lucky Brown’s Lake-Side Series)
  • James Brown–Talkin’ Loud and Saying Nothin’ Pt. I (King)
  • The Moon People–Hippy Skippy Moon Strut (Opus #1) (Roulette)
  • S.O.U. L.–The Jones (Part I) (Musicor)
  • Gil Scott-Heron with Pretty Purdie & the Playboys–The Revolution Will Not Be Televised (Flying Dutchman)
  • Tony Fox–I Dream One Day (Tri-Spin)
  • Jimmy Jones–Time and Changes (Conchillo)
  • Harvey Scales & the Seven Sounds–The Funky Yolk (Chess)
  • The Rising Sun–Funky Yolk (Kingston)
  • David “Baby” Cortez–Inflation (T-Neck)
  • Johnny Tolbert–Check Your Battery Part I (Jasman)
  • Oliver Sain–London Express (Abet)
  • The Dancers–Born on the Bayou (Pacific Arts)
  • Johnny Pate–Shaft in Africa (Addis) (Geffen/ABC; Japan)
  • Bobby Hutcherson–Ummh – Part 1 (Blue Note)

None of these records are for sale.

Jumpin’ at Do The 45!

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Mikey Post, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus and Pete Pop swing at Do The 45!

Another fabulous Do The 45 took place on March 14. For this event, host Pete Pop roped in our pal Mikey Post to be the special guest DJ. Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus was also in the house, and Go-Go dancer Bella Bombora did her thing. As usual, Miss Nancy brought some yummy vittles and the whole thing went off with a bang-o-roonie!!

Regular Boogaloo Bag readers know that Mikey Post is a key player at our favorite record company, Daptone Records. He is also a fine drummer and we dug him behind the tubs with The Jay Vons, Reigning Sound and Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens. Mr. Post has some fantastic records and he brought a bunch of them to play at Do The 45.

Pete Pop opened the night playing some tuff stuff. Then Phast played a set. Mikey was brought in to do about 45 minutes. Then Pete, Mikey and Phast traded three-song sets for the rest of the night (or something like that!). It was a total gas.

Here’s a list of records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus at the Do The 45:

None of these records are for sale.