Thursday, April 26, 2007

Infinity That Ain't Water That's Pollution Mercury


Infinity - Billy Butler, Larry Wade and Phyllis Knott
Infinity That Ain't Water That's Pollution Mercury

Back to the A to Z of my collection with Infinity.

Infinity was formed in the late 60's by Billy Butler and consisted of Larry Wade, Phyllis Knotts and Errol Bank (previously a member of the Enchanters who were Billy's backing group in the 60's when he was with Okeh.

Infinity recorded their first record for Jerry Butler and Cal Carter's Fountain label and production company. The record was distributed by Stax but got lost when Stax got embroiled in buying their company back from Gulf Western. Fountain then went to Mercury for a deal.

Infinity recorded 2 45s for Mercury but unfortunately neither release got much promotion. Te above song has a strong political message which seems even more relevant in the 21st century. Billy said back in 1973; "They were written during an era when people were becoming passionately aware of the situations of our world, the ecology etc - that was our phase anyway and no one ever heard!"

Infinity went on to record a 45 for the Memphis label in 1971 and 2 45s and an album for Pride records the next year before disbanding. The album was a collaboration between Billy's group and his brother's musical workshop whose members included Billy, Larry Wade and Terry Callier amongst others. One day I hope to write up a full story of the workshop's productions - in the meantime let's taken on board the message of the above song before its too late!

By the way this is the 702nd post on IDR - only seems like yesterday we were celebrating the 500th!

Discography

45s

Fountain 0212/0213 Get On The Case/Keep It To Yourself
Mercury 73057 That Ain't Water That's Pollution/
Mercury Winter Of the Lovin' Heart/Sho Is Groovy
Memphis 103 I Don't Want To Lose You/Free Yourself
Pride 1009 Now You Know/When Your Baby's Gone
Pride 1026 When Your Baby's Gone/Hung Up On You

Album

Pride 0018 Hung Up On You

Doc Pomus Lonely Avenue

I have recently been reading "Lonely Avenue: The Unlikely Life And Times Of Doc Pomus" by Alex Halberstadt. Doc Pomus was one of the 20th Century's most significant songwriters.

Doc Pomus was born Brooklyn in 1925, he became a fan of the blues after hearing Big Joe Turner on record. He began performing as a teenager, becoming one of the most successful blue-eyed blues singers of his time. In the 1950's, Pomus started songwriting in order to make enough money to support his wife. A CD was released in 2006 CD by Rev-Ola (Cherry Red Records) titled "Doc Pomus Blues in the Red." collating his recordings from the 40's and 50's.

By 1957, Doc had given up performing in order to devote himself full-time to songwriting. He collaborated with pianist Mort Shuman to write for Hill & Range Music Co./Rumbalero Music at its offices in the Brill Building in NY. Their songwriting efforts had Pomus write the lyrics and Shuman the music, although occasionally they worked on both, and produced the hit songs: "Teenager in Love"; "Save The Last Dance For Me"; "This Magic Moment"; "Turn Me Loose"; "Sweets For My Sweet"; "Can't Get Used To Losing You"; "Little Sister"; "Suspicion"; "Surrender" and "His Latest Flame (Marie's The Name)".

Their songs were recorded by, among many others, Lorraine Ellison, Brook Benton, Alexis Korner, Bobby Charles, Lil Green, Gatemouth Moore, Dusty Springfield, Ray Charles, The Lovelites, The Crowns, Laverne Baker, Major Lance, Big Joe Turner, Ben E. King, Cissy Houston, The Flamingos, Ike & Tina Turner, The Coasters, and The Drifters. A compilation of some lesser known, but excellent recordings of songs by Pomus and Shuman is to be released in June by Ace Records.

During the late '50s and early '60s Pomus also wrote with Phil Spector, Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber and other Brill Building era writers.

In the 1970s and 1980s out of apartment at the Westover Hotel at 253 West 72nd Street, Pomus wrote songs with Dr John and Willy DeVille for what he said were "...those people stumbling around in the night out there, uncertain of not always so certain of exactly where they fit in and where they were headed." These later songs ("There Must Be A Better World" and "There Is Always One More Time" in particular), which were recorded by B.B. King, Irma Thomas and Johnny Adams which I consider to be his finest songs. Johnny Adam's "Sings Doc Pomus" is one of the finest albums of the 90's.

Together with Shuman and individually, Doc Pomus was a key figure in the development of popular music. He was elected to the Songwriters hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Doc died in 1991 leaving us with a wealth of songs which are fine testament to his talents.

Eddie Taylor Jnr in UK


Only just found out about these 2 gigs.
Checkout Shakedown Blues for more details.

Eddie Foster I'll Reach My Goal Someday Soulful Records

Eddie Foster I'll Reach My Goal Someday Soulful Records
Regular readers of the blog will know that I have posted on Eddie Foster before:
I only got the 45 today in the post via a collector on Soul Source. I am not usure whether it is the Bay Area Eddie Foster of In, Ocampo and Progress fame or another guy because of the NY connection and the fact he sounds less gruff than other recordings. I do like the 45 whoever it is and what a great name for a label!!

Pete Cooke Little Darlin' Dimension

Pete Cooke Little Darlin' Dimension

Just picked this up after hearing a sound clip on Soul Source. Not sure whether Pete is related to Sam? I checked Peter Guralnick's book "Dream Boogie" and Pete Cooke isn't mentioned but he certainly can sing!

If you like sides like this then please tune into Soul Discovery on 19/5/07 when I will be a guest for 2 hours.

Rance Allen Group at Dublin City Soul Festival 24-27th May 2007

Chris Maher has just sent me through a press release for Dr Allen's appearance at the festival:

‘Dublin City Soul Festival ~ a celebration of peace, unity & love’
Thursday May 24th – Sunday May 27th 2007

US SOUL/GOSPEL GIANTS - THE RANCE ALLEN GROUP

Support: The Gardiner Street Gospel Choir

Venue: The Round Room at the Mansion House on Dawson Street

Date: Saturday May 26th 2007 Tickets: http://www.tickets.ie/

As part of the entertainment offering for the first annual ‘‘Dublin City Soul Festival ~ a celebration of peace, unity & love’, organisers are delighted to be able to present, for the first time in Ireland, US soul/gospel giants The Rance Allen Group live in the intimate setting of the Round Room at Dublin’s Mansion House on Saturday May 26th 2007.

The Rance Allen Group, founded in 1960’s Detroit by a trio of brothers, are widely recognised as one of the most successful Gospel groups of all time - with a long line of awards to their credit including Grammy nominations and Stellar Awards. This Gospel Hall of Fame inducted group of musicians paved the way for contemporary gospel groups with their jazz, funk & soul influenced musical styling.

The group's style evolved in a little church in Michigan, often accompanied by the rattling of the windows and the roar of the wheels of passing trains. Their funky R&B sound reminiscent of the very best of the glory days of Motown & Stax, The Rance Allen Group’s music is easy & fun to listen to and the power of Rance’s voice is second to none!

When you hear contemporary Gospel music today, you are travelling a road paved by one of the most successful Gospel groups in history. With a long line of awards to their credit, including Grammy nominations and Stellar Awards it is easy to understand why The Rance Allen Group’s sound never lets you down. Their music is truly uplifting.

Don’t miss your chance to witness this fantastically talented group of musicians as they perform in one of Dublin’s most intimate venues.

Festival organiser, Ambassador of Soul & Honorary Tennessean (state joint resolution #305) Chris Maher says: “The Rance Allen Group is one of the greatest performing acts I have ever seen anywhere in the world. Concert goers will be blown away by the power of this groups sound”.

Tickets available from http://www.tickets.ie/.

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact:
Chris Maher, Founder & CEO on 087-6031022 or email: chris@dublincitysoulfestival.ie
http://www.dublincitysoulfestival.ie/

Dublin City Soul Festival May 24-27th 2007


I have just received more information about the above event from the organiser and Chris Maher:
Reclaiming Dublin’s Soul – The First Ever Dublin City Soul Festival is Launched

20 Years Since The Commitments Book

‘Dublin City Soul Festival ~ a celebration of peace, unity & love’
Thursday May 24th – Sunday May 27th 2007

Dublin’s summer schedule of events gets off to a flying start on Thursday May 24th with the first ever Dublin City Soul Festival.

Over the space of four days, a series of concerts and gigs will take place in venues all over the capital, culminating with the Soul Picnic on Sunday May 27th, a free event for the people of Dublin which will see the Gardiner Street Gospel Choir and The Commitments perform alongside some of the biggest names in soul from all over the globe.

The highlight of the festival though will surely be the legendary Rance Allen Group performing in the Round Room at the Mansion House on Saturday, May 26th. This is Rance Allen’s first visit to Dublin and this is likely to prove extremely popular with lovers of gospel and soul.

Festival organiser, Ambassador of Soul and Honorary Tennessean Chris Maher said: ‘The idea of the Soul Festival is to bring people from all walks of life together for a positive, feel-good celebration of all things wholesome. I am delighted that the people of Dublin will get free access to some of the best talents in soul from the UK, Europe and the US.

In a time when crime seems to dominate the headlines and Dublin seems to have lost some of its soul, I hope that for four days at least, people will focus on the positive side of things and get behind this event.

The timely launch of this event comes exactly 20 years after the release of Roddy Doyle’s iconic book The Commitments and will feature a live performance from The Commitments band at the world’s first ever ‘Soul Picnic’ in the beautiful surroundings of Merrion Square Park on Sunday May 27th,in association with Dublin City Council. Tickets are FREE and will be available soon from various outlets.

The first annual Dublin City Soul Festival will also see a host of soul stars jetting in to Dublin for the weekend including Dr Bob Jones, Kev Roberts, the Soul Rabbi and US Soul/Gospel giants The Rance Allen Group who will perform an intimate gig in the Round Room at Dublin’s Mansion House.

Organiser Chris Maher said: “The Rance Allen Group is one of the greatest performing acts I have ever seen anywhere in the world. Concert goers will be blown away by the power of this groups sound”. This is the only event where there is an entrance fee and tickets are available from www.tickets.ie.

Dandelion CafĂ© Bar Club on St Stephen’s Green West is set to be transformed into Soulsville HQ for the duration of the festival and with other acts and venues still to be announced this event promises to be a fantastic addition to Dublin City’s Summer schedule of entertainment.
For further information or to arrange interviews please contact:
Chris Maher, Founder and CEO on 087-6031022 or email:

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

North Lancs Soul Festival 27-29th April 2007

Just a another quick shout - this time for the above which this week's Orwell is part of!

Here's a message from the organisers:

THE NORTH LANCS SOUL FESTIVAL - 27th to the 29th April 2007

The concept of this weekend was born out of Shaun Robbins' popular Sunday Soul Selection show on Solar Radio and the idea to bring that show out to the soul fans.

It's with this in mind that the National Soul Collective brings you this free festival of great soulful music.Apart from the coach trip THIS Friday night, all the other events will take place in Morecambe and will have free admission to all the venues throughout the weekend.

The North of England has a legacy of good soulful events and we aim to bring the best together over one weekend, with at least six popular soul clubs bringing their brand of music to the seaside.

The fun starts THIS Friday evening with a coach trip to The Orwell in Wigan.

For Saturday and Sunday we have day/night sessions at 5 local venues in Morecambe with something for everyone.

There'll be a splendid roster of talented DJ's playing quality across the board music from the 60's right through to the best soulful dance sounds of 2007.

For more info email festivalinfo@seasidesoul.co.uk

Hope to see you in April

Jason & Sean
Seaside Soul Club
www.seasidesoul.co.uk/soulfestival.htm

Orwell Wigan 24/4/07

A quick shout for this month's event:

THE ORWELL Wigan Pier, Wigan
THIS Friday 27th April
ONE ROOM SPECIAL!!!!
Guest DJ's - SEAN O'CONNOR & SHAUN ROBBINS
Resident DJ's - FLANNY, BARRY MALEADY, STEVE PLUMB & STEVE CONNOR
Playing quality 70's Modern Soul & Crossover
9pm til 2am (with 2 am bar)£6 entrance
Visit www.soulmusic.co.uk/The_Orwell.htm for more info

P.P. Arnold on YouTube

I have been unable to embed any video into the blog since I migrated over to Blogger from Blogger Beta. I have also looked back and since I started posting video many have been taken down from YouTube which just goes to show how ephemeral the Net really is!!! This of course means big holes in my blog and the loss of some of the sense to the postings.

Therefore, I may just post links in future and not write too much to go with them just in case!!!

Anyway back to today's link for a real fave of mine P.P. Arnold - Rare TV-Performance by The Small Faces and P.P. Arnold broadcast 02.March 1968 Boutton Rouge (Belgium TV)! For all young and old mods who loves these guys:

Tin Soldier

The First Cut Is The Deepest

The First Cut Is The Deepest with Teenagers from the New Untouchables International Modernist Meeting in Margate (August 2004)

How Strong Is A Woman with Teenagers from the Untouchables International Modernist Meeting Margate 2004

"Burn It Up" by The Beatmasters with PP Arnold Jan 1989

Ian Levine Production Everything Is Gonna Be Alright

Ian Levine Production I Go To Pieces Everytime

Here is what Ian had to say about P.P. Arnold:

Pat Arnold was originally one of The Ikettes, Ike and Tina Turner's backing girl group. She left Los Angeles and emigrated to England and signed to Immediate Records in 1967, and had a huge hit with "The First Cut Is The Deepest". Another single on the same label, "Everything's Gonna Be Alright", which was basically just a re-write of Bobby Scott's soul classic "We're Doing Fine", (also covered by Dee Dee Warwick), became a monster huge in-demand Northern Soul classic, and one of the biggest ever records at the legendary Wigan Casino. Many years later, in 1998, we were filming our Northern Soul documentary, "The Strange World Of Northern Soul", so we interviewed and recorded Pat on her big Wigan classic. Then she remembered, when she used to appear there, hearing a wonderful record by a girl called Gerri Granger on Bell Records, called "I Go To Pieces Everytime". Funnily enough, I was the one to discover that record first, and we used to play it at Blackpool Mecca before it crossed over to Wigan, so I suggested we have a go and record it ourselves, not for the documentary, but just to try it out. So we did, and here indeed it is.

Enjoy!!!!

Nate Adams

Nate Adams I'm Gonna Be Good Atlantic


Nate Adams Why Is It Taking So Long


Mention of Johnny Brantley a few posts ago takes me back to his productions. I have only recently got a vinyl copy of this 45. On these tracks, Johnny continues collaborating with Lewis, Farmer, Lewis who he had worked with on Hermon Hitson productions. In fact, Hermon recorded a version of "Why Is It Taking So Long" which remained unissued until the Soul-Tay-Us CD a few years back. George Scott also recorded a version of the song on his "Find Someone To Love" album for Maple which Johnny also produced.

I have no biographical details on Nate Adams nor has he turned up - I did however post his version of Love Slipped Through My Fingers and Yes You Did which Johnny also produced on Sam Williams and Hermon Hitson. I would imagine that Johnny Brantley used the Ohio Players for backing on "I'm Gonna Be Good" as it sounds similar in feel to other sides on which he worked with the Players.

New York Rock N' Roll Landmarks


Brooklyn Fox Theatre
I came across an interesting blog called It's all the streets you crossed not so long ago which compiles tales of New York City rock & roll landmarks.

One of the most recent posts is about the Brooklyn Fox Theatre where Alan Freed's last Big Beat blowouts before the payola scandal were staged. I'd be interested to know whether Johnny Brantley who worked with Alan Freed ever worked there? Fascinating stuff!!!

Michael Ochs Photograph Archive

I was reminded recently of the excellent Michael Ochs Archive which represents over 2 million of the worlds most important, rare, iconic and never seen before photos from the music and entertainment industry.

Put your favourite artist into theeir search engine and see what comes out - I put a few Stax artists in such as William Bell, Rufus Thomas and Luther Ingram - wonderful stuff some of which I had never seen before.

Larry Saunders On The Real Side Demo Version

Larry Saunders On The Real Side Demo Version Real Side Soundclip
I had been meaning to pick this up sometime and it arrived courtesy of my mate Steve Plumb of Soul Music Co UK yesterday AM and hasn't been off the turntable since.
I am not sure whether this is going to get a full release off Real Side. Check in with Steve because I am sure he still had copies for £10. He also has plenty of other good sides for sale and you can hear them before buying so please drop by because his a top man!
It is always interesting to hear different cuts of songs and the raw or unfinished edge to this version of "On The Real Side"gives the song a new life for me having played it 100's of times since its release in 1974.

Robert Jnr Lockwood Steady Rolling Man Delmark

As regular readers of the blog know I enjoy most genres of African American music and this AM it is the turn of the blues courtesy of my friends from Delmark.

"Steady Rolling Man" is a fine testament to the late Robert Jnr Lockwood who died last November. The tracks were recorded in Chicago back in 1970 and it was the first time he had fronted a group on disc. His passing leaves us with very few of the original roots blues performers.

Robert Lockwood Jr. was born March 27, 1915 in Turkey Scratch, Arkansas, a farming hamlet about 25 miles west of Helena. 1915 was remarkable because several other monumental blues artists were born within a 100-mile radius that year; notably Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Little Walter Jacobs, Memphis Slim, Johnny Shines, and Honeyboy Edwards. They would all meet up in the future.

His first musical lessons were on the family pump organ. He learned the guitar, at age eleven, from Robert Johnson, the mysterious delta bluesman, who was living with his mother. From Johnson, Lockwood learned chords, timing, and stage presence. By the age of fifteen, Robert was playing professionally, often with Johnson; sometimes with Johnny Shines or Rice Miller, who would soon be calling himself Sonny Boy Williamson II. They would play fish fries, juke joints, and street corners. Once Johnson played one side of the Sunflower River, while Lockwood manned the other bank. The people of Clarksville, Mississippi were milling around the bridge; they couldn’t tell which guitarist was Robert Johnson. Young Lockwood had learned Johnson’s techniques very well.

Johnson’s fast lifestyle caught up with him, passing away in 1937.

Lockwood was 22 but prepared for the future. Lockwood’s first recordings came in 1941, with Doc Clayton, on his famous Bluebird Sessions in Aurora, Illinois. During these sessions, he cut four singles under his own name. These were the first incarnations of “Take A Little Walk with Me”, and “Little Boy Blue,” Lockwood staples sixty years later.

Later in 1941, Lockwood was back in Arkansas where he re-united with Sonny Boy II to host a live radio program broadcast at noon from KFFA in Helena, sponsored by the King Biscuit Flower Company. James “Peck” Curtis and Dudlow Taylor provided the rhythm. This show became a cultural phenomenon; everybody would listen during his or her lunch hour. Several generations of southern bluesman can trace their musical roots to the show.

Lockwood moved around, the usual route was Memphis, St. Louis, to Chicago. By the early 1950’s, he had surfaced in the Windy City, where he became the top session man for Chess Records, the epitome of blues labels. Sonny Boy Williamson II, Little Walter, Roosevelt Sykes, Sunnyland Slim, and Eddie Boyd, whom he toured with for six years, you can hear his smooth chords on their recordings.

Blues was giving way to Rock and Roll, even in Chicago, so Lockwood moved to Cleveland, Ohio at the urging of his old pal, Sonny Boy. Settling down and raising a family took priorities but blues was still in his soul, just on the back burner.

In the late 1960s Lockwood would gig all around Cleveland, playing whenever he got the chance. Long-forgotten clubs like Pirates Cove and Brothers Lounge were places where Lockwood taught his blues to generations of local musicians and fans.

Lockwood’s solo recording career, exclusive of the 1941 Bluebird Sessions, began in 1970 with Delmark’s Steady Rollin’ Man, backed by old friends Louis Myers, his brother Dave Myers, and Fred Below, collectively known as The Aces. In 1972, Lockwood hooked up with famed musicologist, Pete Lowry to record Contrasts, the first of two for Trix Records. Does 12 followed in 1975. They have been remastered and repackaged by Fuel 2000 Records.

In the early 1980s Lockwood teamed up with another long-time friend, Johnny Shines, to record three albums for Rounder, which has been comprised into 1999’s Just the Blues. Plays Robert and Robert, a Black and Blue recording of a solo show in Paris in 1982, was re-issued on Evidence in 1993.

From the early 1980s to 1996, there were no domestic Lockwood releases. In 1998, I’ve Got to Find Myself a Woman was released by Verve, gaining a Grammy nomination. This was followed by Telarc’s Delta Crossroads, also a Grammy contender in 2000. In 2001, What’s the Score was re-issued on Lockwood Records which has the rights to his Japanese live recordings, previously only available on Peavine.

Lockwood continued touring more upto his death in November 2006.

Check out a website dedicated to his memory

Young Birds Fly Update


Actress Tracy Mathewson as "Jill The Venus Ace" in Young Birds Fly

As you know I have followed with interest the making of the movie Young Birds Fly .

Leonardo Flores has been in touch this week with good news:

"I would just like to let you all know Young Birds Fly is Finished! Completely! No more of nothing....

Thanks!
Leonardo Flores

Let's hope it gets a viewing over in Europe!

Rusty Zinn - This Saturday Night in Arcadia CA!!!


Rusty Zinn
I've had a message from my e-friend Cadillac Zack:

Saturday night the Cadillac Zack Band will be backing...BLUES GUITAR GREAT / ALLIGATOR RECORDING ARTIST, RUSTY ZINN with excellent mississippi blues guest vocalist Curtis Jack Griffin,

SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH!!! (Arcadia, CA)
Details:The Arcadia Blues Club16 E. Huntington Dr.Arcadia, California 91006626-447-9349

NOTE: Unfortunately, Little Smokey Smothers had a family medical emergency today and had to cancel, but will hopefully be back in August. We are really sorry for the inconvenience. It's just one of those darn blues things.

However, THIS show should be just as exciting! An amazing singer and an amazing guitarist unite!

NOTE: Tickets are only $10

PLEASE TELL ALL YOUR BLUES-LOVING FRIENDS AND SEE YOU THERE!!!

Much love,
Cadillac Zack

http://www.myspace.com/cadillaczackbluesband

Arnett Howard

Arnett Howard is producing a fascinating archive of African American music on his site.

Here is his vision:

"It is my legacy to inspire children to play instruments early in their lives. It can be done in a number of different ways; bringing them to the microphone to sing along, teaching them how the trumpet works and letting them try, even helping them to write a song and make a compact disc recording of their works."

You can find a wide range of material on his site across all genres of African American music over the last 100 years with some wondeful photographs.

Northern-Soul.Com

I mentioned that keeping up with Net radio stations is a problem and the same applies to discussion groups. I really got involved in the Net back in the 90's like many people via discussion groups. I must be honest I don't post as much as I used to mainly because of the blog taking up time. However, here is one I had forgotten about!!! - Northern-Soul.Com

Marva Whitney Interview

I am currently trawling through dozens of links I have saved over the last couple of months which I never got around to posting here!

Just come across the link to an interview with Marva Whitney on Ready Steady Go.

Ready Steady Go also run regular nights in Leeds UK.
You can catch them on the last friday of every month at the Mixing Tin, Albion Street, Leeds for a night of live bands and DJs spinning cool 60s retro style mod grooves and indie guitar classics. See their MySpace

We Funk Radio

There are so many ways of listening to music on the Net now that it is vitually impossible to keep up. A good show to drop by and listen to is We Funk Radio.

Professor Groove and DJ Static team up and break it down to the deep funk, underground hip-hop, and rare grooves on the weekly show.

Here is a playlist of their latest show:

spirit of atlanta - hunter street
talk (over peter herbolzheimer - anitra's dance)
dave hamilton - pisces pace
lyn collins - mama feelgood
three degrees - you're the one
jaco pastorius - come on, come over
talk w/ karma & mr. konz (over jerneye - authentic vintage instrumental)
karma & lotus - the notice
karma & lotus - lost beat revised
musiq feat. fat joe & ja rule - buddy (remix)
de la soul - buddy
taana gardner - heartbeat
grandmaster flash & the furious five - the message
ice cube - check yo self (remix)
sequence - funk you up
erykah badu - love of my life worldwide
dynamites feat. charles walker - come on in
howard tate - stop
sisters love - ha ha ha
carolyn franklin - deal with it
kool blues - can we try love again
brooklyn people - peace and love
donald byrd - love's so far away
family of eve - please be truthful
talib kweli - happy home
foreign exchange - nic's groove
method man feat. lauryn hill - say
howard lloyd feat. just divine - who stole my soul
y.z. - (so far) the ghetto's been good to me
skillz - hip-hop died
all natural - virgo (remix)
polyrhythm-addicts - motion 2000
non-prophets - bounce
loki da trixta feat. oktober zero - spanglish
joell ortiz - hip-hop
talk (over joell ortiz - hip-hop instrumental)

Paintings of Jean-Yves Mougin

Sam Moore

I have mentioned the paintings of Jean-Yves Mougin in a previous. I re-visited his site again this AM and marvelled at his work again.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

It's Stomp Time! New Orleans 2/5/07

Just heard from Dr Ike:

Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of the Blues, Garage, Soul, Funk, Rockabilly, Swamp Pop and New Orleans R&BMay 2nd, 2007, at the House of Blues and the Parish, New Orleans From 5 P.M. till 2 A.M., Admission $40

Stomp Lineup
Psychedelic legend Roky Erickson and The Explosives, master arranger Wardell Quezergue and the New Orleans Rhythm & Blues Revue featuring New Orleans soul legend Tony Owens, Jean "Mr Big Stuff" Knight, and the architect of New Orleans RnB Dave Bartholomew; R&B soprano Little Jimmy Scott, Deke Dickerson and the Eccofonics, Psych Funk Brother Dennis Coffey, soul songwriter supreme Dan Penn, rockabilly wild man Dale Hawkins, Texas Tornado co-founder Augie Meyers, Herbert Hardesty, Gulf Coast guitar empress Barbara Lynn, Excello harp master Lazy Lester, Lafayette Soul Show Houseband Little Buck and the Top Cats w/ Stanley "Buckwheat Zydeco" Dural on Hammond B-3, keyboardist extraordinaire Willie Tee, President of soul Rockie Charles, hillbilly bopper Jay Chevalier, tough Texas shouter Roy Head, rockabilly wailer Joe Clay, Mardi Gras king Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, Blues Piano Master Henry Gray, Detroit Bluesman Eddie "The Hawg" Kirkland, Duo of Hill Country Guitarist Kenny Brown and Chitlin Circuit Showman Bobby Rush, Muscle Shoals Veteran Ralph "Soul" Jackson, "Guitar Lignting" Lee, Rockabilly Drummer Matt "I'm Movin On" Lucas, the King of New Orleans' Gut Bucket Blues Little Freddie King, Blue Eyed Soul Sensation Skip "Hoochie Coochie Man" Easterling, Ernie "DapWalk" Vincent, and David "Funky Soul" Batiste.

Tickets
Tickets for the Sixth Annual Ponderosa Stomp are $40 and are general admission. Re-entry is allowed. Tickets are available through TicketMaster and at the House of Blues ticket office in New Orleans. (Tickets purchased at the HOB ticket office have a $3 service charge.) House of Blues Directions.

Complete Schedule of Shows
Complete Schedule of Shows for the Week of the Stomp in New Orleans

Sponsors for the event include The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, House of Blues, Louisiana Music Factory, New Orleans Fine Hotels, Pascale Manales, New Orleans Music Exchange, Bacco, Miller Beer, and American Luxury Limousines.

www.ponderosastomp.com

Jimmy Burns Live At B.L.U.E.S. Delmark CD & DVD

I have been listening to this CD for over a month now and should have posted before!!!

Delmark once again come up with an excellent CD enhanced by making a DVD available of the show as well.

Jimmy is one of Chicago's most talented, charismatic and popular blues men. I spent a wonderful afternoon with him back in 2000 when he reminisced about his life and which I subseqently transmitted on the old Jazz FM North West radio station.

Here he is captured live at one of Chicago's favourite North Side blues clubs. The CD and DVD were recorded at the B.L.U.E.S. Club's annual summer backyard BBQ and blues bash last August.

Both the CD and DVD demonstrate that Jimmy Burns Band is one of the hardest working and in demand bands around, with their diverse repetoire of Chicago and Delta blues, sweet soul/R&B and funk workouts. Jimmy is a great singer whose gospel roots come to the fore on this CD combined with his excellent guitar playing makes this a must have set.

Jimmy has put together an excellent band featuring Anthony Palmer on rhythm and lead guitars, who has has worked with Otis Rush in the past; Greg E.G. McDaniel on bass - son of Floyd McDaniel and Bessy Jackson and James Carter on drums who is Willie Kent's nephew.

Jimmy also invites Jesse "Mr Fortune Tellin' Man" Fortune to the stage to sing B.B. King's "3 O'Clock Blues". Jimmy and Jesse recorded together back in 1963 "Too Many Cooks" later covered by Robert Cray.

For further details check out Jimmy's website or Delmark's website

Monday, April 23, 2007

Simone De New 45 on Selecta

Simone De Since I Lost You Baby Clip

Simone De Show Me Clip
Paul Mooney released his third 45 on Selecta by Simone De yesterday and both sides are crackers as you can hear from the sound clips above.
Here is what Paul has to say:
The debut single by rising star Simone De is released on Selecta Records on April 23rd. Simone De is a talented singer, songwriter and musician from Mobile, Alabama. He recently signed a European publishing deal with Selecta’s parent company, Millbrand Music. His debut single “Since I Lost You Baby” / “Show Me” (SSP 8003) was produced by Kent Wells and features rhythm and horn sections made up of established Nashville musicians. “Since I Lost You Baby” is a haunting midtempo song with a strong hook line and “Show Me” is an uptempo track which is receiving strong support from club and radio DJs in the UK.
Selecta was launched in January 2007 with “I Just Can’t Walk Away” by Memphis singer Sheba Potts-Wright (SSP 8001) and “Twenty Years Later” by Chicago veteran Bobby Hutton (SSP 8002) which have received reviews by IDR in previous posts.

The Selecta label is focused on contemporary black American music with traditional soul values. A sister label called Shotgun is to be launchedin May and will concentrate on ‘classic soul’ product. The initial release on Shotgun will be “Believe In Me” by David Sea (SHOT 101). A&R and business affairs for Selecta and Shotgun are handled by music publisher Paul Mooney who is managing director of Millbrand Music and production manager / A&R consultant to Grapevine Music Group. He previously ran the Ardent, Zing and Forever labels and negotiated
major record and publishing deals with Polydor Records and PolyGram Music for the double-platinum selling pop group Lighthouse Family.
If you wnat to buy a copy then most soul music retailers in the UK are stocking the 45. Or you can contact Paul direct as follows:
Selecta Records Ltd. Distributed by Millbrand Enterprises, P.O. Box 357, Middlesbrough TS1 4WZ, EnglandTel: 01642 806795 / 01642 218057Fax: 01642 800986
http://www.millbrand.com/selecta.html

Eden Rose

Eden Rose Feeling Living Clip


Eden Rose Living Faster Clip

I came across these tasty instrumentals on MySpace and went on to discover the French company which issued them caled Sausage Records.

Check out Sausage Records website for more details on Eden Rose and other releases.

J Hines on Soul Detective

J Hines Camelot Time
Red Kelly comes up trumps again on Soul Detective with finally discovering more information on J. Hines from his family. Checkout some great photos and facts over on Soul Detective.
Red is also running the 2nd Annual Mystery Artist on his blog and he promises a 5th case for fellow detectives to get their teeth into in the near future.

Soul Jazz Saint Paul 19-21 July 2007: More details


I mentioned this festival a few posts back and I now have more details:

Starters : July 19

Smoked Shrimp Cocktail… $7.50 Baby Charles first time in France for this super heavy funk band from London www.babycharles.co.uk www.myspace.com/babycharlesband

Onion Soup Gratinee…$7.49 James Taylor Quartet presenting his new album (organ, guitar, bass, drums) + more hits www.myspace.com/jamestaylorquartet

Main dishes : July 20

Soul 2 Soul House Chopped Salad…$7.99
The Diplomats Of Solid Sound with vocals guests The Diplomettes : tight combo from Iowa with horns and their new 3 singers. www.thediplomats.org www.myspace.com/thediplomatsofsolidsound

BBQ Chicken…$8.99 Fast 3 : wonderful trio playing in a Prestige Blue Note mode ( Supa Fat !!!) www.myspace.com/fastthree Brown Sugar “Poke”

Chop…$17.99 The New Mastersounds doin’ their thing : no need introduction www.myspace.com/newmastersounds

Desserts : July 21

Chocolate Cake… ? secret band not sure yet Bananas Foster…$7.95 Phat Fred : the guys from Fast Three playing with more Bass in a funkier way www.myspace.com/dontspoilthesoup

Cream Brulee…$7.95 The New Mastersounds paying Tribute to the Prime Minister of Super Heavy Funk, the Godfather, Mr Dynamite ( additional vocal ). + Dj’s, big screen, bar, food, and maybe more record dealers

So, How do you like it ? Hope to see you guys down in our homeland even more numerous for pure Hammond Funk orgy with a lot of Raw Soul. For more info : www.soulcookers.com www.myspace.com/mrflint

The Cool Off


The Cool Off was founded in late 2002 by Dave Mack and Martin Lawrie with Nick Smith joining in 2004 to complete the line up. Together we bring you a killer selection of soulful and hip-shakin' sounds, covering; Ska, Rocksteady, Rhythm 'n' Blues and other styles mixed in throughout the night.

The Cool Off is every 2nd Saturday of the month at The Golden Fleece, Mansfield Rd, Nottingham.

Entry is Free, 8 - 12.30 am Dj's on the night are Dave Mack, Nick Smith (The Rubber Room) and Martin Lawrie (The Rubber Room).

Check the website for details

The Rubber Room

The Rubber Room is a monthly clubnight held at The Social in Nottingham on the Second Friday of the month . Spinning the wild sounds are DJ's Nick Smith and Martin Lawrie (soulgeneration) plus friends. We play delinquent rock 'n' roll, psychotic hillbilly, raw 50's rockabilly, sleazy rhythm 'n' blues, surf, primitive garage, oddball instrumentals, wild tittyshaker sounds. Music for dancing and screaming! Come join in the wild party sounds!
For more details see their MySpace

Raison D'Etre 5/5/07

This is what it is all about:

Hi, Hola and Bienvenue to RAISON D'ETRE SHOW! We are also www. reason2b.net, an International Music & Art Lover Collective and international Network, runs by Hoxton Selecta Ltd in London.

Since 2000, Raison d'Etre nurturing positive creativity across London and reaching out to souls across the world via our very popular shows, parties, open mic session, Audition and network. Pionneering such a cultural adventure made Raison D'Etre an instution here in London, we are not only a great party but, we are also an excellent promotional plattform to help Independent & Underground artists, we run highly recommended and very popular showcases and shows in London's best and famous venues, such as Cargo, Jazz Cafe, Turnmills, Spitz, etc.

Since 2000 more then 8000 bands, Disc Jockey/Collectors , Musicians, Poets, Dancers, jumped on the Raison D'Etre 's Stage to express and share their talent and have a massive exposure. If you are signed or unsigned or amateur musicians, ands, writers, artist peintre, photographers, dancers, feel free to contacting us and join the Raison D'Etre family!

"Raison D'Etre has firmly established itself as London's premier rendezvous for music & Art lovers in the know, a serious musical happening renowned for pulling together the worlds leading underground & independent music, it attracts like-minded creative souls, down to earth people, creative media types, factory-working music lovers, film stars and pop stars alike... If you are in or a traveller to 'the smoke' then hopefully an invitation to future fun spent in the capable hands of Disc Jockey Healer Selecta and friends." Martin Lawrie / SOUL GENERATION UK

Baby Charles

Baby Charles
I picked up on this band from their MySpace and thought they laid down a tasty groove.
This how the band describe themselves:-
Fronted by soul sensation Dionne Charles; the guitar, bass, keys, drums, congas, flute, and saxes lay down the chicken-fried grooves. Inspired by the late-sixties original sounds from the likes of The J.B.s and The Meters; Baby Charles play by feel, and cannot contain their drummer Alex Kirkwood from unleashing thunderous drum breaks for the dancers to do their thang. This band know how to play a fine repertoire of songs; ranging from covers of old soul-funk classics to other more obscure grooves. Not to mention their own material which never fails to impress. In esscence; the band lay the musical foundation for Dionne to deliver her soulful melody, and everyone gets down to that good old sweaty funk. So, after playing together and writing excellent music for the last three years, the band have recently put two of their own compositions onto vinyl. The result is the double A-side featuring 'No Controlling Me' and 'Invisible'
For more details and where you can catch them - go here

Do The Popcorn #9 4/5/07

Your monthly Parisian club night every first friday of the month at Le Divan du Monde in Paris. A neat selection of classics and rare grooves Soul/Funk/Jazz/Psych with one or several guests from the Parisian and Euro scene. A brand new cinematic experience (Hear it & See), check it out!

DO THE POPCORN!#9 FRIDAY MAY 04 from 11PM till dawn. Resident DJ DOM-E invites DJ HEALER SELECTA (www.reason2b.net) Happy hour: 11PM - 12AM PAF: 10 euros

Fine Like Wine 27/4/07

Fine Like Wine is a bi-monthly club night in Bayreuth/Germany focused on Raw Soul, Deep Funk as well as on new soulful club music (Broken Beat, Nu Jazz, Neo Soul). The night has been established two years ago and has been highly succesfulsince its inception with more than 250 guest regulary. Check out their MySpace

Soul Revolution May 26th 2007


Soul Revolution will be bringing together the full circle of rare soul and funk from the 60s and 70s, played off original vinyl only in a three room venue at the heart of Shoreditch, East London.
A celebration of forgotten genius with the best rare soul and funk DJs on the planet.
A bi-monthly all night dance party of the highest standards.
Tickets are now available to buy in advance, and it is highly recommended that you do so as we have a very strict 550 capacity that we will not exceed.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Ponderosa Stomp and Stax Shows In Austin Texas

Harvey Scales at Mini Stomp in Austin
William Bell Stax Show Austin
My good friend Nick Sands sent me through the above photos taken last month at the Mini Ponderosa Stomp and Stax Show in Austin, Texas.
The Ponderosa Stomp is usually held every year in New Orleans corresponding with the N.O. Jazz Festival. However this year, Dr Ike decided to have a mini Stomp in Austin as a warm up for the big event in May. The show included Bobby Patterson, Barbara Lynn, Tami Lynn, Archie Bell, Harvey Scales, Willie Tee and Dennis Coffey backed up by either Little Buck's Band or Wiley and the Checkmates.
The Stax show featured Booker T & MGs with William Bell.
You can read Nick's full review of the Austin Stomp and Stax Shows in the next issue of In The Basement due out before the end of the month

Bookmaker

Bookmaker Mosquito's Mood

I came across this French band on MySpace - check them out here. The above poster features Nathalie Naigre who is the lead singer with the 10-piece band.

Political Soul

The Bitter & The Sweet POW Anything Everything Records
Soul music in the late 60's and 70's reflected the changing political environment for African Americans in the USA.
Kent Records have issued a new CD to "Change Is Gonna Come" to celebrate the voice of Black America from 1963 to 1973. The CD comes after Kent issued two CDs "A Soldier's Sad Story" and "Does Anybody Know I'm Here? documenting the various different responses African Americans had to the Vietnam War. "Change Is Gonna Come" follows on from these 2 CDs and highlights the struggle for civil and human rights which went on in the USA while the Vietnam War was raging.
I have chosen a song by the Bitter & The Sweet not featured on any of the Kent albums. "POW" reflects the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the political disillusionment felt that US prisoners of war still remained in Vietnam after the war was finished. "POW" as as song links the Vietnam War and political upheaval of the period. The Vietnam War was such an important backdrop for many African Americans who fought in the war, lost loved ones or refused to participate because of their opposition to a war conducted by a regime which did not address fully their civil rights.
All three of Kent's CDs are essential to understand soul music's part in reflecting the strife in the USA during the 60's and 70's.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

In Dangerous Rhythm April Playlist

I haven't done a playlist for sometime.

Here's 20 sides which I have been playing over the last week:

1. Jerline & Friends Goddess Of Love Streetsoul Records CD
2. Nate Adams Why Is It Taking So Long Atlantic
3. Homer Banks The Ghetto Kent CD "Change Is Gonna Come"
4. Barbara King What I Did In The Street Jazzman CD "Sister Funk 2"
5. Johnny Soul Hey Baby Pure Love
6. Sex Wonders Of The World Super City
7. Mae Young The Man Puts Sugar In My Soul Numero Group CD "The Big Mack Label"
8. Jimmy Burns Leaving Here Walking Delmark CD "Live At B.L.U.E.S."
9. Roy Hines I Can't Live Arcania Int. CD "Ol' Virginia Soul Encore"
10. The Bitter & The Sweet POW Anything Everything Records
11. Betty Fikes & The Passions I Can't Lie To My Heart Southbound
12. Bookmaker Mosquito's Mood
13. Gloria Barnes I'll Call You Back Later Maple LP
14. Entertains Why Couldn't I Believe Them Steel Town
15. Peggy Weston The Sun Juldane
16. Johnny Taylor Live At The Summit Club Stax/Concord CD
17. Kirk Franklin September "Intepretations" Stax/Concord CD
18. Chunky Butt Funky unreleased album
19. Luther Ingram Let's Steal Away To The Hideaway Ko Ko LP
20. Eddie Hinton Dreamer Pacemaker
Some of the above tracks have been featured on IDR and some will appear soon plus I will be playing some on Soul Discovery going out on May 19th.

Barbara St Clair on Crossed Eyed Bear

Barbara St Clair Teacherman


Barbara St Clair Jeykll & Hyde


Soul Source continues to be an inspiration for this blog. Mike from Soul Source was recently in touch with Ron Davies who produced the above 2 sides.

This is what Ron had to say about working with Barbara:

"I recall that I played keyboards and clavinet on both Teacherman and the flip, Jeckyl and Hyde. The other producer, Rich Calandra, also played drums on the record. He passed away several years ago. I listened to it again, and it does sound good ... quite a production considering we recorded it in a studio/barn. We tried to promote the record on the fledgling disco DJ network at the time ('76) in the US, but they thought it was too R&B and "weak disco" - not commercial enough for their taste. Our production company that put the record together also produced a band called Spyro Gyra that went on to have top 40 pop jazz hits in the US. I know they were also popular in the UK.I am a soul jazz organist and still perform with Barbara - and I host a Soul Saturday Matinee where Barb is a regualr guest. She still sounds great. We are based in the Buffalo area of New York State (in the western part of the state) That's where the record was recorded. The Buffalo, NY area here is a hotbed of soul, funk and blues and it's nice to see that it strikes a chord with you guys."

Please join Soul Source because you won't be disappointed!

"Teacherman" has got a lot of exposure recently but I always used to play "Jeykll & Hyde" - see what you think??

Motherfunk

JC Davis A New Day


Checkout the guys every Tuesday - see MySpace

Soundlift

Just got this message through from the guys about tonight's event:

Hope this email finds you well. Thanks to everyone who came out to last night's events @ Elbo Room! Kataklyxmic and Gun Slingers Dream popped off! Plus the DJs upstairs brought their A game..

This Saturday night, we've pulled out all stops to bring you a 4/20 weekend party not to be missed! DJs TREW, D.Moon, & 81 spin underground hiphop, dancefloor funk, and Chicago/B'more House all nite long!! Live MC performance by
1773 (feat. members of Berto Ramon, prod. by Ohmega Watts)

4.21.07 Beat Kitchen 2100 W Belmont Ave 10pm-3am 21+, $3 before 11pm, $5 after.$3 Corona & $2 Berghoff bottles, $4 Stoli Raspberry cocktails