Bonney The Kid

Artist: Weldon Irvine Album: “Cosmic Vortex (Justice...

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:21:00 -0400

Artist: Weldon Irvine

Album: “Cosmic Vortex (Justice Divine)”

Track Included In This Post: “Love Jones”

Year of Release: 1974

Label: RCA

I Bought This Record From: Cooks Flea Market

- First of all I want to stress that we currently have this amazing record for sale at CFBGs. I’m going to be out of town for the next week and will have only limited access to the computer so this post will be up for a while. No problem, though as this will suffice for any extended period of time. Matter a fact I might even do two posts about this mind bender. Weldon Irvine is basically one of the most talented jazz funk organist/arrangers of the 1970’s. Everything he did was original and at the time unheard of. A listing of the instruments that are used on this album is really all you need to know to realize this one is a revelation; clavinet, bongos, whistles, cow bell, and plenty of horns. May not sound like much, but trust me the instrumentation delivers. I picked “Love Jones,” because it’s one of the few non instrumental tracks on here, and I thought it was funk entertainment we all can enjoy.

Artist: Lenny Williams Album: “S/T” Track Included...

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:32:00 -0400

Artist: Lenny Williams

Album: “S/T”

Track Included In This Post: “There’s Always Mystery (When You’re Making History”

Year of Release: 1974

Label: Warner Brothers

I Bought This Record From: Lost In Time Antique Mall

- I never thought I was a Lenny Williams fan until I heard “There’s Always Mystery (When You’re Making History).” First of all this is one of the best titles for a track I’ve seen in a while. It rings so true as well. The immediate reaction you get when listening to the opening moments is “Damn that bass line is killer.” Yes it is, and so is the rest of the track. The other tracks on the album aren’t as immediate as this one is, but it is for sure one of the best Lenny Williams albums I’ve heard, not to mention the funky material he released with Tower of Power.

Artist: Resurrection Band Album: “Awaiting Your...

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:36:00 -0400

Artist: Resurrection Band

Album: “Awaiting Your Reply”

Track Included in this Post: “Death of the Dying”

Year of Release: 1978

Label: Star Song

I Bought This Record From: Carey Sound

- As evident in my previous blog post a month ago for The Bridge, I’ve oddly gotten into a 70’s Christian Rock phase. For The Bridge it was more because they were subliminally psychedelic and for me local, but for Resurrection Band it’s more about 70’s arena rock. The group is from outside Houston, Tx and they get loud for Jesus. Sorry about the scratchy condition of this record, but this track starts off with an awesome chipmunk voice and then the heavy loss bass comes in for a track that in my opinion rocks, and so does most of the album for that matter. Resurrecting rock.

Artist: Harvey Mandel Album: “The Snake” Track...

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:15:00 -0400

Artist: Harvey Mandel

Album: “The Snake”

Track Included in this Post: “Bite the Electric Eel”

Year of Release: 1972

Label: Beat Goes On

I Bought This Record From: Cooks Flea Market

- The cover and title intrigued me right away. I mean this guy looked like a lot of famous snakes; Jake the Snake & Kenny “The Snake” Stabler to be exact. When I took out the record to listen to it I was totally bummed to find a significant warp at the beginning of the record. So while I can’t hear the first two tracks on either side I can hear the inner goodies such as “Bite the Electric Eel.” I love the nice drums in the beginning and then Mandel just goes off on the guitar You can hear him still licking down the blues funk even as they fade him out.

Artist: Cannonball Adderly Album: “The Price You Got To...

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:19:00 -0400

Artist: Cannonball Adderly

Album: “The Price You Got To Pay To be Free”

Track Included in this Post: “Down in Black Bottom”

Year of Release: 1970

Label: Capitol Records

I Bought This Record From: Riverside Thrift

- I tried posting a track from Cannonball’s “Happy People” album the other week, but it was too large of a file. So we’ll stick with this 5:00 long funky jam that was recorded live during Cannonball’s golden early 70’s period. If you listen at the end you can hear Cannonball saying that his brother Nat is playing the guitar. Unfortunately I only got one record from this album, which for some reason happens often when I come across Cannonball’s albums. I’m not going to complain as I’ll take all I can get from both Adderly’s.

Roger Troutman Is A Virtuoso

Fri, 11 May 2012 01:04:00 -0400

I-Crates Piece #3 - “Voicebox Virtuoso: The Life and Death of Roger Troutman”

- I am very happy to report that I have been published for a third time in the ever expanding I-Crates Universe. Originally this was supposed to be in their April theme of the Music Industry, but due to the genius of Roger Troutman it went into the esteemed Virtuoso issue. I thought it was more apt for the Music Industry edition since the family murder of the Troutmans had something to do with the industry, but this makes sense. Thanks to Anton and the whole I-Crates gang, esp Harmony for the artwork.

Artist: Frank Wess Album: Wess to Memphis Track Included in this...

Fri, 04 May 2012 18:19:00 -0400

Artist: Frank Wess

Album: Wess to Memphis

Track Included in this Post: “Cubano Chant”

Year of Release: 1973

Label: Enterprise Records

I Bought This Record From: Collector’s Choice

- This is in tribute to Adam Yauch, aka MCA of the Beastie Boys, who died today from his battle with cancer. He was only 47 years old. This track features the fantastic flute of Frank Wess, who in 1972 went down to Memphis to record that classic Memphis funk jazz/soul sound. This really reminds me of perhaps my favorite Beastie Boys track in “Sure Shot.” R.I.P. Adam Yauch.

Artist: MC5 Album: “High Time” Track Included in...

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:29:00 -0400

Artist: MC5

Album: “High Time”

Track Included in this Post: “Skunk, Sonically Speaking”

Year of Release: 1971

Label: Rhino

I Bought This Record From: Greensboro Show Logic Record Show

- Good timing on posting this as last night I watched 6 of the 8 episodes from the third season of “Eastbound & Down.” Wow, that show just keeps getting crazier as it goes. Kenny f-ing Powers is out for number one, himself. One of the highlights of the show has always been the soundtrack, and MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer is the music supervisor for the show. This season has featured some amazing tunes from the likes of Lee Hazlewood, the “O Lucky Man” soundtrack, and perhaps the most memorable use of Candlebox’s one hit that I’ve ever heard. This track is a great representation of the approach MC5 took with this album. That approach being more is better, which you can hear with the use of horns on this track. This turned out to be their final official release after only 3 albums. It’s a winner and so is the work Wayne Kramer is currently doing on “Eastbound & Down.”

Artist: Drink Small Album: “American Blues Heritage Series...

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 19:33:00 -0400

Artist: Drink Small

Album: “American Blues Heritage Series Vol. 1 - Drink Small - “I Know My Blues Are Different - - Cause I’m the One Who Has Them”

Track Included in this Post: “A Sad Time For Real”

Year of Release: 1972

Label: Southland

I Borrowed this from Mark Coleslaw

- I was borrowing this record for a long time because I wanted to digitize it. Drink Small is a little known country blues musician from Bishopville, SC. I first heard about him because of the recent work he’s down with Music Maker Relief Foundation. The album is a collection of very lo-fi intimate recordings of Drink Small with just his guitar. He does some classics, but he also does plenty of sad lonely originals such as “A Sad Time For Real.” Don’t let his deep voice lose the meaning of the song. I was going to include the track “My Rod,” but he does more speaking then singing on that track, because after all he’s boasting about his “rod.” This is my first post of a record I don’t own. I’ll do this from time to time when I really want to expose everyone to something even if I can’t call it my own.

Artist: West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band Album: Volume...

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:07:00 -0400

Artist: West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band

Album: Volume 2

Track Included in this Post: “Suppose They Gave Us A War And No One Comes”

Year of Release: 1967

Label: Reprise

I Bought This Record From: Dynasty Furniture & Antiques

- I first heard about this band when Forced Exposure reissued some of the B-Sides and unreleased tracks. You can really guess the sound of this band by their name. West Coast pop psychedelia with plenty of Zappa-esque irony & humor. This track really showcases that as the comedic vocals talk about what the title suggests. A piece of West Coast late 60’s mind expansion never hurts.

Artist: James Knight & The Butlers Album: Black...

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:27:00 -0400

Artist: James Knight & The Butlers

Album: Black Knight

Track Included in this Post: “Flyin’ High”

Year: 1971

Label: Cat

I Bought This Record From: The one and only Harley Lyles

- Due to the madness of Record Store Day (thank you to those that supported CFBG’s), this post is two days overdue. I actually didn’t know much about this record beyond always being intrigued by the cover. After dropping the needle on side one I was in love with the opener “Funky Cat.” I knew I was in for a treat. What I didn’t expect was the ultimate treat in track three, “Flyin’ High.” The opening minute features a tale about how you can find her anywhere; from the streets of Miami to Jacksonville, GA. Then James and his Butlers unleash a full spaced out funk jam with horns and reverb abounding. It is one of the best tributes you’ll hear. I like this post raising the controversy of the back photo and giving you a full lesson on this short lived Miami Funk outfit. Love the bottom photo of James’ fro from the Florida Funk compilation.

Artist: Astrud Gilberto Album: Now Track Included in this Post:...

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 17:49:00 -0400

Artist: Astrud Gilberto

Album: Now

Track Included in this Post: “Zigy Zigy Za”

Year of Release: 1972

Label: Perception

I Bought This Record From: Pawn Shop, Graham

- I always enjoy picking up records of the gorgeous Miss Gilberto. This one I had never seen before. I was especially all for it when I saw it was on the Perception Label, which is a label that rarely disappoints. You can clearly hear an attempt of tapping into 60’s hipness with this track. I think it’s a really zinger (sticking with the Z theme) and great for the spring time.

Artist: The Bridge Album: Hallelujah Track Included in this...

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:35:00 -0400

Artist: The Bridge

Album: Hallelujah

Track Included in this Post: “Hallelujah

Year of Release: Early 1970’s

Label: Crescent City Studio

I Bought This Record From: Pawn Shop, Randleman

- This is just a taste of a bigger story I’m going to do about this band. This is a record by a band called The Bridge from Greensboro, NC. I knew that this was Christian, but I had no idea it was Christian Psych (or as some call it Xian Psych). This track is full of psyched out harmonies, guitar, and drum arrangments. This is seriously spiritual ya’ll! I will be doing a full story on this band, hopefully with interviews from any members still in Greensboro for ICrates. I recently found another one of their records nearby. They apparently had a total of four and I hope to get my hands on all of them. More to come on this release, but here’s a taste for now.

Artist: Loudon Wainwright III Album: “Attempted...

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:35:00 -0400

Artist: Loudon Wainwright III

Album: “Attempted Mustache”

Track Included in this Post: “The Man Who Couldn’t Cry”

Year of Release: 1973

Label: Sony

I Bought This Record From: Cooks Flea Market

- It seems that every spring I discover a new singer/songwriter that I didn’t really know about before. Over the past few springs this has included Neil Young, Jerry Jeff Walker, and John Cale. Within the past month I’ve purchased two Loudon Wainwright albums and I have thoroughly enjoyed both. This album caught my attention from the title, but I was super excited when I heard “The Man Who Couldn’t Cry.” I first heard this vivid tale on Johnny Cash’s first “comeback” album, “American Recordings.” I loved his version and I love Loudon’s even more.

Artist: Blues Magoos Album: “Basic Blues...

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:31:00 -0400

Artist: Blues Magoos

Album: “Basic Blues Magoos”

Track Included in the Post: “Scarecrow’s Love Affair”

Year of Release: 1968

Label: Mercury

I Bought this Record from: Dale Carter, Buchannan

- Just a short posting to end the March Madness that goes down tonight between Kentucky & Kansas. The Blues Magoos were one of the better late 60’s bands to fuse together psychedelic rock & pop. The Blues Magoos were much more psychedelic then pop. This track, “Scarecrow’s Love Affair,” features some abnormal vocals for the Blues Magoos, so don’t think this is what they sound like. Another great track from this album is the track “Accidental Meditation,” which is literally a 2:00 track of nothing. Accidental Meditation my foot.

Artist: Bobby Hutcherson Album: “Cirrus” Track...

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:47:00 -0400

Artist: Bobby Hutcherson

Album: “Cirrus”

Track Included in this Post: “Zuri Dance”

Year of Release: 1974

Label: Blue Note

I Bought this Record from: Collector’s Choice

- The madness of March is in full swing and what better way to celebrate then to listen to the mad man of the vibraphone, Bobby Hutcherson. This album cover features Bobby wearing the same yellow tabogan that he wears on the cover of his 1971 album, “Head On.” I would say that “Cirrus” is better than “Head On,” but both come from a golden period for this stick man virtuoso. A few minutes into this just listen to Hutcherson vibing out.

Artist: Arthur Gee-Whiz Band Album: “City...

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:40:00 -0400

Artist: Arthur Gee-Whiz Band

Album: “City Cowboy”

Track Included with this Post: “Thank You Very Much”

Year of Release: 1972

Label: Tumbleweed

I Bought This Record From: Cook’s Flea Market

- In celebration of the amazing weather we are having, it is now officially spring, I decided to include this goodie of early 70’s country rock. If you like The Byrds, Cowboy, and Cargoe (which I posted about two months ago on) then you’ll enjoy this album. ”City Cowboy” turned out to be the only album the Arthur Gee-Whiz Band ever released

Artist: Caravan Album: “In the Land of Grey and...

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 23:03:00 -0400

Artist: Caravan

Album: “In the Land of Grey and Pink”

Year of Release: 1971

Label: London

I Bought This Record From: The one and only Harley Lyles

Track Included with this Post: “Make it 76” of “Nine Feet Underground”

- I didn’t plan this out right to get tracks that reflect my love for March Madness. I’ll try and get something in next week. For now enjoy this little prog journey. Caravan comes from the center of its influence, fairy tales. I’m talking about Canterbury, Kent in the UK. Th artwork itself is all about fantasy. This song takes a while to take off, but when the organ submerges your ears envision a land of giants and wizards on top off a summit. ”Make it 76” is a just a small portion of the 22 minute long “Nine Fee Underground.”

iCrates Post #2

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:01:00 -0400

I have another posting on iCrates Magazine! This time its an article about the one and only Wesley Willis for the Vocal Issue. This write up was very personal to me because it involved the experience I had with Wesley. I was fortunate enough to see him perform live four different times at four different locations. Thanks to Harmony Pillon for the awesome illustration, but I we would like to apologize for getting the catch phrase of Wesley backwards.

NC Beard & Moustache Competition

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:32:00 -0500

The First Annual Beard & Moustache Club Statewide Compeition

Saturday, March 10th

@ The Blind Tiger

8pm

$25 to compete, $10 to spectate

w/ DJ Bonzani & The Tremors

- This is a big deal! This is the first of what will hopefully become an annual competition showcasing the best beards in the state. I’ll be DJing the event with Greensboro’s rock-a-billy band The Tremors ending the night off. Visit the website for the full listing of the weekend events.